Introduction to Ifa

4/13/2014 Introduction to Ifahttp://ifaoyu.com/libros/ifa-su-filosofia/1-introduccion-a-ifa 1/7 Introduction to Ifa Introduction to Ifa Ifa divination system is based on 16 pictures or "Oddun" that result in 256 combinations that are obtained by the manipulation of the 16 "inkines" or chain with eight shell plates or divided into two parts of four plates known as: "Opele." or (Ecuele) The priesthood of Ifa "god of divination include: ceremonies, sacrifices, taboos or prohibitions, paraphernalia or instruments, drums, chants, prayers, initiation and similar to that of the other deities of worship Yoruba rituals, which we will not try here, since the main focus of this study. Is Ifa divination system is. The mode of divination will be exposed in detail later, but a basic description is required for their understanding and knowledge. The 16 inkines nuts or manipulated with the right hand trying to grab as many inkines until only one or two left in the left hand. If two inkines those remaining on hand is a single stripe on the board. If it is a ikin the left in the left hand two lines are marked. Eight times repeating this procedure will give one of 16 signs or Oddun basic or form a combination of two of them, or one of the figures or derivatives 256 signs produced by the combination of the signs. The string or Opele has the alternative of a single shot shows us the sign to have eight shells or plates, if a sheet falls on his back, it is the equivalent of a single brand. If it falls face down is the equivalent of two brands that are on the board. Representing the inside as a: O and the outside as I, will be explained below in tabular form. These basic shapes are listed in the order recognized in Ife, and other minor variations, which is more commonly are known as even reached Cuba. The Ifa divination is practiced by the Yoruba of Nigeria, the Edo of Benin, the Fon of Dahomey who call it jewe, the Ewe of Togo who know him as "afa" and is also practiced under the name of Ifa by the descendants of Yoruba slaves in Cuba and Brazil. The Fon and Ewe knew their place of origin, the sacred city ile Yoruba Ife, where the Yorubas say expanded. Son of Ife most verses or stories that are discussed later in detail. Others are reported from other areas are specified. Ifa divination is practiced more widely than indicated because it is reported that the Ibos of eastern Nigeria today, know very well the "system palm nuts" (ikin). The kamuku and MENU Ifa The Introduction The Ifa Encatamientos Ifa Its Philosophy Ifa says Treaty Odun The Treaties of ifa Works and Labour The Sayings of Ifa Ire and Osorbo The 16 Mejis Saints by Ifa Yoruba Dictionary Spanish The Ifa Plante Ebbo the Board Plants and Animals Spiritual Vault Others Music Videos and Yoruba ENCYCLOPEDIA OF IFA IFaOyu.com 4/13/2014 Introduction to Ifa http://ifaoyu.com/libros/ifa-su-filosofia/1-introduccion-a-ifa 2/7 Gwari gbari or neighbors who are both in Niger, a country bordering northern Nigeria. Among kamuku future with beans about the size of a ikin predicted, are mixed and moved into a carapace of tortoise and grip with your right hand, then tell whether it is even or odd number that caught in the hand and make a mark on the floor or ground. This process is repeated eight times and the meaning according to the figure or combination. This type of divination is common among many tribes, especially Gwari or gbari. They also practice a well-known form of divination called Islamic "cut or mark on the sand" which will be discussed later. Ifa divination, off the coast of what today is Ghana are also reported. There are also some references in Assinie on the southwest corner of the Ivory Coast, Ifa divination used. Hamilton, describes a system of divination observed in Siwah in sahari they call "-er- derb derb raml or-the-ful," according to the medium used, either sand or beans or seeds. The "derb-the-ful" which is the most recent, is made with beans or seeds and is the simplest, although in principle both are the same. Seven beans are in the left hand and are taken with the right hand and semi closed and practically jumping beans or seeds from hand to hand, and the same system is used even and odd; and thus are repeated until four complete figures, which are placed alongside one another to form a square, then are read and also vertical and perpendicular corner to corner which gives a total of ten figures or signs. Yes each formed four odd and four pairs, would be able to form sixteen signs, each with a meaning. Separated. The "derb-er-raml" differs from this by being more complicated. According frobenius -1924, soothsayers of Nupe, who live just north of the Yoruba: crossing the Niger River, using a cord or chain called "ebba" eight pieces of pumpkin or fruit peels sometimes attached as Opele the Yoruba. However, nadel-1954, describes the "eba" as a set or set of eight chains or ropes four shells of cocoa beans. The Jukun eastern Nigeria employ a pair of chains or cords called "noko", each with four pieces of pumpkins, nuts picked metal or elephant dung. These are equivalent to the Ifa divination chain (Opele). The instrument to guess from nearby "Tiv" call "agbendi, is cast with bits of seed native handle there (ive) and is identical to that used by the Jukun and all tribes around the crossing of the River Niger down. It is also known from the use of this instrument among the Ibo, and the use of four- chain lace four plates. According to mansfeld 1982, the Ekoi the region beyond the Niger, also employ two strings called "ewu" each consisting of four half mango seed, and also refer to using four of these chains known as "boiling or efa". All these data lead us to conclude the obvious and widespread and knowledge of the 16 basic signs. Divination with four chains four plates each, is relative but separate system of divination, which is also known by the Yoruba. 4/13/2014 Introduction to Ifa http://ifaoyu.com/libros/ifa-su-filosofia/1-introduccion-a-ifa 3/7 They wrapped the same 16 basic figures or signs to call Ifa sometimes, but the method of interpretation is different and the name that distinguishes it is "agbigba or Agbagba". Short verses comparable with the introductory phrases of the verses of Ifa, are associated with figures and signs. Ogunbiyi -1952, was illustrated with two chains agbigba guess (Opele), one next to another. Although I have seen a set of four chain agbigba four plates each. Agbigba is effectively doubled Opele a noko of Nupe Jukun or eba. Among igbira, diviners agbigba also produce a quadruple figure marked on a board of Ifa called "Ifa I apako ifapako or" manipulating 16 seeds "schoolmaster" or "warri" (crista caesalpin) instead of inkines. The order of the figures or basic signs differ markedly from those of Ifa, but their names are clearly linked .. The list of figures in the order given by a soothsayer agbigba in Ife, and then numbered according to the common order figures or signs of Ifa, the order of ageioba reads: Names of these two figures differ, in the case of: oyinkan by Ika and otaru by Otrupon. Two have similar names, they are: oji by edi (also known as Oddi) and by osa osa. Others have the same names as in the case of: Oyekun, Obara, Otura, Irete and Ofun. And some have identical alternative names like Osika or Ogbe, Ogori or Iwori, Okona or Okanran, Irosun or Iroso, oga or Owonrin, Ogunda or Ogunda and okin or dare. The order of signs or figures and the method of interpretation differ, but the similarity in the names of the signs and instruments certainly tells us that there is a historical relationship with Ifa. I agbigba between Yoruba Yoruba appears confined to "Yagba". A subgroup northeast, although Yagba Yoruba diviners practiced in many cities. Four chains of this type of divination known as afa or efa aha "among the Igbo and Ekoi." Eba "among the Idoma." Eva "between isoxo-edo." Ogwega "between Benin-edo. And other many names in other Nigerian companies, but this method will not be studied in detail here, suffice to say that it is known in parts of northern Nigeria and the Far East and Southeast, part of which was the British Cameroons. Talbot-1926 concludes "awpele as the system, but with four strings divided in two and four plates or shells each, generally composed of wild mango seeds (Irvingia barteri) is used in almost all of southern Nigeria." Divination Ifa sikidy like use the same system based on the 16 signs or basic shapes. The sikidy system used in Mali, is obtained from seeds "ticking" in the sand. "El" cut or mark on the beach "is an extended form of geomancy practiced by many Islamic groups in northern and western Africa The similarity of the Mohammedan "Ifa" and the Yoruba Ifa has been noted and confirmed by many researchers and writers. In 1864 burton, I notice the similarities between the "fa" dahomeyano and geomancy of the Greeks, very distinguished between Arabs under the name of "alrami"-arena. Because the figures were marked on the desert sand. The "Book of Ifa Napoleon" is a remarkable specimen of modern European popularization. Napoleon brought to Europe a manuscript found in Upper Egypt the author m. Sonini. In 1801., And was subsequently posted on this and other titles in a dozen or more editions between 1820 to 1925. / 725 4/13/2014 Introduction to Ifa http://ifaoyu.com/libros/ifa-su-filosofia/1-introduccion-a-ifa 4/7 Definitely product of exploitation by unscrupulous tabloid, missed the essence of the document that had references to divination methods that are referiendonos. Among the Yoruba, the "cut or mark on the beach" (iyanrin tite) is practiced by known Muslim diviners as "Alufa" they refer to or speak the name of: "hati Rambli" or "atimi" in Yoruba, distinguishing Ifa. The names of the sixteen signs or figures: the kanseji, alaiha, Utuba dahila, etc, clearly differ from those of Ifa, but correspond to those that were given in the Arabic book "mohamned ez zenati" and in the order in which these figures were given for Alufa in meko, although he was born in zaria, are identical to those that were given in the list of ez-zenati. There is no doubt atimi historical relationship with the Islamic geomancy, but if the recent introduction among the Yoruba, who were at war with its Muslim neighbors to the north until the last century is likely. Here is a list of the signs in the order set out in mere, listed according to the order of the most common signs of Ifa, and in the order they wrote atimi This is a complete change in the orders of the signs of both agbigba and Ifa divination such systems. Burton, maupoily other great researchers have concluded that the systems of Ifa and sikidy been derived from Islamic geomancy or other non-African oldest methods of divination. There is no intention here to deny the historical relationship between the many modes of divination employing the sixteen basic figures or signs, or attempts to find the origin of Ifa. However, as other authors have closely compared the similarities between the two methods, including miss the signs are "read" from right to left Some of the points of difference should be mentioned. Among the Yoruba and Nupe of Nigeria, the Sara of Chad, teda of tibetsi, and in Fulani macina when "deleted" random, signs in the system "mark in the sand", a single line is if it is a brand, and a double mark if there are two, this is opposite to Ifa and sikidy. The sixteen signs have a very marked difference in the completely different order and names. The Quad figure or sign obtained in agbigba, which is read through, giving a second quad figure, and additional signs that are referred by other shots rather be interpreted as a double figure of the two parts of Opele Ifa . Ifa was not associated with astrology, but as burton observed shortly after a series of memorized verses and stories, interpretations, and fall depend on astrological principles. Islamic geomancy has confirmed that this verse and not a sacrifice (ebbo) is paramount in Ifa. The method of "mark in the sand" differs in that it is not used or handled Opele inkines, however use the system even and odd, and must say that among the Siwah, the malaquinos gbari and is marked in the sand and seeds are handled equally. In conclusion, it is true that among the Yoruba divination there are different ways, but the "beach mark" Ifa is a different and very recent introduction compared to the system of Ifa system. 4/13/2014 Introduction to Ifa http://ifaoyu.com/libros/ifa-su-filosofia/1-introduccion-a-ifa 5/7 The identity of the sixteen signs is necessary and inevitable for three reasons: 1. Figures are formed in two parts of four separate pieces. two. Each can take two different forms. 3. The sequence is significant. Given these rules. Sixteen and only sixteen basic figures or signs are possible according to this, this identity is only three points of similarity, two of these principles are shared in a form of divination that this huy spread in Africa. The first two rules characterize African divination methods. Also practiced by the Yoruba, which is using four snails or four pieces of kola nut. Each of them must fall face-up or face-down and only five signs or figures are possible. If one ties these four fragments have half or one "leg" of a Opele. For divination purposes of these four fragments known as "hakata" by the Karanga, zezeru, korekore, and other sub-groups Shona, and some Bushmen groups and sell ila, tonga, padi, leya, Rhodesian Ndebele and other peoples of the south-africa. There are also those who use bones, pieces of wood that represent marked and distinguished as: man, woman, child and read from top to bottom, in that order. Here are the sixteen figures resulting again tied with a single or double line. The Chinese system of the I Ching is also composed of a single or double line. I ching figures are obtained by throwing three coins, or manipulating 49 pieces of wood that are counted in groups of 4 reminiscent Islamic "cut or mark the sand." For so long as the distance Micronesia, there is a system of divination based on knots, which are also based on producing 4 and 16 figures and 256 basic signs or signs derivatives. Related to the names of the signs of Ifa, Names is another Yoruba divination system called "merindilogun owo". With 16 snails that are thrown on the floor on a mat or mat guano. Some signs that appear in this system are known with signs of Ifa names: odi, Irosun, Owonrin, etc. Ofun Some of the names of the system are also used to designate five signs that result from using four snails. Ifa and the sign 17 is associated with signs and memorizing verses that help in interpretation. This method is derived for the Yoruba Ifa, and is claimed by many Babalawos mentioning a story that said the river goddess, "Oshun" learned to guess when she lived with Ifa (Orunmila). Of all the methods of divination used by the Yoruba, Ifa is recognized as the most important and reliable. Honesty or understanding of Babalawo personally can be questioned, but at the same time are highly prized and the system itself is rarely the doubt. The number of Babalawos reflects the patronage they receive and a measure of the influence and inspire respect. Compared to a casual guess agbigba among the Yoruba, which is rare outside the Yagba area is minimal. Wherever Ifa is open to the public, in the sense that the Babalawo is consulted by the priests of any deity. Even with sixteen snails divination are practiced sometimes a ritual of worship of deities in particular. As is also true, divination with four snails, four pieces of kola etc. These three methods are not restricted itself to project an accurate 4/13/2014 Introduction to Ifa http://ifaoyu.com/libros/ifa-su-filosofia/1-introduccion-a-ifa 6/7 divination, only questions and answers, and lack the depth of the verses, stories, and ebboses Ifa own remedies, and the association with merindilogun system. Since the end of the wars between the Yoruba and their Muslim neighbors in the past century, the number of Muslim Alufa has increased, but still compared to the number of Babalawos. Dreams and other omens are significant, but the Babalawo is usually consulted to interpret. Predictions miss in the possession of a deity are considered very important, but the possessions are little known and less frequent before the Ifa divination. As you guess the water and other methods of divination practiced among the Yoruba, have been minimized to the accuracy of Ifa. The real core of the Ifa divination relies on thousands of memorized verses, the meaning is interpreted by the 256 combinations, but its significance has not been fully appreciated. To work divination system, these verses are much more important than the sign itself or the way it shows the. The verses form the substantial body of verbal art including: stories, tales, folklore, appointed prayers, spells, songs, proverbs, riddles and even philosophy. But for the Yoruba literary or aesthetic merit is secondary to its religious significance. Indeed these verses are the "unwritten scriptures." The verse contains myths or stories to tell us the activities of the deities and justify details of the ritual, and are also explanatory quote from a disputed point whether theological or ritual. Del Babalawo is expected to know a lot of verses or stories, more than any other Yoruba diviner, and is accepted as an authority in the Yoruba religion. He is a professional whose business is to learn about all the deities. Not only the deity of Ifa, as many mistakenly believe. Its functions are to the general public, and is consulted by the priests of many different Yoruba deities, like many Muslim and Christian believers. The Babalawo is a focal point in traditional Yoruba religion, channeling sacrifice, officiating in various religions of the Yoruba pantheon of deities, sacrifices or recommending tributes to the dead or ancestors. Dealing with witches, specific remedies or preparing to work abikus. Helping your clients or godchildren to deal with the large number of products or impersonalizadas forces in the Yoruba believe, and get to know the individual destiny assigned to a newborn. An indication of the importance of Ifa in the religious system over others: the fact that the most righteous religious syncretism resulting from European contact is having founded a church established in lakes in 1934 called "Ijo Orunmila adulawo" which was founded in the premise that teach Ifa constitute the "bible Yoruba". The rules of Ifa divination can be defined as precisely as those simple methods using four or sixteen snails. In many other types of divination to leave no dispute even among the soothsayers. This can be seen in the interpretation where bones or other objects are thrown into the position in terms that fall in the fire lines left on the edge of a leaf, in shaping the entramas of animals slaughtered in tea leaves, or the lines of the palm. The divining crystals or water, where no one can confirm or contradict what the fortune 4/13/2014 Introduction to Ifa http://ifaoyu.com/libros/ifa-su-filosofia/1-introduccion-a-ifa 7/7 teller says he sees in the shamanistic possession acts or states where a family or spirit or deity speaks through the medium only these interpretations or wishes can not be confronted or checked by the customer himself or by other diviners. In contrast, the Babalawo governed by rules follows a system where any deviation from them can be refuted or criticized by his colleagues and condemned by their customers. At least the basic rules have to be known by its regular patterns Babalawo, among which are the customer does not have to tell the nature of the issue or problem that brings you to query, it is assumed that through the description Ifa mark sign that will tell you what is the problem and how to fix it or so. <Prev Next>