“Metaphysical Implications of Odu” from Awo, by Awo Fa' Lokum Fatumbi, Copyright 1992 Merindinlogun The more the divinerunderstands the broad metaphysical implications of Odu, the more likely the ability to place the question and answer in the context of spiritual growth. Relating metaphysical principles to the issues under consideration during consultation, triggers intuitive insights into the consultation that transcend the limitations of the memorized elements of Odu. (pg. 129) “The process of divination leads the Awo into feeling the affinity between the Odu and certain Orisha”. This affinity is tested and evaluated through time and they will begin to make sense in an organic way. Any Orisha may speak during divination by speaking through Esu to the Ase of the Awo.” (pg.147) The following are correlation possibilities for exploration. Merindinlogun (pages 121- 147) 1. Okanran- Oshosi/Shango Principle of divine justice, transformation through tragedy and crisis. False pride and egoism can create an illusion of accomplishment and honor. Illusion cannot be sustained indefinitely. When the illusion crumbles, it could be devastating but it can also bring transformation insights. Divine justice is generated by the winds of Oya. Primary instruction: Have peace of mind and avoid anger. Orisha says the blessing of children Orisha says that is this person has experienced some form of loss, ebo will secure good fortune. Orisha says there is conflict over a possible inheritance. Ebo must be made for favorable resolution. 2. Eji Oko- Egun/Oya Messenger of death, it has that aspect but it also had the keys to avert it. According to Ifa, death is a moment of transition in the life of emi (human soul); it is similar to the transition between the womb and birth. Both transitions involve movement into new dimensions of being. This Odu may also refer to the end of a cycle other than the loss of life of the physical body. All growth requires discarding that which is no longer effective. This Odu represent the power of spiritual transformation as well as physical re-incarnation. Eji Oko is also the portal through which Egun returns to earth to share their wisdom. In the folklore for Eji Oko, the ajogun (spirits of disruption) are warded off by placing feeing Esu small amounts of yam flour. The Odu instructs against wearing black. Orisha says the person must be kind and do works of good. Orisha says ebo must be made to avoid trickery or deception. Orisha says that if the person's head is cleansed, there will be an end of suffering. Orisha says Ebo must be made if it is determined Iku is close. 3. Ogunda- Ogun Means Ogun creates. This Odu is rooted in the principle that pushes life to evolve in all realms of creation. It can refer to a path in the material world or to an internal spiritual path. When Ogun is asked to clear a path along a spiritual path, Ogun will remove the inhibiting effects of dishonesty, injustice, senseless violence and betrayal. Guiding principle: Abundance could be found close to home. Orisha says if experiencing conflict in a sexual relationship, ebo must be made. Orisha says if experiencing conflicts with enemies, ebo must be made to Esu & Ogun. Orisha says there is the blessing of long life, good fortune and children or those who embrace the virtue of patience. Orisha says this person must respect their taboos and the taboos of others. This behavior will lessen eh possibility of unnecessary and unwanted conflict. 4. Irosun- Esu/ Shango/ Egun “The sounding of Osun” Osun is the Orisha that protects the head (Ori) of an Awo (diviner) This is where consciousness stores memories. Osun protects our perception and understanding of the past. Irosun is the objective reality of that which has already come to pass. Irosun speaks of the need to honor (Iba) the ancestor and their achievements thus recognizing their contribution to our own consciousnesses, the cultures they have created and the forces of nature, The Orishas that sustain creation. Guiding principle: Cautious behavior can take you through difficult times and lead to abundance. Orisha says that if this person is suffering from abiku (children who die at an early age), red cloth should be given to Egun. This person has a taboo against wearing red. Orisha says that if a person is suffering from misfortune, to lift the misfortune, an offering must be made to disadvantaged children. Orisha says prayer must be made to Olodumare, Olofin, and Elohim. Orisha says thanking Orisha for continued blessings must be part of daily religious discipline. 5. Ose- Oshun Ose celebrates the victory of beauty over negativity. It’s one of the keys to abundance. Ose is the possible use of the power of the word to overcome and overwhelm negative influences. The way to overcome subjugation is aim to do the right thing at the right time, the right way all of the time. Ultimately this will recycle negativity into positivity. Guiding principle: Your hearts desires will be manifested. Seeking spiritual growth will lead to good fortune. Orisha says this person will assume priestly responsibilities. Orisha says that if this person wants children, ebo must be made to Oshun. Orisha says this person will receive the blessing of a good relationship, children and abundance. Orisha says this person is destined to take a position of honor and responsibility within their own profession. 6. Obara- Shango Ifa teaches that enlightenment is transient. After every breakthrough, there is a period of rest in anticipation of that which is about to unfold. It is the rest that comes after a long struggle; it is the hovering before the next move. Transcending the ego and facing the deep lessons that arise while searching for the inner self carries with it the promise of abundance and long life. Ifa teaches that the earth provides all the necessary abundance for survival and for a good life. The key to unlocking these resources is to live in harmony with nature. At times enlightenment can bring deception and a false sense of accomplishment. To avoid this trap, there should be periodic periods of contemplation and retreat. This Odu also warns against complacency. There is the risk of mistaking personal ambition for spiritual imperative. As a person masters problem solving and general negotiating skills, they become more instinctive in their personal decisions and less involved in inner turmoil and conflict of decision making. Alignment between personal will and spiritual will creates a greater sense of fulfillment than personal ambition. This Odu brings the admonition for the need to consider communal needs, social justice and the survival of the family as elements of personal destiny. Those who only consider their own needs, loose the support of those who can guide them to their true destiny. Odu instruction: When under the influence of this Odu, to avoid making serious mistakes, think clearly before taking action. Orisha says this person should make preparations for abundance. Orisha says, that if this person wants a relationship, they should make an offering of black cloth to Egun Orisha says that an offering to Olokun (Spirit of the ocean) will insure a long life. Orisha says, this person will be betrayed by a friend or received bad advice from an elder. 7. Odi- Yemoja (Olokun) Odi is the rest and completion that follow anticipation. It is known as the seal. To seal something in a ceremony is to guarantee that it will manifest. Seals are used in ceremony to define that which is desired and to block that which is unwanted. At the end of the invocation, the Awo will breathe on the mat and say the word “to” (in Yoruba, it means that is how I say it should be). It marks the end of an invocation so that later statements after the ritual do not merge with the invocation process. Odu Instruction: Be cautious in all business dealings to avoid being the victim of deception. Orisha says that if this person turns away from Orisha & Ifa they will experience a troubled life. Orisha says this person should be more forgiving. Orisha says, if this person remains calm and cool headed, blessings will follow. Orisha says if this person is experiencing anger, they should wear white cloths. 8. Eji Ogbe- Obatala In metaphysical terms, Eji Ogbe is the primal impulse for expansion, evolution and ascension. It involves the whole being not just the intellect. This type of insights is not rooted in language. It is a portal to a dimension of awareness that resonates inner assurance. Eji Ogbe incarnates “Ela”, the light that illuminates both the physical and spiritual universe. This light is at the foundation of all consciousness and as such never becomes part of conscious thought. As primal light, Eji Ogbe gives evidence of the sense that there is something beyond. Eji Ogbe connects all things to a common source and this element of inter-relatedness is at the source of ethical behavior. Ifa considers Eji Obe a boundless source of wisdom that can be use to elevate the human spirit beyond any difficulty. Elevation is directed by the power of the word (Afo Ase). That which we believe, we can make manifest. In metaphysical terms, Eji Ogbe represents the perfect alignment between the Ori (human consciousness) and the Ipori (The archetypal soul double that lives in heaven: Adam Kadmon. SQ). In this process, without humility and in arrogance, the result is increased misfortune instead of increased blessings. In perfect alignment, the result is mystic visions and increased personal blessings and evidence of spiritual gifts or divine personal power (Ase). The instruction in this Odu: High ethical standards will be rewarded with enlightenment and abundance. Orisha says this person will receive the blessing of long life. Orisha says this person need to acquire wisdom and humility. Orisha says this person should consider initiation into the priesthood. Orisha says, this person should make an offering to Obatala and they should maintain some form of spiritual discipline. (If following several spiritual paths, they need to choose one and commit to it.) 9. Osa- Oya Osa is the metaphysical principle that being the winds of change. Osa is similar to the Tower card in the Tarot. There is an element of random chaos within the system that regulates the earth's environment. Presumed chaos leads to a more profound state of balance. The folklore in this Odu speaks of the power of Aje (elemental spirits, powerful sources of abundance, and guardians of women’s powers, extremely disruptive to those abusive with women). Odu instruction: Be patient with relational difficulties. Orisha says this person should not enter into a relationship without divination. Orisha says this person will receive the blessing of a long life. Orisha says this person should make an offering to the poor to receive abundance. Orisha says this person must be clear about what the want in life. What they want will be manifested. 10. Ofun- Oduduwa/ Orisha Fun Fun Ofun is known as the giver. In Ofun the universe grants blessings to those who are persistent in the search of enlightenment. Every attempt at spiritual growth will bring positive results even when all we get to cognitively understand is what not to do. some gains are not quantifiable at the moment. Odu instruction: Take precautions against disease and ill health. Orisha says that if this person is barren, an offering to Obatala will bring the blessing of children. Orisha says, that if this person is impotent man, making ebo to Egun will resolve their problem. Orisha says, that if this person is experiencing difficulties, they should offer brass beads to Oshun to sweeten their life. Orisha says that this person should periodically fast for physical health and spiritual clarity. 11. Owonrin- Egun, Esu Once the past has solidified in the present, it lays the foundation for what is to come. Owonrin is known as “The Reverse Head”. This references the fact that every present action carries the potential to change the future as an act of will. Ifa theology is not fatalistic. Humans are born with a spectrum of potential which cannot be changed. Within that spectrum we make choices that can affect the way our potential becomes manifested. Every investment in learning requires some sacrifice. Included within the panorama of potential futures is changing bad luck into good fortune, It also includes the ability to break away from negative influences that led Ori (consciousness) away from alignment from nature. Owonrin incarnates great prophets, those who have the courage to deviate from the past in search of a better future, in search of deeper levels of understanding and harmony. This Odu uses the image of seeing your destiny and moving forward unfaltering. By embracing the past, without becoming bound by it, the future remains open. The rainbow is the spirit call Osumare, In Ifa scripture, Osumare is the covenant between Olorun, Olofi, Elohim (owner of heaven) and Ile (earth). Nature allows consciousness to grasp the essence of the creator. Odu instruction: Avoid family conflict. Orisha says this person will receive blessing of abundance. Orisha says this person must honor Egun to insure a good life. Orisha says that if this person is suffering from family gossip, ebo should be made to Egun. Orisha says, be careful against deception by Esu. 12. Ejila Sebora- Agayu Ejila Sebora is the metaphysical principle used to represent all things that are the threshold of completion. It is known as the “Deep Seer”. As we move towards completion of any task we begin to sense the consequences of our efforts even before it's fully manifest. For those who are willing to listen and learn, conflict can bring illumination and compassion. Ejila Sebora asks the immortals to look after our endeavors with kind eyes. This is a request for blessings and a request that we be able to see through the eyes of the spirit. If this is done, we are then able to guard against vain defeats and empty accomplishments. Odù instruction: Be on guard against undeserved punishment and judgment. Orisha says, this person will receive blessing of abundance, long life and children of they make ebo for Shango. Orisha says this person should take an offering to Orisha Oko (spirit of the hill) to clear away the negative effect of gossip. Orisha says this person should meditate in front of a candle to gain clarity about their destiny. Orisha says this person should learn to either sing or play drums to praise Orisha. 13. Ika- Babaluaye Ika is known as the “Controller”. What is being controlled are those vicious, violent and malicious acts that do damage to personal integrity and disrupt natural harmony. Within the Odù there is an admonition against cowardly behavior, especially cowardly behavior that would lead someone to use hexes as a form of denigration. Hexing does not necessarily mean the use of ritualize curse. These other forms include gossip, lying, and malicious lack of consideration. Diminishing one's own self worth is a form of self hexing. The best protection against thus type of indiscriminate destruction is to maintain a steady spiritual discipline. Faith wisdom and intellect have greater power than physical strength alone. Orisha says this person has very serious issues in their life that need to resolve. A change in lifestyle including significant contributions to worthy causes is required for transformation to occur. Orisha says that is this person has an infectious disease; ebo must be made to Babaluaye. If this Odù come with Ibi and the person is suffering from an illness, it must be taken to Ifa. 14. Oturupon- Ile The human aspect of Orurupon deals with the spiritual consequences that result from the lack of courage. In Orurupon, there is and admonition to deal with problems head on. Ifa is a religion that sanctions the quest for spiritual empowerment. One gets empowered by facing and conquering one's fears. Folklore indicates that the key to abundance and good fortune is to preserve rituals and ceremonies that were performed by the ancestors. By continually giving praise to Orisha and Egun, our connection to them remains strong. I add, “To only turn to them in times of need is to live in the darkness of basic primitive needs, it's spiritually stagnating and non-evolving. They are not vending machines” (SQ). Orisha says this person will receive a blessing of abundance, children and a long life. Orisha says that if this person is involved in a bitter dispute, both parties should make offering to Egun, The Egúngún mediums should be allowed to comment on the resolution of the conflict. If this Odù come with Ibi and the person is suffering from an illness, it must be taken to Ifa. 15. Ofun Kanran- Osun Those who face fear with courage will ultimately find peace. Peace is the metaphysical principle in Ofun Kanran. It is the peace that come from the conviction and inner certainty that our path is enlightened by the highest good. “The lion cub struts with confidence and peace because his/her father is the king” (SQ) This is the kind of peace that bring personal calm, strengthens family ties and unifies the community around issues of social justice. This Odù is considered the source of the mystical awareness that comes through meditation. Ofun Kanran is credited in the folklore with the incarnation of both Christianity and Islam. It is the source of inspiration for those religious leaders who call for peace and justice. This Odù indicates that fasting and meditation should be a part of regular spiritual practice. Orisha says that major concerns ion this person's life are about to be spoiled. This person should donate clothes to the poor and hold a fest for family and friends. Ebo should be made for this person's Orisha before the feast. Orisha says this person should give money to the elders in his family. If this Odù come with Ibi and the person is suffering from an illness, it must be taken to Ifa. 16. Irete- Iya Mi On a historical level, there are time when the forces of injustice and oppression are in control of individuals, communities and nations. Within Ifa theology, there are no forces deemed as inherently “evil”. There are forces or spirits called Elenini that can set up barriers to the full expression of freedom, enlightenment and environmental balance. The forces of Elenini are closely related to sorcery, which is defined as the attempt to alter nature without regards to ethical principles of harmony and balance. Irete incarnates this negativity and provides the keys to dissipate its influence. This Odù suggests that the best way to overcome the forces of negativity is by remembering those ancestors who were good hearted and courageous. The instruction; suffering will come to an end through faith and spiritual discipline. Orisha sys, that offering should be made to this person spiritual teacher and to their father and mother. Offering should also be taken to Egun, followed by a feast to the elders of this person spiritual family. Orisha says this person has a tendency to throw away their good fortune. This person’s head should be cleansed to reverse this tendency. If this Odù come with Ibi, this person should be taken to Ifa. 17. Opira- Ogboni Opira incarnates cataclysmic change. Within this framework, Opira warns against the possibility of disabling mental illness, the destruction of a family unit, widespread famine, natural disasters and a warning against untimely death. When this Odù appears, it is taken immediately before Ifa where the full spectrum of spiritual forces may be called upon to avert disaster. The Scripture says this person must feed the earth to avoid death. • Orisha says this person is on the verge of an extreme crisis and must be taken before Ifa for consultation. • Orisha says this person must make ebo to the Earth. When this Odù appears, the diviner doers not throw to determine the orientation. The person must do the sacrifice and consult Ifa. Odu & Orisha In Ifa whenever Orisha is involved, the Odu that gives birth to the Orisha is acknowledge prior to the actual invocation of a specific Orisha. In addition, some Orishas are involved through the use of a sequence of Odu rather than a single Odu. Not every Orisha that speaks in a particular Odu is incarnated by that Odu. Often an Orisha will appear in a particular folktale to represent the compensating force that will change ibi into Ire.