The science in Ifa
Acquisition of spiritual knowledge must come before the unveiling of the spirit world — Òlórí Àṣàbí Ifáníwúrá
Introduction
Ifa, a traditional religion practised primarily by the Yoruba people of West Africa, has often been dismissed as mere folklore or solely spiritual practices. However, a closer look at the scientific methods, processes, and applications of Ifa reveals a complex and nuanced system of knowledge that has the potential to bridge the gap between traditional and modern scientific evolution.
At its core, Ifa is a form of divination that uses a complex system of signs and symbols to communicate with the spiritual realm. Practitioners of Ifa believe that every human being has a unique destiny, and that by consulting the Orishas (divine beings) through divination, they can gain insight into their purpose in life and the challenges they will face along the way.
While this may seem like a purely spiritual practice, Ifa actually employs a rigorous scientific methodology to arrive at its conclusions. Divination is not simply a matter of randomly throwing objects or interpreting dreams, but rather a carefully calibrated process that takes into account a wide range of factors, including the position of the sun and moon, the movements of animals and insects, and the behaviour of plants and trees.
Through careful observation and analysis, Ifa practitioners are able to identify patterns and trends in these natural phenomena that allow them to interpret the messages of the Orishas with a high degree of accuracy. In this sense, Ifa can be seen as a form of applied science that relies on empirical evidence to arrive at its conclusions.
Moreover, Ifa has numerous practical applications that extend far beyond the realm of spirituality. For example, Ifa practitioners have long been known for their expertise in herbal medicine, using their knowledge of plants and their properties to treat a wide range of ailments.
Additionally, Ifa has much to offer in terms of environmental sustainability and conservation. By emphasising the interconnectedness of all living things, Ifa provides a framework for understanding and preserving the delicate balance of ecosystems.
In short, Ifa is much more than a collection of myths and legends. It is a sophisticated system of knowledge that combines empirical observation, scientific analysis, and practical applications to provide insights into the human condition and the natural world. By elevating Ifa from its status as a mere folklore, we can unlock its full potential to contribute to modern scientific evolution and create a more harmonious and sustainable future for all.
Orisa
Each Orisa possesses its own unique form of divine energy and vibrations, which operates through various scientific mechanisms to enable their physical manifestations and powers. This understanding is grounded in the recognition that all matter is energy, and that human beings can be viewed as dynamic energetic systems. Albert Einstein’s famous equation, E = mc2, demonstrates that energy and matter are two sides of the same universal substance, and that the foundation of all material substances is encoded within an information portal that is contained within the memory aspect of the universe. This principle governs the manifestation of material substances, ensuring that a kernel of corn cannot transform into an orange, as each possesses its own inner organised information imbued by the universe. It is this same principle that allows ancestral DNA to persist through generations.
The Orisa Odú, who is the wife of Orunmila, embodies the universal information that permeates the cosmos, encoded in the binary formation of 0s and 1s, the electrons and protons that constitute our DNA, and the polarity of gender. In the realm of cellular biology, scientific discoveries have revealed that every cell contains a copy of the master DNA blueprint which allows cells to self-organise and create a structure, containing enough information to construct an entire human body from scratch. This discovery has led to experiments in cloning living cells, whereby a duplicate of a lower life-form, like a frog, can be produced. This is achieved through the use of cloning techniques, in which the DNA material from an adult frog’s intestinal cell is substituted for the DNA material from a fertilised frog’s egg. Since the information within each body cell contains the same library of instructions found in every other cell, it is possible to create an entirely identical frog without resorting to sexual reproduction.
The ODU is much more than just a marking and writing system within Ifa. It represents a feminine vibration within the cosmos, a subconscious realm that governs the perception of human interpretation of information in the universe. This realm forms our means of representation of symbols, words, and writing. The symbolic writing of the Odu utilizes principles that have been recently discovered in BioGeometry, a science that deals with the energy of shape.
Shapes, colors, motion, orientation, and sound are used to produce a vibrational quality that balances energy fields. The human body has an energy field around it, with its own north-south axis, which is constantly changing as we move around. The angle formed between our individual axis and that of the earth either strengthens or weakens our energy field, and this affects our health and well-being. The impact of geometrical shapes on human energy systems has always been universally recognized, and BioGeometry shapes designed or engraved on jewelry have shown positive effects on the body’s energy field.
Shapes, forms, and symbols all have intrinsic meanings and every form has its own vibration field and energy. Sounds also create patterns through their waves and frequency, which is a deep science that is also used in Orisa Spirituality during festivals, initiations, divinations, worship, and more. Sound vibration has been used by our ancestors for ages. We can also explore the Òrìsạ̀ Àyàn, the Orisa for drums, to discover and advance our knowledge on sound vibrational health therapy and frequency discoveries.
Deep research is needed in the Isese community to protect our ancient mysteries from external explorers who might steal them. The Odu is revealed through vibrational marking from any of the 256 Odus in Ifa, and a knowledgeable Babalawo will interpret its message and ebos. The 256 Odus are stored in a well-structured, sequential, and vibrational order that resonates with one another and goes along with the name of the ODU.
In summary, the Odu is a powerful system that connects us to the cosmos and our ancestral heritage. Its symbolism and vibrational qualities have the potential to benefit our physical and mental well-being, and through continued research and exploration, we can unlock even more of its secrets. The use of Odu markings in various health, mental, and spiritual challenges, as well as during sacrificial rituals, is one of the secrets of its effective utilization. The markings of Odu are considered as essential elements of ritual or sacrificial items, as they contain powerful vibrational frequencies that can be harnessed to address specific issues or challenges. These markings serve as a kind of spiritual technology that allows the practitioners of Ifa to tap into the vibrational energy of the cosmos and channel it towards specific objectives.
For instance, during divination, a babalawo may draw the markings of the Odu corresponding to the client’s situation, and through the interpretation of these markings, he can provide guidance on how to address the issue at hand. In addition, certain symbols and markings may be used in the preparation of herbal remedies or other forms of traditional medicine. The vibrational energy contained in these markings is believed to enhance the potency and effectiveness of the remedies.
Furthermore, during sacrificial rituals, various items such as kola nuts, palm oil, and animals may be marked with the Odu symbols before being offered to the Orisa. These markings serve as a way of imbuing the sacrificial items with the desired vibrational energy and intention, thereby increasing the efficacy of the sacrifice.
Overall, the use of Odu markings is an integral part of Ifa practice, and its applications extend far beyond the spiritual realm. By understanding and utilizing these powerful symbols and vibrations, practitioners of Ifa can tap into the deeper mysteries of the cosmos and use its energy to promote healing, transformation, and positive change in their lives and the lives of others.
Let us delve into the fascinating world of Yoruba Spirituality and explore the powerful Orisa, Ṣàngó. Known as the god of thunder, lightning, and electricity, Ṣàngó’s significance extends far beyond these elements. While the scientific community has recently explored the possibility of harvesting lightning energy, Ṣàngó’s influence encompasses more than just lightning. The heart is the strongest source of our bio-electrical energy, sending commands to our bodies and brains through electrical signals. The human body is also capable of producing electrical energy, a science that has been utilised to power street lights. It is time for Isese, the Yoruba spiritual practice, to harness its scientific power and move beyond its purely spiritual realm.
Ifa, the Yoruba divination system, records how each organ has a specific Irunmole/Orisa responsible for its function, care, and protection. Orunmila, for example, is the protector of the Ori, or head, earning him the title ‘odudu ti I du ori ilemere, ko ma baa fo.’ Similarly, Ṣàngó rules over the heart and is referred to as ‘okaka tii fowo ti iku,’ the one who uses his hand to push death away from one’s heart. The knowledge and influence of these Orisa extend far beyond their traditional roles, as they continue to inspire and impact Yoruba culture and spirituality to this day. This is stated in the stanza of Irete Meji below:
Kèké b’ìdí mèrègbè
Díá fún òkáká
Tí ń loo f’owo t’íkú
Ebo ni won ni kó wáá se
Ó gb’ébo, Ó rúbo
Kèké b’ìdí mèrègbè
Díá fún Òdùdù
Ti ń loo dùrí ìlémèrè
Ebo ni won ní kó wáá se
Ó gb’ébo, Ó rúbo
Njé tani yóò dùríí mí fún mí
Òdùdù, ifá ni yoo dùríí mí fún mí
Sàngó ni Òkàkà tíí fowo tikú
Òdùdù, ifá ni yoo dùríí mí fún mí
Òrúnmìlá ní Òdùdù
Ti ń loo dùrí ìlémèrè
Òdùdù, ifá ni yoo dùríí mí fún mí o
Òdùdù
Humans
The exploration of consciousness through the lens of Ifa is a fascinating and profound pursuit, as it seeks to uncover the deepest mysteries of every living being in the universe. According to Ifa, everything is conscious and we are all part of a greater consciousness that permeates the world around us. This is particularly evident in the Yoruba concept of “ile aye,” or planet earth, which is seen as a conscious being with its own unique characteristics and attributes.
In Ifa, the earth is not merely an inanimate object or a collection of materials, but a living being with a feminine vibration and an Orisa-like ability to reproduce and transform itself through the five elements of nature. It is truly awe-inspiring to consider the immense consciousness that surrounds us and how it shapes and influences our lives in countless ways. Through the study of Ifa and its teachings, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things and unlock the secrets of the universe.
Ifa, the study of consciousness, has revealed the intricacies of human existence. At birth, a person’s Emi, or soul, is composed of various parts carefully crafted by the Irunmole with the power of Olodumare’s ase. These components have both physical and spiritual functions.
Long before science discovered the phenomenon of light reflection in the eyes and how the brain generates colors and images, Ifa had already provided a detailed explanation. The eyes, or Oju, allow conscious perception of light and vision, including color differentiation and depth perception. Spiritually, the eyes play a significant role in reflecting a person’s emotional state. The eyes are the torch that captures messages for the inner eye to process. When one is happy, the face radiates joy, and the eyes beam with gladness. Conversely, sadness is reflected through a sad countenance, red eyes, and tears.
In Ose Otura, it is revealed that the eyes not only lead the other parts of the body but also show the way for others to follow. The eyes are a vital component of the human experience, both physically and spiritually, and Ifa’s wisdom has revealed this truth long before science caught up. The stanza states thus:
Iba koto
Iba ranyin
Babalawo Oju
Dia fun Oju
Nijo to nlo ree je oloja l’awujo ara
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
O gb’ebo, o ru’bo
A jaja m’oju je Oloja
Gbogbo ara
E ya wa, e wa sin
Gbogbo ara
Orun, neck:
The neck is that part of the body that carries and supports the head. The neck supports the weight of the head and protects the nerves that carry sensory and motor information from the brain down to the rest of the body. In addition, the neck is highly flexible and allows the head to turn and flex in all directions. From top to bottom the cervical spine is gently curved in convex-forward fashion. It is the least marked of all the curves of the column. It distinguishes the head from the torso or trunk. Spiritually, orun connotes a situation of financial indebtedness or burden. It also connotes responsibility of the owner to himself/herself, his/her immediate family, peer group, associates and the community in general. In Ifa, when one is free of financial burden, it means that one’s neck is clean and free. When one performs q one’s responsibilities to the best of one’s ability and capacity, then one’s neck is said to be clean and free.
In a stanza of Okanran Oyeku, Ifa says:
Tee kiti l’awo omode
Tee kata l’awo alare
Ika kan soso lo ku ko di Eji Oye Bee ni ko lee di Eji Oye
Ika kan soso lo ku ko di Eji Okanran Bee ni ko lee di Eji Okanran
Dia fun baba s’ebo k’orun o mo Ebo ni won ni ko wa se
O gb’ebo, o ru’bo
A ti bo’da fun iku o
A ti bo’da fun arun
A ti bo’da fun ejo o
A ti bo’da fun ofo o
A ti bo’da fun gbogbo irunbi Okanran aiku o, ebo mama da
The knowledge embedded within the Yoruba spirituality is truly awe-inspiring. Take, for example, the name given to the neck — “Opohun rege ar’eru ma so la ape orun” — meaning that which carries a load without removing it is the one we call Orun the Neck. It’s fascinating how this name connects to the idea of debts in our culture. These esoteric names are not just arbitrary but are deeply rooted in the activation of the Àse, the life force, within all living things on this planet. Our bodies are a vessel of this sacred knowledge, a source of healing that has yet to be fully explored by the Western world. It’s imperative that we acknowledge and tap into the potential of our indigenous wisdom for our evolution and survival.
Let me share with you the profound wisdom that lies within the study of Ifa, particularly in the understanding of the Edo, or liver. Ifa teaches us that the liver is the very first organ to form in the womb, the pilot organ that gives rise to the existence of humankind. It is the organ from which all other organs develop, a true marvel of creation.
In the powerful stanza of Ogbe Obara, (Ogbe Gbarada), Ifa says:
A kunle a yan eda
A d’aye tan
Oju nkan gbogbo wa A kii t’eda yan
A fi baa t’aye wa
Difa fun Edo
Tii se otuko lati Orun….
The liver, then, is not just an organ in our bodies, but a sacred gateway through which we enter this world. It is the source of our life force, the very essence of our being.
But what I find truly remarkable is that our forefathers possessed this profound knowledge of the liver without ever having to dissect the human body. It speaks to the incredible depth of understanding that they had of the world around them, and the remarkable connection that they had with the natural world.
This is the kind of wisdom that has been passed down to us through the study of Ifa, and it is our duty to honor and preserve it. We must never forget the incredible power and potential of our indigenous knowledge in shaping our world and our future
Oh, the wonders of Ifa’s knowledge of the human body! Let us delve into the intriguing story of Awo, the skin, and its close relationship with Eje, the blood.
In the sacred text of Eji Ogbe, Ifa reveals to us the tale of how Awo, the skin, went to complain to Olodumare about the disease that Eje, the blood, brought into the body. This story reminds us of the crucial role of the skin as a protective shield that stands between our inner organs and the outer world.
But the story doesn’t end there. Olodumare, in His infinite wisdom, prescribed a cure for the disease troubling Awo. This cure was to be administered through the skin, thus highlighting the intimate connection between Awo and Eje.
This profound insight into the relationship between the skin and blood is not just a mere ancient tale but has been backed up by modern medical science. The art of scarification, known as Gbere, which was discovered by our forefathers, has now metamorphosed into the use of syringes in the medical world today.
It is fascinating to note that the discovery of the syringe was made by a black slave who was taken to the Western world. This is a testament to the vast and untapped potential of our indigenous wisdom in the evolution of our survival.
Let us honor our ancestors for their immense knowledge of the human body, which they acquired without the need to dissect it. Let us continue to celebrate and preserve our rich cultural heritage, which holds the key to unlocking the secrets of our past and shaping our future.
Plants and animals
The science of “we become, what we eat” and health dominate this sphere of Ifa spirituality.
Let us take a moment to marvel at the incredible wisdom of Ifa and its deep understanding of the human body and health. The Yoruba community has long recognized the power of plants and their ability to nourish the body and promote good health. In fact, the plants themselves carry a unique energy, known as Ase, which determines their properties and benefits.
The modern world has only begun to scratch the surface of the potential of plants, with the pharmaceutical industry built on the foundation of plant-based medicine. Yet, there is still so much to learn and discover. We must adopt a new attitude in the medical community and recognize that the power of plants lies not just in their individual chemical components, but in the complex chemistry that arises from their combination.
In the book Ewe by Pierre Fatumbi he says
“The importance of a new attitude in the pharmaceutical community, in the western tradition it’s often presumed that there has to be only one identifiable chemical to produce a given effect. Little thought has been given to the possible effects arising from the complex chemistry that results from the combination of different chemicals.”
A popular plant called Ewedu used to make the popular ewedu soup that everybody loves to eat with amala and gbegiri and brokoto and fresh fish 😊 is also known as Ewe abíwere which means the plant that allows one safe delivery. It completely changes our perception on the ability of the plant and gives it a whole completely new meaning , this is the power of ase in Yoruba spirituality.
In Ogbè dí
Ewe Abíwéré
Abíwéré l’o ni kin bi were
The naming of plants according to their ase is also a very revealing and insightful literal innovation, where we don’t have to give complex botanical names to plants to sound intellectually mischievous, Yoruba name plants according to its various Ase which reveals the power and potential of the plant.
Let’s look at Ewe Abamoda, it’s a plant that has the potential to retain water for a period of 2weeks without getting spoilt, this is why the Àse is as follows in Èjì Ogbè
Àbámodá
Àbámodá àbá mí kò se àìse
Àbámodá ki daa ba ti e ko ma sè
Nature is full of wisdom that can be harnessed by humans through deep understanding and contemplation. One such example is the transposition of the potential energy of plants into the vibration of words. This is achieved through the medium of resonance and pure intellectual deduction. When we connect with nature and observe its intricacies, we can tap into the energetic potential of plants and translate it into words that carry immense power and resonance.
It is through this process that Ifa spirituality has been able to uncover profound insights into the workings of the natural world. The power of words is not just limited to their literal meaning but also to the vibrations they carry. The vibrations of words can be felt throughout our being and can influence our thoughts, emotions, and actions.
This is why the Yoruba tradition places great emphasis on the power of incantations and the use of language as a tool for transformation. By tapping into the energy of plants and using words as a medium of resonance, we can align ourselves with the natural world and harness its immense potential. It is a beautiful and powerful process that requires deep respect and reverence for the wisdom of nature.
Oh, the magnificence of animals in Ifa spirituality! They are not just creatures for consumption, but rather powerful beings with a depth of knowledge beyond their physical appearance. Every animal is unique in its own right, possessing psychic powers that are closely linked to their sensory organs and the rest of their body, depending on their Àse.
Animals hold an indispensable place in our culture as they are used to cure health issues, and even transfer death from a human to save his own life. And in modern science, the world of animals and their behavior is being explored with great enthusiasm. The cognitive ability of elephants has recently been discovered in western science — their amazing ability to retain memory. In Ifa spirituality, we can harness this mental energy to enhance our own brain power by transposing energy. For everything in the universe is energy that manifests itself in a material substance to the naked human eye.
By tapping into the energy and wisdom of animals, we can unlock new levels of physical and spiritual growth. We can enhance our sensory capabilities, increase our mental acuity, and expand our understanding of the natural world around us. So let us not overlook the incredible power and potential that lies within the animal kingdom, and let us strive to learn from them and harness their energy for our own well-being and evolution.
Let us open our eyes to the extraordinary potential of the animal kingdom and the incredible knowledge that it holds. With Ifa spirituality, we can tap into the wealth of knowledge that has been hidden from us for too long. Let us embrace the power of animals and learn to respect and honour them, for they are much more than just a source of food, they are a treasure trove of spiritual and medicinal knowledge waiting to be explored.
Conclusion
Let us not forget that the exploration of ancient spiritual sciences has brought about an incredible amount of advancement and knowledge to modern science. It is not simply a matter of lacking technological utility, but rather the expansion of the human mind and the deepening of our awareness of consciousness in the vast expanse of the infinite universe. Our ancestors were attuned to the rhythms and patterns of nature, and through their observations and practices
It is indeed a tragedy that the Yoruba spirituality has suffered neglect and disregard by its very own descendants. The onslaught of modernization and colonisation has led many to abandon the profound wisdom of their ancestors, and in turn, neglect the vast potential of their own beings. It is time for us to awaken from this slumber, to look beyond the programmed limitations of our minds, and to ignite the burning desire to explore the depth of our consciousness. Through the revival of our spiritual heritage, we can rekindle the flame of dignity and pride in our race, and pave the way for a brighter future. Let us embark on this journey of self-discovery, and reclaim the superior knowledge that lies within us all.
Thank you for reading , do like and share.
Isese a gbe wa
I honor my ancestors
I honor my Orí
I honor Ṣàngó
Àse