Invocation to If

Ifa Prayers
ORK RNML (Greeting the !irit of "estiny in the Morning# O$o%&'are( 'o )i $oni* Mo +o,g&n 'erin aye* Creator, I greet the new day. I greet the four directions that create the world. Ig&n,-ini( ig&n,-e)i( ig&n,-eta( ig&n,-erin O$o)o oni* The first vulture, the second vulture, the third vulture, the fourth vulture are owners of the day. G.og.o ire g.aa tio.a +a ni$e aye* /a f&n 'i ni te'i* 0,aya 1 t,o'o t,eg.e 1 t 1 og.a( They brought us the good fortune that sustains us on earth. They bring me all things that sustain my spirit, /a fi yiye +a* Ki of f,ona han +a* /a fi eni 1 e$eni se te'i* With you there is no failure, we praise the road you have created, nothing can block the power of Spirit. 2$aye o a$aye o* 2f&yegegege 'eseeg.e* 2$&)on& eniyan ti nf,o+o -o $e* We praise the Light of the arth, it sustains the abundance of Creation. 2 ni -osi igi 'e)i nin& ig.o .i o.i* 3yiti o .a ya,-o a ya a.i%&n 1 %&n 1 %&n 1%&n* 2$aye o( a$aye o* It brings us the food of the forest. It brings us the sweet things in life. We praise the Light of the arth, we praise the Light of the arth. If +a g.o te'i* 3s& +a g.o te'i* 4e-i eni ye 'i* 4e-i eni ye 'i* 4e-i eni ye 'i* Ifa brings us Spirit, the !ivine "essenger brings us Spirit. We praise their blessings. Ki o$a san 'i t,aya t,o'o t,i.i t,ire $o nrin !a!o ni,i$e aye* /a )e-i aye 'i* Kioye 'i* 2se* We praise the blessings of family and children as well as the creation and destruction that occurs in all corners of the world. They are the blessings of the world, they are my blessings. "ay it be so.

Invocation to If Ifa Prayers 1 2"5R2 RNML OL5/2 MI 24IKI Page 2 of 14 2"5R2 RNML OL5/2 MI 24IKI (Greeting the Ifa hrine of an e$%er# (**Clap three times in front of Ifa**) I$a )i r6n'7$8* I$a )i r6n'7$8* I$a )i r6n'7$8* Mo )i 'o -i ato$a* Mo -i as&$a* Mo -i as &r&nenene* Ina -& 1 -& 1 -& $,ahere* 3nia -& 1 -& 1 -& $,a.a* 2%ifa f&n ogo)o $,i'o og.o)o* O ni ,ti a+o yo og.o)o* 0i a+o yo og.o)o* N)e O$&+a 'i 'a )e-i tire yo o* The house of Light of the Spirit of !estiny and elders of #eaven cast Ifa for the Spirits worthy of praise on the day they were praising the Creator. (** Ikunle and rub hands together in front of Ifa**)

2+o a)9-9 $,a+o a)9-9* 2+o a)9-9 $,a+o a)9-9* 2+o a)9-9 $,a i!e a+o a)a 1 a$e 1 g.&n* The "ystery we salute first, the "ystery we salute first, the "ystery we thank first in gratitude for the "essengers of the "ysteries. 2 %a a a+on 'eta n$o .o ori 1 e$&* They all made sacrifice to elevate our consciousness. Ori 1 e$& -o g.,e.o $o+o +on* $ur sacrifice is for the elevation of consciousness. 2+o a)9-9 $,a+o a)9-9* 2+o a)9-9 $,a+o a)9-9* 2+o a)9-9 $,a i!e a+o a)a1a$e g.&n* The mystery we salute first, the "ystery we salute first, the "ystery we thank first in gratitude for the "essengers of the "ysteries. 2 %a f&n i-i t,o on yio .o or9 1 e$&* :io g.a i.o $ o+o on* They praise the elevation of our consciousness. I-i )i o +e+o fini o +e+e fini* O +a i'& o.i o na a si ori 1 e$&* I praise the "ystery, I am guided by head to the inner truth. Ori 1 e$& g.a $o+o re* O ni $o+o i-i e$eyin)& ege $,a to 'i i.o e* It is my head that guides me. Ig.ana ni i-i ',e-&n s,e-&n ig.e* O ',oh&n s,oh&n yere n-orin +i!e* It is the leopard we praise and it is to the leopard we sing our praise. G.,o.i !a o; 2+o aye; G.,o.i !a o; 2+o aye; 2se* Cola guides us to know the "ystery of arth. "ay it be so.

Invocation to If Page 2 of 14 2"5R2 RNML OL5/2 MI 24IKI (Greeting the Ifa hrine of an e$%er# (**Clap three times in front of Ifa**) I$a )i r6n'7$8* I$a )i r6n'7$8* I$a )i r6n'7$8* Mo )i 'o -i ato$a* Mo -i as&$a* Mo -i as &r&nenene* Ina -& 1 -& 1 -& $,ahere* 3nia -& 1 -& 1 -& $,a.a* 2%ifa f&n ogo)o $,i'o og.o)o* O ni ,ti a+o yo og.o)o* 0i a+o yo og.o)o* N)e O$&+a 'i 'a )e-i tire yo o* The house of Light of the Spirit of !estiny and elders of #eaven cast Ifa for the Spirits worthy of praise on the day they were praising the Creator. (** Ikunle and rub hands together in front of Ifa**) 2+o a)9-9 $,a+o a)9-9* 2+o a)9-9 $,a+o a)9-9* 2+o a)9-9 $,a i!e a+o a)a 1 a$e 1 g.&n* The "ystery we salute first, the "ystery we salute first, the "ystery we thank first in gratitude for the "essengers of the "ysteries. 2 %a a a+on 'eta n$o .o ori 1 e$&* They all made sacrifice to elevate our consciousness. Ori 1 e$& -o g.,e.o $o+o +on* $ur sacrifice is for the elevation of consciousness. 2+o a)9-9 $,a+o a)9-9* 2+o a)9-9 $,a+o a)9-9* 2+o a)9-9 $,a i!e a+o a)a1a$e g.&n* The mystery we salute first, the "ystery we salute first, the "ystery we thank first in gratitude for the

"essengers of the "ysteries. 2 %a f&n i-i t,o on yio .o or9 1 e$&* :io g.a i.o $ o+o on* They praise the elevation of our consciousness. I-i )i o +e+o fini o +e+e fini* O +a i'& o.i o na a si ori 1 e$&* I praise the "ystery, I am guided by head to the inner truth. Ori 1 e$& g.a $o+o re* O ni $o+o i-i e$eyin)& ege $,a to 'i i.o e* It is my head that guides me. Ig.ana ni i-i ',e-&n s,e-&n ig.e* O ',oh&n s,oh&n yere n-orin +i!e* It is the leopard we praise and it is to the leopard we sing our praise. G.,o.i !a o; 2+o aye; G.,o.i !a o; 2+o aye; 2se* Cola guides us to know the "ystery of arth. "ay it be so.

Ifa Pra ers ! "I"I I#$ Page % of 14

KIKI I<= (>hanting in Praise of the /is%o' of Nat&re#

3ye -an an fo $ere 'i( $ere 'i( o f,a!a ot&n .a,$e( O re g.ong.ong.on .i o-o* % bird twirls all over me, touching the ground with her right wing, and sounding as does the hoe when struck. 3ye -an an .a $ere 'i( $ere 'i( o f,a!a ot&n .a,$e( o re g.ong.ong.on .i a%a* The bird then perches on me, tapping the ground with her right wing, and sounding with the strength of a cutlass. ?i a$a+oro 1 r7s8 .a )i( a f,a%a r7s8 no,$e( a ni @r7s8( e )i ta.e o )i;@ When the chanter & priestess rises at dawn, she taps the earth with the Spirits cutlass saying. 'Spirits, I want to know if you are awake and attentive on this day(' ?a.a $o s&n ni -o )i* With no evidence that his attention is here, )ather maintains a sleep state. 4i)i ni -i o )i o( 'o 1 K&n 1 Otan $,3ri* So we must beg you to grant us your attention, )ather, you who are known as "okun & $tan at ri. 4i)i ni -i o )i( Mos&n ni$e I$a+e* We plead that you give us your attention, you who are called "osun at Ilawe Town. 4i)i ni -i o )i o( o)i)i a$aoo nini* We ask that you lend us your attention, you electric fish with everlasting calm comple*ion. ?a.a ni @.i o&n -o .a )i n-eA@ 'Suppose I show you no sign of wakefulness+' says )ather MoB @.i ise-&se .a se g.og.o eye o-o ni )i*@ I say, 'That once Isekuse crows the birds at the farm are aroused.' ?i O)i)i .a !ara%a $o%o* The same thing happens to the electric fish once it swirls in the sea. G.og.o e)a o'i ni )i* %ll the fishes are electrified into action. ?a.a ni @.i o&n .a )i .i o&n -o .a -o)& n-oA@ )ather said, 'Suppose wakefulness is shown but without keen attention+ Mo niB @as&ig.o -i -o)& si,i.o*@

I say, 'When when shitting in the bush a person faces not towards the bush. 2s&o%an -i -oyin s,ona* When shitting in the bush one faces the path. ?i e+e otiti .a t&( o)& O$o%&'are ni n-o)&siA %nd it is known that when the otiti plant e*plodes into bloom, it turns to the Creator, does it not+ ?a.a ni @.i o&n .a )i .i o&n -o rerin n-oA@ )ather says, 'Suppose I grant you my attention but without a grin that indicates I am giving with delight+' Mo niB @rerin( 'o ni erin $a rin fonna oti*@ I say, '-ou must give with delight. )or one thing, we are all cheers and delight when preparing the hearth brew.' 3rin $ag.ara nrin -,O$o%o $ona* )or another delight is what the water torrent e*udes, racing to discharge into the river. ?a.a niC @.i o&n .a rerin( .i -o tan nin& o&n n-oA@ )ather says, '.ow suppose I am all smiles, while at the same time I feel displeasure+' Mo niB @?i ase .a '& o'i( a tan nn& ase*@ I say, '/ut it should be recalled that whenever spiritual power, the filter is given water, it retains no part of it whatsoever.' ?i igere .a '& o'i( a tan nn& igere* The same applies to the igere trap, dipped in and then lifted from water, it retains not a drop. ?,a$a+oro 1 Osa .a 'aa soro $o%&n* The praise chanter of the Spirits e*presses the same idea on the eve of the annual festival. ?i o .a ranse !,Onig.a)a'o( a fa ir&n ori re tan !orogo%o* #e talks to the barber he makes sure his head is cleared of all hair and shaved clean. O%&n -o )eran 'i'i* Certainly the Spirit of Iron will not accept a rotten meat offering. I)a -o )eran i-ase* 0ust as the Spirit of the Warrior cannot be served unclean flesh. O tori O$a$e-&n( O'ini-&n( 2tata.ia-&n( 3rin 1 -o 1 yi!a%a 1 -&nA .ow, may I invoke tran1uility with $lalekun,$minikun, 2tata.ia-&n(an% 3rin 1 -o 1 seeyi!a%a 1 -&nA2.ata -&n-&n-&n -o tan $ehin o-&n* )orever 2un, hun and kun underscore the other side of the sea. 2'onato( a'onasegaara 1 %e 1 <e( G.&r& ag.a* -ou who straightens our path, you who put a curve in our path, you who ensures that the highway is kept unobstructed all the way to Ife. I$& 'e)i ge%ege%e* 3espect to the open & ended drum. I$& ge%ege%e $o teg&n 1 n,$& 3espect to the two untranslatable drum beats. O.a $o teyin erin nfon $nly a 4ing can use the trumpet made of an elephant tusk. 2 %aa f,r6n'7$8( ?a.a nsa+o r,o%e O'ini-&n( ni i.i ti g.og.o +on ng.e se,fa* Ifa divination was cast for the Spirit of !estiny,when )ather was going to the city that was famed for tran1uility, where all were working on the Ifa tray associated with offending Ifa. If .i 'o .a se e( -i o 'ase fi,.in& g.,e-&* So if I have offended you, please do not demand mouse for a sacrifice. If fi fere)i ni o fere)i( .i ara o%e O'ini-&n* Instead, Ifa grant me unconditional remission, as you did for the people of the town of tran1uility.

If .i 'o .a se e( -i o 'ase fi,.in& g.,e)a* Ifa if I have offended you, please do not demand fish for a sacrifice. <ifere)i ni o fere)i( .i ara o%e O'ini-&n* Instead, grant me complete remission, as you did for the people of the town of tran1uility. If .i 'o .a se o( -i o 'ase fi,.in& g.,eye* Ifa if I have offended you, please do not demand a bird offering. <ifere)i ni o fere)i( .i ara o%e O'ini-&n* Instead, grant me absolution, as you did the people of the town of tran1uility. If .i 'o .a se e( -i o 'ase fi,ran g.,eran* Ifa if I have offended you, please do not demand meat as a punishment. <ifere)i ni o fere)i( .i ara o%e O'ini-&n* Instead grant me total remission, as you did the people of the town of tran1uility. If .i 'o .a se e( -i o 'ase fi iran g.a ototo oh&n* Ifa if I have offended you, please do not demand material things. <ifere)i ni o fere)i( .i ara o%e O'ini-&n* Instead, grant me forgiveness, as you did the people of the town of tran1uility. ?i a .a )e-o a %ari),e+e* When we eat the eko porridge, we forgive the leaf wrapper. <ere)in 'i o( .i ara o%e O'ini-&n* 5rant me forgiveness, as you did the people of the town of tran1uility. O.a 2$a%e <ee)in 'i( O.a 2$afere)in* 2se* )orgive me great 4ing, the forgiving 4ing. "ay it be so.

Invocation to If Ifa Prayers 1 ORK 3L2 Page 4 of 14

ORK 3L2 (Invocation for oneness +ith the !irit of "estiny#

3$a o'o osin* 3$a O'o Oyigiyigi ota o'i* Spirit of "anifestation, child of the 3uler. Spirit of "anifestation, child of the offspring of the Stone in the Water. 2+a %i oyigiyigi* 2 -i o -& +a* We ourselves become manifestation. The stone that birthed the Spirit of "anifestation will never die. 3$a ro a -i o -& 'o( o-iri.iti* 3$a ro ( o-a$e# Or&n-o If* The Spirit of "anifestation has descended to arth, we die no more. This is the name we give to !estiny. 3ntiti ng.a ni $,a* N+on se e.o 3$a f&n 'i* #e is the one who saved us. We have made sacrifice to the Spirit of "anifestation. Ko t,ina( -o to ro* #e is of no substance. #e is too small to be thought of. ?eni on (3$a# ni g.a ni $a n,Ife( O.a 1 a 1 'o$a* -et #e delivered the Immortals from all trouble, the Chief for whom to know is to be saved. 3$a( O'o Osin 'o +ari o; 3$a 'e)i( 'o +ari o* The Spirit of "anifestation, Son of the 3uler, I praise you. The Spirit of "anifestation, the Spirit of

"anifestation, I praise you. 3$a 'o yin .or&* 3$a 'o yin .oye* 3$a 'o yin .osise* Spirit of "anifestation praise the sacrifice that opens the way. Spirit of "anifestation praise the sacrifice that brings life. Spirit of "anifestation praise the sacrifice that proceeds work. 3$a !o-e* 3ni esi so +a soro o%&n* O%&n -o +o +a so%&n* The Spirit of "anifestation has appeared. The friend has returned for this year6s festival. The celebration returns. Iro-o o-o* Iro-o o-o* Iro-o o-o* I come Iroko oko. I come Iroko oko. I come Iroko oko. O%&n oni si -o* 3$a !o-e* 3$a ro* 3$a ro* 3$a ro( -o +a g.&,re* The celebration has returned. The Spirit of "anifestation has appeared. #oly Spirit descend. #oly Spirit descend. #oly Spirit descend, prayers to accept. 3$a ta-&n +a o* 3$a ro o* 3ti ire re* 3$a ta-&n -o +a g.&,re* #oly Spirit with string descend. #oly Spirit descend. /e the ears of our prayers. #oly Spirit with string descend to accept our prayers. 3n& ire re* 3$a ta-&n -o g.&re* O)& ire re* #ear the lips of our prayers. #oly Spirit with string descend to accept our prayers. #ear the eyes of our prayers. 3$a ta-&n -o +a g.&,re* 3$a 'a %a+o a)e +aro* 3$a 'a %,ese a)e +aro* #oly Spirit with string descend to accept our prayers. #oly Spirit with lips of blessing embrace us. "ighty Spirit with lips of blessing embrace us. 2ti-an i-&n -i oni i-ere yo i-ere* )rom door to door remove the hinges. I!en!e,)& ni si,$e-&n f&n e-&n aga%a ni si,e-&n f&n e)e* #e who removes the hinges opens the eyelids for tears. Og&n%a,sa( i+o ni o nsi$e-&n f&n 3)erin%i$og&n Ir&n'o$e* The Spirit of Iron, the Spirit of Wind, the Spirit who opens the door for the Immortals. 3$a !an&'o !an&'o* 3$a !an&.a !an&.a* #oly Spirit resounding. #oly Spirit rebounding. 2yan i$e ni a+o eg.e i$e( e-o$o rogo%o ni a+o o'ini$e* .ear the crack in the wall where the elders meet, 7eace ascended to #eaven and did not return. 3ri+o $o sor&n -o %o 'o* O ni -i a -e si O%i a+o O%i* 8pon blockade the 7riest for )lockade is called to arth. #e asked us to call upon the 7riest of 7eace. O ni -i a -e si 3ro a+o 3ro* O ni -i a -e si 3g6n os&s& a.aya .a.a'.a* 8pon the shrub thorns he asked us to call. 8pon the blockade we call the 7riest of the /lockade. 2 -e si 3ro a+o 3ro( -e si 3g6n o s&s& a.aya .a.a'.a a ni eri+o $o si Or&n -o %e 'o( +on ni -i 3$a roi.a$e* 8pon the thick shrub thorns we call, to #eaven calmly ascend. #oly Spirit descend. 3$a ni on -o ri i.i ti on yio ro si o ni i+a)& on eg&n* The 7eace of the #oly Spirit said, 'I have nowhere to descend.' 3yin on os&s& ag.e%e' ,n)i on eg&n os&s&( a+o fa 'a )e -i,i+a)& 3$a g&n 'ori on to$&* I find the front filled with thorns, I find the rear and the middle filled with thorns. r6n'7$8 'a )e-i eyin 3$a g&n 'osi O$o-are'.e r6n'7$8 'a )e-i ag.e%e'e)e $a g&n Os&s&* The humans appealed to the Spirit of !estiny to pray to the 5reat Spirit of "anifestation. 3$a ro* If -o )e -i i+a)& re se %&n%&n 'ore on to$&* #oly Spirit descend. 3emove the thorns from the front and rear. 3$a ro* If -o )e-i eyin re se +oro+o* #oly Spirit descend. 3emove the thorns from the middle.

3$a ro* 3$a ni ,+a)& o %i O%&n%&n* #oly Spirit descend. %t the front place of 7eace, the #oly Spirit becomes manifest. 3$a ni eyin o %i 0ete* 3$a ni ag.e%e'e)i o %i +oro+o* 2se* %t the rear place of 7eace, the #oly Spirit becomes manifest. %t the middle place of 7eace, the #oly Spirit becomes manifest. "ay it be so.

Page & of 14

ORK 3L2 (Invocation for arriva$ of the !irit of "estiny#

If rD + o* E$8 rD + o o* ?9 D n .e $! D-&n* Ifa please descend, Spirit of purity pleae be present. If you are at the ocean please come. KF rD 'oo .o* ?9 D n .e n9 +nrn oo)6'o* 2se* If you are in mid lagoon, please come. ven if you are at wanran in the east, please come. "ay it be so. ORK 3L2 (Invocation for %escent of the !irit of "estiny# If $F $,Dn9( If $F $,$a( If $F $GDto&n$a !H$6 H* Ifa is master of today, Ifa is master of tomorrow, Ifa is master of the day after tomorrow. r6n'7$8 $o ni)F 'IrHHrin DDs %,yI* The Spirit of !estiny is the master of the four days created by the divinities. E$8 'o y7n .&r6( E$8 'o y7n .oyH( E$8 'o y7n .osise* Spirit of 7urity I praise the offering that opens the way, that brings satisfaction and that works on my behalf. E$a rD* E$a rD* E$a rD* Spirit of 7urity descend, Spirit of 7urity descend, Spirit of 7urity descend. Mo )6.8 o( 'o )6.8 o( 'o )6.8 o* I praise you, I praise you, I praise you. r6n'7$8 'o !H* r6n'7$8 'o !H* r6n'7$8 'o !H* Spirit of destiny I call you. Spirit of destiny I call you. Spirit of destiny I call you. If 'o !H* If 'o !H* If 'o !H* Ifa I call you. Ifa I call you. Ifa I call you. If )i o r6n'7$8( .9 o$o $,o-o( -i o + $I o( .9 o$o $,o%o( %9 o + $I o* Ifa awake. Spirit of !estiny if you go the farm you should come home, If you go to the river you should come home. ?9 o $o $,o%e( -9 o + $I o* Mo )6.8 o* Mo )6.8 o* Mo )6.8 o* 2se* If you go the hunt, you should come home. #omage, homage, homage. "ay it be so. Invocation to If Ifa Prayers 1 Os&'are Page ' of 14

O 5M2R3 (Praising the !irit of the Rain.o+#

Os&'are a g.e Or&n $i a!a ira o !on iy&n !on nana( The Spirit of the 3ainbow lives in the sky, and travels across the sky by moving both arms. 2 !&!o .i Or&n o-o I)o-o %&%& o)6 e a fi +o ran* 2se* $verwhelming like the sky, Spirit of the 3ainbow regarding the world with dark black eyes. "ay it be so.

Invocation to If Ifa Pra ers ! (lodumare Page ) of 14

OLO"5M2R3 (Praise to the o&rce of >reation#

.8 O$o%&'are( O.a 2)i-i a)ige* Ogege 2g.a-iyeg&n* O-iti.iri O.a ti na! o)o i-& %a* I respect the Womb of Creation, "onarch of the first "essengers we praise. ldest 7arent of the %ncestors. The 3uler who never faces death. 2tere -,aiye( 2+&si-at&( O.a a )o-o .iri-iti-a$e( 2$a.&r-&-e 2)i'&-&t&+e( Ogiri.a)ig.o( O.a ti o fi i'o$e se aso .ora( O$&%are ati O$&forigi( 2%i'&$a(O$ofin aiye ati Or&n* Spirit of the arth, we praise you with your praise names. 2 f&n +en a-e +en( O+en+en a-e .i a$a* -ou mold the light to create all things. 2$ate a)i!a O$ofa oro O.a a %a-e %a)o* $wner of the "ystery of .ature, whose words are the 4ing of Creation. 2+os& se-an* O.a a)&+a!e a$a.a a$ase $ori oh&n g.og.o* 4eeper of the unknowable "ystery. Source of all the #eads in Creation. 2ra.a n$a ti n'i ig.o -i)i-i)i* Chief !iviner of the Light who will always be praised in the sacred 5rove. Oyigiyigi O.a a-i-& ati O.a nig.o( O.a ateni$e forig.e)i( 2+a'ari%i O$&g.h&n 'i'o to Or&n* 4ing of the nternal 3ock and 4ing of the tneral )orest, 4ing of all forms of consciousness on the arth, )irst %mong the Immortals in #eaven. 3$a f&nf&n g.o o O.a toto .i aro( !a'&!a'& %igi)igi e-&n a+on ase-e* The Spirit of "anifestation and all the 4ings, respect your power. 2 +i'ayeh&n O$& i!a O.a 2iri* 2rin& ro%e O$&'oran o-an* 2.o+o g.og.og.o ti yo o'o re* Nin& ogin aiye ati Or&n* %ll the Children of Creation call you by your praise names and give thanks for the blessings of #eaven and arth. I.a to 1 to 1 to* 2se* We offer total respect. "ay it be so

Invocation to If Ifa Pra ers ! I#$I*+,-. Page / of 14

I<=I:2?L3 (2ffir'ation of ?e$ief#

0o gba .dumare gbo1 eni oni eni ana eni titi lailai1 eniti gbogbo Irunmole ati Igbamole2 I believe in the Creator1 the (3ner of 4oda and the (3ner of *esterda 1 the (3ner of +ll 5a s to Come2 63ari fun ti 3on si npa ase re mo1 (lupilese ati eleda ohun gbogbo ti a nri1 ati e i ti a ko ri2 7e to 3hom all the Immortals pa homage1 and for 3hem the e8ist to kno3 his la3s and commands1 (riginator and Creator of all things discovered and et to be discovered2 0o gba (runmila barapetu .lerin Ipin1 Ibike9i (lodumare +lafogun +9e9ogun2 I believe in the :pirit of 5estin 1 the ;reat <itness to Creation1 :econd to the Creator1 and (3ner of 0edicine that is 0ore Po3erful than 0edicine2 (biriti ap ! o9o Iku da1 (dudu ti ndu ori emere1 +giri Ile Ilogbon1 (lu3a mi ato ba 9=ai e gbo2 4he Immense (rbit that fought the da of 5eath1 the (ne 3ho >egenerates *outh and Creatures of ,ad -uck1 7e 3ho is Perfect in the 7ouse of <isdom1 the +ll Po3erful 3ho :aves2 0o gba a3on o9ise gbo1 mo gba .la mimo gbo bi1 Iko ti (dumare nran=se2 I believe in the 0essengers1 I believe in the 7ol :pirit of 0anifestation1 <ho is the 0essenger sent b the Creator2 0o gbagbo pe iranse ni .su nse mo gbagbo pe imisi (ba t=ai ese ni nso ni di o9ise2 I believe that the inspritation of the most Purative and Corrective Chief proceeds from the 0essengers2 0o gba +koda ati +seda gbo bi1 emi imo ai ogbon ai erai e2 I believe in +koda and +seda1 the :oul and :pirit of "no3ledge and <isdom since the beginning of 4ime2 0o gbagbo pe ilana ti a3on o9ise fi lele nipase imisi emi (ba t=ai ese io ran ni lo3o lati ri ona i e2 I believe that through the teachings of the 0essengers the inspiration :pirit of the most Purative and Corrective "ing of the 3orld decends and ignites and spreads from his hand in order to light the 3a of life2 0o gbagbo pe agbafa ti o ti inu agbara 3a mbe lara a3on ami2 I believe that this po3er 3ithin po3er e8ists 3ithin the societ of 3ise 3omen2 0o gbagbo pe etutu ni a fi ntun ai e se2 I believe that it is b propitiaition and atonement that the3orld is made2 0o gba i9ori3o a3o agbai e gbo2 I believe in I9ori3o a3o +gbai e a3o of the ?niverse2 0o gba ilana i3eri a3o bi apere atunbi2 I believe in the teachings of I3ere a3o as the guide to regeneration and rene3al2 0o gbagbo pe igbala 3a mbe ninu ninu i3a rere2 I believe that salvation e8ists in the e8haltation of good character2 0o gbagbo pe emi enia ki nku2 I believe that the :oul of 7umans does not die2

0o gba atunbi gbo2 I believe in regeneration and reincarnation2 0o gba ilana i3osan gbo2 I believe in the 7ol Principles of 7ealing2 0o gbagbo pe 9i9e on9e imule io mu ni po si ninu Ife ara2 I believe that the cleansing foods of the covenant are plentiful among the kindred of Ife2 0o gba ilana igbe a3o gbo ati pe o to o si e ki t=oko t=a a2 I believe in the sacredness of the principles of marriage and that it is honorable for men and 3omen to al3a s be in sober conduct2 <a ni aireko9a nigbagbogbo ki .dumare fi ese mi mule ninu igbagbo i2 +se2 +t the feet of the Creator I drink .arth and make Covenant in this faith2 0a it be so2 I<=I:2?L3 (Re1affir'ation of ?e$ief# :=@tAtB s=@dodoC soore m s=DkE2 FtAtB a b=@nE tBBro2 ,e truthful1 be righteous1 do good and not 3ickedness2 4ruth the traveler on the narro3 path2 FsGkE a b=@nE gbara1 s=@tAtB s=@dodoC s=@tAtB s=@dodoC eni s=@tAtB ni=malD ngbD2 +se2 <ickedness the traveler on the broad path2 ,e truthful1 be righteous2 0a it be so2 I<=I:2?L3 (Re1affir'ation of ?e$ief# H3@rG ! te9umo ! ohun ! ti ! i ! se ! =nl bA o ba te=f kA o tIn i J inu re tD2 I3ori1 stare at 3hat affects usC if ou are initiated into If1 please rene3 our inner thought2 +3o1 m fi D9 igb gun @pe2 +3o m fi EGmo3D 3o omi1 +dept1 do not use a tattered rope to climg the palm tree1 +3o1 m GbAnI o Fbe1 a3o1 m fi ma sn bEntJ a3o2 +se2 +dept1 do not pull out a kife in anger1 adept1 do not 3ear the apron of an adept2 0a it be so2

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2L2<I2 OPON (Greeting the "ivining 0ray#

I3a9u opon o gbo o2 . in opon o gbo2 0a the head of the tra listen2 0a the circle of the tra listen2 (lumu otun1 (lokanran osi1 aarin opon ita (run2 +se2 :pirits of understanding to the right1 :pirits of propehc to the left2 4he middle of the tra is the crossroad of 7eaven2 0a it be so2

ORK IKIN (Praising the acre% <r&it of the 0ree of Life# * Cover the Ikin 3ith both hands FrInmGlE o gbo o2 FrInmGlE i3o =a3o2 :pirit of 5estin listen2 :pirit of 5estin reveal the 0 steries2 (un a3o2 (3o i a3o2 Illuminate the 0 steries2 ,less us 3ith the m ster of abundance2 .mi nikansoso l=ogberi2 + ki=fa agba 0erindinlogun sile k=asina2 :pirit that creates perfect harmon 2 :ho3 us the 3isdom of the si8teen principles that mold the .arth2 .lerin Ipin f=ona han mi2 +se2 <itness to Creation reveal ourself to me2 0a it be so

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ORK I<= (Praising the /is%o' of Nat&re to o!en "ivination#

FrInmGlE .leri ! ipin ibike9i (lodumare2 :pirit of 5estin 1 <itness to Creation1 second onl to the Creator2 + ! 9e ! 9e ! ogun obiriti ! a ! p=i9o ! iku sa2 7e 3ho has the medicine to overcome 5eath2 (lu3a mi amoimotan ! a ko mo o tan ko se2 4he Creator 3ho kno3s ever thing that 3e do no kno32 + ba mo o tan iba se ke2 If 3e had kno3n ever thing there 3ould be no suffering2 (lu3a mi (lo3a ai ere omo .lesin Ile ! ( in2 4he Creator of ;ood 4hings on the .arth1 :on of the (3ner of the 7ouse that is made of hone 2 (mo ol=ope kan t=o s=an an dogi ! dogi2 :on of the o3ner of the tree that al3a s stands firm2 (lu3a mi opoki a ! mu ! ide ! s =o9u ekan ko 9e k=ehun hora asaka ! saka akun2 4he Creator (pokoi 3ho put the gold chain of protection in his e es so that the finger of the lion 3ould not scratch and make a rash2 (mo (so ! ginni t apa ti ni ! e3u nini2 :on of (so!ginni from the 4apa tribe 3here ever one dresses in fine cloths the (3ner of .gun 3ho 3alks on stilts2 (mo (so pa=de mo3o pa=de mese o mbere at epa o9e2 (so=s son 3ho put beads on his 3rist and ankles1 the gold chain of (9e2 (lu3a mi igbo omo i an birikiti inu odo2 4he Creator1 :pirit of the ,ush1 :on of the >ound Po3dered *am in the 0ortar2 (mo igba ti ns=ope 9ia9ia2 :on of the Calabash 3ho created man palm trees2 Iku dudu at e3o (ro a9=epo ma pon2 4he 3ise +ncestor 3ith a 3ordl hand 3ho eats palm oil that is not ripe2 +giri ile ! ilobon a ! b=(lo3u di3ere ma ran2 +giri from the 7ouse of <isdom 3ith plent of small cotton seeds that never spread2 (lu3a mi a ! to ! iba ! 9ai e (ro a ! b=iku ! 9=igbo2 Creator it is good living on .arth even 3ith the :pirit

of 5eath lurking in the bush2 (lu3a mi +9iki ogege a ! gb=ai e ! gun2 Creator 3e go to greet ou in the morning 3ith (gege 3ho lives to make Peace on .arth2 (dudu ti idu ori emere o tun ori ti ko sain se2 4he person 3hose :pirit defends those 3ho die at birth re!shapes bad heads2 (mo el=e9o ti nrin mirin ! mirin lori e3e2 :on of the sanke 3ho moves serenel along the top of the leaves2 (mo arin ti irin ode ! o3o saka ! saka2 :on of the ;rinder 3ho rules 3ith a clean hand2 FrInmGlE a boru1 FrInmGlE a bo e1 FrInmGlE a bosise2 +se2 I beg the :pirit of 5estin to lift our burden from the earth and offer it to 7eaven2 0a it be so2 2"5R2 20I I45?2 (Praising the e$%ers in s&!!ort of %ivination# HbE lu3o1 GbE 9ugbona1 GbE +koda1 GbE +seda1 GbE +raba egbe If (gun ti (de >emo1 GbE baba1 GbE e e1 GbE e e baba2 + 9uba enikan kode enikan ku2 +se2 <I<O IKIN (Greeting the I-in Prior to %ivination# * Place the listed number of Ikin in the left hand .run (si2 #ive Ikin (Present to the left side of the tra ) .run (ra2 #ive Ikin (Present to the right side of the tra ) .ta .gutan2 4hree Ikin (Present to the top of the tra ) .9i .re e2 43o Ikin (Present to the bottom of the tra ) .niti o ba fin idan2 (ne ikin (Present to the middle of the tra ) ORIN IKIN ( ong for 'ar-ing O%&# CallC .9iogbe a buru a bo e akala o2 >esponseC + akala1 a akala o2 CallC ( eku me9i a buru a bo e akala o2 >esponseC + akala1 a akala o2 * Call the (du in seNuence until all eight marks are on the tra

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ORIKI I<= (Praising the "ivination set#

If 9i ! o FrInmGlE2 ,i olo l ! oko1 ki o 3a le o2 Ifa a3ake oh :pirit of 5estin 2 If ou are going to the farm1 ou should return home2 ,i olo l ! lodo1 ki o 3a le ! o2 If ou are going to the river1 ou should return home2 ,i olo l ! ode1 ki o 3a le ! o2 If ou are going on the hunt1 ou should return home2 * Place the bo3l of

ikin on the ground to the left2 0o fi ese re te ! le ba i2 I take our foot and press the ground like this2 * Place the bo3l on the mat2 0o fi ese re te ori eni ba i1 mo gbe o ka l!ori eni ki o le gbe mi ka l ! ori eni titi lai2 I take our foot and press the top of the mat1 I carr ou to sit on the mat so ou can carr me to sit on the mat2 * Place the bo3l on the tra 2 0o gbe o ka l ! ori opon If ki o le gbe mi ka l ! ori opon If titi lai2 I carr ou to sit on Ifa=s tra so that ou can carr me to sit on Ifa=s tra forever2 * 5ra3 a line around the bo3l clock3ise2 0o ko ! le i o ka ki o le ko ! le1 i me ka ki o le 9eki omo i mi ka ki o le 9eki o3o i mi ka2 I build a house around ou so ou can build a house around me so ou can let children surround me so that ou can let mone surround me2 * .rase the line 3ith a feather2 0o 9uba ! o1 mo 9uba ! o2 Iba se1 iba se1 iba se2 I give respect1 I give respect2 I give praise1 I give praise1 I give praise2 * :prinkle i erosun on the floor2 Ile mo 9uba1 iba se2 .arth1 I give ou respect and praise2 * 0ark a line from the center to the top of the tra 2 0o la ona fun tororo ki o le la ona fun mi tororo ki o le 9eki omo to ona i 3a s ! odo mi ki o le 9eki o3o t o ona i 3a s ! odo mi2 I open a straight road for ou so ou can open a straight road for me so ou can let m children take this road to m presence so ou can let mone take this road to m presence2 * :tir the I erosun on the floor 3ith a feather2 0o se il e ba i2 I do this on the ground2 * :tir the i erosun tra 2 0o se opon ba i2 I do this on the tra 2 * 4ap on the tra 2 + ! gun s e ! o a ! gun se2 ,i akoko g ! ori igi a se1 a ! gun se ! o1 a ! gun se2 4o climb and chatter1 to climb and chatter2 If the <est +frican gre 3oodpecker mounts the top of the tree it 3ill chatter1 to climb and chatter1 to climb and chatter2 ,i agbe 9i a ma s e1 a ! gun se ! o1 a ! gun se2 If the agbe bird a3akes to climb and chatter1 to climb and chatter1 to climb and chatter2 ,i aluko 9i a ma se1 a ! gun se ! o1 a ! gun se2 If the 3oodpecker a3akes it 3ill chatter1 to climb and chatter1 to climb and chatter2 Iba se (6ame of (risa ) (ba ai e ati (ba (run iba in o2 I praise (6ame of :pirit) Chief on .arth1 Chief in 7eaven I give ou praise2 FrInmGlE boru1 FrInmGlE bo e1 FrInmGlE bosise2 :pirit of 5estin lift m burden from the earth and offer it to 7eaven2 * Clap hands three times2 +dupe ! o2 I give thanks2 * Count out si8teen Ikin from the bo3l2 + tun ka li asi3ere ika o3o re2 4o count again is ho3 a mad man counts his mone 2

Iba (lu3o2 Iba (9ugbona2 Iba a ko ni li ! fa2 Iba a te ni l ! ere2 I praise the chief priest2 I praise m teacher2 I praise all those 3ho have taught me Ifa2 I praise the one 3ho pressed m hand into the mud2 Iba a ko ba i2 Iba a te ba i2 Iba gbodipete2 Iba kukubole2 I praise those 3ho do this2 I praise those 3ho mark Ifa2 I praise the termite hill2 I praise the ant hill2 Iba okuta2 Iba loko2 Iba lodo2 I praise the stone2 I praise the farm2 I praise the river2 J Re!$ace the I-in in the .o+$* (ro kan so ko si a3o n ! ile oro kan so ko si agba n ! ile2 +se2 (ne 3orld alone does not drive a diviner from home2 (ne 3orld alone does not driver an elder from home2 0a it be so2

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"2RI4I (Invocation for <orgiveness#

J 2s-ing that no offering .e reK&este% +hen the %iviner is %oing !ersona$ %ivination* FrInmGlE mo pe1 FrInmGlE mo pe1 FrInmGlE mo pe2 :pirit of 5estin I am greeting ou1 :pirit of 5estin I am greeting ou1 :pirit of 5estin I am greeting ou2 IfP mo pe1 If mo pe1 If mo pe2 <isdom of 6ature I am greeting ou1 <isdom of 6ature I am greeting ou1 <isdom of 6ature I am greeting ou2 (dudu3a mo pe1 (dudu3a mo pe1 (dudu3a mo pe2 #ather of our People I am greeting ou1 #ather of our People I am greeting ou1 #ather of our People I am greeting ou2 Igi nla subu 3onakankan d=etu2 FrInmGlE ni o di adari9i2 4he light that proceeds appeasment2 :pirit of 5estin relieve me of m obligation2 0o ni o di adari9i2 ( ni bi ( a ba pa ni tan2 I ask that ou relieve me of m obligation2 It is the :pirit of the <ind 3ho lights the 3a 2 + ki i1 a sa a1 a f=ake eran fun u2 + dari9i o ni bi :ango ba pa ni tan2 I pra that ou do not demand an offering of meat2 Please relieve m obligation so that the :pirit of -ightning can light the 3a 2 + ki i1 a sa1 a f=agbo fun u2 + dari9i1 o ni bi FgIn ba pa ni tan2 I pra that the ring of dancers 3ill bless me2 Please relieve m obligation so that the :pirit of Iron can light the light the 3a 2 + ki i1 a sa a1 a f=a9a fun u2 I pra that the dog 3ill bless us2 + dari9i1 (dudu3a dari9i 3a bi a ti ndari9i a3on ti o se 3a2 +se2 Please relieve m obligation1 please relieve m obligation2 0a it be so2

Invocation to If Ifa Pra ers ! (>L"H #=(5Q 0L0R Page 1% of 14

ORK <,O"L MMM (Praising the O%& Pot#

(modJ @f=o9I b=(dS lasanC TgbE @ f=o9I b=(dS nA @fJC -ittle children do not see odu free of chargeC (ld people do not see (du 3ithout pa ing a feeC .ni t=o ba f=o9I b=(dI BB sG d =a3o2 + dA fIn FrEngIn1 IlJ IlE1 7e 3ho sees (dS 3ill become an If priest2 Ifa 3as cast for (rangun of Ila2 tA B gbEle9@ lti Fde Hdan2 <Bn nA b=B b f=o9I b=Ele9@1 <ho 3ould recieve a visitor from the cit of Idan2 7e 3as told that 3hen he sa3 the visitors1 orin ni kA B ma ko2 he should start singingC (rin + f=o9I b=(dS1 a rAre @2 + f=o9S b =(dS1 a rAre2 T3 mE mE kIkI f=o9I b=(dS2 + @ kI mB2 + f=o9I b=(dS1 a rAre2 TborI Ebo D1 Ebosise2 <e have seen (du2 <e have seen good fortune2 <e have seen (du1 <e have found good fortune2 <e have certainl seen (du1 3e shall not die2 <e have seen (du1 3e have found good fortune

Invocation to If Ifa Pra ers ! F>U60H-T +O+6+

Page 14 of 14

RNML 242N2 (Praise na'es for the !irit of "estiny#

If O$F-&n( 2 1 sorD 1 %ayD( 3$Ir7n17!in( I.7-e)7 E%N'8rH* The !iviner of the Sea, the one who makes affairs prosper, Witness to Creation, Second to the Creator. r6n'7$a ni ?a.a +a o e( 8+a -D ni O.a 'I)7( If to O.a o( r6n'7$8 ni ?a.a +a( If to O.a o* Spirit of !estiny is our )ather, we have no other 4ing, Ifa is sufficient to be our king. Spirit of !estiny is our )ather. Ifa is competent enough to be king. K 'D F -a $8( K 'D F - ' tHtH -6( 2'D$8 IfH o+D%yI* Whom to know is to be saved, Whom to know is to live a long life The Savior of Ife from the early days. O-Nnrin %6%6 D-H gHt9( O$6+8 'i 8'D 1 i'D 1 tn( O$6''a8'i -9t9.7r9* The /lack "an of Igeti #ill, the Chief who cannot be fully comprehended, The Chief %verter. 09 n!o)F i-6 %8( a -D 'D F tn i.a se( a . 'D F tn I.a se* The charger of the determined day of death, not to have full knowledge of you is to fail, to have full knowledge of you is to be successful. On9$Igangan 1 a)9-9( yn 1 a+o 1 in6 1 i.gF( 2'iyIgIn* The first of the many houses that we praise, Chief diviner of the inner forest, powerful medicine of the earth. ?ara Pet&( ?a.a -I-erI -I gHt9( r7s8 t9 F fi g.og.o ayI fi o)6 orFr7 s9 !t!t* )ather of Ipetu, the small man of Igeti, Spirit who has influence all over the World. 2 .i ara 9$& .9 a)ere( r7s8 t9 ng.I n-an D$e g6n( ,<g6n+8( o-o yH-6* #e, whose body can be shifted into many forms, the Spirit who gives strength to the weak, the husband of $yeku. O$F'6 n$( a .F,ni ' rN( ?a.a EsN %8r8( r7 s8 t9 ng.a,ni $,F+F eni t9 F n9 7-8 n9n6* The big breasted man who feeds all people without loosing weight, the )ather of the !ivine "essenger of Transformation, the Spirit who saves us from destruction. ?a.a a-IrI 1 fi 1 in6 1 se 1 og.Fn( !7t8n IfH( a f6n,ni %* )ather of small stature who is filled with wisdom, the 5reat #istorian of Ife, he who makes recreation possible. %N%N t99 %& or9 7$ I'HrH -9 or9 7$ I'HrH ' .8 fF* Savior of the child of mere. 2 t6n or9 eni t9 -D s&n+Dn se( fFnrFn D+6 -an soso( a)I )& oDgNn* #e who changes bad luck into good luck, the 5reat "ystical Thread of Creation, he who manifests more effectively than charms. 2r +or8n n9 i.i t9 o)6 rere ti 9'F +( ?a.a e$I!o !6!D ' )e 8%9n* The original man from the place where dawn breaks, )ather and owner of the palm oil that has no need to eat black oil. 2 yF tIIrI g.,ra sn,$H ' fi ara !a( a s,DrD %,ayD* The young one who falls without in2ury, he who transforms worry into happiness. K9 a 'D F -9 a $8( O.a 2$%I O$F%N MIr7n%9n$Fg6n* To know #im is to find salvation, 4ing of the Si*teen 7rinciples of Creation. r&n $F 'o eni ti y9F $8* $nly #eaven know who will be saved. On9$I or9 D-H t9 nr9 8fD!in eye( s,ayI s,Or&n .9n9* $wner of a large house that is high enough to see the limit of the flight of the birds, dweller of earth and #eaven. 2 )9 !a o)o i-6 %8( ?a.a 'i gonn7rHg6n( a tF 9 fi ara t7 .9 D-H* #e who wards off imminent death, my )ather who we can lean on forever because #e is as strong as a