This page describes the practice. There is deliberately no automated reading for it — see the notes below.
Background
Ifá is a geomantic system from Yorubaland in West Africa, also practised in West African Vodun and diaspora religions such as Santería. UNESCO proclaimed the Ifá divination system a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005, and it is on the Representative List.
How it works
An initiated babalawo manipulates sacred palm nuts (ikin) on a divination tray (ọpọ́n Ifá) or casts an opele chain to arrive at one of 256 odu, then recites and interprets the associated verses.
Notes and limits
Culture: Ifá is an initiatory religious tradition; the odu and their verses are transmitted orally from babalawo to babalawo over years of training. Automating it would misrepresent a sacred practice, so there is no simulation. Learn from Yoruba communities and recognised institutions.
Safety: Some traditional rites include animal offerings; nothing on this site asks for or imitates them.
At a glance
- Also called
- Ifá, Fá, Odu Ifá, Babalawo divination
- Traditions
- Yoruba, Fon (Vodun), Santería (Lucumí)
- Regions
- Africa, Americas
- You need
- A question
- Price
- Free