
Orunmila,
the instruction consists of the
art of divination, interpretation and application of the oracle of Ifa. The
Babalawos are disciples of Orunmila or as commonly called Ifa priests. A
Babalawo, he has to study Ifa from three to seven
years. The Babalawos are both diviners and priest of Ifa. Babalawos are
taught to reverence the names of the two first disciples of Ifa taught by
Orunmila himself at Ile-Ife, namely Akoda and Aseda. They served as hands and
feet to Orunmila and he acted through them; they traveled and taught the
doctrine in other parts of the world. Orunmila lived on earth for many ages,
teaching and setting things in order. Everyday Orunmila teaches his
disciples something new. Ifa taught Orungan, making him the first priest of Ifa.
Orunmila, knows are true destiny. He is sought after to help with decisions of
our life. It is a valuable resource and aid to better our lives. The Ifa Priest
instruments are: Opele chain, Opon-ifa which is a square piece of wood which he
throws the opele chain, Irofa which is used for tapping the Opon-Ifa. There are
256 odus which are used for divination. Ikins which are small palm nuts that the
Babalawo uses to consult.
His offerings are:Old female goat, hens
Adimu are: Honey, Palm oil, fruit and fish.
Note:I don't agree that with an opele chain, a persons Guardian Angel could be found out, except under an extreme emergency.