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Image caption: ​A boy wears a crown made from a map, symbolizing the Orí—his inner guide and divine compass through life’s journey.

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Dafá (Ifá divination) has revealed Ogbè’Túrá (also known as Ogbè Òtúrá or Ogbè Alárá)—an Odù that speaks of sacrifice to achieve peace and fulfillment. This Odù reminds us of the importance of regularly making Ebó (offerings or sacrifice) to maintain our spiritual balance. Most significantly, this week it emphasizes the role of the Orí, urging us to honor and appease our Orí regularly to ensure alignment with our destiny and to manifest the desires of the soul. Think of destiny as a spiritual map encoded into the crown of your head, where your Orí—your seat of consciousness—resides. This divine navigation system guides you through the life experiences your soul chose in order to develop Ìwà Pẹ̀lẹ́ (a gentle, upright, and noble character).

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In everyday Yorùbá, Orí literally means “head,” but in the Ifá tradition, it is far more than a physical part of the body. Orí is your personal Òrìṣà, your divine essence, and the map of your destiny—a sacred force that chose your life path before you were born. It holds the record of your purpose, challenges, blessings, and the spiritual lessons you are meant to master.

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According to Ifá teachings, before birth, each soul visits Ajálámọ̀ (sometimes written Ajala Mọ́ Ọ̀rún), “the one who molds or shapes destiny,” to select an Orí. This sacred act determines one’s unique life journey and spiritual responsibilities. Ọ̀rúnmìlà, known as ẹlẹ́ẹ̀rí-ìpín (“the witness to destiny”), is present at the moment this choice is made. Through the wisdom of divination, Ọ̀rúnmìlà can reveal whether you are living in harmony with your chosen destiny—or straying from the path your soul agreed to follow.

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While the Òrìṣà are divine forces and guardians of nature and humankind, it is Orí that resides within you, making it the most personal and accessible spiritual force. Orí is often said to be an even greater influence than any external Òrìṣà in determining your fate.

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"Òrìṣà ni wò, Orí ni yàn."
"The Òrìṣà may try, but it is Orí who chooses."

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The proverb affirms that nothing in your life unfolds without the consent of your Orí. While the Òrìṣà influence events, it is your Orí that determines how those influences manifest for you. This is a deeply empowering truth—it teaches that your destiny is not outside of you, but within you.

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Because Orí is considered a Funfun divinity (white, pure, and serene), it must be kept cool. When overheated by emotional turmoil, toxic environments, trauma, anger, substance abuse, or spiritual neglect, it becomes clouded and misaligned. To keep Orí cool and receptive, offerings such as fresh water, coconut water, rose water, herbs, shea butter, or kola nut are given regularly with reverence and care.

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In Ifá, rituals to nourish and align Orí are foundational to spiritual wellness:

• Ìbọrí – the ritual washing of the head, to cleanse and realign your inner consciousness.

• Orí offerings – to cool, appease, and strengthen the spiritual connection.

• Consulting Ifá – to receive guidance on how to better serve your Orí and correct what may be out of balance.

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Ogbè Òtúrá discusses the significance of Ebó (sacrifice/offering), emphasizing that "there can be no peace without sacrifice." Òrìṣà will never turn a deaf ear when you make an effort and follow a path of Ìwa-Pẹ̀lẹ̀ (kind and gentle character). Òrìṣà also takes notice of the sacrifices you make when you express kindness to another living being, whether you're unselfishly offering something tangible or merely investing your time and effort. We must always care for the world in which we live.

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The reading for this week refers you to the following Patakí (oral narrative or parable)  as the "take-away" wisdom for this week's reading.

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"Para, the friend of the hoe (ọkọ), and Odẹdẹ, the friend of the cutlass/dagger (àdá), divined Ifá for Ọ̀rúnmìlà while he was coming into the world. He was told to make a sacrifice, and he would never be in disgrace. Ọ̀rúnmìlà heard and performed the prescribed sacrifice. Therefore, since the creation of the world, Ọ̀rúnmìlà has never been in disgrace to this very day. Ọ̀rúnmìlà created the earth. He was the one who first trod on it. He trained the Ifá diviners and situated the Odùs in their respective positions. Ọ̀rúnmìlà would never turn a deaf ear to the sacrifices prescribed for him because he has demonstrated to all human beings that "there can be no peace without sacrifice." It has been clearly expressed in many Ifá lessons that "human beings cannot live peacefully without offering sacrifices. Additionally, small sacrifices can prevent premature death. Anyone who wishes to have good fortune will always offer sacrifices. Anyone who cultivates the habit of doing good, especially to the poor and needy, will always have happiness."

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This ẹsẹ Ifá underscores the importance of making consistent offerings and giving generously, not just in material ways, but also through your time, presence, and heartfelt support. It reminds us to stay alert to the suffering of others and to respond with empathy and compassion, never turning away from injustice or the struggles of the less fortunate.

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The Odù Ogbèyónú (also known as Ogbè Ògúndá) points to Ibi—a state of being off-path, warning of missed opportunities and delayed success when one neglects or fails to appease the Orí. Likewise, Ìdígbè (also called Ìdí Ogbè) reinforces this message, highlighting how progress remains blocked until Orí is honored and brought into alignment.

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Keep these guiding principles in mind for staying “on path”:

1. All things begin and end with Èṣù—the mediator and divine messenger between the spiritual and earthly realms, the one who removes all obstacles.

2. Nothing in your life unfolds without the consent of your Orí—your inner divinity must be in alignment and kept cool for blessings to manifest.

3. When in doubt about your life direction, consult your Guardian Òrìṣà—they reveal your natural inclinations, likes and dislikes, including the type of work and environment best suited for you.

4. Strengthen your intuition by honoring your Ancestors—the more consistently you venerate them, the more your inner guidance (sixth sense) and spiritual awareness will develop.

5. Character is everything! You must consistently work on cultivating Ìwa-Pẹ̀lẹ̀ (kind and gentle character).

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Please make the following Ebó (sacrifice/offering) to Orí as indicated by Òfún’Gbè (also known as Òfún Ogbè).

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• Cocoa butter, as revealed by Ìdí Ògúndá.

• Mint, as revealed by Ògúndá-Kànràn (also known as Ògúndá Ọ̀kànràn).

• Rosewater, as revealed by Ọ̀wọ́nrínsogbè (also known as Ọ̀wọ́nrín Ogbè).

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Until next time, blessings to you all!​

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General Reminder: When making any Ebó (offerings), always offer a taste to Èṣù first, who is the divine messenger and takes your prayers and offerings to their destination.

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Às̩e̩

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Blessings! … Oluwo Ifájuyìtán

"We talk to God through prayer; we listen through meditation."

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