What the Lucumi Path to Ifá SHOULD Look Like

This article shares crucial guidance I wish my family and I had to avoid pitfalls early on my Ifá path. Without wise diviners, priests, and priestesses guiding your journey, many mistakes happen.

I share this overview, so you don't repeat our struggles. The Ifá way connects you to your ancestors and Orisha deities to reach your highest self if you have proper tutelage. This Lucumí practice can awaken your greatest gifts. As you honor your roots, you’ll get sacred tools to align your destiny. The right elders guide your growth through initiations to become a vessel of love and change.

This would change slightly if you received your destiny (Odu) at birth, but most have not. So this is for you.

Your Ifá journey begins by honoring ancestors which anchors you to spiritual and family roots grounding your way...

By outlining the right steps here and lessons my family learned the hard way, I aim to show the vital importance of wise counsel supporting your soul evolution.

Honoring Ancestors Grounds You

In Lucumí tradition, we deeply revere ancestors. Venerating deceased loved ones by remembering and feeding them anchors you to spiritual and familial roots grounding your journey. As an aleyo or newcomer, you also discover your spiritual court – spirits protecting you in this lifetime – through misas with evolved spiritualists. Here you get messages from ancestral spirits so you can honor the proper allies aiding your path.

Elders Reveal Your Destiny

Regular consultations with divining elders like Babalawos, Obba Oriates and Olorishas provide tailored guidance on staying aligned with your destiny using shells, diloggún or Ifá oracle. Surrendering to their direction allows you to grow into an Aborisha, avoiding misfortunes by harmonizing spiritual, material, and social realms. Through proper alignment, your life flows effortlessly.

Becoming an Aborisha

As an Aborisha you may receive your warrior tools – the Orishas Eleguá, Ogún, and Osun – for protection and alignment. Additionally, your hand of Ifá marks discovering your main Odu (Oddun) and your Guardian Orisha aligning you to your life purpose. You may also receive your elekes which should be given by an Olorisha. If the Babalawo initiating you has an Apetebi who is an Olorisha, you’re in luck.

Expanding Spiritual Protection

Some devotees incorporate Palo rituals at this phase for additional defensive and manifesting powers. Through pacts formed with ancestral spirits and deceased practitioners, Palo provides a complimentary source of spiritual force to anchor one further into the Lucumi practice. The origins and applications of each custom must be learned thoroughly.

Reaching the Olorisha Stage (For Women)

Women attain the status of Olorisha through being crowned - having their guardian Orisha consecrated on their heads. This connects them deeply to the forces embodied by the Orishas. Through dancing, drumming and channeling the ashé of these energies, Olorishas use love, integrity and service to promote harmony.

Reaching the Olorisha Stage (For Men)

Men can also reach the status of Olorisha. Some may even take on the role of diviners, called Obbas, who deliver guidance by speaking with the diloggun.

For Men, the Journey Continues

Selected men undergo extensive Babalawo training to attain alignment with the masculine forces using the Ifá oracle for justice and community healing.

Divination Reveals Priesthood Advancement

The process for advancement varies according to one's spiritual progress and assessment from elders. Yet all stages enable devotees to fulfill their sacred purpose.

In Closing

In our Ifá spiritual family, we walk with you through the various levels of initiation to unfold your highest self. See the free downloadable PDF outlining this path to connect with your divine purpose.