Chief Fama

Practitioner's Handbook for the Ifa Professional

Chief FAMA (FAMA Aina Adewale-Somadhi)

Ile Orunmila Communications P. O. Box 2326 San Bernardino, CA. 92405, U.S.A. Tel. 1 (909)475-5851; Fax 1 (909)475-5850

©2004 by Chief FAMA (FAMA Aina Adewale-Somadhi)

About this book: Practitioner s Handbook for the Ifa Professional. As the title suggests, this book was written with the practicing Babalawo in mind. As such, much of the information in it is for professional use, which means, only an initiated, practicing Babalawo should use the restricted information. Since Ifa is multifaceted and multifunctional, certain aspects of the information in the book are for universal use, that is, they may be 'accessed' by Olorisas (Orisa priests and priestesses). Even though a non-initiate might read this book, actually for sake of prudence, she or he should read the book, by no means, however, should a neophyte perform the healing functions explained in the book. As a result, a browsing neophyte should, please, consult a Babalawo if s/he has a situation that warrants spiritual attention. Through consultation with Ifa, Orunmila will direct his akapo on what to do and on how to deal with such unique, spiritual needs. May Ifa and the Orisas work with us, heal our aches and pains, soothe our spirits, and bless us abundantly, ase. Aboru aboye. Chief FAMA

DEDICATION This book is dedicated to the great egunguns of Ijo Orunmila Ato, in particular to its founder, Baba Adeyemi Adesilu. I never met Baba Adeyemi Adesilu, but his work continues, nonetheless, to be an inspiration for members of the temple, including me. To some of the egunguns I was lucky to have met, I say, "Orun rere o 'peace be onto you in your everlasting domain.'" Among these egunguns were: Baba Ibijola, whose memory I will continue to cherish for the treasure of an antique book on Ijo Ilupesin that he gave me. Mama Bamidele Odunfa-Jones for the love, smiles and guidance she showered on me. Mama Akinsola (alias Mama Eleja) for the opportunity to be close to another elder after the homegoing of my paternal grandfather and maternal great aunt; I enjoyed the opportunity of listening to 'words of wisdom' from a different perspective with Mama Eleja. Baba Ajayi for the exhilarating, rich humor and jokes that he usually punctuated with Ifa wisdom. Baba Okemuyiiwa Akinyomilo, a teacher, a mentor, and a protector. Beyond the Ifa teachings for which Baba Okemuyiiwa was an expert, Baba taught founding embers of Orunmila Youngsters lifesaving wisdom. Above all, this dedication is also to my maternal aunt, Mama Obontunyen, and my paternal grandfather, Oloye Akenyooonwa Alamana. Peace, everyone! In addition, I would like to thank my indefatigable editor, Iyanifa 'Fadunmade Willa McClain for her indispensable advice. I also would like to acknowledge Baba Cris Alcamo for sharing his legal wisdom in the course of writing this book.

TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENT (Iba)..... ................. xi —Iba: From Oyeku Ogbe Ose (Oyeku Logbe).... xv —Iba: From Ogbe Irosun (Ogbe-Dosunmu).. xvii 1. IFA IPABI (Ifa chant prior to breaking obi abata for libation)..........................................

1

2. IFA CHANT FOR OMI TUTU (Ifa chant when using omi tutu for libation).....................

9

3. IFA CHANT FOR ASE (From Ose Otura).........

11

4. ADABO (Ebo's aid to manifestation)................

25

5. ELEMENTS OF EBO................................... —Ebo against Iku (death)........................ —Ebo against Ija (quarrel)...................... —Ebo against Irinajo (journey) ............. —Ebo for Prosperity ............ ..... —Ebo for Ire (good fortune)................... —Ebo to have a Child........................... —Ebo for a Peaceful Life.......... .... —Ebo for Victory................... .....

113 113 114 114 115 116 116 116 117

—Ebo against Ejo (litigation)............ —Ewe for Minor Ifa Work...... ... ............................................117 —Ifa/Orisa Grove................... ....

117

15. IFA CHANT WHEN OFFERING QTi (LIQUOR) TO ORUNMILA From OwQnrin Odi (Owgnrin Sidin) .................

145

6. IFA CHANT WHEN MAKING EBO TO E U 119

16. IFA CHANT FOR VICTORY From Obara Os