
ISEFA - hand of Ifa - is a ceremony that is done everywhere you find Ifa. It is the last of a series of three rites of passage into Orisa Lifestyle, the first being Opa Iku (spiritual inheritance), the second being Ibori (spiritual capacity). Of the three, ISEFA is fundamentally the most important one through which everyone must pass. It sets the fundamental parameters of life by providing the ODU or sacred text that represents the blueprint for an individual's path.
The Spiritual Path
Genius manifests itself within specified limitations; there are simply things one must to and things one must not do to optimize personal genius. In other words, your potential - musical, interpersonal, spiritual or otherwise - must be expressed through a particular instrument and its designated language. So, in order to become your complete self and experience your true identity, you must choose a path and everything that comes with it. Far from becoming dogmatic and rigid, when you select - or accept - your path you actually make the most important step into the realm of spiritual liberation.
The Owokanfa (Hand if Ifa) ritual is the 3rd and final phase in the fundamental initiation sequence. Through it, Ifa outlines the archetypal story of your spiritual journey. Owokanfa marks the beginning of your lifelong exploration of the details surrounding your spiritual maturity, evolution and liberation.
The Owokanfa (Hand if Ifa) ritual is the 3rd and final phase in the fundamental initiation sequence. Through it, Ifa outlines the archetypal story of your spiritual journey. Owokanfa marks the beginning of your lifelong exploration of the details surrounding your spiritual maturity, evolution and liberation.
Test & Take Home
When you're ready to demonstrate your ability to perform the ritual, you return for the final exam. After successful completion of the ritual, you will be allowed to take Ifa home to continue worship and veneration.