16 MAJOR ODU IFÁ
In the following pages, we will examine the basic characteristics and patterns of each of the 16 Major ODÙ. In the next two chapters, we shall use the alternative type of the arrangement, not because it is the best, but for the simple fact that it is commonly used. The choices of selecting either the ancient orthodox or the alternative arrangements is a decision that will be left for the readers or decided upon by their spiritual lineage. Regardless of the choice that is made, the entire divination must be completed utilizing only one system of arrangement.
ÈJÌ-OGBÈ
The first of the basic 16 ODÙ both in the ancient orthodox and the alternative type of arrangement.
APPEARANCE: All 8 lobes of the Ọ̀PẸ̀LẸ̀ are open and marked/printed on the ỌPỌ́N-IFA in Figure 15.01
PÀTÀKÌ (Properties)
Individuals who receive this Odù will be presented with opportunities for fortune. In addition, he/she may be guided and directed to achieve new knowledge, and will be successful in new ventures and seemly bestowed with the advantage of “Beginners luck.” Generosity, perseverance, and hope are essential to the success of clients in difficult circumstances.
Clarity and the ability to assimilate knowledge, both spiritually and metaphysically, will at times make this individual seem to be clairvoyant. He /She will be “fertile,” meaning that most if not all their ventures (family/business/spiritual/social) will prosper and flourish. It will seem to those around this individual, that this individual has acquired the “goose that lays the golden eggs.” This is the blessing that is BESTOWED in ÈJÌ-OGBÈ that we commonly referred to as “Beginner’s Luck,” that allows a novice to accomplish a task successfully on their very first attempt. These opportunities stem from the term OGBÈ, which means “to be blessed or supported,” and ÈJÌ means double, so this client is doubly blessed.
In ÈJÌ-OGBÈ, there is no room or tolerance for retaliation because the ÒRÌṢÀ will clear one’s path of all obstacles and make one victorious. These verses emphasize the importance of forgiveness of wrongs done to one. Therefore, one should not quarrel or fight. One should also attempt to always be peaceful.
PECULIARITY: Ọ̀RÚNMÌLÀ, Ọ̀ṢUN, ORí, OLÓKUN, and ÌBEJÌ are several of the ÒRÌṢÀ that speak very loudly in this ODÙ.
COLOR: All colors
Ọ̀YÈKÚ-MÉJÌ
The second of the basic 16 ODÙ both in the ancient orthodox and the alternative type of arrangements.
APPEARANCE: All 8 lobes of the Ọ̀PẸ̀LẸ̀ are closed and printed on the ỌPỌ́N-IFA as shown on the above in Figure 15.02
PÀTÀKÌ (Properties).
The literal translation of Ọ̀YÈKÚ-MÉJÌ is the ability to avert all negativities. Therefore, when this ODÙ is marked for the individual, all agents of death, sickness, disrespect, and accompanying negativities will be neutralized and manifested in positive outcomes. These outcomes may include longevity, health, lucidity, the ability to access the spiritual realm by dreaming.
Ọ̀YÈKÚ- MÉJÌ promotes cleanliness and the ability to acquire protectiveness, as well as prevention from disease and endemics.
PECULIARITY: ÒRÌṢÀ that speak very loudly in this ODÙ are Ọ̀RÚNMÌLÀ, EGÚNGÚN, ỌBÀTÁLÁ, ORÒ and BABALÚAYÉ,
COLOR. The favorites colors include but are not limited to varying shades of maroon.
ÌWÒRÌ-MÉJÌ
The third of the basic 16 ODÙ both in the ancient orthodox and the alternative type of arrangement.
APPEARANCE: The 1st and the 4th lobes of the Ọ̀PẸ̀LẸ̀ are closed while the 2nd and 3rd are open and printed on the ỌPỌ́N-IFA as shown above in Figure 15.03
PÀTÀKÌ (Properties)
In ÌWÒRÌ-MÉJÌ, individuals are within the spiritual radii of surveillance and should remain cognizant that everything might be exposed. Therefore, these individuals need to exercise vigilance in all endeavors. These individuals also have the natural ability and the potentiality for skillfulness in most of their activities. These are attributes commonly associated with hunters, military/armed forces, engineers, metalologist and meteorologist. It is particularly important for this client to conscientiously to heed the advice of his/her divination as to avoid serious repercussions and regrets later.
PECULIARITY: ÒGÚN, EGÚNGÚN, Ọ̀Ọ́ṢỌ̀ṢÌ, ÌJA and ỌTA RÍGÍDÍ (rocky mountain), EWÌRÌ- MỌ̀JÉ (bellow) are some of the ÒRÌṢÀ that speak very loudly in this ODU.
COLOR. The favorites colors include but are not limited to black, red, and green.
ÒDÌ-MÉJÍ
The fourth of the basic 16 ODÙ both in the ancient orthodox and the alternative type of arrangement.
APPEARANCE: The 1st and the 4th lobes of the Ọ̀PẸ̀LẸ̀ are open while the 2nd and 3rd are closed and printed on the ỌPỌ́N-IFA as shown in Figure 15.04
PÀTÀKÌ (Properties)
ÒDÌ-MÉJÍ addresses all aspects of stability in one’s life. The term ÒDÌ means to be blocked or that the penetrative tip of the arrow is too blunt for an effective breakthrough, and this results in permuting complications in one’s life. Wisdom that come from maturity is celebrated in this Odu. The ability to form lasting and stable relationships are consecrated in these verses. The ability to reproduce and be proliferative is exalted in ÒDÌ-MÉJÍ.
Forthrightness and honesty are noble characteristics that are noted in this Odu. Logical reasoning and problem solving are also positive attributes that abound in these verses.
When this Odu comes with ÓSỌ̀BÓ, or not in the positive mode, it may mean that an individual’s path is blocked. This blockage may be manifested spiritually, physically, financially or on many other aspects. This is commonly referred to as having “one’s hands tied.” However, there is a sacrifice that is known as “Digging the hole of ÒDÌ-MÉJÍ,” which unties one’s hands and allows for the flow of positive and invigorating blessings, and life changes. It is also important to be diligent and uplift one’s ORÍ to benefit, when timing and opportunities coincide in one’s life.
PECULIARITY: ỌBÀTÁLÁ, ỌBÀLÙFỌ̀N, EGÚNGÚN, DÀDA, BAÁYÀNÌ and
ÌYAMI are some of the familiar ÒRÌṢÀ that speak very loudly in this ODU.
COLOR. The favorites colors include but are not limited to white, black, gray, and green.
ÌRÒSÙN-MÉJÌ
The fifth of the basic 16 ODÙ in the alternative and 7th in the ancient orthodox arrangement.
APPEARANCE: The 1st and 2nd lobes of the Ọ̀PẸ̀LẸ̀ are open while the 3rd and 4th are closed and printed on the ỌPỌ́N-IFA as shown in Figure 13.5
PÀTÀKÌ (Properties)
Deep thinkers, absent mindedness and the “ability to think the unthinkable or to create the unfathomable reality.” For example, the practicality of Quantum Physics Theory generated from deep thought, allowed for the inception and the creation of the atomic bomb, which was incomprehensible prior to that time. These clients have been granted opportunities that have the potential for limitless success and prosperity. Listening and being mindful of instruction as opposed to stubbornness can prevent later regrets. Concerns and attributes of ÌRÒSÙN-MÉJÌ includes but is not limited to, inspirational individuals, the gift of heightened intuition, the ability to benefit when timing and opportunities coincide, procreation and fertility, and the blessing of having heirs, spiritual elevation and mediation.
PECULIARITY: Ọ̀ṢUN, Ọ̀SANYÌN, ORÒ, and ÌYÀMI are a few of the ÒRÌṢÀ that speak very loudly in this ODU.
COLOR. The favorites colors include but are not limited to white, black, all shades of red and green.
Ọ̀WỌ́NRÍN-MÉJÌ
Is the sixth of the basic 16 ODÙ in the alternative and 8th in the ancient orthodox arrangements.
APPEARANCE: The 1st and 2nd lobes of the Ọ̀PẸ̀LẸ̀ are closed, while the 3rd and 4th are open and printed on the ỌPỌ́N-IFA, as shown in Figure 1.6
PÀTÀKÌ (Properties)
Issues of Scarcity/ Economic Recession, and speaks to the virtues of improvisation and ingenuity to overcome and become happy, successful, and prosperous. Understanding of macro and microeconomics is key to maximizing profit and financial success. Childlessness or issues related to motherhood are also addressed in Ọ̀WỌ́NRÍN-MÉJÌ.
PECULIARITY: AJÉ, ÒGÚN, ORÒ, ÌYÀM, and EGÚNGÚN are few of the ÒRÌṢÀ that speak very loudly in this ODU.
COLOR: All colors.
To learn more about the 16 MAJOR ODU IFÁ, purchase the book “INTRODUCTION TO ANCIENT YORUBA DIVINATION SYSTEM”
Upon acquiring the book, please proceed to Chapter 15 for further insight into the 16 MAJOR ODU IFÁ.
