Iyanifa is a Yoruba title that denotes a Priest of The God or Orisha of Wisdom Orunmila (IFA). Orunmila in the Yoruba tradition knows the Past, Present and Future.The This article is about the type of spirit. ... In Yoruba mythology, Orunmila is an Orisha (Orisa), and deity of prophecy. ... IFA may stand for: Institut für Fabrikanlagen und Logistik [1] an der Universität Hannover [2] Institute of Field Archaeologists (UK) Internationale Funkausstellung (International Radio Exhibition), the German consumer show which is held annually in Berlin, Germany. ...

Babalawo Shows His Opele Chain. Notice the halved Ikin from which it is constructed.

Iyanifa as a Priest of Ifa can determine the future through communication with Orunmila. This is done by consulting IFA through the divining chain (Opele) or sacred palm nuts called IKIN. This man in Rhumsiki, Cameroon, tells the future by interpreting the changes in position of various objects as caused by a fresh-water crab. ...

In Orisa worship (and its various expressions, Santeria, Lucumi, Anago, Indigene etc.) a Iyanifa or Awo and is recognized as clergy, and acts as a community priest. Male Ifa priests are called Babalawo. An Awo is a spiritual counselor to clients and those with whom he or she may have assisted in receiving tutelary Orisa shrines and/or initiated into the spiritual tradition of the Orisa. This article is about the type of spirit. ... In Santería a Babalawo or father of the secrets is the equivalent of a priest. ...

Awo recites Ifa Juba prior to consulting Deity for client

Awos undergo training in memorization of 256 Odu and numerous verses (ese) of IFA. Awo's can have professional specialities. For instance, some are primarily herbalists, while others are well known for extinguishing the troubles caused by Ajogun. Awos are trained in determination of problems and the application of both spiritual and related secular solutions to these problems. There primary function is assist people in finding, understanding and processing Life until they experience spiritual wisdom as a part of their daily experience. The Awo is charged with helping people develop the discipline and character that supports such spiritual growth. This is done by identifying ones Spiritual Destiny (Ori) and developing a spiritual blueprint which can be used to support, cultivate and live out that Destiny.

Because spiritual development of others is the charge of Awos, they must dedicate themselves to improving their own understanding of Life and be proper examples for others. The Awo that skimps on his own behavior falls out of favor with his/her Orisa community and is judged more harshly than others.

Some Awos are initiated as children, others as adults. But training and years of dedication are still the hallmark of the most learned and spiritually gifted Awos. This is why on average most Ifa initiates train for as long as a decade before they are recognized as "complete" Awos.

Links

• Ile Orunmila
• Ile Orunmila, Photos of Awos
• Ile Ifa Jalumi
• Academic Perspective, Babalawo