Ifa practices

Ceremonies: Within Ifa, there are numerous ceremonies and rituals used for personal protection, improving one's health, achieving goals, preparing for pregnancy, obtaining wisdom and knowledge, removing negative spirit energy, becoming more productive, becoming married, etc. 6

Divination: Babalawos (initiated priests), are believed to be able to contact Orunmila during their divination rituals. He is the Youruba orisha of wisdom, prophecy and ethics. The ritual involves the babalawo transferring palm nuts from one hand to the other. If either one or two nuts remain in the original hand, that number is recorded by making single or double marks in powder on a divination tray. Sixteen such transfers point to one of sixteen possible combinations from | | | | to || || || ||. The process is repeated, giving another one combination out of 16. Together, these point to one of 256 possible "odu" (combinations). Associated with each odu is a traditional set of "Ese" (verses) which explain their meaning. "... the diviner then determines whether the Odu comes with Ire (which is poorly translated to mean good luck) or Ibi (which could be viewed as obstacles or impediments to success). After this process the diviner now determines appropriate offerings, spiritual disciplines and/or behavioral changes necessary to bring, keep or compel success for the person receiving divinatory counsel." 7 In some traditions, the individual seeking guidance makes the final interpretation. In 2005, the Ifa divination system was added  by UNESCO to its list of "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity

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