Women in Traditional Odu Ifá Divining: A New Perspective

INTRODUCTION

In the rich and intricate world of Ifá, the ancient Yorùbá system of divination, the interpretation and practice of Odu Ifá have traditionally been viewed as the domain of men. This perspective has been reinforced by cultural norms and historical practices that have often positioned men as the primary custodians of this sacred knowledge. However, as we delve deeper into the Ifá corpus and explore the origins and practices associated with Odu Ifá, it becomes evident that women have played, and continue to play, a crucial role in this spiritual tradition.

In my exploration of the techniques and interpretations of Odu Ifá, it is essential to address this often overlooked aspect of Ifá practice. The traditional narrative that Odu Ifá is exclusively the purview of men is challenged by the very texts and oral histories that form the foundation of Ifá. One such perspective is offered by the esteemed scholar and Ifá priest, Wande Abimbola, who presents compelling evidence of the profound involvement of women, particularly through the figure of Ọ̀ṣun, in the origins and practice of Ifá divination.

As Abimbola suggests in his work, „The Bag of Wisdom: Ọ̀ṣun and the Origins of the Ifá Divination,“ the relationship between Ọ̀ṣun and Ifá is far more intimate and foundational than many traditional accounts acknowledge. Through his careful analysis of Ifá verses and myths, Abimbola reveals that Ọ̀ṣun may have been the original custodian of the divine wisdom encapsulated in Ifá, a wisdom that she later shared with Òrúnmìlà. This challenges the conventional view and opens up a new understanding of the role of women in Ifá divination.

In the following chapter, we will explore the significant contributions of women to the practice of Ifá, with a particular focus on Ọ̀ṣun’s role as depicted in the Ifá corpus. By examining these stories and their implications, we will gain a deeper appreciation of the multifaceted nature of Ifá and the essential place of women within it. This exploration not only enriches our understanding of Ifá but also underscores the importance of revisiting and reinterpreting traditional narratives to uncover the full scope of spiritual practices that have shaped and continue to shape the Yorùbá worldview.

Let us now delve into the chapter, which draws extensively on Wande Abimbola’s insightful work, to reexamine the role of women in traditional Odu Ifá divining.

A NEW PERSPECTIVE

The role of women in traditional Ifá divination has often been overshadowed by the dominant narrative that positions men as the primary custodians and practitioners of this sacred art. However, a closer examination of the Ifá corpus reveals that women, particularly through the figure of Ọ̀ṣun, have played a foundational and indispensable role in the origins and practice of Ifá divination. This chapter explores the integral contributions of women to Ifá divination, challenging the conventional view that it is a male-dominated domain.

Ọ̀ṣun and the Origins of Ifá Divination

The popular narrative suggests that Ọ̀ṣun, one of the most revered Orisha, was introduced to Ifá divination by her husband Òrúnmìlà, the deity of wisdom and divination. This perspective is supported by several Ifá verses, such as those found in Ogbe’Sá, which recount how Òrúnmìlà created the sixteen-cowrie divination system and gave it to Ọ̀ṣun as a reward for saving his life. However, a deeper analysis of Ifá verses suggests that Ọ̀ṣun’s involvement with Ifá may predate even Òrúnmìlà’s own mastery of divination.

One compelling story from Okanran Sode tells of how Ọ̀ṣun was the first to discover the „Bag of Wisdom“ that contained the mysteries of Ifá. Although the bag ultimately came into Òrúnmìlà’s possession, the narrative implies that it was Ọ̀ṣun who first laid claim to this divine knowledge. This tale raises the possibility that the Ifá divination system, traditionally attributed to Òrúnmìlà, might have its origins with Ọ̀ṣun.

Eerìndínlógún: The Sixteen-Cowrie Divination

The sixteen-cowrie divination system, known as Eerìndínlógún, is another significant aspect of Ifá that highlights the role of women. According to Ifá, Ọ̀ṣun was the first to use this system after it was given to her by Òrúnmìlà. Unlike the more complex geometric patterns of the Odu Ifá, which are divined using palm nuts or chains, Eerìndínlógún relies on a simpler, yet powerful, method of divination.

In one Ifá verse, Olódùmarè, the Supreme Creator, tests all the diviners of the earth, including Òrúnmìlà and Ọ̀ṣun. While Òrúnmìlà’s divination is detailed and comprehensive, Ọ̀ṣun’s reading with the sixteen cowries is more concise, focusing on the essential aspects of the inquiry. Despite its brevity, Olódùmarè affirms the validity and potency of Ọ̀ṣun’s divination, declaring that the predictions made through Eerìndínlógún would manifest swiftly and with certainty. This acknowledgment by Olódùmarè underscores the authority of women in Ifá divination, particularly through the use of Eerìndínlógún.

The Myth of Ọ̀ṣun’s Exclusion and Empowerment

Another myth from the Odu Òṣé Òtúrá illustrates the consequences of excluding women from spiritual and communal affairs. When the Orisha first descended to earth, Ọ̀ṣun was the only female deity among them. However, the male Orisha, including Òrúnmìlà, did not involve her in their activities, resulting in chaos and failure in their endeavors. It was only after Olódùmarè instructed them to seek Ọ̀ṣun’s participation that harmony and success were restored.

This myth not only highlights Ọ̀ṣun’s essential role in the cosmos but also serves as a metaphor for the broader exclusion of women in spiritual and societal roles. It is a powerful reminder that the balance and well-being of the community—both spiritual and physical—depend on the inclusion and empowerment of women.

Osetúùrá: The Legacy of Ọ̀ṣun in Ifá

The birth of Osetúùrá, a significant minor Odu, further solidifies the legacy of Ọ̀ṣun in Ifá. According to the myth, Ọ̀ṣun gave birth to Osetúùrá after the Orisha, including Òrúnmìlà, sought her involvement in their affairs. Osetúùrá became a crucial figure in Ifá divination and rituals, governing sacrifices and playing a key role in the initiation of Ifá priests. This myth highlights the deep connection between Ọ̀ṣun and the Ifá divination system, emphasizing that her influence extends beyond mere participation to the very core of the practice.

REINTERPRETING THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN IFÁ ORISHÁ TRADITIONS

The stories of Ọ̀ṣun challenge the traditional perception of Ifá divination as an exclusively male domain. They reveal that women have always been integral to the practice, not just as participants but as originators and custodians of divine knowledge. The association of the sacred yellow powder, iyeròsún, with Ọ̀ṣun further suggests that even the tools and symbols of Ifá carry her influence.

In light of these stories, it is evident that the exclusion of women from certain aspects of Ifá practice is a cultural development rather than a reflection of the original spiritual framework. The Ifá corpus itself contains ample evidence of women’s critical roles in divination and spiritual leadership.

CONCLUSION

The role of women in traditional Ifá divination is far more significant than is often acknowledged. Through the figure of Ọ̀ṣun, we see that women have been at the forefront of this sacred tradition, contributing not only to its development but to its very origins. As we continue to explore and reinterpret the rich traditions of Ifá, it is essential to recognize and honor the contributions of women, ensuring that their voices and wisdom remain central to the practice.

Ọ̀ṣun, as the icon of feminine power, wisdom, and compassion, serves as a powerful reminder that the spiritual and communal well-being of any society is intrinsically linked to the inclusion and empowerment of women. In this light, the practice of Ifá divination must be understood as a tradition where both men and women have crucial roles to play, each bringing their unique strengths to the service of humanity and the divine.

Source: The Bag of Wisdom: Osun and the Origins of the Ifa Divination – Wande Abimbola

Wándé Abímbọ́lá is a Nigerian academician, a professor of Yoruba language and literature, and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), and has also served as the Majority Leader of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was installed as Àwísẹ Awo Àgbàyé in 1981 by the Ooni of Ife on the recommendation of a conclave of Babalawos of Yorubaland.