



MONTHLY ICOFA
“Icofa” - hand of Ọ̀rúnmìlà
The “Icofa” - hand of Ọ̀rúnmìlà is a spiritual tool that consists of 16 Ikin (palm nuts) and allows the Ifa student to deepen their relationship with Ọ̀rúnmìlà in order to gain greater insights and wisdom. Each of us has a unique spiritual path that we must follow, and it benefits us tremendously to approach life lessons and challenges with wisdom and awareness than to stumble upon them half-hazard. Ọ̀rúnmìlà protect us from “death before our time” by helping us make wise choices in our lives. If you have the “Icofa” - hand of Ọ̀rúnmìlà, this reading is for you.
Abọru Abọye Àbósíse (Ah-boh-ruu Ah-boh-yay Ah-boh-she-shay)
Icofa Reading for May 2023

Dafá (Ifá Oracle Divination) revealed Òtúrá’dí (aka Òtúrá Ìdí) for this month with Iré (on-path, good fortune) for family, an Odù that speaks of changing dynamics within the family and personal relationships where roles evolve over time. For example, it talks about the natural evolution of a child becoming an adult and assuming the family leadership role that a parent once held; this is also true in personal relationships, where one partner makes all the significant decisions, then roles reverse.
Families become dysfunctional without a healthy, visionary, and empathetic leader with good character. Similarly, we see a social order in wildlife; for example, wolves form packs with a pair of alphas (one male, one female) and beta wolves that can assume the role of an alpha when necessary. One wolf may enforce pack rules to keep everyone in line; this social structure ensures not only survival but peaceful coexistence.
On a personal note, this reading resonates with me because my mother has become my child; I make the decisions for her because of her declining mental health; our roles have reversed.
I want to extend a "Happy Mother's Day" to all you Moms.
Òfún'Rosù (aka Òfún Ìrosùn) revealed Iré (on-path, good fortune).
Òfún means "to give out whiteness"; it's a beacon of light that helps us find our way out of darkness (negativity). Ìrosùn is also known as Olósùn, a reference to a spiritual force called Òòsùn that listens to what flows from your Òrì (consciousness,) the inner voice that alerts you when your actions don't reflect good character or when you're attracting negative energy. So, in essence, Òfún'Rosù is telling us that our thoughts and actions are becoming more positive, and that's the reason for our good fortune.
Ogbè’kànràn (aka Ogbè Ọ̀kànràn) is the Odù the emphasized family.
Ogbè shows a clear path for family dynamics. At the same time, Ọ̀kànràn means "what flows from the heart (ọkan = heart)," we just need to be careful with emotionally charged situations and not allow frustration or anger to disrupt open communications.
Please make the following Ebó (sacrifice/offering) to your Icofa:
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Assorted Fruit, as revealed by Ìká Ọ̀wọ́nrín.
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Candy, as revealed by Òtúrá Ogbè.
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Cocoa Butter, as revealed by Ìrosùn Ìwòrì.
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Shea Butter, as revealed by Ìrẹtẹ̀ Ọ̀yẹ̀kú.
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Peppercorn, as revealed by Òtúrá Ogbè.
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Sunflower Seeds, as revealed by Ìrosùn Ọ̀wọ́nrín.
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Flower Petals, as revealed by Ògúndá Ìdí.
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Yams (or sweet potatoes) as revealed by Òfún Ogbè.
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Rosewater, as revealed by Òtúrá Ògúndá. Spray it on the Ikin.
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Note: Those of you studying divination should study the Odù listed above to get more insights into the reading. The offerings have a meaning, e.g., cocoa and shea butter are to soothe or calm a situation.
Light a white candle, burn sage or other space-clearing herbs; and place a clear glass of water. Take 16 Ikin (palm nuts) into the cusp of your hands, share your breath by blowing on them three times, then bring them up to your forehead and chant a prayer to Ọ̀rúnmìlà. Say the Odù of your Icofa three times, or if you're an Ifá priest, the Odù of your path. Make the offering on the 16 Ikin; most people have more than 16 Ikin; separately, address the remaining Ikin.
Note: When making offerings, always offer a taste to Èṣù/Ẹlégbá first who is the divine messenger and takes your prayers and offerings to their destination.
Blessings! … Oluwo Ifájuyìtán
"We talk to God through prayer; we listen through meditation."

The Ifá Foundation is dedicated to unlocking your life's potential through the timeless wisdom of the Ifá philosophy, which includes the veneration of Òrìṣà, Ancestors, Ẹgbe Ọ̀rún, Orí, and Ìyáàmí (the primordial mothers.)
Through the spectrum of the 256 Sacred Odù, you will be guided on your destiny's path to grow from your life's experiences and ascend the spiritual ladder of Ìwa-Pẹ̀lẹ̀ (kind and gentle character.) Às̩e̩
Note: regarding prayers, while there are some known prayers that people recite, make sure it means something to you and that you understand what you’re saying, don’t just repeat words like a parrot. Feel free to adapt it to your specific needs and in the language that you feel most comfortable. Since I’m a priest, I choose to first say a prayer in Yoruba to honor the origins of Ifa but will follow it up in English.
Prayer to Ọ̀rúnmìlà:
Yoruba
Ọ̀rúnmìlà, ẹlẹ́ẹ̀rí-ìpín
Ibìkejì Olódùmarè
A-jẹ-́ju-oògùn
Obìrìtíi –A-p’ijọ́-ikú-dà
Olúwa mi, A-to-i-ba-j’ayé
Ọ̀rọ̀ à-bi-kú-j’igbo
Olúwa mi, Ajiki,
Ọ́gẹ̀gẹ̀ a-gb’ ayé-gún;
Odúdú ti ndú ori emèrè;
A-tún-orí-tí-ko sunwọ̀n ṣe,
A-mọ-i-kú.
Ọlọ́wa Aiyẹrẹ,
Agiri ilé-Ilọ́gbọ́n;
Olúwa mi; àmọ̀ìmọ̀tán,
À kò mọ̀ Ọ tán kosẹ
À bá mọ̀ ọ́ tan ìbá ṣẹ kẹ.
Àjubà Akoda,
Àjubà Aseda.
English translation
Ọ̀rúnmìlà! A witness of fate,
Second to Olòdúmaré {God}
Thou art far more efficacious than medicine,
Thou the immense Orbit that averts the day of Death.
My Lord, Almighty to save,
The mysterious spirit that fought death.
To thee, salutations are first due in the morning,
Thou Equilibrium that adjusts World Forces,
Thou art the One whose exertion it is to reconstruct the creature of a bad lot;
Repairer of ill luck,
He who knows thee becomes Immortal.
Lord the un-deposable King,
Perfect in the house of Wisdom!
My Lord! Infinite in Knowledge!
For not knowing thee in full, we are futile.
Oh, if we could but know thee in full, all would be well with us.
I pay homage to Akoda (1st disciple of Ọ̀rúnmìlà who taught elders, divination)
I pay homage to Aseda (1st disciple of Ọ̀rúnmìlà who gave elders wise counsel)