top of page

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 November 2023

icofa-November-2023.jpg

Dafá (Ifá Oracle Divination) revealed Òtúrá-Oríkọ̀ (aka Òtúrá Ogbè), the same Odù as last month; not only that, but we also continue with the family theme, just like with the Ifascope readings.

When you consider that there are 256 Odù and the same Odù comes up again, that's significant; moreover, Òtúrá-Oríkọ̀ (aka Òtúrá Ogbè) also came up again, this time for the Ebó (sacrifice/offering) of cocoa butter. This Odù also appeared in the Icofa reading for September.

If that didn't get your attention, Òfún'gbè (aka Òfún Ogbè) is the Odù that revealed Iré (on-path, blessings); this Odù also came out in last month's reading, that time to indicate family matters.

We start November with unsettled energies that will soon subside as the month progresses. Òtúrá-Oríkọ̀ typically tells us that we feel unsure of ourselves and are very reluctant to try anything new. Nevertheless, things are looking up, and we should start making progress in advancing our destinies. Note that Orí makes up part of the Odù name Oríkọ̀, and the Orí guides your destiny. Òtúrá is a peaceful sign, and when we're with Iré (on-path, blessings), it indicates a calming down.

Ogbèyónú (aka Ogbè Ògúndá) is the Odù places emphasis on family matters and talks about opportunities that they would initially disregard but have the potential for financial gains, so it beckons a closer look; this Odù also came out in last week's Ifascope reading for family, if you're keeping track.

The reading for this month refers you to the following ẹsẹ Ifá (Ifá Divination verse) as the "take-away" wisdom.

"Alukerese-f'irakororin diving Ifá for Olókun-Sonde, who patiently sat and watched life pass her by. She was asked to offer sacrifices when her life seemed worthless. It was predicted that she would become great. Sixteen water pots, two sheep, and thirty-two thousand cowries should be sacrificed. She heard and performed the sacrifice. She became the queen of all running streams."

One interpretation of the above ẹsẹ Ifá is that we can't always play it safe; we need to live life to the fullest, lest we have regrets; sometimes, we must take that leap of faith. This month would be an excellent time to venture out and try new things.

Please make the following Ebó (sacrifice/offering) to your Icofa:

  • Cocoa butter, as revealed by Òtúrá-Oríkọ̀ (aka Òtúrá Ogbè).

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."

red-feather2.jpg

The Ifá Foundation is dedicated to unlocking your life's potential through the timeless wisdom of the Ifá philosophy, which includes the veneration of ÒrìṣàAncestorsẸgbe 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

Ebó Supplies:
Please visit our spiritual tools store for Ebó supplies:  SpiritualTools

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)

bottom of page