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Dafá (Ifá divination) has revealed Ogbè’Sẹ́ (also known as Ogbè Ọ̀sẹ́), an Odù that brings good news, blessings, and reasons to celebrate. However, because it appears with Ibi—off-path or challenging fortune—the positive message becomes distorted or goes unnoticed. Rather than recognizing what is working in our favor, our attention becomes fixated on areas of struggle—health, finances, work, or other ongoing concerns—causing us to overlook our blessings.

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So, what is the lesson here?

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When Ogbè appears on the right leg, accompanied by Ibi, it indicates a lack of perspective. Logic is overshadowed by emotion and clouded thinking, and decisions tend to be reactive rather than thoughtful. We may become mentally scattered or overly focused on perceived problems, failing to see what truly matters. The left leg, Ọ̀sẹ́, reveals the solution and the correct response. Closely associated with Ọṣun, Ọ̀sẹ́ calls for joy, gratitude, and appreciation. Its energy is fluid and light, like a butterfly moving from flower to flower—engaged, present in the moment, but remaining unattached. So rather than dwelling on our challenges, we are encouraged to shift our awareness and reconnect with the simple joys that bring balance and sweetness into our lives.

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The Ibi itself is revealed through Ogbèsá (also known as Ogbè Ọ̀sá), an Odù that emphasizes perseverance amid disruption. It speaks of unexpected situations, setbacks, and interruptions that break our rhythm and test our patience. This Odù urges adaptability, sustained focus, and follow-through. Even when responsibilities feel heavy or overwhelming, we are reminded that progress depends on moving forward, however slowly, and on completing what has been started.

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The reading further identified “victory over difficulties” as the area where we are currently getting stuck. This was revealed through Òfún Ogbè, an Odù that speaks about sound, vibration, and illumination. Bells, rattles, and sacred instruments are presented as tools to disperse stagnant energy, ward off harmful influences, and restore spiritual balance. Sound, when used intentionally, has the power to break spiritual inertia and avert imbalance, including serious misfortune.

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The reading also instructs us to consciously invoke and attend to our Ẹgbẹ́ Ọ̀run, revealed through Ògúndá Wọ́nrín. This Odù suggests that disruptive or antagonistic forces may be interfering with this vital spiritual connection. Our heavenly counterparts are calling on us to actively clear these negative influences from our lives to restore our connection to our Ẹgbẹ́. A strong warning also accompanies this message: avoid flaunting success or blessings, as doing so can attract unwanted attention—both physical and spiritual.

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In Yorùbá cosmology, Ẹgbẹ́ Ọ̀run literally means “the society in heaven.” It refers to the spiritual companions with whom each soul is associated prior to incarnation—often understood as celestial peers or astral counterparts. This is not a symbolic or modern concept, but a foundational principle of traditional Yorùbá thought. Reality is understood as two interconnected realms: Ayé, the visible world, and Ọ̀run, the unseen spiritual realm. Every person maintains an ongoing relationship with a collective in Ọ̀run (heaven). The term Elẹgbẹ́—“one who belongs to a group”—reinforces this idea of a shared destiny and mutual benefit. Think of Ẹgbẹ́ as the team that you belong to, and you are the captain of this team. Because success and failure are collective experiences in which everyone contributes, the team is saying you must do your part.

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To understand why “victory over difficulties” is emphasized, the reading brings us back to Òfún Ogbè on a personal level. This Odù highlights areas of neglect—both externally and internally. It points to spaces that have gathered “dust”: cluttered rooms, forgotten corners of the home, neglected shrines, and unresolved emotional patterns. The message is one of cleansing, organization, and illumination. Practically, this includes cleaning and refreshing sacred spaces, discarding broken or unused items—especially mirrors and reflective surfaces, which hold spiritual significance—and restoring order and harmony to one’s environment. The same goes for items that trigger bad memories; get rid of them, break that emotional attachment, they are holding you back.

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On the right leg stands Ogbè, aligned with Obàtálá, the Òrìṣà of clarity, purity, intellect, and the mind. Obàtálá’s instruction goes beyond physical cleanliness, calling for purification of thought, intention, and character. He emphasizes Sùúrù (patience) and Òtítọ́ (integrity), reminding us that calmness, discipline, and truth are essential to restoring balance.

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The left leg, Òfún, reveals how we are meant to respond. Meaning “to give forth whiteness,” Òfún represents inner illumination—the ability to see with compassion rather than judgment. It invites a shift in perception, urging us to recognize the deeper purpose behind people and experiences that challenge us. Even in moments of unfairness or unkindness, Òfún calls on us to remain a positive example and uphold good character.

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Because Ibi was indicated, the reading also cautions us to be discerning—especially with strangers and individuals of poor character. Becoming a beacon of light naturally attracts both benevolent and problematic forces, human and spiritual alike. Discernment is essential. The Odù stresses the use of sound to actively clear one’s space: ringing bells, shaking rattles, and making intentional noise to break stagnant energy and bring illumination. Smudging with sage or palo santo should also be incorporated into these cleansing practices.

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Further confirmation arrives again through Ògúndá Wọ́nrín, which strongly affirms the need to consciously work with one’s Ẹgbẹ́ Ọ̀run, particularly your astral twin, your counterpart in heaven. This Odù reminds us that spiritual progress often attracts envy and opposition if you’re left unprotected. A well-known Patakí associated with Ògúndá Wọ́nrín teaches: “A lazy person sleeps while a worker works; the worker completes his task, and others begin to envy him.” This verse was divined for Ògún, who was instructed to make a sacrifice so that those who envied him would be spiritually blocked. The lesson is clear: diligence brings results, but without spiritual alignment and protection, success can provoke unseen resistance.

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Ideally, one learns about their Ẹgbẹ́ Ọ̀run through divination, particularly through initiation or formal consultation. However, even without initiation or divination, it is still beneficial to acknowledge your Ẹgbẹ́, make offerings, and respectfully seek their guidance. It is essential to understand that Ẹgbẹ́ does not belong on an Òrìṣà shrine or an Ancestor altar. Offerings should be placed in a separate, dedicated space, honoring the distinct role your heavenly companions play in your destiny and spiritual well-being.​​

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Please make the following Ebó (sacrifice/offering) to your Ẹgbé group.

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• Incense, as revealed by Ìrosù-Ogbè. Burn incense around your Ẹgbé shrine (if you have one) and areas of your home that appear neglected. Then ring a bell or shake a rattle to disperse stagnant energies that hold you back. You can even say out loud what is holding you back and what you need to break free from.​​​​​​

• When smudging with sage, be careful of falling embers, as they can ignite nearby surfaces.

• As always, you should give Èṣù some token of appreciation before any ritual, and thank him afterwards. Usually, it is some portion of an offering, in this case, pick something he would like, your choice.

• Learn more about Ẹgbẹ́ Ọ̀run in the comprehensive Self-Study Course - Ifa Fundamentals that I developed for students of Ifá.

• Attention: The Reading for 2026 will be posted on January 1st, 2026.

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General Reminder: Èṣù is the divine messenger who takes your prayers and offerings to their destination. So, when making any Ebó (offerings), always offer a taste to Èṣù first, or offer something that he would like.

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Until next time, blessings to you all!​

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Às̩e̩

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Blessings! … Oluwo Ifájuyìtán

"We talk to God through prayer; we listen through meditation."

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