2d • General discussion
March 15 weekly Ifa Call
Divination systems are remarkably diverse, with cultures worldwide developing unique ways to seek insight into the unknown. These methods often involve interpreting natural phenomena, using specialized tools, or performing ritualistic actions. Often times passed down through oral traditions, initiations and practices.
Common Global Divination Systems
- Cartomancy & Tarot: One of the most recognizable forms, using cards (like the 78-card Tarot deck) to interpret spiritual or practical questions.
- Astrology: Reading the alignment and movement of celestial bodies to understand human affairs.
- Scrying: The practice of gazing into reflective surfaces like crystal balls, mirrors, or water.
- Geomancy: Interpreting markings on the ground or the patterns formed by tossed handfuls of soil, rocks, or sand.
- I Ching: An ancient Chinese system involving the tossing of yarrow stalks or coins to generate hexagrams that correspond to specific texts.
- Runes: Using ancient alphabets, such as the Elder Futhark, typically carved into stones or wood and "cast" to be read.
- Tasseography: Interpreting patterns left by tea leaves or coffee grounds in a cup.
Specialized Cultural Practices
- Ifá (West Africa): A complex system practiced by the Yoruba people using palm nuts or cowrie shells to consult the Odu Ifá literary corpus.
- Augury (Ancient Rome): Determining the will of the gods by observing the flight patterns and songs of birds.
- Poe/Jiaobei (East Asia): Using crescent-shaped wooden blocks thrown to the ground to receive "yes" or "no" answers from deities.
- Nggàm (Cameroon/Nigeria): A form of "spider divination" where the movements of a land crab or spider through a set of cards or objects are interpreted.
Key Takeaways
- Divination is an energy practice, not just a technique. Success depends on raising your vibration to match the frequency of the spirits you want to connect with (e.g., Olodumare (GOD), Ori, ancestors, Orisha, Angels, Spirit guides) to receive clear, undistorted messages.
- Strict protocol is non-negotiable. Always open with protection (e.g., Omi Tutu prayer, calling Ori) and close with gratitude. Failing to close a session leaves an open portal, risking spiritual chaos and energy drain.
- Ask precise, multi-layered questions. Generic questions yield generic answers. Use follow-up questions to investigate the "why" behind an answer, which reveals the full story and allows for informed decisions.
- Ifá divination is a prescriptive system for alignment. It provides a direct spiritual prescription (ebo) to correct misalignment, not just a forecast. The outcome must be accepted as guidance toward your highest destiny.
The Energy of Divination
- Divination is an energy practice; the tool is secondary to the practitioner's energetic state.
- Analogy: Tuning a radio. You must match the frequency of the spirit you're connecting with to get a clear signal. A low or misaligned vibration results in a muffled, distorted message.
- Raising Vibration: Music, singing, and dancingMovement and physical activityConnecting with nature (sun, water, earth) Prayer and invocations
- Ori as First Point of Contact: Your Ori (inner self/destiny) is your primary spiritual guide and must grant permission for other spirits to connect.A strong relationship with your Ori is foundational for clear divination.
Divination Systems & Personal Journeys
- Jacqueline: Systems: Mo (Tibetan dice), Chamalongos (coconut shells), Tarot. Process: Aligns with Manjushri (Bodhisattva of Wisdom) for Mo; connects with well-healed ancestors for Chamalongos. Goal: Use Ifá to remove personal interpretation from readings, trusting the Orisha to deliver the necessary message directly.
- Priestess Ifášebèé: Systems: Cartomancy (playing cards), Oracle cards, Obi (kola nut/cowrie shells), Bones & Charms. Focus: Developing psychic and mediumship abilities. Ifá: Learning the Odus. Emphasizes that Ifá divination is for alignment and requires accepting the outcome, as it is a direct path to your highest destiny.
- Baba / IfeTayo: Systems: Oracle cards, Tarot, Obi (coconut), Chamalongos, Diloggun (cowrie shells), Apele/Ikin (Ifá). Process: Connects with Eshu first to open the path between Aye (Earth) and Orun (Heaven).Key Principle: A son of Shango, Samone has a natural affinity for divination and can intuitively understand new card decks.
- Raymond:Systems: Chamalongos.Use: Reserves divination for serious matters, such as confirming a dark energy presence in his home, rather than everyday questions.
Protocol: Opening & Closing Sessions
- Opening Protocol:Jacqueline: Omi Tutu prayer, prayers to ancestors, Eshu, Olodumare, and Orunmila.Priestess Ifášebèé: "Tap-in tea," shadow work, candle lighting (session ends when candle burns out).Samone: Connects with Eshu Ibarra and other Orisha; uses grounding oils and head covering.
- Closing Protocol:Jacqueline: States "closing the portal" and gives thanks.Priestess Ifášebèé: Expresses gratitude, speaking the desired outcome into existence.Samone: Gives gratitude and offerings; instructs clients to do the same.
Asking Effective Questions
- Problem: Generic questions yield generic answers.Example: "Will I meet my person this year?" → A "yes" could mean a life lesson, not a partner for your highest good.
- Solution: Ask precise, multi-layered questions to investigate the "why."Example (Business Partner): Is this person in my highest alignment? (Yes/No)Will this partnership cause turbulence in my life? (Yes/No)Will this venture have longevity and be profitable? (Yes/No)This approach reveals the full story, enabling informed decisions.
Divination & Emotion
- Principle: Remain non-emotional during spiritual work to avoid distorting messages or creating negative karma.
- Eshu's Role: Eshu opens paths based on your energetic state. If you divine while angry, Eshu may open a path for that anger to manifest, creating a lesson for you.
- Protection: A high vibration acts as a natural shield against negative work. When you are in alignment, negative energy cannot connect.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
(See Calendar)
The Ori workshop on April 25th 1-6 pm Portland, Oregon to prepare for the invitation-only August ceremony.
Daughters of Yemaya at the Spirit Sisters Fair (Oaks Park Dance Hall, March 21, 9 am–5 pm) for readings and products.
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March 15 weekly Ifa Call
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