HISTORY AND TRADITION OF IFÁ
In this section, you'll find a clear introduction to what Ifá is, along with an overview of Yoruba mythology, the Orishas, the Odus, and the divination systems — topics that are further explored in other parts of this site. The goal is to present this spiritual universe in an accessible way, awakening the interest of those who seek a deeper understanding of African ancestral wisdom. For those who wish to dive deeper, we also recommend books, blogs, and other valuable resources.
This millenary tradition holds a unique depth. I hope this introduction to what Ifá is and its tradition encourages you to explore further.
A Journey from Africa to the Americas
The spiritual tradition and mythology of Ifá originated among the Yoruba people of West Africa, mainly in what is now Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. This ancient society is known for its rich cultural heritage, and its spiritual practices have been orally transmitted for centuries. Rooted in values like respect, harmony, and good character, this tradition continues to offer timeless lessons for modern life.
During the transatlantic slave trade, millions of Africans — including many Yoruba — were forcibly brought to the Americas. Despite the violence and trauma of slavery, they carried their spiritual knowledge with them, ensuring that the sacred teachings endured and adapted to new lands.
In the Americas, these traditions gave rise to new spiritual expressions such as Umbanda and Candomblé in Brazil, Santería in Cuba, and Vodou in Haiti and parts of the U.S. Some, like Umbanda, incorporated elements from Catholicism, Spiritism, and Indigenous shamanic practices. Others, like Candomblé, remained closer to their original African forms.
It’s important to highlight that Yoruba wisdom is still practiced and alive in Africa today, continuing to serve as a spiritual foundation for millions of people.
Ultimately, these systems all maintain a strong connection to the Orishas and the ancestral Yoruba tradition, preserving their African roots while offering spiritual guidance in contemporary life.
What Is Ifá?
Origins, Meaning and Philosophy
More than a divination system or a religion, Ifá is a philosophy and a way of seeing the world.
"Ifá is the preservation of the ancestral wisdom in Yorùbá culture which gives guidance on how to make the right decisions on the journey towards developing good character. Ifá is not a doctrine of belief; it is a way of looking at the world."
Awo Fa'lokun Fatunmbi (2013)
Ancestral Wisdom as a Guide for Life
At its core, Ifá is a wisdom system rooted in Yoruba culture. It offers guidance on how to face life’s challenges, make decisions, and cultivate ìwà rere or ìwà pèlè — good or harmonious character. Simply put, this means living in balance with oneself, the surrounding world, and the spiritual realm. The term “Ifá” has no direct translation; it reflects something deeper — a worldview shaped by curiosity and reverence for life’s mysteries. It holds the secrets of creation and the key to understanding the visible and invisible forces shaping our lives.
Rather than imposing rigid beliefs, this tradition invites us to explore the mysteries of life, creation, and consciousness. Whether contemplating the beauty of nature, the complexity of human emotions, or the challenges we face, Ifá teaches that everything is interconnected — a dance of polarities. Through this lens, we are encouraged to approach life with axé(divine energy), treating every challenge not as a problem to solve but as a mystery to understand.
Knowledge passed down through verses, proverbs, and myths helps us make sense of these mysteries. At the center of this dynamic is Exu, one of the most vital Orishas in Yoruba cosmology. As the guardian of crossroads and choices, Exu embodies movement, change, and the multiplicity of paths. He doesn’t just take part in the system — he drives it. Exu is the pulse of existence, the principle of motion that animates all things.
In the philosophy of Ifá, truth is not fixed; it’s always in motion — just like the principle that Exu represents. He reveals the many paths we may take and teaches us that every situation contains a range of possibilities. To understand what Ifá is, one must embrace this fluidity. Destiny is not predetermined; it is shaped by the choices we make on our journey toward fulfillment, harmony, and well-being.
The Nature of Ifá
A Way of Life
Ifá’s teachings go beyond philosophy. They describe the energetic patterns that govern life itself. Everything is seen in terms of polarities: light and shadow, life and death, movement and stillness. These forces interact at all levels — from the micro to the cosmic — and every decision we make is part of this vast web of connections.
Fortune and misfortune are both part of life’s journey.
This ancestral wisdom reveals that these opposites are complementary expressions of human experience. By understanding this duality, we become able to transform misfortune into growth, learn from challenges, and make conscious choices that lead to balance and harmony — both individually and collectively.
In essence, it is a worldview and a way of thinking. It is not limited to any one religion, but has influenced many traditions in the African diaspora. While religions such as Christianity and Islam refer to èsìn (servitude), the Yoruba refer to this system as asa or oro ibile — customs connected to the land and ancestors.
Contrary to what many people think, it is a monotheistic system: it is believed that all possibilities emanate from Olodumaré, the divine source of being and non-being, light and darkness. He represents the birth of consciousness, the origin of all things, and the creative energy that permeates the universe.
In its cosmology, the invisible world, full of ideas and potential, is considered more essential than the physical world, since it is from there that everything manifests. This subtle plane is seen as the place where destinies are structured before they are realized in the material world. By integrating these principles, the tradition guides each person towards the fulfillment of their personal path, in search of well-being, wisdom and fulfillment.
Therefore, understanding what Ifá is is starting a journey of self-knowledge, respect for ancestry and spiritual transformation.
