Ancient Roots, Modern Paths: Exploring Orisa and Ifa Wisdom

Have you ever experienced deep disappointment that caused you to withdraw and separate from community? Maybe your trust was shaken in your spiritual community and you withdrew. In this episode, Oloye Ekundayo acknowledges how disappointments, broken trust, and violation can cause us to withdraw from our spiritual communities. She shares why it is important to find your way back to a healthy c...

She's back on the mic! In this episode, Oloye Ekundayo shares three lessons she learned while recovering from an illness.  Oloye   Ekundayo Efuntomisin, a devoted student of the West African Yoruba Spiritual Tradition called Ifa/Orisa, is your podcast host. She is the founder of Ile Ifa Otura Orire, the Ifa House of Good Destiny. The mission of the Ile is to support Ifa/Orisa d...

Have you ever felt uncomfortable with a person, situation, or experience? But instead of listening to your inner spirit's red flags, you put a big wet blanket over the red flag and continued on?  You're not alone. In this episode, Oloye Ekundayo shares a story when she ignored a huge red flag and it nearly cost her everything.  Oloye   Ekundayo Efuntomisin, a devoted student of the...

Early on in my Ifa/Orisa journey, I discovered the writings of Chief FAMA. She is an esteemed leader and scholar in the Yoruba Ifa/Orisa tradition. Chief FAMA is a beacon of Light in the realm of Ifa/Orisa worship. With a profound commitment to preserving Yoruba culture, her insights offer a transformative journey into the depths of spirituality, destiny, and the enduring wisdom of Ifa and Or...

If you know the three questions you could ask yourself that would change the trajectory of your life, would you have the courage to ask them? In this episode, Oloye Ekundayo challenges us to take the leap and do the work. As yourself the three questions and see your connection to your Destiny strengthen and clarify. Oloye   Ekundayo Efuntomisin, a devoted student of the West African Yoru...

Have you been waiting for years to achieve success? Does success seem like something that everyone else enjoys, but not you? What guidance does the Odu Ifa Ose Ogbe offer about the idea of success? In this episode, Oloye Ekundayo shares a new vision of how we can think about success by learning more about the magical Bamboo plant. Oloye   Ekundayo Efuntomisin, a devoted student...

Have you been waiting for your blessings to show up? Are you wondering if your "enemies" are blocking your blessings? We all have Ori (Inner Spirit) and a destiny that includes many blessings. In this episode, Oloye Ekundayo focuses on why our blessings get deferred and what we can do about it.  Oloye   Ekundayo Efuntomisin, a devoted student of the West African Yorub...

What is a taboo? A unique dynamic of the Ifa/Orisa tradition is the concept of taboo. When you think of taboo, you might envision something that is forbidden. It is so much deeper in the Isese tradition.  In this episode, Oloye Ekundayo explores a recent experience with taboo and why is it so important to follow the taboos that a person might receive during divination. Oloye   Ekund...

Be careful that you don't offend the witches! Have you had someone say that to you or caution you? What image comes to mind when you hear the word "witch"? Is it a woman dressed all in black with a pointy hat, long crooked nose with a mole on the end? Where did the word "witch" come from and is it relevant to the Ifa/Orisa tradition?  In this episode, Oloye Ekundayo explores the word "witch"...

Are you a priest of Ifa or Orisa   AND   you have a full time job, family commitments, care giving, school, etc? Are you struggling to figure out how to balance your responsibilities for caring for your shrines?  You're not alone. In this episode, Oloye Ekundayo shares some real "truths" of juggling priestly responsibilities while developing the connection with the Orisa/I...

What does it mean to become Omoluabi, a person of honor and good will?  On our Earth journey, we are affected and impacted by circumstances, environments, and people. This may distort our true nature. Join Oloye Ekundayo as she explores what our true nature is and how we can reconnect to our truest essence. Oloye   Ekundayo Efuntomisin, a devoted student of the West African Yoruba Spirit...

What draws you to the Orisa? Is it reawakening the spiritual tradition of your ancestors? Is it the desire to experience "magic" of an ancient tradition? There are many reasons why you may be drawn to the Ifa/Orisa path. It may not be because you are seeking to strengthen your character, but it is character we must seek. In this episode of Ancient Roots, Modern Paths, Oloye Ekundayo delves into wh...

Are you a priest of Ifa or Orisa AND you have a full time job, family commitments, care giving, school, etc? Are you struggling to figure out how to balance your responsibilities for caring for your shrines?  You're not alone. In this episode, Oloye Ekundayo shares some real "truths" of juggling priestly responsibilities while developing the connection with the Orisa/Ifa. Oloye &nbs...

Have you booked a divination with an Iyanifa, Babalowo, or Olorisa? Are you wondering "what happens next"? Divination is an important aspect of the Isese tradition. Divination provides guidance, insight, and alignment with your Destiny. Check out this episode as Oloye Ekundayo shares a high level overview of divination, the divination process, and responsibilities. Oloye   Ekundayo Efuntomisi...

"I want to be sure that I'm doing it right." This is a frequent statement that many devotees of the Orisa/Ifa tradition make when they believe that they are offending the Orisa by not praying right, chanting right, performing right. What happens when you make this statement? What emotions or feelings come up for you? Check out this episode as Oloye Ekundayo unpacks the impact of fearing...

"Trust your gut!" Has an elder or friend ever made this statement to you? In this episode of Ancient Roots, Modern Paths, Oloye Ekundayo tosses out some nuggets about trusting your gut as you start your journey on this Orisa/Ifa path. Your "gut" aka your Ori is giving you insight and guidance about the things that are good for you (or not good for you). Oloye   Ekundayo Efuntomisin, a de...

Initiated to Ifa? Did you know there is an annual celebration marking your initiation to Ifa? Join Oloye Ekundayo as she share three insights and lessons from her recent journey to Nigeria for Odun Ifa celebration. You don't want to miss this episode! Oloye Ekundayo Efuntomisin, a devoted student of the West African Yoruba Spiritual Tradition called Ifa/Orisa, is your podcast host. She is the foun...

Welcome to a new calendar year! 2024 will be what ever we create it to be.  As we all step into the new Georgian calendar year, Iya Ekundayo shares insights on ways to shift the energy around you to create new space for new ideas, energy, and insights.  Iyanifa Ekundayo Efuntomisin, a devoted student of the West African Yoruba Spiritual Tradition called Ifa/Orisa, is your podcast host. S...

Early on in my Ifa/Orisa journey, I discovered the writings of Chief FAMA. She is an esteemed leader and scholar in the Yoruba Ifa/Orisa tradition. Chief FAMA is a beacon of Light in the realm of Ifa/Orisa worship. With a profound commitment to preserving Yoruba culture, her insights offer a transformative journey into the depths of spirituality, destiny, and the enduring wisdom of Ifa and Or...

 Do you remember the kindergarten song... "Clean up, Clean up, everybody, every where..." As 2023 winds down, what needs to be cleaned up in your life? Why drag unnecessary baggage into the new year? Join Iya Ekundayo as she explores Ifa's guidance in cleaning up and getting ourselves rebalanced. Iyanifa Ekundayo Efuntomisin, a devoted student of the West African Yoruba Spiritu...

What are the 16 Truths of Ifa? In Part IV final episode of this series, explore the 13th - 16th of the 16 Truths. Understand   the values, beliefs, and expectations for all devotees of the West African Yoruba spiritual and cultural tradition. Join Iya Ekundayo for this four-part series exploring the 16 Truths of Ifa and how they apply to your life. Iyanifa Ekundayo Efuntomisin, a devoted stud...

What are the 16 Truths of Ifa? In Part III of this series, explore the 9th - 12th of the 16 Truths. Understand   the values, beliefs, and expectations for all devotees of the West African Yoruba spiritual and cultural tradition. Join Iya Ekundayo for this four-part series exploring the 16 Truths of Ifa and how they apply to your life. Iyanifa Ekundayo Efuntomisin, a devoted student of the Wes...

What are the 16 Truths of Ifa? In Part II of this series, explore the 4th - 8th of the 16 Truths. Understand the values, beliefs, and expectations for all devotees of the West African Yoruba spiritual and cultural tradition. Join Iya Ekundayo for this four-part series exploring the 16 Truths of Ifa and how they apply to your life. Iyanifa Ekundayo Efuntomisin, a devoted student of the West African...

In Episode 25, Iya Ekundayo described the 16 Laws of Ifa. These laws serve to guide the conduct and character of Iyanifa and Babalawo. The laws are specific guidance.  There are also the 16 Truths of Ifa. These 16 Truths establish the values, beliefs, and expectations for all devotees of the West African Yoruba spiritual and cultural tradition. Join Iya Ekundayo for this four-part series...

Did you know that there is a set of laws that guide the conduct and character of Iyanifa and Babalawo? The 16 Laws of Ifa from Odu Ifa (sacred text) give guidance that essentially guide the actions and character of practitioners. In this episode, learn what the 16 Laws of Ifa are and ways to apply and guide your life.  Iyanifa Ekundayo Efuntomisin, a devoted student of the West Afri...