Ifá and merindilogún (Shells) Consultations

 

The Purpose of Ifá and merindilogún Consultations

First of all it should be noted that Ifá and the merindilogún (caracoles or shells) consultations are not 'fortune-telling'. Although the consultations will often delve into a person’s past, present and future, and many questions regarding the client’s life will be answered, there is a very different purpose involved. When a person comes to be seen with Ifá or with Elegba's shells, they are learning how they can bring their lives into harmony with the will of Olodumare, the Orishas and the Universe. It is Ifá and the Orishas who speak and advise as to what is the best path for the visitor to follow in order to better their lives. This can only be accomplished by properly trained Babalawos or Olorishas and gives the whole event a very different ‘flavor’.

What Happens During a 'Consulta'?

First, the Priestess or Priest will be saying a number of prayers to Olodumare, to the Eggun and to the Orishas asking their permission to do the work and asking them to speak about the situations affecting the life of the person coming to be seen.

Then the Opele or Elegba's shells will be cast in order to get the essential Odu or 'sign' that accompanies that person. This Odu speaks of the person’s life, the road they are on, how they came to be on that road, and where the path leads. But first we will need to find out the particular path of this sign to further pinpoint the client’s situation.

Several questions are asked starting with whether the Odu comes with blessings or Iré or with some negativity or Osogbo. During this time various items called Ibo will be given to the client. The person is asked to shake and separate the items, one in each hand. The signs that come up tell us which hand to ask for. This is done so that the person's personal ashé or spiritual energy is brought into the equation. In this way we ascertain what kind of blessing or negativity is accompanying the person and where it comes from, etc. At this point we begin to tell the client what advice Ifá or Elegba has for them. Finally, we find out the ceremonies or work that is needed in order to ensure the Ire or blessings or to defend the client from any negativity or Osogbo that might be putting the client out of harmony.

How Long Does This Take?

Well, that depends. As Priestesses and Priests, we are the servants of Olodumare and the Orishas and the course of the consultation is in their hands. This means we cannot close the consultation until Orunmila or Elegba is satisfied that all that needs to be said and all that needs to be done has been brought out to this person. This can take twenty minutes or two hours, as it is up to the Orishas and not up to us.

Which Is Better Ifá or the Shells?

Again that depends. Both are accurate and both will advise the client well on how to bring their life into harmony. Ifá is usually more in depth, having 256 Odus or signs that can arrive and therefore a greater range of advice can be given. It is also more expensive. The Merindilogún has 16 Odus of which twelve can be read (if the other four signs come up they must send the client to be seen by a Babalawo). But that certainly does not make the Merindilogún 'lesser'. The Orishas speak in both. Which best fits your needs is really up to you.

What About Consultations Over the Phone or the Internet?

Although there are people who advertise consultations by phone or email, we feel strongly that the consultation will usually not have nearly the depth it would have otherwise, so we don't do it except under conditions where there is an overriding need. For instance, how is the person going to hold the Ibo items in their hands if the consultation is done over the phone or by email? Although this may be inconvenient for the client, if convenience is the most important factor, then perhaps Santería may not be the best religion for you.

 

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