Throughout my journey in life, I have observed that many people hesitate to seek spiritual consultation because they fear what divination may reveal or the sacrifices, rituals, and offerings that may be recommended afterward. Others believe that the money spent on divination or sacrifice is unnecessary. Yet, when hardship, illness, loss, or misfortune arrives, they ask, “Where is God? Where are the divinities when I need them?”

Ifá teaches that we cannot deceive Olódùmarè. We cannot manipulate the Òrìṣà, outwit the Irúnmọ̀lẹ̀, or bargain with Ori—our personal destiny. The only person we ultimately deceive is ourselves. Neglecting wisdom and refusing guidance can leave us vulnerable to untimely misfortune, illness, poverty, anger, confusion, stress, and unnecessary suffering.

There are two people no one should live without.

The first is a knowledgeable priest who, through Ifá divination and spiritual consultation, helps reveal the appropriate spiritual path for a person’s life.

The second is a skilled physician who helps prevent, diagnose, and treat physical illness. Both professions serve humanity through knowledge, wisdom, and care. Although they work in different ways, they ultimately seek the preservation of life. Their deeper relationship is a subject for another day.

Every day we feed our mouths, our bodies, and our stomachs with food, yet many neglect to nourish their souls and spirits with the spiritual guidance they also require. Just as the body benefits from healthy nourishment, the spirit benefits from prayer, wisdom, discipline, and sincere spiritual practice.

You may question the advice of a priest, but do not neglect the value of sincere consultation with Ifá through a knowledgeable and ethical practitioner. Divination is not intended to create fear; its purpose is to provide clarity, guidance, and the opportunity to make wiser decisions before difficulties become greater.

Animals wander through life guided only by instinct. A disciplined initiate walks through life with spiritual wisdom—a divine compass that helps recognize danger, avoid unnecessary hardship, and choose the right path.

The world presents many visible and invisible challenges. Ifá speaks of Ajogun Orun, the punitive forces associated with suffering and adversity, and Eburu Ayé, the earthly challenges that confront human beings. Within the Ifá tradition, regular consultation, prayer, sacrifice, and appropriate spiritual discipline are understood as ways of preparing oneself to meet life’s challenges with greater wisdom and resilience.

Life has no replacement.

Take care of your life and the lives of your loved ones spiritually, medically, physically, emotionally, and mentally.

The decision is always yours. No one should force you to take spiritual steps that do not align with your conscience or your path. However, Ifá continually reminds us that prevention is wiser than waiting for misfortune to become overwhelming.

Consult when you need guidance.

Pray when you are uncertain.

Offer your sacrifices with sincerity.

Feed your soul as faithfully as you feed your body.

Pray with obi, orogbo, àtàrẹ, and iyẹ̀rẹ̀òsùn according to the customs and guidance of your tradition.

When in doubt, seek wisdom before difficulty becomes suffering.

May Olódùmarè, Ori, the Òrìṣà, and the Irúnmọ̀lẹ̀ guide your steps always.

Àṣẹ