Is IFA a religion?
Ifa is a faith and divination system with its roots in Olori’s family’s ancestral homeland, Yorubaland. The region now encompasses the nations of Benin, Togo and Ghana and parts of Nigeria. Like some other religions, Ifa includes magic, the use of traditional medicines and veneration of the dead.
What is the difference between IFA and Santeria?
They name their the creator orisha one name for one religion, the othe another. Santeria has been diluted, its roots are lucumi religion, and ifa. Ifa is more hardcore, more blunt.
What does IFA believe in?
What is Ifa religion? It is a spiritual system based on belief in three major components: the supreme being (Olodumare), the spirits (Orisa), and the ancestors. Olodumare is also known by other names, including Eleda, Eledumare, and Olorun.
What can a babalawo do?
The Babalawos are believed to ascertain the future of their clients through communication with Ifá. People can visit Babalawos for spiritual consultations, which is known as Dafa. The religious system as a whole has been recognized by UNESCO as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.”
What is a Santeria priest called?
Santeria has a priesthood that includes both men and women. Priesthood involves training and initiation. The priest may be a babalorisha (Father in the Spirit) or iyalorisha (Mother or Wife in the Spirit). The Spanish words for these priests are santero or santera.
How do I get initiated into Santeria?
The first initiation ritual for those who wish to be initiated into Santería, is called el plante. It is a three-day ritual in which you receive the first four santos, called the warriors, Eleggúa, Oggún, Ochosi and Osun.
Is Ifa divination real?
Ifa divination is practiced by the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria and West Africa. The exact origin of Ifa divination is unknown, but it appears to pre-date Christianity and Islam in West Africa and it continues to be an important part of Yoruba culture in Nigeria and for Africans in America.
How much does it cost to be initiated in Santería?
The average price to become initiated into the religion in the country ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, and the initiation ceremony includes a sacrifice of live animals, dance and “the mixing of an assortment of holy plants for seven days.” In the U.S. and Europe, becoming a santero could cost anywhere from $5,000 to …
Is Santería legal?
In the United States religious slaughter is not practiced under any exemption, as is the case in several European legal codes. In this case, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled unconstitutional a local Florida ban on Santería ritual animal sacrifice.