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Home page Pages Four Cowries AKA Obi

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Four Cowries AKA Obi

L O T O F S TU F F C O M I N G U P . . .
There's much more to Four Cowries or Obi divination than initially meets the eye! You can make it either as simple, or as complex as you want. In fact, with four cowries you can do the exact same as one can do with Opele or Ikin! But that's a bit beyond the scope of this page... right here we'll explore some of the simpler variations. It will take me some time, so please have patience! Much more is coming up, in the sections below!

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A LA F IA
From left to right it's Eshu, Oshe'Tura, Jaap Verduijn. What a team (amused but slightly worried grin)! By the way... the update format below is in African style i.e. d/m/y with a 24 hour clock. Last update 28-6-2012 at 9:47:51 . The basic essence of Alafia is "Yes" with some blessing attached. Many diviners consider it necessary to ask again, but in my personal experience that's not really a necessity. Alafia simple means "Ys" in 99 out of every 100 cases. And if you happen to encounter that 100tyh case, your gut feeling (that a colloquialism for Ori) will tell you so... and then you can ask again.

OK A NRA N
Essentially Okanran means "No, but...". However, the "but" is kind of superfluous, because when Okanran appears in Four Cowrie divination, one goes on asking anyway... after all, we want some clear "Yes" answer! So the appearance of Okanran should prompt you to rethink/reformulate your question, in order to arrive at a positive "Yes". If you wonder why this Ifa site is blue instead of yellow/green: my home and circumstances are under the strong influence of Oya!... which is perfectly alright, but when concentrating on Ifa I compensate Oya!'s Winds of Change with a bit of Yemoja's cool ocean!
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E JIF E
Ejife is considered a very clear "Yes"! No doubt about it! No need to keep asking, simply proceed from that "yes" on. Generally Ejife is considered to be a firmer "yes" than Alafia, but I don't fully agree with that point of view. What I do agree with, is that Ejife doesn't need a follow-up question to make matters more clear... it's "Yes". Period.

Jaap Verduijn

HE LP K E E P IT CO M ING !!!
All stuff here is free, including some special parts of Odu texts, special experiences and special personal insights, not to mention the odd bit of Odu info that is usually considered "secret". I share it willingly with y'all, but in order to enable me to "keep it coming" (there are nearly a thousand paper pages that I still have to put online), a monthly subscription of

E TA W A
Essentially the meaning of Etawa is "Yes, but...". The "but" refers to the fact that you're on the right track, but there's somewhat more to the issue tha meets the eye. Rephrasing the question, or slightly changing the angle of attack, repeatedly if necessary, will eventually lead to a clear "Yes" or "No".

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OYEKU
The meaning of Oyeku can be quite varied. Some people are scared shitless when this pattern appears, but I never could discover any negativity in it. Depending on the circumstances it can mean a definite "No", but far more often the appearance of Oyeku means that the Ancesters (Egun) want to speak, emphasizing the answer to the original question. So: ask that exact question again, and don't be surprised in Oyeku appears... again! Then ask the questionfor the third time, and when either Alafia, Ejife or Etawa appears it means an absolute, undoubtable, totally definite "Yes!", and when Okanran appear it means an equally firm and definite "No". The Ancestors have spoken.

RE A DING UNDE RLY ING O DU IF A

You can interpret all casts with four Cowries in a more expansive way, by reading the "underlying" Odu Ifa, which is simply done by viewing them as a vertical row. Now there are two results in Four Cowries that can only have one Odu Ifa underneath, because all cowries are lying in the same position: that's Alafia with all four "mouths" up, and Oyeku with all four "bellies" up. In other words: the underlying Odu Ifa in Alafia is always Ogbe, and in Oyeku it's always Oyeku... plain and simple. In Okanran, Ejife and Etawa however, there are various possibolities, which I give below with a short interpretation for each fall.

O K A N R A N S U P P O R TE D B Y O B A R A
Modesty is needed, take care that lessons taught by those who are older and wiser have been well absorbed. There may be a too high opinion of oneself, leading to a doubtful result. Overestimation of oneself leads to various mistakes, like rash actions.

O K A N R A N S U P P O R TE D B Y O K A N R A N
Resistance from family or surroundings may be playing a role. If the one who asks the question expects support from others, he might well find himself very disappointed. The uncertainty in Okanran may be the result of this person not fully understanding how big the opposition might be. This Odu speaks of a lone prophet, who has the guts to go against the majority.

O K A N R A N S U P P O R TE D B Y I K A
Unexpected illness may block a positive result. Gossip and self-doubt are also a form of illness, it's important to remember the power of the word. Don't use it negatively!

O K A N R A N S U P P O R TE D B Y O TU R U P O N
Here is the distinct possibility of deliberate attempts by others to prevent a good outcome. There may be need for psychic protection. Often is silence the best protection! We don't discuss our plans with everybody and his ancient mother.

E J I F E S U P P O R TE D B Y I W O R I
Action as a follow-up to the question will have positive results for spiritual transformation through blessings by Shango, or emotional transformation through blessings by Aganyu. Fire, both in a literal and metaphorical sense, is the key to transformation.

E J I F E S U P P O R TE D B Y O D I
This is a "yes" with the blessing of the birth of something truly new... although on fact every birth is of course a rebirth. Blessing of Yemoja. A new enterprise, a new idea, a new relationship or maybe even a new child.

E J I F E S U P P O R TE D B Y I R O S U N
Blessing from the Egun and Osun. Osun protects the consciousness of those who search for spiritual transformation. This person is aware of the spiritual aspects that play a role here, has learned the lessons from the ancestors, and follows the right path. There is a good foundation for learning how to let go of ineffective thoughts about living in this world. The admonition by the Egun is that this person should proceed carefully and cautiously in order to progress through difficulties.

E J I F E S U P P O R TE D B Y O W O N R I N
Blessings from Eshu or the Egun. Consult the Ancestors, and be aware that the intervention of Eshu can lead to unexpected changes in the circumstances that led to the asking of this question. What Owonrin brings can get lost again quite easily, so be alert and disciplined. Owonrin is an unstable Odu!

E J I F E S U P P O R TE D B Y O S H E
The blessing of Oshun, in the form of sensuality, erotics, abundance and fertility. In a life that is lived in harmony with nature and with the spiritual forces that keep creation intact, Oshun can supply all these blessings.

E J I F E S U P P O R TE D B Y O F U N
The blessing of Obatala. Take care to act according to ethical principles. Social behaviour should be directed towards the highest possible standards. No excess of any kind; maintain spiritual, physical, and domestic cleanliness.

E TA W A S U P P O R TE D B Y O G U N D A
There are obstructions for a clear "yes" - these should be confronted and removed. The obstructions can be external or internal, implying the removal of physical circumstances that prevent improvement, or the removal of ineffective thoughts and attitudes. Courage is required, and the determination of Ogun.

E TA W A S U P P O R TE D B Y O S A
The winds of change! What seems important now, can change because of presently unknown causes that are in movement. Shape and content of the present issue can suddenly change. Through the presence of Oya, who controls the conversion or indeed the "twilight zone" between the living and the dead, the Ancestors can cause sudden change.

E TA W A S U P P O R TE D B Y O TU R A
The end result is acceptable, but possibly there's something not completely ethical in the way the person who asks this question wants to reach that result. Otura is the Odu that makes or breaks families, and depending on the situation either the one or the other is relevant. Here is a strong reference to social responsibility.

E TA W A S U P P O R TE D B Y I R E TE
The person who asks this question has the unconscious tendency to sabotage his own efforts. Insecurity and self-doubt can stand in the way of a good solution. Selfrespect and selfaffirmation should be examined and where necessary encouraged.

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