Isefa, or receiving one Hand of Ifa, is a ritual (ceremony) marking a major milestone in the Ifa / Orisa journey. Isefa is long-known to help devotees develop spiritual intimacy with their Ifa and Ori inu (inner head), as well as help them navigate through life with heightened, greater tranquility.
So what is a “Hand” of Ifa, anyway?
Isefa is called one Hand of Ifa because it is a precursor step to full Ifa Initiation (Tefa), where one would receive the second and subsequent “Hands” (sets) of Ifa. A “Hand” of Ifa is a complete set of Ikin (sacred palm seeds) making up the consecrated Ifa. In other lineages and cultures that practice Ifa, it can be known as Awofakan, Kofa, Icofa/Ikofa, Mano de Orula, or other names. For the purposes of this writing, we focus on the more traditional West African ceremony. The performance of Isefa happens in one day.
During this ceremony, one receives their first set of Ikin. The the day of the ceremony, an odu is divined for you that will give you a detailed look into the energies and spirits at work in your life, and some clues as to your destiny. Additionally, the eleke and ide (necklace and bracelet in green and brown) of Ifa will be given to you.
The ceremony is condensed and completed in one day, just as effectively, starting with an opening of the way, light propitation to one or more Orisas, and ending with the divination for the odu for this person receiving their Hand of Ifa.
The reception of this odu is not the same as the reception of your life odu during full Ifa initiation (Tefa or Itelodu), however, it is an important step and highly useful even if full initiation into the priesthood as an Iyanifa or Babalawo is not something you wish to do. In many lineages the odu spoken and cast in divination during this ritual gives valuable information and Ase or spiritual assistance as you progress along your spiritual path.
Can someone receive a Hand of Ifa long distance? Yes.
We offer and perform this ritual for individuals who are unable to travel to our Ilé living in absentia and then mail their shrines to them and instruct them on how to set up the shrine in their homes after receiving. It has long been a common and accepted practice to consecrate a hand of Ifa for a person without them present, though with their consent, with the same efficacy. Thanks to technology like video conferencing that is always improving, we are able to worship and exchange easily, leading to much more fulfilled practices for devotees.
If you’ve had an interest in a personal Ifa practice, or have known for years that you needed to receive your Hand of Ifa, feel free to reach out to us and we would be happy to assist you in beginning your journey with Ifa. Folks from all backgrounds of life, educations, careers and various interests have greatly benefited from the blessings brought about in their lives with this important step in their spiritual journey.
Contact us via on +1 917 622 0527
