Photography: Will Coleman, Ph.D.
Osun eye kan. This "bird" is associated with special esoteric knowledge of and Ifa priest or Babalawo ("father of the mysteries" of African wisdom). It has been placed on this opon ifa for illustration only. This is not its ritualistic location.
DARAJI
Orunmila mo pe, Orunmila mo pe, Orunmila mo pe.
Spirit of Destiny I am greeting you, Spirit of Destiny I am greeting you, Spirit of Destiny I am greeting you.
Ifa mo pe, Ifa mo pe, Ifa mo pe.
Wisdom of Nature I am greeting you, Wisdom of Nature I am greeting you, Wisdom of Nature I am greeting you.
Oduduwa mo pe, Oduduwa mo pe, Oduduwa mo pe,
Parent of our people I am greeting you, Parent of our people I am greeting you, Parent of our people I am greeting you.
Igi nla subu wonakankan d'etu, Orunmila ni o di adariji.
The Light that precedes appeasement. Spirit of Destiny relieve me of my obligation.
Mo ni o di daraji.
I ask you to relieve my obligation
Ase.
May it be so.