Hand of Ifá
Before You Proceed
The Hand of Ifá (Isẹ́fá) is a significant and lasting commitment. Before scheduling your consultation inquiry, confirm the following:
You have read the ceremony overview above and understand what the Isẹ́fá involves.
You understand that Isẹ́fá is not a one-time event — it begins an ongoing relationship with Ifá that requires regular care and practice.
You are prepared to discuss your spiritual background, intentions, and circumstances openly during the consultation.
The $550 preparation deposit is credited toward the total ceremony cost of $1,250–$1,800. It is part of that total, not an additional charge. Before payment, confirm the total and the included services.
Ceremony process,
and how to get started
Isefa, or Receiving One Hand of Ifa, is a ritual (ceremony) marked as a major milestone in the Ifa / Orisa journey, no matter the destination.
Isefa is long-known to help recipients develop spiritual intimacy with their Ifa (and Orunmila - the spirit of Destiny) and their Orí inu (inner head), as well as help them navigate through life with heightened, greater tranquility because of the transformative, manifesting effect it opens up.
Where do you start?
Receiving a Hand of Ifa is a milestone, but the process itself is simple and straight forward.
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A consultation or Ifa reading is the always the first step. It is an opportunity to connect and establish a relationship.
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The date and time of your ceremony is established during the consultation. You will receive instructions on anything needed beforehand.
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A copy of our book, Practical Foundations of Ifa, will be delivered to you with your Hand of Ifa. This book is the absolute handbook on how to take care of an Ifa shrine and get started in working with your Ifa.
Isefa (Hand of Ifa) is commonly and historically viewed as a step in the path toward initiation, but anyone can receive their Isefa (Hand of Ifa)
Isefa in the Lukumi or Afro-Cuban diasporal Ifa traditions is known as mano de Orula, Ikofa, Kofa, or Awofakan, but there is much distinction between the two lineages of ceremony.
The contents of a complete Isẹ́fá (Hand of Ifá) ceremony can vary by lineage, region, and the guidance received for each person. Here is what is included in a ceremony arranged through Oracle Ifá:
What do you get with a Hand of Ifa?
Initiation Experience
"Receiving my Hand of Ifa through this temple was a turning point. The care, discipline, and authenticity displayed by Oba Ifagbemi and the community made me feel secure in this lifelong commitment. The 'Ase' is tangible here. For the first time, I feel I have the tools to navigate my own life with authority rather than just reacting to circumstances."
— Amara K., Atlanta, Georgia
Opening / Intro Consult
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The introductory consult for the Isefa opens the road for the ceremony. It is a standard reading, but with extra time for discussing the Isefa ceremony and scheduling it.
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Approximately 90 minutes.
Isefa (Hand of Ifa) Ceremony
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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 Orí inu (inner head), as well as help them navigate through life with heightened, greater tranquility.
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Between one and three days.
Your Isefa (guiding) Odu
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At the conclusion of the Isefa (Hand of Ifa) 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. These clues bring clarity to many situations in our daily life, and make recommendations to improve your life as it is now. This odu gives valuable information and Ase (spiritual assistance/power). For those of us not born into west African culture, this is often the first check-in with the concepts of Destiny and Orí, and acts as a formal check-in for full initiation if that is desired.
The reception of this odu is not the same as the reception of your full Ifa initiation (Tefa or Itelodu), however it is an important step and highly useful even if full initiation into the priesthood is not something you wish to do.
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Approximately two hours, but can run longer.
Ikin, Container, Eleke & Ide
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You will receive a complete Ifa as part of an Isefa ceremony which includes 21 ikin, plus a container (sometimes called calabash) to hold the ikin, as well as the eleke (a brown and green beaded necklace) and ide (a brown and green beaded bracelet) of ifa.
Handbook of Ifa
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Our book, Practical Foundations of Ifa, provides detailed instructions on how to take care of your own Ifa at home, including the full process of propitiation (making offerings), verses of odu and prayers to use, and much much more. A copy of the handbook is included with your Isefa (Hand of Ifa).
What do you need to do?
$550 covers the initial reading and additional time to discuss your specific Isẹ́fá (Hand of Ifá) ceremony. This preparation is distinct from the ceremony itself.
The ceremony is tailored to the guidance received during the reading. The $550 preparation deposit is credited toward the total ceremony cost of $1,250–$1,800. It is part of that total, not an additional charge. Your individual cost is determined during the reading and information session. Before paying, ask for an itemized written quote stating the total payable and what is included.
The ceremony can be performed in-person or long distance, as we’ve talked about before in our Isefa - What is a Hand of Ifa?article.
After receiving your Hand of Ifa, the work continues.
The next step is learning how to engage it properly.
Not everything begins with initiation.
Sometimes it begins with understanding.
We proceed step by step.
Aṣẹ.