For those not familiar, the “Icofa” (hand of Orunmila) is a spiritual tool that consists of 16 Ikin (palm nuts) and allows the Ifa student to deepen their relationship with Orunmila in order to gain greater insights and wisdom. Each of us has a unique spiritual path that we must follow, and it benefits us tremendously to approach life lessons and challenges with greater wisdom and awareness than to stumble upon them half-hazard. That is why Orunmila is known to protect us from “death before our time” for we are able to approach challenges with wisdom.  If you have the “Icofa”, this reading is for you.

Icofa Reading for January 2019

“It is the characteristic of wisdom NOT to do desperate things.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

We start the year with a sense of restlessness to get moving on our goals and objectives for the year. However, we’re likely to encounter energy volatility this month, sudden changes that require us to adapt and adjust our plans. The difficulty is in becoming too rigid “my way, or no way” as we encounter people at cross purposes with us, that’s not to say that they’re wrong, just that their objectives doesn’t fit with our plans. So, be careful not to become defensive, akin “circling the wagon” and digging in, we need to play nice with others.

This month we’re under the influence of “Ìdí Òtúrá” with a strong indication of going Off Path (Ọ̀sá Mejì), we need to make a quick course correction to get back On Path so that we get the most out this energy. The most significant impact will be on overcoming difficulties (Ìwòrì Ogbè). As the Odu Ìwòrì Ogbè indicates, we can’t take things too seriously; we need a balanced approach, one that’s more light-hearted and fun, learn to see problem-solving more like a fun challenge. When you adjust your overly serious outlook, you will be able to tap into the wisdom that you need to figure things out.

Make an offering of Shea Butter (Ìdí Ọ̀sá) for clarity and Flower Petals (Ìrẹtẹ̀ Òtúrá) to be more in touch with the natural rhythm of life and nature.

Light a white candle and place a clear glass of spring water. Take the 16 Ikin into the cusp of your hands, share your breath by blowing on them three times, then bring them up to your forehead and silently say a prayer to Orunmila. Then make the Ebbo by rubbing the Shea Butter on the 16 Ikin, then add the Flower Petals. Most people with an Icofa have extra Ikin, so separately do the same on the remaining Ikin.

Love and Blessings!  Javier Lujan {Oluwo Ifajuitan}

See Also "What does it mean to be On Path or Off Path?"

"What is the purpose of receiving your Icofa?" 

The answer is: This single hand of Ọ̀rúnmìlà, which is EXACTLY the same for either men or women, is a direct conduit to the energy of the Òrìṣà of divination.  The energy of Ọ̀rúnmìlà might be equated to the General Practioner in medicine - It is Ọ̀rúnmìlà’s knowledge of all that was and all that will be, that imparts a tremendous insight and power to those connected to it.  Other Òrìṣàs are more specific in their areas of energy, more like the specialists in medicine.  Because Ifa is so intimately connected with balance in our lives, the energy and wisdom of Ọ̀rúnmìlà is essential to achieve this...for only this overview can place the various parts in their correct order.

As the years roll by, and they have definitely done so, I become more and more convinced that, other than dealing with those emergency issues of our life (e.g. illness, legal problems, new job, new birth etc.), that we are best served by paying the most attention to the broader, longer range divinations that impact our lives.  First and foremost is your Life-Path Reading, which is the template for understanding ALL future readings with the exception of Òrìṣà or Ifa initiation. Second, would be the monthly indications of your Icofa.

Each month gives us an accurate idea of just how we should consider, act upon, and react to the events of our everyday life. Many times, these events will seem to contradict those things we are attempting to do ...but such is NEVER the case. These are the implications, in a broader sense, of the meaning of events as they impact, or could impact, your everyday life.