DIFFERENCES BETWEEN IRUNMIOLE AND ORISA

Irunmole and Orisa are two distinct entities connected only by astral link from the perspective
of divination and/ or ritual. While Orisa can be categorized, Irunmole, being unique entities
and higher forms of Orisa, were sent to Ikole Aye by Olodumare with different portfolios.

The following text therefore, gives an in-depth study of the difference between Orisa and
Irunmole.
IRUNMOLE (Eni orun to wa mo ile Aye – HEAVEN BEINGS):
As we all know that Irunmole were those Supernatural Beings from ikole Orun (heaven) that
first visited Ikole Aye (earth) and actually made earth habitable for human beings, these
irunmoles included Ogun (God of metals and creativity), Obatala or Oosa Nla (God of creation),
Sango ( god of thunder), Osun ( River goddess), Kori (God of children), Ososi (God of
hunting), Esu (God of justice), Osanyin (God of medicine), Obaluaye and the most intelligence-
ORUNMILA.

The Supernatural Beings, whose existence were/are universally accepted, acknowledge,

recognized and known by other names such as Angels, spirits, Malaikas etc. are called
Irunmole by Yoruba. These Irunmole were/are the highest of whatever/whichever prophet
mostly acclaimed today in that they were not born on earth and did not die on earth either.
They were the only link between human beings and Olodumare then, and they, individually and
collectively, served as the medium through whom Olodumare imparted the esoteric knowledge
of words known as Ifa and the scientific knowledge of nature in general, to mankind and
taught human beings the primordial technology of today’s modem science and inventions.

On accomplishment of these tasks, the Irunmole ascended to heaven and did not come back to
earth till the present. As mentors and teachers, these last and final ascension to Ikole Orun, no
doubt created a vacuum to human beings on one hand, and a big communications barrier
between human beings and Olodumare on the other hand. The dilemma of human beings on
realization of this fact then became how, where, with and by what means could they
communicate effectively as before with Olodumare? Their logical reasoning was the spirits of
the Irunmole would thenceforth be invoked by them to make it easier for them (human beings)
to be nearer to God. After all, their contact with Olodumare had been through the Irunmole
from time.

The question again was through or by what means were the spirits of the Irunmole to be
invoked?
Everything considered, it became imperative and logical too for human being to invoke the
spirits of the Irunmole through/by the medium with which the Irunmole were in close contact
while on earth and these media could be- their personal belongings, objects most cherished by
them, their and tools of work and their images, or their media via or by which the Irunmole
descended to earth or ascended to heaven like Ope Ifa ( sacred palm tree) used extensively in
addition with others, by Orunmila to shuttle between heaven and earth, or the spot at which a
particular Irunmole submerged as did some of them.

For instance, Ogun, the only Irunmole sent by Olodumare to earth to teach humanity the art of
blacksmithery/metallurgy was/is usually summoned esoterically when metallic elements,
particularly iron with its paraphernalia and importantly Mariwo (palm frond) are used as the
objects of invocation.

Likewise, Orunmila with alias of ELA (the pure) and the only Irunmole that brought wisdom
through IFA teaching (the esoteric language of Olodumare) down to mankind has amongst
others, IKIN IFA (fortified sacred palm kernel derived from the sacred palm tree mentioned
above) as the object through which his spirit was/is usually invoked.
Sango’s object (God of thunder) object of invocation consist of OSe (thunder axe), Edun ara
(thunder stone), orogbo (bitter kola), Epo (red palm oil), etc. Ose was what Sango had as his
staff of office while in heaven. Edun ara is the stone usually released when there is thunder
storm; Orogbo was his favorite foods while Epo was/is a medicinal antidote for Sango’s
annoyance.

Esu (God of justice), with the alias Eso Odara,Ola-ilu, Elegbaa, Okiri oko etc. Esu the town’s
savior who moved about with stone has YANGI (a metamorphic rock) as his object of
invocation. Yangi was foremost of all weapons in Esu’s arsenal.
Obatala or Oosa Nla (God of creation) has Oje (lead), koko, efun (native chalk) amongst
others, as irss object of invocation.

(River goddess) has ide, Ota Omi, amu omi (clay pot) as its object of invocation.
Osanyin (God of medicine) has ERE (his image) and Mariwo (palm frond) amongst other
things, as the object of invocation.

Suffice it to say that all the other Irunmole have their different effective objects of invocations.

These Irunmole and shrines are usually paid homages by the traditionalists’ occasionally
and/or when events warrant same or if IFA dictates that they be appeased. It is here that the
appellation ORISA actually came to being. In this regard, ORISA can be translated to mean th
‘essence’ of the departed Irunmole since they are no more in our mist.
Therefore, the above illustration show the Irunmole as the higher form of OriSa and ironically
too, some school of thought have it that only those Irunmole that distinguished themselves
from amongst the lot sent by Olodumare to earth that were known, recognized and worshipped
as those Orisa by human beings.

ORISA (ENI TI ORI SA DA)

Orisa categorized as follows and universally known as saints, are specially endowed human
beings by Olodumare with natural abilities to excel themselves and outstandingly distinguished
in deeds and feast amongst their contemporaries.

ORISA ORILE (Universal Orisas)

As aforementioned, the first and highest forms of Orisa are the Irunmole turned Orisa. It is
these Irunmole turned Orisa that are known as Orisa Orile and they are ones universally and
collectively known, worshipped or appeased thus. In this category of Orisa Orile (universal
Orisa)) are Orunmila, the holiest and highest prophet of mankind and worshipped through Ifa,
Ogun, OSun, Osanyin, Esu, Obaluaye or Sonponno, Oosa Nla or Obatala etc. the difference
between these higher forms of orisa and human orisa is that of superiority and efficacy in
terms of invocation in favour of higher forms of Orisa whose ‘essence’ are normally invoked
and appeased for easy acceptability of our wishes, wants and prayer by Olodumare.

ORISA IDILE (Lineage Orisas)

Human Orisa as contended above, are legendary heroes who excelled themselves in their
lifetimes, achieved greatness worthy of emulation in their different callings of specialization
and professions and, performed deeds that were/are valued and beneficial in nature to their
communities and localities in general.
In this category are legendary heroes like Ogendegbe in Ilesa, Lagelu in Ibadan, Lakijena,
Lisabi, and Kunrunmi in Abeokuta, Ajagbure in Emure Ile, Oronsen in Owo etc. most of whom
were great warriors. Some of these orisa Idile like Ajagbure in Emure Ile and Lakijena in
Abeokuta are worshipped annually by their descendants in most cases, to keep their Orisa Idile
memories alive.
The human turned Orisa (orisa Idile) are usually given reverences (iba) by their subjects,
though in most cases, the reverences could be accompanied with token appeasements. This
reverence in a way, is a wish and an appeal by the departed living to the departed human
Orisa for guidance and for the success of whatever challenges that may be at stake at a
particular time. The salient undertone being that the dead ancestors are being immortalized.

ORISA ILU (Orisa worshipped in a community)

Orisa in this catergory are ones collectively worshipped, feared and sworn to, in a community
or locality. Not all the Orisa in this catergory per se. though, majority of the higher forms of
orisa like Ogun and the likes are in some cases of Orisa Ilu come to being as a result of
combination and compilation of esoteric powers like Ase(command), Oogun (charms), Epe
(curse) etc. to fight and/or eradicate evil deeds or dishonesty in a community. A good example
of this type of Orisa is Ayelala in Ondo State Nigeria. This Orisa (Ayelala), is a classic anti
wizard devise and a check to perpetrators of mischiefs and those that ravels in evil deeds.
Usually, these types of Orisa are the climax of many challenges that must have faced the
community.

ORISA IBEJI (Orisa of Twins)

This type of Orisa has no affiliation to any other known Orisa, be it the higher forms of Orisa
or the human turned Orisa. Orisa Ibeji is unique.
In its own case, Orisa ibeji is worshipped only by the twins’ parents or women wishing or
hoping for twins. Orisa ibeji is very powerful when properly invoked and its object of invocation
consist of Ere (twins’ image), Ewa ibeji (Special beans-small ones) Epo (red palm oil) etc.
Conclusively, to arise the wrath of these Orisa individually or collectively is to invoke their
“essence” or spirits with negative object of invocation and that is ADIN which is hated by all
orisas.

Chief F.A.M.A ( Culled From Orunmila Magazine Issue No 3, 1987 Edition)

The Irunmole are known as the primordials. These were the first beings given specific tasks
to complete by Oludmare (God). It's also important to know that the Irunmole are not human
beings. There are pure spirit/energy. Each Irunmole was assigned a specific duty by
Oludumare and should not be considered gods. Remember, there is only one creator and the
Irunmole are its assistants/manifestations of it. Important note: The Orisa were either
Irunmole or Imole but because these spirits decided to manifest into physical from and they
completed their destinies and left a legacy for others to follow here in the world, they were
revered and elevated by other human beings as Orisa when they returned back to their spirit
form. Some of the Irunmole/Imole kept their same name while here in the world as humans
and others did not. So as to not cause too much confusion we will just name a few of these
spirits Orisa for now but as one begins to study more as a priest, more clarity will be given on
exactly what is an Irunmole and Imole.

The Orisa are our "Elevated ancestors, the crowned ones, those "human beings" who
completed their destinies, were elevated by their community, and now serve as role models for
all of us so that we may do the same. The Orisa just like the Irunmole are not gods! The is
only one God and it's name is Olurun, Eledaa, Oludumare, Akamara, just to give a few names
for the creator.

At the bottom we will list some of the character attributes of various Orisa. It is important to
note, that the Orisa were not perfect and made many mistakes. Our job is to learn from both
the good and bad choices they made, so that we may complete our destinies and be rewarded
for our efforts and be sent to Ogba-Itero (The abode of complete peace and paradise)

Before going into the attributes of the Orisa, I feel it is very important to discuss "Ori" first,
because "Ori" is our main support while here in Aye (Earth). Even the Irunmole and Orisa
depended on their Ori to accomplish their tasks and assignments.

Ori is our main support and guide while here in Aye, yet Ori is not an Orisa; Ori is it's own
entity which is comprised of your own destiny and character, it's your spirit, your own head
(physical and spiritual). It is that which allows us to make choices through our own free will.
Ori is also connected/combined with our spiritual double known as "Enikeji". Our Enikeji is that
part of us that remains in Iwonron to remind us of our chosen destinty and what we should
and shouldn't be doing while here in Aye. It's that little voice in our head telling us what's best
for us.

Ori should be worshipped first and before any Irunmole and Orisah because all thoughts start
within our own minds/heads and if our heads are focused, then so will our lives. The Irunmole
and Orisa are there for the times our heads become detached (Modakeke). Basically, when
we're not thinking correctly. Therefore, before seeking the assistance of any of the Irunmole or
Orisa use your own head first to solve your problems (use your Ori).

Orisa are the emissaries of Olodumare sent on a special mission to earth. They came in form of
human in the sense that they came through birth. After getting to earth, they possessed
extraordinary powers than other normal human on earth. They support, protect and guide
their community with all their power, so after their death, they will leave an icon behind for
their people to call on after they are gone. So whenever the people call on those icon and
request for anything, it will be done by the Orisa!

Irunmole are the messenger of Olodumare and precisely we have 801 Irunmole according to
Ifa:

Igba Irúnmolè olùk'òtún

Igba Irúnmolè olùk'òsì
Òkànléní erínwó Irúnmolè tán ń t'òrun bò wá'lé Ayé

200 Irunmole at the right hand side

200 Irunmole at the left hand side
401 Irunmole are descending from heaven to earth

This assertion made it known that 200 Irunmole are always at the right hand and another 200
are at the left hand side of Olodumare while the remaining 401 are the ones always coming
from heaven to earth, among them are Èsù, Òrúnmìlà, Obàtálá, Sango and the rest.

Their function is to make earth habitable for mankind and to carry out the will of Olodumare."
Aboru Aboye!!!
~Owo

Generalization of Ifa. What do I mean by this?

Not all messages in Ifa are meant to be generalized. Ifa is mostly personalized for individuals.
If the same Odu gave birth to us, that doesn't mean we have the same destiny and it's not
mandatory that all we do must be the same just because of our Odu. No! We may have many
things in common but destiny is different and the path is personal.

When we are talking and making references to Ifa, we should make sure they are verses that
could be used generally.

Ofun Ose is against drinking of alcohol while Otura irete has nothing against alcohol when
Aranisan drank alcohol for victory over enemies.

Just like Ifa warns in Ogunda Ogbe that this person should always execute all his plans before
telling his family members not because they hate him but whenever he told them, out of joy
they will destroy his plan for him. And Ifa always gives warning in Ogbe Owonrin that before
doing anything, this person should always try to listen to the advice of his people (family)
before executing any project.

We have many instances but let's make use of that.

So let us know that Ifa is personal. What is good for you may not be good for me.

Never compare the path of your friend to yours just because you have the same sign. Always
remember that the path is for individual and once you get your path right, things will become
clearer.
Àború Àboyè!!!"
~Owo

"Ifa 2.

A lady came to meet me and explained to me that every night she's always having this serious
headache and she doesn't understand why. She said she has used drugs and still the head
continue to disturb her every night so she believed it's not natural and needs consultation to
know if it's one of her fathers wife sending some negative energies to her.

I sat her down and told her what my father will always tell me that:

Ìmòràn làá dá
Kí a tó dá'fá

We seek advice
Before consulting Ifa

I told her to try and see a doctor either a traditional doctor or any other doctor to do some
checkup for her to know what's causing the headache and if after the checkup and all
prescribed drugs also failed, then come back so we can now consult Ifa. At the end,
àgbo(herbs) cured the headache.

Just like my father wanted to decide on something the other day and he asked for my opinion,
so I said "let's ask Ifa" and he said some matter needs just advice. It's just like going out to
hunt the whole day and you were able to killed just one rat. After cooking the food for you and
your family, you now brought out your opele and asked Ifa if you are supposed to eat the food
or not. If the food is not meant for you, Ifa wouldn't have provided it in the first place.

Just like Owonrin Iwori said that "stupid questions deserves stupid answer"
Àború Àboyè!!!"
~Owo

"Ifa
What is Ifa? As we all know Ifa is the word of Olodumare to mankind. Ifa is the word that
doesn't spoil, the truth, human guardian.

The ikin Ifa, ajere, opon, iyerosun , iroke are the tools we use in order to hear that word of
Olodumare called Ifa.

You may be a Babalawo and not understand Ifa because Ifa said only a man that is capable of
speaking undiluted truth is worth calling a Babalawo. Even without been a Babalawo, if you are
speaking the truth and acting righteously at all time, believe me that is Ifa you are practicing
Ifa is in you, me and everyone but the only way to let it out is by following the right path and
telling the truth.

Why do we get initiated to Ifa? Been initiated to Ifa doesn't mean you will have all the money
in the world and you will miraculously turn a millionaire over night without working. No! You
have to work and the Imole will support your handwork as Ifa had said in Òsé Méjì that:

Bí eni kò bá s'isé
Eni kìí là

If one doesn't work

One cannot acquire wealth

What do you stand to benefit from getting initiated to Ifa?

-You may not have all the money in the world but you will never lack
-You will be faced with challenges but you will always be victorious
-Your secret is always safe
-You will know all your taboos both things not to eat and your dos and donts.

Is their specific age in learning Ifa?

We start learning Ifa right from child because we all want to know the truth right from the
start. Age is not required in Ifa. Once a child understands Ifa from Eji Ogbe to Ofun Ose, that
is the first step. The most important step is understanding it clearly without doubts. If a child
knows that, regardless of his age he's already a Babalawo.
Àború Àboyè!!!"
~Owó
"My father once told us that we have different kind of teachers.

The one with good Iwa and bad knowledge. Learn the good character and pick some sense out
of his bad knowledge.

The one with good knowledge but lacks Iwa rere(Good character}. Tap as much as possible
out of his knowledge but ignore his bad character completely.

The third one is the one with good Iwa and also knowledgeable. This is rare to find but if you
have one, you know what to do.

This is just to let you know that no matter what, you can make use of whatever you have
either good or bad, it just depends on how you choose to utilize it.
Aboru Aboye ooo!"
~Owo