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AWO YORUBA - Glossary of Terms
AWO YORUBA - Glossary of Terms
Introduction
In order to understand the oral tradition of Ifa it is necessary to have some grasp of the language
of Ifa. The rituals, invocations, incantations and recitations of traditional Yoruba religion are not
expressed through conversational Yoruba. The language of Ifa is liturgical Yoruba (ofo ase), a
language used among diviners to express transcendent ideas. Many of the words used in Ifa have
a tonal resonance used to access the power of Spirit. Physics teaches the idea that all power in
the universe is part of a sign wave which is the full spectrum of light. Every segment of the sign
wave manifests as both color and pitch. The tonal quality of words used in liturgical
Yoruba places the diviner in harmonic resonance with the tonal essence of a wide range of
Spiritual Forces (Orisa). The remarkable quality of liturgical Yoruba is that the words used for
invocation also carry meaning that reveals the inner essenc e of the Spiritual Force itself.
For example, the word Obatala is used to describe the Force in Nature science calls white light.
Ifa teaches that everything in the universe has some form of consciousness (ori). Saying the word
Obatala places human consciousness in alignment with the consciousness of white light. It does
while telling us something about the quality of white light. The word Obatala is an eliysian of the
phrase; O (Spirit) ba (power of expansion or male energy ie; Baba) ota (stone) ala (light). The
word Obatala in the context of Odu Ifa (Yoruba Scripture) means; the Spirit of the expansive
quality of light that comes from the eternal stone of Creation (center point of the universe).
Olatunde Sproye in his book Yoruba without Tears states there are one hundred and twenty-six
combinations of vowels and consonants used as the basis for the Yoruba Language.
ba be be bi bo bo bu da de de di do do du fa fe fe fi fo
ku la le le li lo lo lu ma me me mi mo mo mo mu na ne
ne ni no no nu pa pe pe pi po po pu ra re re ri ro ro ru
sa se se si so so su ta te te ti to to tu wa we we wi wo
wo wu ya ye ye yi yo yo yu
All Yoruba words are a combination of these fundamental sounds. One of the rules of Yourba
language construction is that portions of a word can be doubled for a change in emphasis, for
example; ba (expansive power) baba (father) babagba or baba baba (grandfather).
Doubling a word refers to its source or parent, for example Dada (Spirit of Vegitation) would be
the parent of da (create). Repeating the word da (create) suggests recreation or the power of
vegetation to continuously go throw the process of birth, growth, death and rebirth.
If we double each of the one hundred and twenty-six combinations used as the basis for Yoruba
language we get two hundred and fifty-two fundamental linguistic building blocks. Ifa scripture
is based on two hundred and fifty six fundamental principles. The first four principles represent
the cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth. These four principles support the rest of Creation. The
rest of Creation comes into being through the manifestation of two hundred and fifty two Forces
in Nature.
This suggests to me the foundation of Yoruba language has been linked to Odu Ifa from it’s
inception. The first Yoruba English dictionaries were prepared by Christian missionaries who
had no understanding or desire to learn the spiritual mysteries preserved in the Yoruba language.
When Ifa and Orisa spread through the Diaspora it was influenced by non African religions
concepts. I believe the best way to uncover the fundamental principles of Ifa as it was originally
envisioned is through a study of the liturgical language.
When I wrote the book Iwa-pele I looked up the word Ifayabale in the Yoruba English dictionary
in an effort to better understand a metaphysical concept. The dictionary defined Ifayabale as the
ascension of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. I believe the word predates Christianity and this
definition is in error. To me the word Ifayabale is an eliysian of Ifa (wisdom) iya (mother) baba
(father) ile (earth), meaning; the wisdom of the fathers and mothers found on earth.
This glossary is a preliminary attempt to understand Ifa theology through an understanding of
Yoruba language. The words were taken from Odu Ifa as it is recited in Ile Ife and most of the
vocabulary reflects the dialect of that particular region. I am sure many of my definitions will
change as my understanding of Ifa and Yoruba language grows. This should not be considered a
definitive study. Hopefully it will serve as a point of departure for theological linguistic analysis.
Bit by bit we eat the head of the rat.
Ase o
ààbò Half.
àáké Ax.
Àáyán - awo - inú - igbó Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny
(Òrúnmìlà), meaning: "Ayan Tree is the Mystery of the Inner Sanctum of the Sacred Grove."
ààyè Life.
abá Mat. The mat is used to create sacred space in Ifá and Òrìsà ritual and divination.
àba Ladder. The ladder is sacred to the Spirit of the Divine Messenger (Èsù)
abádà Eternal, something that comes directly from the Source of Creation (Olórún).
abàmi An unusual occurrence, something that is perceived as strange, frequently associated with
intervention from the Spirit Realm.
Abanigbele The Spirit of Fire, this is a reference to the animating consciousness that exists inside
a burning flame.
abanijé Detractor.
àbáse Cooperation.
Abata Mud. Mud is sacred to the female aspect of the Spirit of White Cloth (Oduduwa/Yemo).
abé Bottom, behind a reference to the human buttocks. When Ifá scripture is referring to
reproductive organs it is usually expressed as either the male or female bottom.
abèbe Fan, used to cool mediums in ritual, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Òsun).
Abélà Candle.
abéré Needle.
Abesè Chief messenger of a religious society or extended family.
àbètélè Bribe.
abi I or you.
àbí Or.
abigba Four chains with nuts attached, used in some regions of Nigeria to perform divination.
Each chain has four nuts representing one leg of
the marks used to represent the verses (Odù) of Ifá scripture. When the abigba is thrown two
complete verses (Odù) of Ifá scripture are marked.
àbíku A child who dies at a young age and reincarnates through the same mother. The word
refers to the spiritual cause behind a sequence of deaths among children in the same family.
When this occurs, Ifá can perform rituals that will induce the spirit of the child to remain on
Earth to become an adult.
abo Female.
àbo Expression used to greet someone who has returned to the place of their departure.
Abògán Those who worship the ant hill, the ant hill represents the Spirit of hard work and
cooperation.
abókulò One who works with the spirit of ancestors (Egún) to invoke transformation.
Abomalè Those who worship the ancestors and the deified ancestors (Egúngún).
Abòpa Member of a society that gives reverence to the memory of the ancestors through the use
of mediums.
aborí The elevation of consciousness through the use of invocation and spiritual cleansing. It is
the process of placing the physical self and the higher self in perfect alignment.
àború, àboyè, àbosise Traditional Ifá greeting, meaning: " I lift your burden from Earth and raise
it to the Realm of the Immortals."
abuké Person with a deformity in their spine, protected by the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
(Obàtálá).
Abuku Disgrace
abúra One who takes an oath during an initiation, the person who makes a pledge.
àdá A large knife with a hook on the end used in farming, sacred to the Spirit of Iron (Ògún) and
the Spirit of the Farm (Òrìsà Oko).
adaba Dove, sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá). The dove is the Ifá
symbol for peace and tranquility.
àdá - fàdákà Silver cutlass, sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá).
Adáhunse A herbal doctor, one who works with the Spirit of herbs and medicine (Òsányin).
Adámu - Òrìsà A play performed in honor of the Spirit of the Forces in Nature (Òrìsà), centers
around the idea of not laughing at, or making fun of those who have some form of disability.
adé Crown worn by Yorùbá Kings (Oba). The crown symbolizes the spiritual transformation that
occurs when the Kings (Oba) are installed in office. The crown is also the seat of protection that
is given by the Spirit of the Mothers (Ìyáàmi).
adèbo One who prepares sacred food for a feast by slaughtering animals according to the rules of
religious sanction.
àdéhùn Agreement.
adému An offering of food to the Spirits, also refers to a calabash with a lid depending on
context.
adibo Diviner.
Adógunsílè The chief warrior priest among those who worship the Spirit of Iron (Ògún).
Traditionally this is the person responsible for the protection of a given town or village.
àdúrà Prayer that generally follows an invocation to the Spirits. This type of prayer is a
spontaneous appeal to the Spirits.
afá Bridge.
afára - oyin Honeycomb (Bridge of Honey). The honeycomb is sacred to the Spirit of the River
(Osun).
afári Barber, the person who shaves the head of an initiate during religious rites of passage. The
word is also used to refer to the person who has had their head shaved.
Afefe A messenger of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya), the gale wind.
Afefe - jeje The whirlwind, the sacred power of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya) in its most intense
manifestation.
afe - imojo The tail of a large rat that is used by Yorùbá Kings as a symbol of their power of the
word.
afémóju The early morning, one of the times considered sacred for picking herbs.
Aferef e Praise name for the Spirit of the Wind (Oya), the gentle aspect of the wind, the breeze,
meaning: "The Good Wind."
Aférifé légélégé Praise name for the Spirit of the Wind (Oya) , meaning: "Mysterious Wind."
afi Unless.
afi - bi Unless.
àfín Albino, protected by the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá).
afójú Blind person, protected by the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá).
àfomó Infectious disease, that which is brought by the Spirit of Infectious Disease (Babaluaiyé).
àfonífojì Valley.
aforíjì Forgiveness, also refers to a type of prayer used in Ifá for asking Spirit to forgive the need
to make a blood offering.
Afurùkèrèsayo Reference to the left half of the horizontal line that forms the equal arm cross of a
Ifá diviner's tray, meaning: "The one who has the diviner's tapper and is happy."
aga Chair, low stool., in Ifá ritual the younger initiates will sit on a mat while the elders sit on
low stools.
àgalamòsà Rebel, the word suggests that the rebellion is guided by wisdom and divine
inspiration.
agaro Shovel. The shovel is sacred to the Spirit of the Farm (Orìsà Oko).
Agayu The Spirit of the Fire at the Center of the Earth, in some versions of Ifá sacred history,
Agayu is the Father of the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó).
àgba Manhood, someone who is recognized as a male adult in the community. This status
usually comes as the result of completion of a rite of passage.
àgbà Elder person of either gender, a stem used as a rope depending on context.
Agbára Elder, person in authority, the word is also used to express power, spiritual strength and
authority, used in reference to someone who speaks with authority, depending on context.
agbégbò Hen.
agbéledi One of the wrestling moves used in the marital art that is sacred to the Spirit of Iron
(Ògún).
agbéró Charm used by those who practice the martial art of the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), used to
insure that the person remains standing during a martial arts contest.
àgbé Short sword sacred to the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), farmer depending on context.
agbégilére Woodcarver, a profession that is generally sacred to the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó).
Àgbìgbò Elemental spirit of the Forest that is know for causing trouble.
agbolé House, collection of houses forming a compound that is generally used by a single
extended family.
agbon Chin.
agbón Wasp.
Agbónire A praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà), meaning: "Hunter of Good
Fortune."
Agbónìrègún A praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà), meaning: "Hunter of the
Medicine of Good Fortune.
àgbònrín Chin.
agére Stilt dancer who dances as part of the ceremonies that honor the Spirit of the Ancestors
(Egún).
agé Small drum that is sacred to the Spirit of the Farm (Òrìsà Oko).
agemo Chameleon.
Agesinyowa One of the council of sixteen diviners (Babaláwo) who perform divination of the
King (Òòni) of Ilé Ifè.
aginiso Word for snail used by devotees of the Spirit of the River (Osun) who have a taboo
against using the word igbin.
agiyan The ant hill, sacred to the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà) as a symbol of hard work and
cooperation.
agò Sacred cloth used by dancers who are mediums for the Spirit of the Ancestors (Egún).
agogo Bell used as musical instrument to praise the Forces of Nature (Òrìsà).
agogo - eiye The beak of a bird, sacred to the Spirit of the Mothers (Ìyáàmi).
Agongo ogo Praise name for the Divine Messenger (Èsù), meaning: "He Who Carries a Club."
Àguala The planet Venus, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). It is also known as the
companion of the Moon or the dog of the Moon. The Spirit of Venus.
Agunmola The planet Venus, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). It is also known as the
companion of the Moon or the dog of the Moon. The Spirit of Venus.
Agúnmu Medicine that is prepared by pounding it into a powder with a mortar and pestle.
àgùtàn Sheep.
ahun Miser.
aibi One who has no children, a form of bad fortune in Ifá divination.
aigbo - àiyé Tranquility, being at peace in the world, the sign of one
áike Ax, the double headed ax is sacred to the the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó).
aikú Immortality, one who has become a deified ancestor, meaning: "never die."
àilábùku Spotless, being without blame, a reference to the good character of the Spirit of the
King of White Cloth (Obàtálá).
àiláiyà Coward.
àiléso Barren, without children, one of the forms of bad fortune in Ifá divination.
aile Evening.
ailébi One who has not experienced misfortune, an indication of someone who is of good
character.
àìsàn Illness.
àìtó Personal element of a ritual that takes into account the circumstances of the individual who
is turning towards religious ceremony as a vehicle of personal transformation.
aiyé The surface of the Earth, in Ifá scripture it is the place where the Realm of the Ancestors
(Egún) meets the realm of humans.
ajá Dog, black dogs are sacred to the Spirit of Iron (Ògún).
àjà Ceiling.
ajagun - obinrin Female devotee of the Spirit of Iron (Ògún) who functions as a soldier.
ajako Jackal.
àjanakú Elephant, sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá).
Àjàláiyé The Winds of the Earth, an aspect of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya).
Àjàlórun The Winds of the Realm of the Ancestors, an aspect of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya).
A - jà - má - jèbi Praise name for the Spirit of the Mothers (Ìyáàmi), meaning: "She Who Is
Never Guilty."
Àjàlá - mòpin One of the Spirits who shapes the head and forms the consciousness of each new
born child.
Aja - Osun The planet Venus, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun),
also known as the companion of the Moon or the dog of the Moon, the
Spirit of Venus.
Ajapa Tortoise, one of the animal totems or guides of the Spirit of the
Divine Messenger (Èsù), the tortoise is the Divine Messenger for the
àjé The Spirit of a Bird used by women (Ìyáàmi) to invoke powers used
for abundance and justice. This same power is used to consecrate the
abundance.
ajeji Forgiveness.
àjèjì Strange.
Mothers (Ìyáàmi).
Ajiki Praise name for the Source of Creation (Olórun), meaning: "The
discipline, meaning: "An early riser who sits down and prospers."
àjínde The Spirit of a deceased ancestor (Egún) who speaks at their own
generally associated with the Spirit of the Divine Messenger (Èsù) and
àjò l'ayé Journey through the world, the entire spectrum of a person's
personal experience.
Messenger (Èsù).
àkarà Bread cakes cooked in palm oil, sacred to the Spirit of the
Ancestors (Egún).
àké Ax, sacred to the Spirit of the Farm (Orìsà Oko), the double headed
àkébàjé Over indulgent behavior, one of the sources of bad fortune in Ifá
divination.
A - kè - bí - àlà Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
akere Frog.
akese Cotton. Cotton is sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
(Obàtálá).
aki Bravery, also the word for refering to the martial art practiced by
Akiko Cock, male chicken. Male chickens are sacred to the Spirit of
Akódá One of the Prophet Òrúnmìlà's first two students, term also
akokoro Toothache.
woman."
man."
akóni Teacher.
deified ancestor, the word is also used to suggest that something is true.
ako - ojo Five day week that is used as the basis for the Ifá calender of
ritual events.
alá Owner.
white cloth in both literal and symbolic terms. The symbol of white cloth
àlà White cloth, dream, effective dreamer, one who has visions while
Aláàfin The traditional title for the King of Oyo, chief Priest of the
spirit or ancestor.
alábalàse Forever.
Alábalese Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
(Obàtálá), meaning: "He Who Predicts the Future."
Alabalòtún The Spirit of the One who implements with the right, a
reference to the right side of the horizontal line on the diviner's tray
(òpón Ifá).
Aláféèri One who knows the secret to the charm that makes one
their enemies in the sense that they will not be bothered rather than
telaportation.
Alàgba Elder, also the title for the chief priest of the Society of Ancestor
Alágemo Member of men's society in Ijebu region that honors the Spirit
of the Chameleon.
Alajìki Praise name for the Divine Messenger (Èsù), meaning: "One who
of Nightmares (Sigidi).
alála One who is an effective dreamer, a person who has visions in their
sleep.
Alamorere Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
alangba Lizard.
alaromo One who wishes another harm or bad fortune, a person who
Alaselòsì The Spirit of the One who implements with the left, a
reference to the left side of the horizontal line on the divining tray (òpón
diviner.
aláya Husband.
àlàyé Explanation.
àle Leprosy.
alé Evening.
àlejò Visitor.
alubarika Property.
àmààní Opportunity.
amo Lizard.
Amodi Sickness.
amokisitekun Panther.
Amòlà Ifé Owòdáyé Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà),
meaning: "The Savior of Ifé from the early days."
infinite.
amulu Combination.
Amúlù Odù The verses of Ifá scripture that follow the first sixteen verses
(Olu Odù).
Amúsan One of the children of the Spirit of the wind, the person who
amòye Wise elder, one who is able to give good council and advice.
àná Yesterday.
àna In - law.
àníàní Doubt.
anife One who has no mate, being without love or affection, one of the
anípé One who has abundance in all things, one who has fulfilled their
destiny.
apáko Bamboo.
àpárá Joke.
àpè Prayer.
initiated position within Ifá that is held by those women who are married
to Ifá initiates.
development.
apeja Fisherman.
àpò Bag often refers to bag used to carry medicine and tools associated
àpótí Box.
ara Body, self, people, depending on context.
ará Thunder, sacred to the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó) and the Spirit of
Àràbà A senior Ifá priest who is initiated into Mysteries that are
(Babaluaiyé).
arábìnrin Sister.
arákùnrin Brother.
arewa Beauty.
arigogo Hook.
ariwowo Hook.
aro Sadness.
aro Plant used in Ifá for protection from death (Crossopoteryx Febrifuga),
disabled person sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá).
aròn Worm.
Ar oni Spirit of the forest, elemental spirit with the body of a human
Arúku Spirit who transforms and elevates the spirit of the ancestors.
asán Afternoon.
àsaro Meditation.
àsásí Hexing.
àse Spiritual Power, that which brings dynamic force into Being in the
Universe, the word is also used at the end of prayers meaning: "May it be
àsé Menstruation.
Àsedá One of the Prophet Òrúnmìlà first two students, term also used
to identify a
asejù Excess.
àsikò Time.
àsíse Mistake.
religious significance.
aso - ìbojú Viel used to cover the face of mediums in possession with
aso pupa Red cloth, taboo for traditional Ifá /Òrìsà burial rituals.
of current circumstances.
asoyé Explaining the inner essence or true meaning of a thing or an
circumstances.
ata Pepper.
àtakò Opposition.
Ata - mátàsé Praise name for the Spirit of the Tracker (Òsóòsì),
ataparako Thumb.
àtàrí Top of the head, also refers to the power center at the top of the
head.
àte Mat, the mat is used to establish sacred space for ritual and
divination.
até To spread.
àte - ìká Rafia mat used for sacred space during divination.
Àté - ìká - ení Reference to all of Creation, meaning: " the mat that
àtò Seamen.
"Hefty Hunter."
Ancestors (Egún),
atòsí Gonorrhoea.
àtúnbi Born again, the Ifá word used for physical reincarnation.
àtúnwá Rebirth of character, the Ifá word used for reincarnation of the
soul.
Àwàlàwúlú Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "Rugged
awò Color.
Awoni The society of Ifá priests who divine for the King (Òòni) of Ilé Ifè.
Àwònyè Òrìsà Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "The
enraged Spirit."
àwùjè Top of the head, refers to the power center at the crown of the
skull.
awun Miser.
awure Unassuming.
aya Wife.
ayani explanation.
àyànmó Destiny, the Ifá belief that each person comes to the world
having an agreement
life time.
àyànmó - ìpín Destiny, the Ifá belief that each person comes to the
World having an agreement with Creation regarding the fate which is to
Ayànràbàtá - awo - lè - ojà Praise name for the Divine Messenger (Èsù),
aye Room.
ayé World.
ayebo Hen.
ayo Joy.
ìbá
bà To see.
Baba Father, used to describe any male adult old enough to have
their proper name, instead they are called by their title or called by the
word that indicates their relative age within the extended family.
Babaláwo Father of the Secrets, male initiate into the Mysteries of Ifá.
The term Babaláwo is generally reserved for the elder Ifá initiates in a
Babal'órìsà Father of the Forces in Nature (Òrìsà), male initiate into the
associated with those infectious diseases that are carried by the wind
across the surface of the earth during dry and hot times of the year.
or group of
people.
bájà To fight.
bala Spotted.
"Spiritually reborn."
bámúbámú Full.
banújé To be sad.
Bara A Praise name for the Divine Messenger (Èsù), a reference to the
(Egúngun).
bàta Foot.
bàtà Shoe.
bèbè To implore.
beleje Slender.
be - ni This is.
bere To ask.
bèrèsí To begin.
bikita Show.
bò To cover.
bo To enter.
bò To arrive.
bó To escape.
boro Narrow
bu Dip.
bú To cut.
da To cast divination.
dá To create, to cause.
dabi To resemble.
dabò To stop.
Dada The Spirit of Vegetables, also the guardian Spirit new born
dáfá The process of divination used by Ifá priests that makes use of
either sixteen ikin (Sacred palm nuts) or an opèlé (Sacred chain with
dáke To be silent.
dákeroro To be calm.
(Èsù).
dámòràn To advise.
danindanin Important.
dárò To be sympathetic.
dé To cover, to arrive.
déédéé Exactly.
dekun To stop.
dèngé Porridge, also pap used as the foundation for Ifá medicine.
character.
dì Ti tie.
dí To block , to obstruct.
dídàgbà Growth.
dídara Good.
didé To arrive.
díè Some.
dípò To replace.
dobale To prostrate as a sign of respect to either a shrine or an elder.
do - do Far.
dógba To be equal.
dojúko To confront.
doyi To spin.
du - du Big.
dúdu Black, also refers to the mystery of that which cannot be seen.
dúró To stand.
ebi Hunger.
eburú Elemental spirits that work with the Spirit of Infectious disease
(Babaluàiyé).
èdè Language.
of elders (Ogboni).
efi Smoke.
Efufu - lege - lege An aspect of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya), meaning:
egbe Loss.
egbin Antelope.
egiri Ifá medicine used as protection from the Spirit of Death (Iku).
egbò Sore.
ègbodò Yams.
egbòogi Medicine.
egungun Silk cotton tree (Ceila pentandra ) also known as the Araba
Iroko tree.
egurè Village.
eji Rain.
(mérìndínlógún).
ejò Snake.
strength.
ekeji Second.
ekó Ifá charm used for protection for female Ifá worshippers.
eko - dide Red parrot tail feather, essential sacred symbol used in Ifá
ékú Rat, sacred to the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà) and the Divine
Messenger (Èsù).
ekúté Mouse
èkùlù Deer.
èle Violence.
elénìní Elemental spirits that block human growth, they are usually
eléré The Spirit of a child who dies young and reincarnates with the
Elésù One who worships the Spirit of the Divine Messenger (Èsù)
elu Stranger.
eluju Field.
èmi I (personal pronoun), me.
emini Dampness.
intentions.
enìní Enemy.
enini Slanderer.
epo Palm oil, sacred to most male Forces in Nature (Òrìsà). Staple in
èrè Gain.
eré Spontaneity.
erin Elephant, sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá).
erú Load.
erupe Dirt.
èsè Dye.
(Orun).
èsì Reply.
Esinsin Fly.
Èsú The Spirit of the Divine Messenger, who also as a role as the Spirit
eti Ear.
etutu Atonement.
ètùtù An offering designed to place the individual in alignment with the
ewé Leaf.
of destiny.
ewu Danger.
eyi This.
e You.
èbí Family.
èbádó The bank of the river, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun).
ebe Request.
ebo Life force offering to either Forces of Nature (Òrìsà) or ancestors (Egún).
èbora Strong, brave man, also a reference to the Forces of Nature
ebùn Gift.
eda Creature.
Èdán A rod or a staff, also the name of the male aspect of the Spirit of the Earth (Onile).
èfóri Headache.
efun White chalk, sacred to the Spirit of the King of the White Cloth
efún Charm or spell usually associated with creating some form of attraction.
egbe Companion.
egede Medicine used for protection against the Spirit of Death (Iku)
egbón Elder.
ehin Back.
eiye Bird.
eja Fish.
Ekáàbò Welcome.
eketa Third.
ekun Tears.
Èlà The Spirit of Purity, the First Reincarnation of the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà). It is also the
name given to the ceremony that celebrates the first harvest of yams. This ceremony is an
important aspect of the Ifá calendar of seasonal celebrations.
Elédà Creator, associated with the power center between the eyes.
elédè Pig.
Elégára The aspect of the Divine Messenger (Èsú) associated with the
èléiye Bird woman, reference to a woman who works with an elemental bird spirit in the soceity
of women (Iyáàmi).
eléri Witness.
Elérìn - ìpin Praise name of the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà), meaning; "Witness to Creation."
Emesè Society of Ifá priests who say prayers on a daily basis for the
Yorùbá Nation.
en Expression of agreement, spoken by Ifá priests when someone is reciting Ifá scripture to
indicate that a particular verse has been repeated correctly.
eni Person, also the name given to a mat used for divination.
enu Mouth.
enyin You.
epa Peanut.
epere Better.
eran - ebo The animal used for a life force offering to Forces in Nature
eri River.
erin Laughter.
Erinla Cow.
èrò Soothing quality, generally associated with women or female Forces in Nature (Òrìsà).
erù Load.
èrù Fear.
erun Tree used for making charcoal. Ifá uses charcoal as medicine for
ese Breaking.
esin Horse.
ètè Leprosy.
etù Guinea hen, sacred to the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà) and the Spirit of the Wind (Oya).
ewà Beauty.
èwà Beans.
èwè Also.
èwòn Chain.
eyin Egg.
e You.
èbí Family.
èbádó The bank of the river, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun).
ebe Request.
(Egún).
ebùn Gift.
Èdán A rod or a staff, also the name of the male aspect of the Spirit of
èfóri Headache.
efun White chalk, sacred to the Spirit of the King of the White Cloth
attraction.
people.
egbe Companion.
egede Medicine used for protection against the Spirit of Death (Iku)
egbón Elder.
ehin Back.
eiye Bird.
eja Fish.
Ekáàbò Welcome.
eketa Third.
information.
ekun Tears.
Èlà The Spirit of Purity, the First Reincarnation of the Spirit of Destiny
(Òrúnmìlà). It is also the name given to the ceremony that celebrates the
Elédà Creator, associated with the power center between the eyes.
elédè Pig.
Elégára The aspect of the Divine Messenger (Èsú) associated with the
eléri Witness.
"Witness to Creation."
Emesè Society of Ifá priests who say prayers on a daily basis for the
Yorùbá Nation.
repeated correctly.
eni Person, also the name given to a mat used for divination.
enu Mouth.
enyin You.
epa Peanut.
epere Better.
eran - ebo The animal used for a life force offering to Forces in Nature
eri River.
erin Laughter.
Erinla Cow.
in Nature (Òrìsà).
erù Load.
èrù Fear.
erun Tree used for making charcoal. Ifá uses characoal as medicine for
ese Breaking.
esin Horse.
ètè Leprosy.
etù Guinea hen, sacred to the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà) and the
ewà Beauty.
èwà Beans.
èwè Also.
èwòn Chain.
eyin Egg.
fa To pull.
fá To wipe, or to clean.
fà To pull.
farabalè To be calm.
farapamó To be calm.
fe A long time.
fèrè Flute.
fé To love.
féniyawo To marry.
bodies.
fijì To forgive.
filà Cap.
fiatíla Lamp, traditional Ifá lamps are made from pottery, they burn
fò To wash.
fó To break.
fójú Blind.
fun For.
funfun White.
Wind (Oya).
thing to do.
fúù The sound made by the wind, the voice of the Spirit of the Wind
(Oya).
fúye Light.
ga Excellent, elevated.
gala Deer.
Mothers.
gelete At ease.
gere Trail.
góòlù Gold.
gò To be stupid.
goloto Stupid.
gun To climb.
gùn To be tall.
happening quickly.
gbabe To forget.
gbádùn To enjoy.
gbàdúrà To pray.
gbagbo To believe.
gbaguda Cassava.
(Ògún).
gbajumo Gentleman.
gbàni to possess.
gbànja Kola nut with two halves, generally not used for divination.
gbarada Immense.
gbé To lift.
gbe li gbo The center point of the Ifá diving tray, a symbolic reference to
being in perfect alignment with personal destiny.
gbérè Congratulations.
gbèrò To intend.
gbese Debt.
gbéyàwó To marry.
gbede Wet.
gbigbon Shaking.
gbó To be old.
gbóju Brave.
gbóná To be hot.
gbórín Large.
gbodo Must.
gbúròó To hear.
hà Expression of amazement.
halè To threaten.
hàn To be obvious.
he To pick up.
hen Yes, expression used by Ifá priests to confirm that someone has
hó To boil.
hun To weave.
hùwà To behave.
iba Should.
(Òrìsà).
ìbàjé Spoiled.
ibè There
ìbéta Triplet, also the Spirit of Triplets sacred to the Spirit of the
Ancestors (Egún).
ìbèrù Fear.
ìbínú Anger.
ibití Where.
ìbojú Veil that covers the face, used in ritual to cover the face of a
medium.
ibòòji Shade.
ibu Breadth.
ibuyin Respect.
idà Sword.
idabo Iyerosun marked with the symbols of Ifá scripture (Odù) on an Ifá
ìdánwò Examination.
idási Comments.
ide Beads worn by elders on the left wrist to indicate that they have
idi Waist.
ìdúró Standing.
culture.
Ifá awo kokó Bowl used to hold the palm nuts (ikin) used for Ifá
divination.
ìfarun A piece of iron looped over the fingers to protect the fingers when
drawing a bow.
Ifá Olokún Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà) meaning;
ìfé Love.
ìféhinti Patron.
ìfeseji Forgiveness.
ìfòiyà Alarm.
ìforibalè Giving respect.
ìfokànsin Devotion.
(Òrìsà).
igbà Time.
ìgbà History.
igbado Corn, sacred to the Divine Messenger (Èsú) and to the Spirit of
igbe Punishment.
ígbe Shout.
igbèsè Debt.
ìgbé Forest.
ìgbín Snail, sacred to the Spirit of the King of the White Cloth (Obàtálá).
igbo Coward.
igbó Forest.
(Òrúnmìlà).
Igbódù Òrìsà Sacred place used to initiate a person into the mysteries of
Mothers."
ìgèdè Ifá incantation, also Ifá medicine for providing protection against
igò Bottle.
igunnuko Tall cylindrical mask for the Spirit of the Ancestors (Egún).
iherehere Bit by bit. (First word in Ifá scripture ie: "Bit by bit we eat
ihò Hole.
ija Fight.
ìjànbòn Trouble.
ijanwon Scraps.
iji Fear, also a reference to thunder storms, the voice of the Spirit of the
Wind (Oya).
ìjó Dance.
ìjo - ara - eni - lójú The concept of self, the conscious self
ìjòyè Chief.
ìjoú Jealousy.
ìkan One.
ike Ivory, sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá).
iké Deformity in the spine, those who suffer this condition are
ikeyika Circumcision.
ikò Messenger.
ikoko Corner.
Ikoriko Hyena.
ikun Squirrel.
ikùn Stomach.
ilaji Middle.
ilé House.
ile ati ona House and road, a reference to all the property that a person
owns.
ilé - ekó Court house.
Ilé Ifè The Spiritual capitol of traditional Yorúbà culture, also refers to
ilè Ground.
ilé aiyé The earth, usually refers to the surface of the earth.
ìlekè Bead.
ilèmó Dawn.
Ilè Ògéré Praise name for the Spirit of the Earth (Onilé) meaning:
"House of Perfection."
ìpètì Rope.
ilèsú Night.
(Òrúnmìlà).
ìlú City.
ìlù Drum.
imó Knowledge.
imó'lòrun Theology.
Lightning (Sàngó).
ìmótótó Cleanliness.
iná Fire.
ìní To possess.
ìpàdé Meeting.
ìpàkó Base of the skull, the back of the neck, also refers to the
spiritual power center that links the head and the heart, or mind and
emotions.
ìpete Yams cooked in palm oil, sacred to the Spirit of Iron (Ògún).
ipin Guardian.
ipo Position.
ìpónjú Distress.
particular individual.
Ipò - okú Ancestral home of the a person's spiritual shadow (ojiji), place
where the spirit of the deceased lingers if it does not receive proper
elevation.
ìpòrí The Spirit of the Big Toe, in Ifá Ancestor reverence the big toe is
the place where personal consciousness (Orí) forms a link with Ancestral
irankoro Crawling.
depending on context.
on context.
ìràwò Stars.
Ìrawo - àguala Venus, the Spirit of Venus, sacred to the Spirit of the
River (Osun).
Ìràwòalé The star Sirius, the Spirit of Sirius refered to as the canoe star
in Ifá scripture.
Ìràwò Oke The star Sirius, the Spirit of Sirius, refered to as the canoe
ireti Expectation.
iro Height.
iro - fá Tapper used by Ifá diviners to tap the side of the divining tray as
ìròhìn News.
ìrònú Thoughtful.
iru Tail.
irun Hair.
isansan Root.
ise Work.
isele Disaster.
ìsimi Rest.
isinkú Funeral.
ìsu Yam.
itan Finish.
(Òrìsà).
ìté Throne.
ìtefá Ifá initiate.
ito Urine.
ìtúmò Meaning.
and destiny.
iwájú Forehead.
Iwin Ghost.
iwòfà Servant.
ìwo You.
ìwòn About.
iwóòrò Gold.
iwosan Healing.
iwowo Bead.
ìwu Erotic love, the realm of the Spirit of the River (Osun).
iwùjè Forehead.
Ìyá Mother.
Ìyá - àgan Senior female elder within the society of Ancestral mediums
(Egúngun).
Market women, usually an initiate into the Mysteries of the Spirit of the
Wind (Oya).
(Òrìsà).
Iyansan Praise name for the Mother of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya)
ìyanu Wonder.
iyawo Junior wife, also refers to those who are recently initiated into
iyi Glory.
ìyí This.
iyin Praise.
iyo. Rejoice.
ja Reach.
jà To fight, to struggle.
jáfáfá To be active.
jagunjagun Warrior.
Jàkúta To fight with stones, also the Spirit of the Stone Thrower.
jàmbá Accident.
je To eat.
jé To allow.
jege Softly.
jékí To allow.
jeun To eat.
jéwó To confess.
jé To wake.
jìbàtàjibata Soaking.
jikelewi To pounce.
jìnnà To be far.
jóná To be on fire.
jo To be similar.
jojú
ju Surpass, to excel.
jugbáàna Assistant.
ká To reap, to pluck.
kábà Dress.
kàdárà Destiny.
kaka Instead.
kán One.
kánjú To be in a hurry.
kánkan Any.
kaná To be on fire.
kànàkànà Catapult.
kangere Feeble.
kári To go around.
kàwe To read.
means leader.
ké To cut.
kedere Clear.
kékeré Small.
kéré To be small.
kéréwú Cotton seeds, sacred to the Spirit of the King of the White Cloth
(Obàtálá).
Kéhìndé The second twin to be born, the oldest child among twins is
believed to come last so that the younger child can test the new
kíákíá Quickly.
kijikiji Shaking.
kíkún Mortal.
koro To go.
kini First.
kiniun Lion.
kó To gather.
kókó Lump.
kòkó Coca.
koriko Grass.
Korí Spirit who creates the calabash of the inner self. Usually
Kórira To hate.
korò To be bitter.
kò To reject.
Lightning (Sàngó).
kó To hang up.
koja To pass.
kòla Bitter kola nut, sacred to most Forces in Nature (Òrìsà) and used
kònkò Bullfrog.
korin To sing.
kósórí To memorize.
ku To die.
kukunduku Yam.
kúkúrú Short.
kún To be full.
shrine or an elder.
kunrin To sing.
kúrú To be short.
kurúkurú Fog.
là To appear.
lá To dream.
láàyè To be alive.
labalábá Butterfly.
lábelè Secretly.
lágbára To be strong.
lágidigba Black beads made from palm nut shells worn around the
(Òrìsà).
làí - làí The beginning of time, also refers to a mystical state in which
(Olódùmarè).
láí - láí All that would be, meaning forever into the future.
láiópin Infinite.
làkúègbé Rheumatism.
lálá To dream.
làlóju To enlighten.
lati From.
látijó In the olden days, reference to a very long time ago.
le To be hard
lé To be on.
léraléra Repeatedly.
lésèkésè Immediately.
léwà To be beautiful.
lò To use
lódè Outside.
lode Resides.
lójoojúmó Daily.
lókè Soft.
lókun Strong.
lóni Today.
lórí On.
lodon The southern leg of the cross marked on the Ifá divination tray.
lókan Brave.
"Master of tomorrow."
lówolówo Recently.
lù To strike.
lukoun Penis.
ma Indeed.
máà I will.
májèlé Poison.
màlúù Ox.
Lightning (Sàngó).
màrìwò Palm fronds, sacred to most Forces in Nature (Òrìsà), used as
másé Do not.
méjì Two.
mérin Four.
used by Òrìsà initiates that is based on the first sixteen verses of Ifá
divination (Odù).
meta Three.
méwà Ten.
mi To swallow, to breathe.
míràn Another.
mo I.
mojú To know.
mo To build.
mó Again, against, any more.
molara To feel.
molé To build.
mòràn To know.
mu To drink.
mupa Remote.
ná First of all.
nba Joining.
nfe To want.
nfe Loving.
nje Well.
níbè There.
níbí Here.
nígbàgbogbo Always.
nígbànáà Then
nígbàtí When.
nihin Here.
nikan Alone.
níle At home.
nítòrpé Because.
nítòrítí Because.
nítòótó In truth.
niwòn In moderation.
nko Not.
nkoja Passing.
nlá Big.
nlo Going.
nmu Drinking.
nrin Walking.
nro Thinking.
nse Making.
nsó Go on.
nú To wipe, to be lost.
nyín You.
nyo Rejoicing.
ogìnrin Woman.
obirikiti Circle.
Obírítí Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà), meaning: "The
Immense Orbit."
óbo Vagina.
obuko Male goat, sacred as food for a feast in honor of Forces in Nature
(Òrìsà).
o dàbo Goodbye.
òde - Òrun The entire invisible realm, home of the ancestors (Egún)
òdìdì Complete.
òdìndì Complete.
ódó - aró Blue river, a reference to the fluids in the birth canal, sacred
ódó - ejé Blood river, a reference to the blood in the birth canal, sacred
òdodo Justice.
Odù The Spirit of the Womb of Creation, also refers to the verses of Ifá
this spirit is the primal Goddess, in Ile Ifè this Spirit is the original male
Creation.
òfin Law.
òf ò Loss.
ofofo Tales, stories, folklore.
ofun loss.
(mérìndínlógún).
Oga - ogo Praise name for the Source of Creation (Olórun) meaning:
ogbo ato Grow old, long life, used as a blessing from an elder to a
junior.
Ogboni Society of male elders who worship the Spirit of the Earth
(Onilé).
ogborogan Broad.
ògiri Wall.
experience).
ohun Thing.
oji Storm.
negative emotions.
ojise Messengers.
òjò Rain.
ojù - àse Power in the eyes, spiritual power that can be seen coming
ojúlùmò Acquaintance.
ojumo Dawn.
Ojú opón The north arm of the cross marked on the Ifá divination tray.
ojú - òrèrè Shrine for Ancestors who were Ifá initiates, it includes the
Osun staff.
lineage."
okete Giant rat, sacred to the spirit of the Divine Messenger (Èsù).
okorokoro Front.
oku Corpse.
Olodo Praise name for the Spirit of the River (Osun) meaning: "Owner
of the Brook."
Olófín - àpèká - lúù Praise name for the Spirit of the Divine Messenger
ológbò Cat.
ologogololo Naked.
olóko Farmer.
"Owner of Cleanliness."
olóòró Vertical.
Olórí Chief.
Olorí - Mérìn Spirit who protects towns, meaning: "Spirit with Four
Heads."
olórìyà - ìgún Vultures comb, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun).
Olúgbé - rere Praise name for the Spirit of the Mother of Fishes
Olú irin Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "Chief of
Iron."
Olúkòso Àìrá Praise name for the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó), meaning:
oluku Friend.
olúkúlùlú Each.
Olumaki Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "Chief of
Strength."
Oluorogbo Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
(Obàtálá), meaning: "Chief of the Medicine of Truth."
Oluoyo Praise name for the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó), meaning: "Chief
of Oyo."
olùrànlówó Helper.
olùsìn Worshipper.
Olusonso Praise name for the deified Ancestor who founded the city of
Olúwa Praise name for the Source of Being (Olórun), meaning: "Chief of
Character."
Olúwà - mi - àmò - imò - tán Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny
Olúwèkù Praise name for the Spirit of the Wind (Oya), meaning: "The
Oluwo Igbo Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
òmùgó Fool.
oníbàárà Customer.
oníbode Gatekeeper.
performs miracles."
oníjó Dancer.
first."
Oni're Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "Chief of the
Town of Ire."
onísé Worker.
oníyebíye Valuable.
onje Wait.
óògun Medicine.
òórun Smell.
oorun Sleep.
Òòsáálá Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá),
Òòsà Ìgbowújìn Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
Opèlé Wife of the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà)), chain used for Ifá
opepe Young.
opó Window.
òpópó Street.
òpùró Liar.
orere Street.
orí ibi Lack of alignment with personal destiny, bad luck, misfortune.
orí ire Alignment with personal destiny, good luck, good fortune.
orin Song.
Consciousness."
Òrìsà Alase Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
Òrísálá Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá),
Òrìsà - og'enia Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
Oríta The boundary between the visible realm of Creation and the
orógbó Bitter kola, Ifá herb eaten to insure that a person speaks the
truth.
oru Pot.
òrukàn Orphan.
oruko Name.
orúko Smallpox.
òsì Left.
Osibiriki Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "The One
Òsìn Imole Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "Chief of
Spirits."
(Sàngó).
Osugbo The word for male council of elders in some regions of Nigeria,
same as Ogboni.
Osùn dudu Black camwood powder, sacred to the Spirit of the Tracker
(Òsóòsì).
Osùn pupa Red camwood powder, sacred to the Spirit of Iron (Ògún).
osusu Bunch.
òtitó Truth.
Otu The priest who makes offerings on behalf of the King (Oba).
Òtura Méjì Verse of Ifá scripture used for divination.
òwe Proverb.
owó Money.
òwò Trade.
owu Hammer.
owuro Morning.
Nine."
Oye The Spirit of the Harmattan Wind, lives in Igeti hill with the Divine
oyikiti Surrounded.
oyun Pregnancy.
o You.
Oba - i gbó Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
Obalofun Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá),
Obanla Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá),
Oba Omí Praise name for the male aspect of the Spirit of the Ocean
obara Rope.
"Highest King."
Obàtálá gbingbin iki Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White
Cloth (Obàtálá), meaning: "The Big Big Spirit of the King of the White
Cloth."
Oba - ti - álá Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
obè Soup.
obo Monkey,
oboto Lump.
òbun Market.
obuntun Bride.
ode Hunter.
ode mata Spotted medicine, sacred to the Spirit of the Tracker (Òsóòsì).
ofà Arrow.
òfé Free.
ofò - àse Power of the word, word of power, reference to the ability to
make effective prayers and a reference to the words that are used as
keys to invocation.
ògà Chameleon.
obgà Garden.
Ogbo Flax.
ogbón Wisdom
Ogbóni Council of male elders who worship the Spirit of the Earth
(Onilé).
ògbún Calabash.
ogede Banana, sacred to the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó).
Ògbédan Member of male council of elders (Ogbóni) who carries the staff
of Ogbón (Edan).
ogòdò Swamp.
ogomo Palm fronds, sacred to all the Forces in Nature (Òrìsà), used as
spiritual protection in Ifá shrines.
ogoro Bamboo.
ohun Taboo.
ojà Market, sacred to the Spirit of the Wind (Oya).
òje To eat everything.
ojó The Sun, the Spirit of the Sun, also means day depending on the
context.
ojó - ikú The day of death.
òjòjò Everyday.
ojójojo Ancient times, long ago, in the distant past.
ojó Orún Four day week, traditional Ifá week and prayer cycle (Five
days in some regions).
oka Snake.
oka - ikú Struggle with the Spirit of Death (Ikú), life and death struggle.
okàn Physical heart.
òkan One.
okanjuwa Greedy.
òkánkán Exact spot, place in the distance.
Òkànràn Méjì Verse of Ifá scripture (Odù).
Òkàràmàhó Praise name for the Spirit of the Divine Messenger (Èsú).
oke Bag.
òkékélujè Mighty and awesome, praise name for any of the Forces in
Nature (Òrìsà).
oko Husband.
okó Hoe, garden tool.
okò Boat.
òkó Spear.
okòn Heart.
okìnrin Invalid, person protected by the Spirit of the King of the White
Cloth (Obàtálá).
olà Honor, wealth and tomorrow, depending on context.
òla Tomorrow.
olánla Great honor, great wealth.
ole Red steamed beans, used as Ifá medicine to induce pregnancy.
olè Embryo.
òle Lazy person.
ológbón Sage.
olójo One who has mastered a skill.
Olójó Òní Praise name for the Source of Creation (Olódùmarè),
meaning: "Owner of the Day."
Olokanran Spirits of Prophecy.
olómo Parent.
olomo Mountain.
Olona Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "Owner of the
Road."
Olórun Ultimate Source of Being.
Olósà The Spirit of the Lagoon.
Olose Force in Nature, same meaning as Òrìsà.
olòwò Wise elder.
omo Child.
omo awo First stage of Ifá initiation.
omodé Young child.
omo de Child of.
omo ile Children of the house.
omo ìtándógún Those who worship the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning:
"Child who fires a gun twenty times in the air."
omoléhìn Follower.
omolúàbí Sophisticated person.
omo - òdò Servant.
omo Odù The two hundred and forty verses that follow the first sixteen
verses of Ifá scripture,
Omolú Praise name for the Spirit of Infectious Disease (Babaluaiyé),
meaning: "Child of heat."
omo owu Small hammer.
omu Breast.
onà Decoration.
ònà Road.
Ònà Aimo The north leg of the Ifá cross that is marked on the Ifá
divination tray, meaning: "The path of wisdom."
Ònòméfà The six sacred directions, meaning the four directions of the
compass plus up and down, or the center axis.
Ònà Munu The west leg of the Ifá cross that is marked on the Ifá
divination tray, meaning: "The direct path."
Ònà Okanran The east leg of the Ifá cross that is marked on the Ifá
divination tray, meaning: "The straight path."
Ònà tóbi Ayé The center point of the Ifá cross that is marked on the Ifá
divination tray, meaning: "The path that brings all things to earth."
ònì Crocodile.
Òòni The King of the entire Yoruba Nation.
òpá Staff.
Òpá Òrèrè Staff of the Spirit that Protects Consciousness (Osun).
Òpá Osun Staff of the Spirit that Protects Consciousness (Osun).
Òpè Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà)), meaning: "Palm
Tree." (The Palm Tree is the Ifá symbol for the cycles of birth, life, death
and rebirth.)
ope Palm tree, sacred tree of life in Ifá scripture.
opé Gratitude, thanks.
Òpe'fá Tree sacred to Ifá (Elasis Idolatrica ).
opeyinbó Pineapple.
opolo Frog.
òpòlópò Many, much.
òpón Bowl.
Òràányàn Spirit of the First King (Oba) of Oyo.
Oramife Spirit of the Father of the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó).
oran Affair.
Òràngun Spirit of the grandson of Odùduwa.
Òranmiyàn The Spirit of War, considered the Father of the Spirit of
Lightning (Sàngó) in Ilé Ifè.
ore Friend.
òrò Word, also refers to the Spirit of the Power of the Word.
orò Wealth.
òró ìjìnle Words of deep esoteric meaning.
orun Sky, or neck.
Òrun The Invisible Realm, home of the Ancestors and the Immortals.
Òrun - Apadi Home of disruptive earth bound ancestor spirits.
Òrungan Child of The Spirit of the Mother of Fishes (Yemoja) and in
some regions the Spirit of the Fire at the Center of the Earth (Aganju).
Òrúnmìlà Spirit of Destiny, the prophet of Ifá, physical incarnation of
the Spirit of Purity (Èlà).
Òrun Òkè Spirit of the Mountains in the Invisible Realm of the
Immortals.
Osa Lagoon, sacred to the Spirit of the Wind (Oya).
Òsá Méjì Verse of Ifá scripture (Odù).
òsán Daytime, afternoon.
osán Fruit.
Osan Horse tail fan, carried by elders as a tool for offering blessings.
Osan agblumo African star apple (chrysophyllum africanum ).
Òsányìn Spirit of Herbs and Medicine.
Osara Forces in Nature, same as Òrìsà, meaning: "One who gathers
children."
Òsè Four day ritual week.
ose Soap.
Òsèèrèmògbò Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
(Obàtálá).
Osè Sàngó Wooden double headed ax used as a dance wand for
initiates into the mysteries of the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó).
Òsígbìwa Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà), meaning:
"The One who brings the right hand path of Character," or "The One who
brings Good Character."
Òsìn Imolè Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "First
Among the Immortals."
Òsóòsì The Spirit of the Tracker.
òsón Hottest part of the day.
Ososo nirun agbon Pointed beard, symbolic reference to a wise person
or a wise ancestor.
Osun The Spirit of the River, fertility, sensuality and abundance.
ota Enemy, male stone (falic shaped) depending on context.
oti Liquor, used as an offering to the ancestors (Egún) and to Forces in
Nature (Òrìsà).
otin Beer made from corn.
otita apoti Stool shaped like a box.
otun Right.
otun owó Right hand.
òwè Communal help.
owó Hand.
Òwórín Méjì Verse of Ifá scripture (Odù).
owon Thorn.
Oya Spirit of the Wind, Spirit of the River Niger.
Oyáhó Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà).
Òyèkú Méjì Verse of Ifá scripture (Odù).
Òyìnsèsè Praise name for the Divine Messenger (Èsú), meaning: "One
who works with honey."
Oyo City in Nigeria, home of the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó).
P
pa To kill, to betray, to break, to suffer, to cut depending on the
context.
páàpáà Myself, yourself, his self, her self, even, especially depending
on context.
padà To return, to alter to change, depending on context.
pàdé To meet.
pàkátà Calabash.
Pàkelemò Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà), meaning:
"The Calabash of Wisdom."
pákí Cassava.
pákórò Night ritual for the Spirit of elevating the dead (Órò) at funerals.
palápatán Shape shifting, usually from human form to animal form
and back to human form.
pàló To ask a riddle, usually a riddle with some moral point involved.
pamó To keep safe.
panumó To keep quiet.
pàra Suddenly, loud.
paranganda Bludgeon, hit with a club.
paré To disappear, to be destroyed.
pari To complete.
pariwo Shout.
pasan Whip.
pase To give an order.
páta - páta Completely finished, over with.
pe That, to say that.
pèlé Lineage marks on the face.
peleke To increase.
pèpè Elevated floor space used as a stool.
peregun Ifá herb used to mark boundaries, sacred to the Divine
Messenger (Èsú).
pèsè To prepare.
pésè To be present.
pe Call.
pé To be late.
pèlé Soft, with sympathy, with caution
pépèpé Petty.
pere Generous.
pérepére In shreds.
pete Flat.
pidán Ritual magic usually performed by initiates of the Spirit of
Lightning (Sàngó).
pín To divide, to share.
pinnu To decide.
pipe Complete.
pipè To call.
pípé Late.
pipon Redness.
pitan To recite personal or family history, to tell stories.
piwada To improve personal character.
pòòlò Animal trap.
pò Cheap.
pòjù To be ordinary.
polu Together.
pon To draw water.
ponripon Thick.
pòòkó Cup made from a coconut shell.
pooku Small sum.
poripon sigidi Dangerous spirit, warrior spirit.
pupa Red.
pupo Many, much.
putu Well.
R
rà To buy.
ra To perish.
rá To crawl.
ran To spin.
ràn To send for.
rán To sew.
ranti To remember.
rárá Song.
rárá At all, not at all.
rári To shave the head, the first step of initiation.
ré To go off, to set a trap depending on context.
rédeède Unclean, messy.
rémò To draw towards, to be attracted to.
rere Good, kind.
reti await.
re Yours.
rè To tire.
rèrè Good things, good fortune.
réin To laugh.
ri See.
rí Formerly.
ríbá Dutiful, responsible.
rikisi Plot.
rin To walk.
rinrin To go for a walk.
rírà Buying.
ríràn To have sight, to see.
riri Tremble in fright.
rò To tell, to meditate, to think depending on context.
ró To put on women's clothing, reference to a woman dressing.
rojó To complain.
ronú To ponder.
rorò To be fierce.
ro Gush.
rò To urge.
ròjo To rain.
rójú To strain.
rora To be careful, to be gently.
ru Offer.
rúbo Offer a life force offering.
run Perish.
S
sà To apply medicine.
sá To dry in the sun, to run off, to escape depending on context.
sáà Season, designated length of time.
sáàbà Usually.
Sàaragaá Spirit that shapes consciousness (Orí), meaning: "The
Strange place of Uniqueness."
sálo To run away.
sán To crack, to make a loud noise.
sàn To be well.
san To reward, to pay.
sánmò Sky.
sanra To be overweight.
sanwó To pay money.
sáré To run.
sari To rub medicine on the scalp.
sè To cook.
se To make.
se ese Death of a pregnant woman.
segi Waist bed for protection and fertility.
Sègíìrì - Alàgbàjà Praise name for the Divine Messenger (Èsú).
séhìn In the past.
Sééré Rattle for the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó).
sì And.
sí To.
sibe Still.
síbè In this place.
síhín To this place.
sílé Towards home.
simi To rest.
sin To serve, to bury depending on context.
sìn To escort.
sinsin To rest.
sinú Into.
so To tie.
sódé Outside.
sókè Up, towards.
so To throw, to say.
sòrò To speak.
Suminiwa Ajokeopo Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún).
sun To sleep.
Sùngbèmi Spirit that shapes consciousness (Orí), meaning: "Be Closer
to Me."
sunkún To cry.
S
sá stale, only depending on context.
sà To pick up.
sàbuku Disgraceful.
sàjé The practice of magic associated with astral travel among women's
secret societies (Iyaami).
sàn To flow.
sànbo To overflow
Sàngó The Spirit of Lightning, also the fourth Aláàfin of Oyo.
sánku Premature death.
sansan Straight.
sàro To meditate, to think.
se To do, to cause, to be, to make depending on context.
sebi Suppose.
ségègé Casting lots, casting some form of divination.
segun To make war.
sèké To lie.
sékèké Casting lots, casting some form of divination.
sèlara To be jealous.
sèléri To promise.
selése To injure.
s 'èpè To work a hex, to invoke some form of protection.
sese Just.
Sigidi Messenger for warrior spirits who protect a particular family
lineage.
Sigidi Sugudu The Spirit of Nightmares.
sigun To lead warriors into battle.
sísé To worry.
sòkoto Pants.
sorò To celebrate the annual feast for the Spirit of the Power of the Word
(Orò).
sòtito To have faith.
só To watch.
Sòponnà Small pox and the Spirit of Small Pox.
sòwò To spy.
T
tà To sell.
ta To shot, pepper flavor depending on context.
ta - a - o -réfòn Buffalo hunters.
tààrà Straight.
tabi Or.
Táíwo First born of twins, either male or female, according to Yoruba
tradition the first born twin is the youngest.
takú To refuse.
táláká Poor person.
tan To finish.
tán To trust.
tani Who?
tanná To light a lamp.
tápà Illness caused by eating to much sweet food.
tara Pebble, small stone.
Téfá Ifá initiation.
te To establish.
tè To press.
té To spread out.
téété Thin
telé To follow.
télè Already.
temut emu Hassock.
tenumó To emphasise.
tete Ifá herb used as medicine considered the parent of all herbs
(Amaranthus candatus Spinach).
tètèùpònlá Ifá herb used as medicine considered the parent of all herbs
(Amaranthus candatus Spinach).
ti Property.
tì To push.
tí That.
tijú To be shy.
tìkálára Self.
tìkara - eni Total self.
tile Even.
Ti npojó ikú dà Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà),
meaning: "The Changer of the determined day of Death."
Tìmì The Brother of the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó).
tímótímó Small.
tin Thus.
tinrin To sneer.
tìnùtìnù Sincere.
titi Until.
titun New or something new.
tó Equal, enough, the word is used at the end of Ifá incantations as a
seal to indicate that a prayer is complete and the power of the prayer has
been transfered out in the world.
tóbi ode Hunter.
tò To approach, to follow.
tóóró Straight.
toro To request.
tu Paddle, to losen, alone depending on context.
túkà To scatter.
túláàsi Force, necessity.
tún To repeat.
túndé Reborn.
tutu Cool
W
wa To exist, to seek depending on context.
wà To be.
wádi To ask questions.
wàyí As things are.
wé To twist.
wejeweje Good things.
wéré Quickly.
were Young.
wípé To say that.
wiri Hazy.
wo Relax.
wó Which.
wòran To watch.
wodi To investigate.
wo'gun mérin The four corners of the world, the four directions.
wo Shed, to enter depending on context.
wolé To enter.
woléwòdè To go in and out.
won Then.
wòròkò Elemental Spirits who work with the Spirit of Infectious disease
(Babaluaiye) to help spread disease.
wuye Quietly.
Y
ya To split.
yà To turn aside.
yá To flood.
yakata To straddle.
yalayala Swift.
yàn To choose.
yanmoti Sesame seed.
yanran Good.
Yansan Mother of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya).
yara Room.
yára To be quick.
yàtò Different.
Yemideregbe Praise name or the Spirit of the Ocean (Olókun).
Yemò Wife of the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá).
Yemòwó Wife of the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá).
yesi Who.
Yewa Spirit of the Yewa River.
yeye Mother.
Yeye Aiye Praise name for the Spirit of the Earth (Onilé), meaning:
"Mother of the Earth."
yebe Lavish.
yewere Worthless.
yèyé Foolishness.
yi This
yibi Greatness.
yio Will.
yo To appear.