Babalawo In Maryland, What's a santero? Is a babalawo a high priest?
Babalawo In Maryland, What's a santero? Is a babalawo a high priest? What do all of these names mean? It is important to understand what the different terms in our religion mean especially those used for the various levels of initiation, so you know who you're dealing with. After being lost for 10 years and not knowing what's going on, I finally got my questions answered and my life straightened out thanks to the orishas and IFA Ashe. Since then, Baba Ṣàngósakin has been practicing Orisa religion as Babalawo (IFA priest) and Babalorisa and has been in lineage of Sango since he was born. During Ifá divination, the Babalawo receives messages through the Odu, interprets their patterns, and delivers guidance rooted in ancestral wisdom. Who is a Babalawo | What is Babalawo I Learning Ifa Spirituality for Beginners. First, the babalawo will be saying a number of prayers to Olodumare, to the Eggun and to the Orishas asking their permission to do the work and asking them to speak about the situations affecting the life of the person coming to be seen. People can visit babalawos for spiritual consultations, which is known as Dafa. I realize it might be an unusual pronunciation for some, so you may call me Baba. In 1992, the temple purchased and moved into another building at 5530 Old Marlboro Pike in Forestville, MD. The Babalawo claim to ascertain the Top 10 Best Babalawo in Charlotte, NC - Last Updated December 2025 - Yelp - Ifa temple Babalawo When Michael B. Ifá, in particular, was a crucial aspect of their religion and s Book your Babalawo Spiritual Consultation appointment with us today, and let the wisdom of Yoruba tradition guide you toward a deeper understanding of your path. " The Cabalistic mastery makes the Babalawo a craftsman who has Ifa is one of an interrelated network of religions with African roots, including Vodou, Santeria and Sango Baptism, that appear to be gaining popularity in the United States, including in Maryland A Babalawo cannot do many of the things a Santero or Santera can. The Yoruba people can be found in the region that is now modern-day Nigeria and Benin, and they developed a sophisticated system of beliefs and practices centered around the worship of gods and ancestors. He is the founder of Ile Omo Ope shrine, established in 1989, and is affectionately known as the Babalawo of Harlem. Join Facebook to connect with Babalawo Fadare Siakhufu and others you may know. ” In his shrine he shares his decades of techni Babaaláwo or Babalawo in West Africa (Babalao in Caribbean and South American Spanish and Babalaô in Brazilian Portuguese) literally means "father of secrets" [1] in the Yoruba language. Thank you! E Kaabo! Welcome to the online Ile of Babalawo Oluwole A. The gray staircase banister leading to the five bedroom Discover the role of Babalawos and the Ifá divination system. Learn about their profound influence and ethical complexities within Yoruba spirituality. Indeed, Ifa is the deity of divination, a most important and favored epistemological mode in Africa in general. A Babaláwo is an Ifá priest and diviner who has received extensive training in the worship and divination practices of Ifá through an apprenticeship system. A Babalawo's role is crucial in many communities, bridging the spiritual and mundane. Jordan recently revealed that he identifies as a Babalawo—a high priest in the Yoruba religion known for divination and ancestral communicati Actor Adewale Alebiosu, who regularly plays the role of a native doctor or Ifa priest in Yoruba movies,has revealed that reciting some incantations in movies had some adverse effects on him i. It is a spiritual title that denotes a high priest of the Ifá oracle. The Araba is often regarded as the highest-ranking babalawo in a town or region, serving as both a spiritual and community leader. I may ask you for a first name only to read the Diloggun. A Babalawo is a high priest within the tradition, with many other sub-titles to be earned and given over time within the priesthood. Look no further than Consultifa. Learn about the responsibilities of a Babalawo and Iyanifa. The current home of the Yoruba Temple is 5711 Huntland Rd in Temple Hills, MD. History of Babalawo The term "Babalawo" typically refers to a Yoruba religious figure, often considered a priest or diviner, within the Ifa system of the Yoruba people in West Africa. What is a Babalawo’s Role in Ifá divination? A Babalawo serves as a bridge between humans and the Divine by communicating with Orunmila through the Ifá oracle. La santería cubana está de moda en USA y cada vez… Established in 2015. Ifa is a divination system that represents the teachings of the Orisha Orunmila, the Spirit of Wisdom, who in turn serves as the oracular representative of God. Thank you! The Role and Duties of a Babalawo in Ifá Religion The Babalawo, which is often translated as “father of secrets” in Yoruba, holds a revered position as a high priest within the Ifá religious system. Business Management, University of Maryland (US Army), Munich Campus. 1,602 Followers, 8,315 Following, 1,246 Posts - Babalawo Esugbemi Ifamoriyo (@babalawo_ifamoriyo_esugbemi) on Instagram: "Babaláwo :-IWORI OTURA TEMPLE ,OSUN Nigeria Chief Ifa Priest |Spiritualist | Journalist | Consulatant C. The verses she learnt were the same as those of the other babalawo. All are welcome. [25] Traditionally only heterosexual men are allowed to become babalawos, [26] with women and homosexual males being excluded. Ifá is a divination system that represents the teachings of the Òrìṣà Ọrunmila, the Òrìṣà of Wisdom, who in turn serves as A controversial North American Babalawo also claimed that Ifa priests have the ability to initiate individuals into Orisha, a point that seems to stir debate among practitioners. Choosing a Babalawo isn’t just a spiritual decision—it’s a defining moment in your journey. Divine Motion is an Egbeawo (Collective of Awo) who are based in Hyattsville, MD. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to work with a Ba Who Is A Babalawo I. II. com offers personalized readings that can provide you with valuable guidance for your life’s journey. Babaláwos serve as intermediaries between worshippers and the Orisha through divination and rituals. A Babalawo is a traditional priest or diviner in the Yoruba religion and Ifá tradition. Are you interested in learning traditional african Orisha-Ifa ? Do you live in the Washngton DC or Baltimore Metro Area ? Then this meetup group is for you. Once she learnt them, she was a babalawo. Who, or what, is a Babalawo? A Babalawo is a sage or high priest, who is well versed in the rituals, the lore and the history of the Yoruba Tradition/ Religion called IFA. Click to learn how do i book a reading. The Yoruba religion also referred to as Ifá is a spiritual tradition that teaches self-empowerment via self-accountability. Babalawo (Baba-ni-Awo) means "Father in the knowledge of things material and spiritual. Then the ecuele will be cast in order to get the essential Odu or ‘sign’ that accompanies that person. S. Certificate in Medical Laboratory Science, United States Army Academy of Science, TXB. With a team of experienced and knowledgeable Ifa Òrìshà practitioners in Maryland, Consultifa. Top 10 Best Babalawo in New York, NY - June 2025 - Yelp - Ifalasa Omolodun, Sage, Consultas CON IFA Babalawo, Botanica Babalawo Santeros A babalawo photographed in West Africa An initiate of Ifá is called a babaláwo in Yoruba and a bokɔnɔ in Fon. Divine Motion works under the Umbrella of Ijo Ifa Ogunda Masa an Esin Ibile Orisa Temple. Learn about self character and what to look out for when choosing an Ifa teacher. E. A Babalawo is a priest of Ifa, also referred to as Orunmila, who is probably the most popular deity of the Yoruba pantheon and certainly one to whom great attention is paid by all. Join Facebook to connect with Miguel Babalawo and others you may know. Ifakunle Adetutu Alagbede Awo Ifakunle is a professional practitioner of Traditional Ifa and Orisa worship with over 20 years of training and experience. Biology, Knoxville College, TN Miguel Babalawo is on Facebook. These spiritual gu Hi looking for a babalowa in the MD/DC/VA area for a consulta as an aleyo. Babalawo Yoruba Priest Confidential Spiritual Consultations laboring on behalf of any and all. Abdulrafiu Lawal, in the United States of America visits a ‘Babalawo’ and reports on his encounter. Babalawo expresses that a tool of divination is the doorway to a powerful transformational process, and the forces that are set in motion when it is cast determine the future evolution of the adherent, a language to read one’s destiny. Babalawo en USA. Together, we often gather for events and ceremonies to learn, worship and praise the Orisa. " The Cabalistic mastery makes the Babalawo a craftsman who has Ositola’s shrine: a Babalawo shrine Thompson Drewal and Drewal (1983) have described the family shrine of Kolawole Ositola, a prominent Babalawo from Imodi: his shrine included objects connected to his ancestors and to his practice, and provides a good example of a Yorùbá family shrine. property was completed in 1997 and the members returned to that building. A Babalawo shares these teachings. Discover who a Babalawo is, their spiritual powers, and role in Yoruba Ifá tradition. What is a Babalawo Ifa Priest in Ifa Religion Part1 - In this video series we talk about what a Babalawo is and their responsibilities. La santería cubana es una corriente religiosa de tipo sincrética muy presente en USA Los Babalawos Cubanos en USA utilizan en sus consultas un sistema de creencias animistas africanas (etnias Yorubas principalmente) con un cuerpo filosófico similar. Babaláwo (Ifá Priest). Through the second aspect, Ebo, the trained babalawo prays about the messages and for fortification of the individual and against any negative forces. This is a fascinating topic of the science behind divination. Learn how they heal, consult, remove curses, and guide destiny through divination. A Babalawo is well versed in the customary rituals, Oral literature (ese Ifa), medicines (Akose Ifa) and history of Yoruba culture. I sometimes will use the Cowrie Shell which is an oracle of the Orishas or Spiritual Guides. The world has truly become small. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and true I'm looking for recommendations of reputable IFA Babalawos/godparents and temples in TX (DFW area or surrounding) for my family and I. 🤔 Thinking about consulting a babalawo? Discover what to expect from your first reading and whether it's suitable for newcomers to the practice! 🌟 Babalawo Fadare Siakhufu is on Facebook. What Does A Babalawo Do? In this informative video, we will uncover the fascinating role of a Babalawo in the Yoruba community of Nigeria. Baba Sangosakin's father, Sangodare Gbadegesin Ajala is the head of all Sango priests and priestesses in Osogbo and a famous artist in Nigeria. The day the client visited the babalawo Ángel, who has been practicing for 15 years, the god Orula recommended several things: not to eat shellfish for 21 days, to wear white for the same amount of time, to be careful around certain people and to get a girlfriend immediately. 66 In keeping with this perspective of a former babalawo, several Babalawo (Babaaláwo in full and pronounced Baba-a-láwo, literally meaning 'father or master of the mysticism' in the Yoruba language) is a Yorùbá chieftaincy title that denotes a Priest of Ifá. They cannot give addimú orishas (token Orishas) to others except for the Warriors (Eshu, Ogun, Ochosi, Osun), Osain, Olokun and Oduduwa – and even then they can only give the Ifá style ones that can never be passed on by that individual (unless they become a Babalawo in time). The word Babalawo translates as the father of mysteries, and as such, is well-versed in most or all aspects of the religion and culture, from prayers to ceremony, history and stories and everything in between. Yoruba cultureand Ifá have a long and rich history dating back to ancient times. Posted by u/KingBTheGreat96 - 3 votes and 8 comments Babalawo expresses that a tool of divination is the doorway to a powerful transformational process, and the forces that are set in motion when it is cast determine the future evolution of the adherent, a language to read one’s destiny. * Suggested Agenda Development of a council to eliminate fraud in Our religious community Formalizing a Babalawo Association Lukumi Clergy Registry Development of a Theology School Ifa/ Lukumi and Traditional If you have any suggestions for the agenda, please contact me directly - Iya Onilade, Apetebi- irete meji I hope to hear from Everyone. Reconstruction of the Eads St. Ifa Divination The Ancient Yoruba Oracle - New York, NY. Babalawos in the DC-Baltimore area? Good afternoon, I was wondering if anyone of you knew someone I could speak to concerning learning more about the basics in this general area of the US? I don’t know anyone specifically there, but I looked online and seen there are plenty of botanicas in that area. He has become a master in the Cabalistic and ritualistic aspects of IFA. Babalao Cubano en USA. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. Read his biography, view videos of him in action and more using the Temple Orisha Ile Ifa is a Chicago-based Temple of the Lucumi Ifa tradition. In a city known for its eclectic mix of cultures and beliefs, having a traditional spiritual figure can transform the local landscape. The term "Babalawo" translates to "Father of the Mysteries," reflecting the elevated status of these priests who serve as intermediaries between the earthly realm and the divine. I introduce myself as Babalawo, which is my spiritual title denoting the priest of the IFA Oracle. com, your trusted source for authentic Ifa Òrìshà readings. O IFAMORIYO SALAKO TEMPLE +2348081435850🙏🇳🇬" Whether it be business, relationship career or spiritual development Ifa Orunmila guides us well on our path. [27] Some gay men have nevertheless been initiated; [28] in both Cuba and the United States, for example, several babalawos have initiated their openly gay It is highly essential that one who' aspires to be an Ifa priest (Babalawo) receives adequate training from a versed and experienced Babalawo that he may be able to meet the responsibilities of the important positions in which he would later find himself in the community. These spiritual leaders are entrusted with safeguarding ancient wisdom and are essential in upholding and passing on the traditions of Ifá. The babalawo serves not only as a religious figure but also as a cultural bridge, helping to preserve language, proverbs, and ritual customs that are foundational to Yoruba identity. Then she also had the right to examine other people on their knowledge, just as they had examined her. In the intricate web of Yoruba spirituality, Babalawos stand as revered figures, holding the keys to the ancient and profound wisdom encapsulated in Ifá, the spiritual system at the core of Yoruba beliefs. Both men and women would come as clients to consult her. An on-site interview of the “Babalawo Of Harlem. "At least in Nigeria, people tend to stay in their lane in Isese," stated the participant, emphasizing the strict adherence to traditional roles in spiritual rites. lsjak, vcbi, dsfen, ufbc, 4fxky, zsdtg, hxni7, oagvy, dxu5, 2weuj,