THE HISTORY OF ORUNMILA
Who Is Orunmila?
Orunmila is the Orisha of divination, placed here to offer wise counsel to both the Orishas and to humanity. As the saying goes, the sky is the house and the earth is the market — a place for us to learn the many lessons we need. Orunmila is the spirit of intuition and premonition, granting insight into the world around us and offering the first map of our destiny — one we are meant to follow closely. Through him, Ifá reveals everything we seek to know.
Origins
Known as Orula, and syncretized with San Francisco (Saint Francis), Orunmila is the son of Obatala and Yemmú, born after Obatala swore never to have another son following the incest of his son Oggún — who was buried alive up to the shoulders beside a Ceiba tree. Obatala later unearthed him, cut a piece of the sacred trunk, and carved the first divination board (Tablero de Ifá), granting it to his son and making him keeper of Ifá.
Orunmila's closest friends are his brothers Chango and Elegua. Together with Oddún and Oddúa, he forms a trinity.
Role and Powers
Orunmila is the great benefactor of humankind — chief advisor because he reveals the future and allows us to influence it. He alone holds the secret of Ifá, the supreme oracle through which he communicates. He embodies wisdom and the ability to shape one's destiny, even against the most adverse circumstances, and is also regarded as a great healer and one of the keepers of the four winds. Those who ignore his counsel — whether human or Orisha — risk falling victim to osogbo brought by Eshu.
It was Chango, authorized by Olofi, who delivered to Orula the até (the Ifá board) and dominion over the secrets of divination.
Sign, Day, and Colors
In the Diloggún, Orunmila speaks through Irosun (4) and Obbara (6), and through Metadiloggún (16). Every day belongs to him, and his feast day is October 4th. His colors are green and yellow.
The Path of the Babalawo
One need not be a santero to become a priest of Ifá (Babalawo), though it's common. Orunmila's power is such that when he claims someone as his own, that person must set aside devotion to any other Orisha to dedicate themselves fully to him. No woman may become a Babalawo, though women may receive Cofá, granting them a share in some of Ifá's secrets.
Oracles and Tools
Orunmila does not descend upon initiates' heads — he communicates with the Babalawo solely through his oracles: the ekuelé (a chain of beads and metal links, 14–16 inches long) and the Tablero de Ifá, used together with ikines (sacred palm nuts). The Tablero is a round wooden board roughly 14 inches across, its edge carved, with four points marking its perpendicular diameters — representing the four corners of the world: Obatala to the North, Oddúa to the South, Chango to the East, and Eshu to the West.
Necklaces
The Babalawo's ide is strung in alternating yellow and green. Women who receive Cofá wear their own version in the same alternating colors, received in a separate, simpler ceremony lasting three days.
Honor Orunmila
Whether you're beginning your path with Orunmila or deepening a lifelong devotion, Nelstar Services has provided authentic Santeria and Lucumı́ supplies since 2003. Explore our Orunmila beaded necklaces, browse Ifá products, or find full guidance in our Orisha Center.