THE LANGUAGE OF IF

AWO YORUBA

GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN IF DIVINATION

Awo Falokun Fatunmbi Egbe Iwa Pele

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 transcendant 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. color and pitch. Every segment of the sign wave manifests as both 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 essense 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 alighnment 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 fo fu ga ge ge gi go go gu gba gbe gbe gbi gbo gbo gbu ha he he hi ho ho hu ja je je ji jo jo ju ka ke ke ki ko ko 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 vegitation to continiously 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 buiding 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 its 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 invisioned 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 I believe the word To me the word

ascenscion of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. predates Christianity and this definition is in error.

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 linquistic analysis. Bit by bit we eat the head of the rat.

Ase o Awo Falokun Fatunmbi

A
a Him, her, we and it, depending on context. a Used as a prefix to a verb in the formation of nouns. b Half. fin Palace, home of a king (Oba). j Whirlwind, the Spirit of the Whirlwind, depending on context. j Care, treatment. k Ax. l Boundary, border. r Illness, fatigue. rn Middle, center. as Female Spirit, female Force in Nature. s Door carved from the Iroko tree. yn - awo - in - igb Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "Ayan Tree is the Mystery of the Inner Sanctum of the Sacred Grove." y Life. ab A portion, a piece of something larger, farm hut depending on context. ab Mat. The mat is used to create sacred space in If and rs ritual and divination. ba Ladder. The ladder is sacred to the Spirit of the Divine Messenger (s)

abd Eternal, something that comes directly from the Source of Creation (Olrn). abf Fate in all of its manifestations, both creative and destructive. abmi An unusual occurrence, something that is perceived as strange, frequently associated with intervention from the Spirit Realm. abm Feelings of regret, being sorry about past actions. A - b - m - - tn - b - se Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "To Have Full Knowledge of You is to be Successful." Abanigbele The Spirit of Fire, this is a reference to the animating consciousness that exists inside a burning flame. Abnigbro Advisor, one who gives advice, a wise elder. abanij Detractor. bse Cooperation. Abata Mud. Mud is sacred to the female aspect of the Spirit of White Cloth (Oduduwa/Yemo). Abaya Queen Mother. abe Small knife, also used to refer to a razor. ab Bottom, behind a reference to the human buttux. When If scripture is refering to reproductive organs it is usually expressed as either the male or female bottom. abbe Fan, used to cool mediums in ritual, sacred to the Spirit of the River (sun). Abl Candle. abr Needle. Abes Chief messenger of a religious society or extended family. btl Bribe. abi I or you.

b 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 (Od) of If scripture. When the abigba is thrown two complete verses (Od) of If scripture are marked. Abkehin The youngest child in a family. bku 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, If can perform rituals that will induce the spirit of the child to remain on Earth to become an adult. abilko Wife or widow. abo Female. abo Arrival, return. bo Expression used to greet someone who has returned to the place of their departure. Abgn Those who worship the ant hill, the ant hill represents the Spirit of hard work and cooperation. Abgn Those who worship the Spirit of Iron (gn). abkul One who works with the spirit of ancestors (Egn) to invoke transformation. Abomal Those who worship the ancestors and the deified ancestors (Egngn). Abpa Member of a society that gives reverence to the memory of the ancestors through the use of mediums. Abrs Those who worship Forces in Nature (rs). aboyn Woman who is pregnant. abor 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.

bor, boy, bosise Traditional If greeting, meaning: " I lift your burden from Earth and raise it to the Realm of the Immortals." abuk Person with a deformity in their spine, protected by the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl). Abuku Disgrace bule Village or house on the farm. ablko Farm village. abra One who takes an oath during an initiation, the person who makes a pledge. br Younger relative, junior relative. bus A blessing given by an elder. d A large knife with a hook on the end used in farming, sacred to the Spirit of Iron (gn) and the Spirit of the Farm (rs Oko). adaba Dove, sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl). The dove is the If symbol for peace and tranquility. d - fdk Silver cutlass, sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl). Adhunse A herbal doctor, one who works with the Spirit of herbs and medicine (snyin). d - irn Iron cutlass, sacred to the Spirit of Iron (gn), Admu - rs A play performed in honor of the Spirit of the Forces in Nature (rs), centers around the idea of not laughing at, or making fun of those who have some form of disability. dn Bat. The bat is used in medicine for protection. adnri One who has shaved their head for religious reasons, usually in preparation for initiation. Some diviners keep their head shaved as a way of being in close alignment with the influence of the Forces of Nature (rs).

ad Crown worn by Yorb 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 (ymi). adbo One who prepares sacred food for a feast by slaughtering animals according to the rules of religious sanction. dhn Agreement. admu An offering of food to the Spirits, also refers to a calabash with a lid depending on context. Adsek Son of the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "Crown is Worthy." adibo Diviner. ade Chicken, or fowl. admu A form of masquerade in memory of the ancestors (Egn). adire Dyed cloth. adireiranna The fowl used as an offering at a traditional If funeral. Adgunsl The chief warrior priest among those who worship the Spirit of Iron (gn). Traditionally this is the person responsible for the protection of a given town or village. dgb District, section of a village. A dp We thank you. dr Prayer that generally follows an invocation to the Spirits. This type of prayer is a spontaneous appeal to the Spirits. af Bridge. afiya The ability to make use of intuition. afr Bridge. afra - oyin Honeycomb (Bridge of Honey). The honeycomb is sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun).

afri 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. afr Thing that disappears, a Spirit that vanishes. 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 Yorb Kings as a symbol of their power of the word. afmju 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." Afrif lglg Praise name for the Spirit of the Wind (Oya) , meaning: "Mysterious Wind." fsn Engaged to be married, committed to a relationship. afi Unless. afi - bi Unless. fn Albino, protected by the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl). fojb Personal experience, personal truth. afj Blind person, protected by the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl). fom Infectious disease, that which is brought by the Spirit of Infectious Disease (Babaluaiy). Afon Breadfruit (Treculia africana ), sacred to If. fonfoj Valley. aforj Forgiveness, also refers to a type of prayer used in If for asking Spirit to forgive the need to make a blood offering.

fse Magical incantations. Afurkrsayo Reference to the left half of the horizontal line that forms the equal arm cross of a If diviner's tray, meaning: "The one who has the diviner's tapper and is happy." aga Chair, low stool., in If ritual the younger initiates will sit on a mat while the elders sit on low stools. agada Toy sword usually made from wood. galams Rebel, the word suggests that the rebellion is guided by wisdom and divine inspiration. gn Barren woman. agaro Shovel. The shovel is sacred to the Spirit of the Farm (Ors Oko). Agayu The Spirit of the Fire at the Center of the Earth, in some versions of If sacred history, Agayu is the Father of the Spirit of Lightning (Sng). gba 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. gb Elder person of either gender, a stem used as a rope depending on context. agbd Priestly robes. gbdo Corn, sacred to the Divine Messenger (s). gbaiy The entire world. gbk Misfortune, disaster, meaning: "without elders." gbla Yard near a house, usually inclosed by a wall or a fence. gblgb Elder, very old person. gbl Head of the household. gbl The entire village.

Agbami The mist that arises from the ocean, an aspect of the Spirit of the Ocean (Olkun). agbra Force, power, strength depending on context. agbas Sacred stone, the Spirit of a sacred stone. Agbra 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. gbgb Surrounding district, outer portion of a village. agbgb Hen. agbledi One of the wrestling moves used in the marital art that is sacred to the Spirit of Iron (gn). gbere Intercourse, sexual interaction. agbr Charm used by those who practice the martial art of the Spirit of Iron (gn), used to insure that the person remains standing during a martial arts contest. gb Short sword sacred to the Spirit of Iron (gn), farmer depending on context. agbje Pumpkin, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). agbe Woodcock, cockatoo. agbgilre Woodcarver, a profession that is generally sacred to the Spirit of Lightning (Sng). gbgb Elemental spirit of the Forest that is know for causing trouble. agbo Medicine, poultice. gb Ram, sacred to the Spirit of Lightning (Sng). agbo A circle of dancers at a religious ceremony. agb at Long life, a common greeting among If initiates.

agbol House, collection of houses forming a compound that is generally used by a single extended family. agbn Basket weaved from rafia. gbon Coconut, sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl). agbon Chin. agbn Wasp. Agbnire A praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "Hunter of Good Fortune." Agbnrgn A praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "Hunter of the Medicine of Good Fortune. gbnrn Chin. agre Stilt dancer who dances as part of the ceremonies that honor the Spirit of the Ancestors (Egn). ag Small drum that is sacred to the Spirit of the Farm (rs Oko). agemo Chameleon. Agemo Spirit of the Forest worshipped in the Ijebu region of Nigeria. Agesinyowa One of the council of sixteen diviners (Babalwo) who perform divination of the King (ni) of Il If. 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 (rnml) as a symbol of hard work and cooperation. ag Sacred cloth used by dancers who are mediums for the Spirit of the Ancestors (Egn). g Expression for asking permission to enter a house. agogo Bell used as musical instrument to praise the Forces of Nature (rs).

agogo - eiye The beak of a bird, sacred to the Spirit of the Mothers (ymi). Agongo ogo Praise name for the Divine Messenger (s), meaning: "He Who Carries a Club." guala 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. Agnmu Medicine that is prepared by pounding it into a powder with a mortar and pestle. gtn Sheep. ahere Farm hut. ahun Miser. aibi One who has no children, a form of bad fortune in If divination. aifoya Being without fear, courage. aigbo - iy Tranquility, being at peace in the world, the sign of one who has developed inner certainty. ike Ax, the double headed ax is sacred to the the Spirit of Lightning (Sng). aik Immortality, one who has become a deified ancestor, meaning: "never die." ilbku Spotless, being without blame, a reference to the good character of the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl). iliy Coward. ilso Barren, without children, one of the forms of bad fortune in If divination. aile Evening.

ailbi One who has not experienced misfortune, an indication of someone who is of good character. ails A person of very good character, someone who is above suspicion. ailw Poverty, one of the forms of bad fortune in If divination. ailr The inability to invoke or manifest any form of abundance, one of the forms of bad fortune in If divination. sn Illness. t 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. aiyapa One who travels on a straight path towards spiritual growth. aiy The surface of the Earth, in If scripture it is the place where the Realm of the Ancestors (Egn) meets the realm of humans. aiyraiy Forever, since the beginning of time, immortal. aj Dog, black dogs are sacred to the Spirit of Iron (gn). j Ceiling. aja A wild vine that is sacred to the Spirit of Birds (ymi). ajabo A protection charm sacred to the Spirit of Iron (gn). ajagun Devotee of the Spirit of Iron (gn) who functions as a soldier. ajagun - obinrin Female devotee of the Spirit of Iron (gn) who functions as a soldier. ajako Jackal. janak Elephant, sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl). jliy The Winds of the Earth, an aspect of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya).

jlrun The Winds of the Realm of the Ancestors, an aspect of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). A - j - m - jbi Praise name for the Spirit of the Mothers (ymi), meaning: "She Who Is Never Guilty." jl - mpin 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 (s), the tortoise is the Divine Messenger for the Spirit of Lightning (Sng). j The Spirit of a Bird used by women (ymi) to invoke powers used for abundance and justice. This same power is used to consecrate the crown of the Yorb Kings. Also used as a reference to money or abundance. ajeji Forgiveness. jj Strange. Aje - ju - Oogn Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "Stronger than Medicine." Aje Saluga Elemental Spirit of Abundance, sacred to the Spirit of the Mothers (ymi). ajidwe Medicine used to restore vigor. Ajgmw The sun, the Spirit of the Sun. Ajiki Praise name for the Source of Creation (Olrun), meaning: "The One Who is Praised First." It also may be used as a reference to the personal Spirit of any given individual. In reference to the Spirit of the Divine Messenger (s) it is used to indicate that the Divine Messenger (s) is addressed first in most ritual. Ajiletepowo A reference to the center point of the diviner's tray (pn If) and a reference to the centering principle as an aspect of If spiritual discipline, meaning: "An early riser who sits down and prospers."

jnde The Spirit of a deceased ancestor (Egn) who speaks at their own funeral through a medium (Egngn). js Charms used for protection. jo Meeting, gathering of a group of people. j Journey, used in reference to the spiritual journey of self discovery that occurs throughout life. ajobi Ancestors of a woman, matralineal ancestors (Aylal Egn). Ajogn Destructive Spirits that bring death, disease and poverty. These Spirits are generally associated with the Spirit of the Divine Messenger (s) and are considered an aspect of the balancing dynamic that occurs in Nature. ajoj Dancing for the Spirits (Ors). j l'ay Journey through the world, the entire spectrum of a person's personal experience. ajomisanra The eternal dew, a symbolic reference to the fountain of life or the spiritual source of physical rejuvenation. Aj ori The Spirit of the daughter of the Spirit of Lightning (Sng), meaning: "Bird of the Inner Spirit." jo sep Cooperation. ajoyin - ibon The firing of muskets, traditionally muskets are fired while making offerings to the Spirit of Iron (gn). ajugu dunirn A pile of iron in or near a shrine used as an altar for the Spirit of Iron (gn). akb Ladder. The ladder is sacred to the Spirit of the Divine Messenger (s). kala Vulture, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). kar Bread cakes cooked in palm oil, sacred to the Spirit of the Ancestors (Egn). ktnp Hunter's tool, sacred to the Spirit of Iron (gn).

k Ax, sacred to the Spirit of the Farm (Ors Oko), the double headed ax is sacred to the Spirit of Lightning (Sng).8888 kbj Over indulgent behavior, one of the sources of bad fortune in If divination. A - k - b - l Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl), meaning, "Radiant White." akere Frog. akese Cotton. Cotton is sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl). aki Bravery, also the word for refering to the martial art practiced by the devotees of the Spirit of Iron (gn). akika Pangolin plant (Uromanis Longicanda Briss ).

Akiko Cock, male chicken. Male chickens are sacred to the Spirit of most Warriors (Ibora). akin Hero, heroic person and heroic action. ako Sheath of a knife. The sheath of a knife is used as an offering to the Spirit of Destiny (rnml). The word also means male. kb First born. Akd One of the Prophet rnml's first two students, term also used to identify a senior priest in a society of diviners. akja Fulfillment, the purpose of following one's destiny. kk Season of the year. kk - rn Dry season. kk - ojo Rainy season. kk - ott Cold season. kk - oy Windy season. akokoro Toothache.

akk ti obinrin Female puberty rite, meaning: "season of becoming a woman." akk ti okunrin Male puberty rite, meaning: "season of becoming a man." A - k - m - - tn Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml ), meaning: "Not to Have Full Knowledge of You is to Fail." akni Teacher. akoni Brave warrior, a strong person who may be remembered as a deified ancestor, the word is also used to suggest that something is true. The word is used to describe the Spirit of the Warriors (Ibora). ako - ojo Five day week that is used as the basis for the If calender of ritual events. akun Religious bead. aknlbo Kneeling to worship. knlyn Destiny as choice, or the act of free will. knlgb Destiny which is altered by free will. akunnu Fruitful, productive. al Owner. l Light in the Spiritual sense of that which brings illumination or enlightenment, also a reference to the Spirit of Light, also refers to white cloth in both literal and symbolic terms. The symbol of white cloth is a reference to moral purity. l White cloth, dream, effective dreamer, one who has visions while sleeping. In If scripture white cloth is a symbolic reference to dreams and mystic vision. Aln Spirit that helps shape consciousness prior to birth, meaning: "The Merciful One." alfia A greeting that means peace, good fortune and abundance. Alfin The traditional title for the King of Oyo, chief Priest of the Council of elders (Ogboni).

alye Someone who is living, a person of the Earth, as opposed to spirit or ancestor. albalse Forever. Albalese Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl), meaning: "He Who Predicts the Future." Alabaltn 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 (pn If). Alde Prince, a male descendant of one of the original families that founded the Yorb federation. Alfri One who knows the secret to the charm that makes one invisible. This medicine is commonly used to make a person invisible to their enemies in the sense that they will not be bothered rather than physically invisible. Some forms of this medicine can create telaportation. alafogn Owner of medicine, reference to a herbal doctor. Algba Elder, also the title for the chief priest of the Society of Ancestor Reverence in Il If. Algemo Member of men's society in Ijebu region that honors the Spirit of the Chameleon. algb Medicine pot. alaifoiya One who is fearless, a person of courage. algbn Foolish, one who is ignorant of the Light. als Physical death. alaiyeluw Greetings said to an Oba. Alajki Praise name for the Divine Messenger (s), meaning: "One who is addressed first." This is a reference to the fact that The Divine Messenger is usually addressed first during ritual. lkala Nightmare. The realm of nightmares is controlled by the Spirit of Nightmares (Sigidi).

alakete Calabash of light, one of the Primal Sources of Creation. alkor Useless person, lazy person. alla 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 (Obtl), meaning: "Owner of the best clay." alangba Lizard. Alpni Chief Priest of the Ancestor Society in Oyo. alrbar Multi colored. alrinrin Fine, fancy. alaromo One who wishes another harm or bad fortune, a person who makes use of hexes. alse Person of power. Alasels The Spirit of the One who implements with the left, a reference to the left side of the horizontal line on the divining tray (pn If), usually refers to that which is hidden or unrevealed. Alsotele Prophet, one who is able to see into the future. lwo Word used to identify an If initiate who is still in training as a diviner. alya Husband. ly Explanation. le Leprosy. al Evening. lej Visitor. alsjde A person who is skilled at terminating possession by unwelcome or destructive spirits, an exorcists.

lo - rntn Sacred history. lk Second hand. alubarika Property. Aldndn run Guardian of personal destiny in the Realm of the Ancestors, the Source of personal destiny. alukerese Creeping plant (Ipomoea involucrata ). alunipa Executioner, a member of the society of elders (Ogboni). Amiygn Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "The Guardian of Medicine on Earth." mn Opportunity. amo Lizard. Amodi Sickness. Amodd Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "One Who cuts through sickness." mk The Spirit of the Sun, and the Sun itself. amokisitekun Panther. Aml If Owdy Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "The Savior of If from the early days." amomotn Imperfect knowledge, the human finite perception of the infinite. Amnisgn - mp Praise name for the Divine Messenger (s), meaning: "The medicine pouch that guides us to the Immortals." amotl The ability to see into the future, clairvoyance. amu Jar or pot. amulu Combination. Aml Od The verses of If scripture that follow the first sixteen verses (Olu Od).

amure Sash worn by men around the waist as a symbol of balance between male and female Forces in Nature (rs). Amsan One of the children of the Spirit of the wind, the person who holds a switch and walks in front of Egngn during ancestral ceremonies, acts as a guardian for the medium. amye Wise elder, one who is able to give good council and advice. n Yesterday. na In - law. anam Sweet potato. nn Doubt. anife One who has no mate, being without love or affection, one of the forms of bad fortune in If divination. anp One who has abundance in all things, one who has fulfilled their destiny. ap Arm, side or direction depending on context. apko Bamboo. pr Joke. apr - in Conscience. apari Bald head. pr - in Inner Spirit. apta Rock, the rock is sacred to most Forces in Nature (rs). p Prayer. Apetebi The Spirit of the wife of the Spirit of Destiny (rnml) an initiated position within If that is held by those women who are married to If initiates. peere Perfection or completion, the goal of spiritual growth and development.

apeja Fisherman. apiwo Cure for negative medicine, or for the removal of a hex. p Bag often refers to bag used to carry medicine and tools associated with ritual work, also refers to charms carried by worshippers of the Spirit of Iron (gn). ap Quiver, sacred to the Spirit of the Tracker (ss). po'gn Medicine pouch. po onsgn Medicine pouch. pt Box. ara Body, self, people, depending on context. ara - ile Friends and relatives, members of the extended family. ar Thunder, sacred to the Spirit of Lightning (Sng) and the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). rb A senior If priest who is initiated into Mysteries that are associated with protection from the Spirit of Infectious Disease (Babaluaiy). arbnrin Sister. araiye People of the Earth. arknrin Brother. rn If drum. rwa North, also refers to the Spirits of the North. ariye The people of the world. ar Play, the performance of a scared story. arewa Beauty. arigogo Hook.

rw North, also refers to Spirits of the North. ariwo Hook, noise depending on context. ariwowo Hook. aro Sadness. ar Indigo dye used to color cloth. aro Plant used in If for protection from death (Crossopoteryx Febrifuga), disabled person sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl). arn Worm. Ar oni Spirit of the forest, elemental spirit with the body of a human and the head of a dog. Aronimoja Elemental spirit of the forest. arn ro Hernia. arso Material used to wrap around the body as a dress, frequently used when dancing for the Forces in Nature. arugbo Old person. Arku Spirit who transforms and elevates the spirit of the ancestors. rn Illness or disease. arn ara Illness of the body. arn eegun Illness of the bones. arn j Illness of the blood. asn Afternoon. saro Meditation. ss Hexing. asje Food prepared as medicine. s Custom, tradition.

asaj Group leader. se 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 so." The phrase is intended to be an invocation rather than a request. s Menstruation. sed One of the Prophet rnml first two students, term also used to identify a senior priest with a communal society of If elders. shind The expected reincarnation of a revered elder. asej Excess. aseni Unknown enemy. sik Time. Asin - mo - l'gb - ynj Praise name for the Spirit of Infectious Disease (Babaluaiy), meaning: "The Mystery of Power that Comes from Eating the Yam." asri Mystery, secret depending on context. sse Mistake. asiwr Person suffering from mental illness. Asgn One who worships the Spirit of Iron (gn). aso Cloth, clothing frequently used in reference to clothing that has religious significance. aso - boj Viel used to cover the face of mediums in possession with the Spirit of Forces in Nature (Ors). aso pupa Red cloth, taboo for traditional If /rs burial rituals. A - sr - day Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "One Who Makes Things Prosper." sotl Prophecy, one who predicts the future based on an assessment of current circumstances.

asoy Explaining the inner essence or true meaning of a thing or an event, the purpose of If divination is to discover the true meaning of circumstances. ata Pepper. tak Opposition. Ata - mts Praise name for the Spirit of the Tracker (ss), meaning: "The sharp shooter." atana Crossroads, home of the Divine Messenger (s). ataparako Thumb. atprnynk Halting, with caution. atare Hot peppers used in food and medicine, in If it is eaten to prepare the mouth for certain types of prayers. tr Top of the head, also refers to the power center at the top of the head. tt Real, honest, genuine depending on context. te Mat, the mat is used to establish sacred space for ritual and divination. at To spread. athnk Premature death. te - k Rafia mat used for sacred space during divination. t - k - en Reference to all of Creation, meaning: " the mat that can't be rolled up." atlwo Palm of the hand. At rs Circular tray or mat used in cowrie shell divination. terdr Ancestor who suffered in slavery. tw Palm of the open hand, also used to mean avert.

ati And, with, to depending on context. tij Some time ago, in the past. titn Refuse heap, sacred to the power of transformation that is related to some aspects of the Divine Messenger (s). Ato Female priestess in ancestral reverence societies (Egngn). t Seamen. Atokn Leader of a society for ancestor reverence. Atnlrgn Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (gn), meaning: "Hefty Hunter." atori Stick (Glyphaea laterifiora ) that is sacred to the Spirit of the Ancestors (Egn), ats Gonorrhoea. tnbi Born again, the If word used for physical reincarnation. tnw Rebirth of character, the If word used for reincarnation of the soul. wlwl Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (gn), meaning: "Rugged and Rough Spirit." awo Mystery, diviner. aw Guinea hen. wo Dish, plate. awo'de The Mystery of Hunting. awomi Invoking Spirits through the use of water. aw Color. awo Skin, hide. won Them, they, group. Awoni The society of If priests who divine for the King (ni) of Il If.

wny rs Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (gn), meaning: "The enraged Spirit." wj Top of the head, refers to the power center at the crown of the skull. awuje Butter beans (Phaseolus lunatus ) wjo Meeting, gathering. awun Miser. awure Unassuming. aya Wife. Ayaba The wife of the queen. yn Tree sacred to the Spirit of Lightning (Sng). ayani explanation. ynm Destiny, the If belief that each person comes to the world having an agreement with Creation regarding the fate that is to be experienced during a given life time. ynm - pn Destiny, the If belief that each person comes to the World having an agreement with Creation regarding the fate which is to be experienced during a given life time. Aynrbt - awo - l - oj Praise name for the Divine Messenger (s), aye Room. ay World. Aylal The collective Spirit of Ancestral Mothers. ayebo Hen. ayo Joy.

ba To join, should depending on context. b To meet, to find, against. Sometimes used as a shorten version of b which means should. b To see. Bb Something that is great. Bl Chief of a village, usually of lesser status than an Oba which is an initiated position that is granted directly by the ni of Il If. Bb Guinea corn. Baba Father, used to describe any male adult old enough to have children. In Yorb culture it is impolite to call someone who is older by their proper name, instead they are called by their title or called by the word that indicates their relative age within the extended family. Babalwo Father of the Secrets, male initiate into the Mysteries of If. The term Babalwo is generally reserved for the elder If initiates in a given community, especially those who are adept at If divination. Babagba Older man, usually a grandfather. Babal'rs Father of the Forces in Nature (rs), male initiate into the Mysteries of Nature (Awo rs). Babaluiy Spirit of the Surface of the Earth, this is the Spirit 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. Babansnk Chief priest responsible for leading a funeral. Babanl Grandfather, meaning father of the light or wisdom. Babatnde Name given to a child who carries the ancestral spirit of their father, meaning:"Father Returns." bdmajm To make a sacred oath or agreement with another person or group of people.

bde To hunt in a group. bfohn To talk with someone. bj To fight. bj To spoil, to eat with someone, to associate with someone, or to talk with someone depending on context bala Spotted. blag To come to maturity, to be identified as an adult. bal To touch the ground in front of an elder as a sign of respect. Balgun The chief of the society of warriors. bambi Guide me, or give birth, may refer to spiritual re-birth. Bmbi Praise name for the Spirit of Lightning (Sng), meaning: "Spiritually reborn." bmbm Full. banj To be sad. Ba-ohun-mimo-je To make profane use of sacred objects. Bara A Praise name for the Divine Messenger (s), a reference to the Divine Messenger's strength. barapetu Great, a person of distinction. bt Drum sacred to Spirit of Lightning (Sng) and to the ancestors (Egngun). bta Foot. bt Shoe. bawo ni? How are you? byi Thus, like this. b To beg for something, to supplicate Spirit.

b To cut, to cut off. bebe An important accomplishment. bb To implore. bb-oj Eyebrow, eyelid, area around the eye. b So, like. bk It is not so, no. bni It is so, yes. beleje Slender. Bmb Drum used in Hausa religious ceremonies. be - ni This is. bere To ask. Br A term of dignity and respect used in reference to elder woman. bere To bend down. brs To begin. b Placed at the end of a sentence to indicate that a question is doubtful. bikita Show. bn To be angry, to be mad. biribiri Very dark. bisha - bisha The movements of a dancer. b To cover. bo To enter. b To arrive. b To escape. boro Narrow

brknn Gentleman, well behaved person. by - by Perhaps, maybe. bu Dip. b To cut. bur Bad, negative, destructive. burk Place of extreme confusion, describes a condition of consciousness in which there is little hope for spiritual transformation, also means very bad, very negative, very destructive.

D
da To cast divination. d To create, to cause. d To cast metal, to pour. dd Good, or beautiful. dabi To resemble. dabb To protect, to provide a shield or screen. dab To stop. Dada The Spirit of Vegetables, also the guardian Spirit new born children with large tufts of hair. df The process of divination used by If priests that makes use of either sixteen ikin (Sacred palm nuts) or an opl (Sacred chain with eight nuts attached). dgb Aging, to become old, to grow up. dgalgb Becoming an adult male. dhn To speak, to answer. dhnfun To take responsibility, to speak with purity. dj Dancing alone, a single dancer. dj To settle a dispute. dke To be silent. dkeroro To be calm. dako To circumcise, also refers to an offering to the Divine Messenger (s). dakn Please, or excuse me.

dal To break a promise, to violate an oath. dlker To free a person from slavery. dmjm To make a binding agreement. dmrn To advise. dn To make a fire. dni To beat someone in a wrestling match. danindanin Important. dnsk Short gown, long shirt. dra Good, to be good, to look good. dradra Very good, all right. dr To be sympathetic. dw To consult divination. de To arrive, to arise, to stand up depending on context. d To cover, to arrive. dd Exactly. dlade To crown a King (Oba). dl To arrive at home. dlna To prevent progress, to restrict travel, refers to restrictions on the path of spiritual growth. de To trap. dekun To stop. dng Porridge, also pap used as the foundation for If medicine. ds Action that is in opposition to the Will of Nature (rs) or the development of good character.

dewo The temptation to act in opposition to the development of good character. di To become, also refers to casting either a spell or casting divination. d Ti tie. d To block , to obstruct. Dd Creation in Nature and the act of being creative. dd - ara Good health. ddgb Growth. ddara Good. dde To stand up, to get up. did To arrive. didupe The process of giving thanks, may refer to thanking the ancestors (Egn) or Forces in Nature (rs). d Some. dgb Hunter's clothing. dg Mirror, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). dn To obstruct, to cause disruption. dp To replace. dobale To prostrate as a sign of respect to either a shrine or an elder. do - do Far. dd Fried plantan. dgba To be equal. dojko To confront. djso To look at. doyi To spin.

dbl To lie down. du - du Big. ddu Black, also refers to the mystery of that which cannot be seen. dn Good tasting, sweet. dun - dun Cold. dnd Fried yam. dndn Talking drum. dp To give thanks. dr To stand.

E
ebe Yams, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). ebi Hunger. ebur Elemental spirits that work with the Spirit of Infectious disease (Babaluiy). d Language. d Buffalo, sacred to the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). dyd Misunderstanding, argument. d Charm, or spell. gun Bones, human bones. el How much? p Greeting, announcing a procession of members of the male council of elders (Ogboni). dmr Regional dialect for Source of Creation, (Olodumare).

efi Smoke. f Broken plate, sacred to the ancestors (Egn). Efufu - lege - lege An aspect of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya), meaning: "The Spirit of the Gentle Breeze." Efunle If plant (Orchidaeeae ) egbe Loss. Egb Whirlwind, an aspect of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). gb Protective charm for the Spirit of Iron (gn). egbin Antelope. egiri If medicine used as protection from the Spirit of Death (Iku). egb Sore. gbod Yams. egbdo Slice yam. egbogi Medicine. gede Incantation, invocations used to raise power (ase). egbn Smallpox, spread by the Spirit of Infectious Disease (Babaluiy). gn The Spirit of an ancestor. Egngn Society of ancestral mediums who perform in masquerade. egungun Silk cotton tree (Ceila pentandra ) also known as the Araba Iroko tree. egur Village. egunsi Melon seeds, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). eji Rain.

jl Sebor Name of verse (Od) used in cowrie divination (mrndnlgn). j Ogbe Name of first verse (Od) of If divination. ej Snake. Ejk Name of verse (Od) used in cowrie divination (mrndnlgn). Ej - k -k'omo - re - lhn - yoyo Praise name for the Spirit of Infectious Diseases (Babaluiy). Ejbon Sacred shrine. Ejufiri The Spirit that shapes consciousness, the foundation of inner strength. ejurin If leaf (Momordica Balsamina M. Charantia ). k Liar, falsehood, deceitful person. ekeji Second. km Praise name for the Source of Being (Olrun). ek If charm used for protection for female If worshippers. eko - dide Red parrot tail feather, essential sacred symbol used in If and rs initiation. k Rat, sacred to the Spirit of Destiny (rnml) and the Divine Messenger (s). kr Palm nuts used for If divination (ikin). ekt Bush rat. ekt Mouse kl Deer. kuru White bean meal. le Violence. l Knife with a long blade.

elgbgi Herbal healer. elekejieni Spiritual double, higher self. elnn Elemental spirits that block human growth, they are usually generated by interalized fear. elr The Spirit of a child who dies young and reincarnates with the same destiny, same as bik. Els One who worships the Spirit of the Divine Messenger (s) elttu A person who makes an offering to elevate their inner spirit. elyi This one? elu Stranger. lub Yam flower. eluju Field. mi I (personal pronoun), me. emini Dampness. n Person, people. niaknia A person who harbors negative feelings or destructive intentions. engb Animal tracks in the forest. enn Enemy. enini Slanderer. enini Morning dew. Enyn The Spirit of a bird sacred to the society of women (ymi). epa Hail, traditional greeting to Yorb Kings (Oba). p Curse or hex involving the use of a charm.

epo Palm oil, sacred to most male Forces in Nature (rs). Staple in traditional Yoruba diet. er Boa constrictor, sacred to the Spirit of the Rainbow (Osumare). r Gain. er Spontaneity. re Statue of a Force of Nature (rs), usually carved from wood. er isink Improvised aspects of a funeral ritual. erin Elephant, sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl). erink Corn on the cob. Erinl Elephant also the Spirit of Song. r Thought, people depending on context. ro Person on a spiritual pilgrimage. rokr Negative intentions, the desire to do harm. eru Handle, also refers to ashes from a fire. er Load. eruko The handle of a hoe or farming tool. erupe Dirt. eruwa funfun If herb (Andropogon Gayanus ). s Dye. s - luko Purple dye. Eshinrinmofgbo Praise name for the Invisible Realm of the Ancestors (Orun). s Reply. sin Last year.

Esinsin Fly. eso Fruit, common offering for Forces in Nature (rs). s The Spirit of the Divine Messenger, who also as a role as the Spirit of the Divine Trickster and the Spirit of the Divine Enforcer. esun If herb, elephant grass (Pennisetun purpureum ). eti Ear. to Personal elements of a ritual, variation on traditional rituals that speak to the immediate need of the person or people involved. etu Blue and white woven cloth. etutu Atonement. tt An offering designed to place the individual in alignment with the will of the ancestors and the will of Nature. ew Leaf. ew If If herb (Uraria picta ). ew - owo If herb, leaf of honor (Brillantisia patala ). we Young person. wo Which one? ewo Taboo, religious restriction designed to keep a person on their path of destiny. ewu Danger. ew Grey hair, or white hair, a sign of dignity. eukwu Danger, peril. ewure Female goat. eyi This. eyiti That, or that which.

E
e You. b Boiled gari, vicinity depending on context. bi Fault, guilt. b Family. bd The bank of the river, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). bti Temple, sacred shrine. ebe Request. ebo Life force offering to either Forces of Nature (rs) or ancestors (Egn). bora Strong, brave man, also a reference to the Forces of Nature (rs), that provide protection, ie the Divine Messenger (s), the Spirit of the Guardian of Consciousness (Osun), the Spirit of the Tracker (ss), and the Spirit of Iron (gn). ebn Gift. ebura tapa If herb (Nupe Egungun ). eburu Destructive elemental spirit. eda Creature. dn A rod or a staff, also the name of the male aspect of the Spirit of the Earth (Onile). dn r Thunderstone, sacred to the Spirit of Lightning (Sng). da - ro A pun, commonly used in If scripture to make a spiritual point through the use of humor. edn Ax, sacred to the Spirit of Lightning (Sango). f Singing and clowning during ceremonies honoring the Maternal Ancestors (Gelede), also refers to making a joke.

f Green vegetables. efon Buffalo, sacred to the Spirit of Wind (Oya). fri Headache. efun White chalk, sacred to the Spirit of the King of the White Cloth (Obtl) and the Spirit of the Ocean (Olkun). efn Charm or spell usually associated with creating some form of attraction. efunle If herb, leaf of good fortune Evouns alsinoides ). gb Community of people with a common purpose, or a society of people. gbe Cooked beans. egbe Companion. Egbgb Spirit honored by the society of women (ymi). egede Medicine used for protection against the Spirit of Death (Iku) egbn Elder. egun Thorn on a bush. ehin Back. hin - la The future. eiye Bird. eiyele Bird of the house, a reference to elemental spirit of a bird worshipped by the society of women (Iymi). eja Fish. ej Blood, sacred to most Forces in Nature (rs). ej Court case. jo If The interpretation of If scripture (Od) during divination.

Ekb Welcome. eketa Third. eko Cornstach gruel. k Teaching, education. kkk The teaching of false doctrine, or the teaching of inaccurate information. k Mm Spiritual lessons, the study of spiritual matters. eko mimu Cornstach cruel. ekn Weeping, also refers to Ancestor masquerade. ekun Tears. ekn Leopard, sacred to the Spirit of Iron (gn). l The Spirit of Purity, the First Reincarnation of the Spirit of Destiny (rnml). It is also the name given to the ceremony that celebrates the first harvest of yams. This ceremony is an important aspect of the If calender of seasonal celebrations. ela If herb (Epiphytic Orchidaceae ). Eld Creator, associated with the power center between the eyes. eld Pig. Elgb A person of good character, also refers to one of the aspects of the Divine Messenger (s). Elgra The aspect of the Divine Messenger (s) associated with the Spirit of the Trickster. liye Bird woman, reference to a woman who works with an elemental bird spirit in the soceity of women (Iymi). elni Person dancing with the mask of the Chameleon (Agemo). elri Witness.

Elrn - pin Praise name of the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning; "Witness to Creation." lku Secret society. elomiran Another person. emere Elemental spirit. Emes Society of If priests who say prayers on a daily basis for the Yorb Nation. m Breath, also refers to the human soul. m rs Spirit of a Force in Nature (rs). mi Mimo Spirit of the Creator. emirin Next year. emu Palm wine. en Expression of agreement, spoken by If priests when someone is receiting If scripture to indicate that a particular verse has been repeated correctly. eni Person, also the name given to a mat used for divination. eni - kan One person. eni - wo A revered elder. eniti Who, the person who. eni - ti Person that. enu Mouth. enu - na Doorway, passageway, gate. enu geru The entrance to a palace. enyin You. epa Peanut.

pa Small jars of medicine. epere Better. eran Animal, meat. eran - ebo The animal used for a life force offering to Forces in Nature (rs) or to the spirit of the ancestors (Egn). eranko Wild animal. eri River. erin Laughter. Erinla Cow. r - okn Conscience. r Soothing quality, generally associated with women or female Forces in Nature (rs). er Load. r Fear. rbo Obligation to make an offering to Spirit, based on divination. erun Tree used for making charcoal. If uses characoal as medicine for spiritual elevation and for physical healing. s - ow Small cowries. ese Row, foot depending on context. es Foot, or track in the earth. es If Verse of If scripture (Od). es Od Verse of If scripture (Od). Es Opn Foot or bottom, of the If divining tray. ese Breaking. sntiy Naming ceremony.

esin Horse. esisu Queen aunt, used in some forms of If medicine. t Leprosy. et Guinea hen, sacred to the Spirit of Destiny (rnml) and the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). t If medicine that is burned on a fire. ew Beauty. w Beans. w Also. ewon If herb (Acacia ataxacantha ). wn Chain. y Cultural group of people. eyin Egg.

F
fa To pull. f To wipe, or to clean. f To pull. fadk Silver, sacred to If. ffose To predict the future. ffsese The use of ritual to transform problems. faiya To charm or allure. farabal To be calm.

farapam To be calm. fri To give a haircut with a razor. fe A long time. fr Flute. f To love. fel To act with importance based on holding a position of responsibility. fniyawo To marry. fere The gathering of rain clouds. fi By, with or to depending on context. fi - apatab The use of shield in self defense. fi - sefn To give an order. fib To hide from view. fidan To explore a mystery. ffaragb Incarnation, the belief in souls returning to earth in different bodies. fifraeni Self esteem. fifoknsin Spiritual devotion. fifwse To do something with reverence. fij To forgive. fijb To give respect. fil Cap. fim To perform initiation. fipata To make soup.

fr The greatest. firbo To make a life Force Offering. fiatla Lamp, traditional If lamps are made from pottery, they burn palm oil with a cotton wick. f To wash. f To break. fiya To be afraid, or fearful. fj Blind. fojkoj To face a problem head on. forbal To treat with reverence, to worship. ffe The ability to perform miracles. folrin To move with dignity. fnahan To offer guidance. fowlrn To act with patience. fun For. funfun White. fnwiniwini To drizzle, considered a blessing from the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). fnlflorun To give freely, to do something because it is the right thing to do. fnninimol To offer enlightenment. f The sound made by the wind, the voice of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). fye Light.

gn Identical, exactly gri Cassava meal. ga Excellent, elevated. gala Deer. gngan Traditional drum. gl Head wrap made from cloth. gnd Strong man. gd If system of topographical astrology, the study of the spiritual influence of planets on the landscape. Gld Masquerade soceity dedicated to honoring the ancestoral Mothers. gelete At ease. gere Trail. gidigidi Completely, extremely also refers to a large Buffalo sacred to the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). giri With courage, courageous action. gl Gold. gori To ascend, to experience spiritual growth. gory To receive a title, to become a King (Oba). g To be stupid. goloto Stupid. gmb Facial scars indicating lineage. gun To climb. gn To be tall.

gunnugun Vulture, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). gs The south, also refers to the Spirit of the South.

GB
gba The sound of wood breaking, this implies that something is happening quickly. gb To accept or take. gbabe To forget. gbada Knife with large blade. gbdn To enjoy. gbdr To pray. gbagbo To believe. gbaguda Cassava. gbjm The profession of being a barber, sacred to the Spirit of Iron (gn). gbajumo Gentleman. gbngangbngan Arbitrary movement, scattered. gbangba Open place, open space. gbni to possess. gbnja Kola nut with two halves, generally not used for divination. gbarada Immense. gbrajo To gather, to form an assembly. gb To lift.

gbd To act in an intelligent manner. gbegbe If herb (Lcancina richantha ). gbe li gbo The center point of the If diving tray, a symbolic reference to being in perfect alignment with personal destiny. gbr Congratulations. gbr To intend. gbese Debt. gbyw To marry. gbede Wet. gbr Incision, cut. gbsan To have revenge. gbese To act in volation of personal taboo. gbigbon Shaking. gbin Plant, reference to any type of plant. gb To be old. gbodogi Ieaf used for thatched roofing (Sarcophrynium Spp.). gbogbo All, everything. gbju Brave. gbn To be hot. gbrn Large. gbo To hear, to understand. gbodo Must. gbogborogbo Very long.

gbnju Coming of age, passing through the puberty rite. Gbnk The brother of The Spirit of Lightning (Sng). gbooro Long and thin. gbow Shake hands. gbr To hear. gnls Hand to hand combat, a form of boxing.

H
h Expression of amazement. hal To threaten. han To scream or shout. hn To be obvious. he To pick up. hen Yes, expression used by If priests to confirm that someone has accurately recited portions of oral scripture (Od). h To boil. hun To weave. hw To behave. hw - ar - oko To be rude. h-uw - ik To act with malicious intent.

I
I Him, her, it.

iba Should. b Homage, or respect, used to express respect for Forces in Nature (rs). bj Spoiled. bamol Spiritual Forces that are worthy of respect. ib pjpj Serious fever. ibaral Self control, cool headed. ib There beji Twins, also refers to the Spirit of Twins. bej or The power of the Spirit of Twins (bej). ibeg Pray, devotion. bta Triplet, also the Spirit of Triplets sacred to the Spirit of the Ancestors (Egn). br Fear. ibi After birth, also refers to a condition in which a person is not in alignment with their destiny. Ibkej dmr Praise name for the Source of Creation (Oldmar), meaning: "Second to the Creator." ble Person of a particular place, who is from that place. bn Anger. ibit Where. b Small implement used to determine the orientation of a verse (Od) of If scripture used in divination. The orientation may determine the prospects of good fortune or bad luck. ibode The gate at the entrance to a town. bogibpe Person who worships many Forces in Nature (rs).

boj Veil that covers the face, used in ritual to cover the face of a medium. ibji Shade. bor If ritual performed to elevate a person's consciousness. bors The worship of Forces in Nature (rs). ibu Breadth. bl - run Sick bed. bl - ik Death bed. ibsn - k Cemetery, sacred to the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). ibuyin Respect. id Sword. idabo Iyerosun marked with the symbols of If scripture (Od) on an If divination tray for the purpose of making a blessing. dl Distance, meaning a long distance from the house. dn Magic trick. dnw Examination. idsi Comments. dw Consulting divination. ide Beads worn by elders on the left wrist to indicate that they have been through some form of initiation. dn Obstacle, considered a form of bad luck in If divination. ide Brass, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). ds Action in violation of taboo. idi Waist. dl Family lineage.

dode Hunting. dn Sweet flavor. dr Standing. If Wisdom of Nature, also refers to the traditional religion of Yorb culture. If awo kok Bowl used to hold the palm nuts (ikin) used for If divination. If - in Telepathy. Ifiyable Mystic vision. faraenisye Self esteem. farun A piece of iron looped over the fingers to protect the fingers when drawing a bow. Ifyelele Alignment with personal destiny. If Olokn Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml) meaning; "Diviner of the Sea." f Love. f - tinwa Free - will, meaning: "Love is a choice of character." f - buburu Hatred, meaning: "Love destroyed by negativity." fhinti Patron. f - inrere Good intentions. frani Self respect, meaning: "Vision of love." feseji Forgiveness. fiy Alarm. foribal Giving respect. fryn Anointing, part of the initiation process.

foknsin Devotion. fowrik Natural death at old age, considered a blessing by If. fun intestines, on occasion used as an offering to Forces in Nature (rs). iga Court yard of an elder. igan Piece of cloth. igb Time. igb Calabash, take, eggplant depending on context. Eggplant is sacred to the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). gb History. igbademu Calabash used for making food offerings (adimu) to Forces of Nature (rs) and to the ancestors (Egn). igbado Corn, sacred to the Divine Messenger (s) and to the Spirit of the Guardian of the head (Osun). gbgb Belief, faith. gbl Deliverance, salvation. gbl Cemetery, sacred to the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). gbamole Calabash of light, reference to the primal polarity of Creation at the beginning of time. igbe Punishment. gbe Shout. igbs Debt. gb Forest. igsiaiy Way of life. gbn Snail, sacred to the Spirit of the King of the White Cloth (Obtl).

igbo Coward. igb Forest. Igbd Place of spiritual initiation, meaning either; "Sacred Grove," or "Womb of the Forest." Igbf Sacred Grove used for worshiping the Spirit of Destiny (rnml). Igbd rs Sacred place used to initiate a person into the mysteries of a particular Forces in Nature (rs). Igbiya Courage, determination, meaning: "Sacred Grove of the Mothers." igbwllr Healing, elevation of consciousness by transfering spiritual power (ase) through the hands. gboro Street, road. gbse In the future. gd If incantation, also If medicine for providing protection against the Spirit of Death (Iku). igi Tree, stick, piece of wood. igiripa Full grown. igi - isn Match. igi - osn Camwood tree, source of If medicine (irosn). igi - pe Palm tree. ig Bottle. gk Spiritual growth or development, the consequence of being in alignment with personal destiny. igun Vulture, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). Ignw Sitting as King (Oba), meaning sitting on the throne wearing a crown (Ade) in an official capacity.

igunnuko Tall cylindrical mask for the Spirit of the Ancestors (Egn). iherehere Bit by bit. (First word in If scripture ie: "Bit by bit we eat the head of the rat." ih Hole. ihoho Naked, undressed. ija Fight. jb Trouble, difficulty. jagun Warfare, combat. jakdi Martial art, a form of wrestling. jl Songs used by hunters to praise the memory of their Ancestors (Egn), who were also hunters. jnbn Trouble. ijanwon Scraps. jp Turtle, an aspect of the Divine Messenger (s) who communicates directly with the Spirit of Lightning (Sng). ijatijati Dead fruit of a palm tree. ijet Day before yesterday. iji Fear, also a reference to thunder storms, the voice of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). j Dance. jo - ara - eni - lj The concept of self, the conscious self jkn Stem used as rope. jy Chief. jo Jealousy. jos The other day.

ika A knife with a straight blade, finger depending on context. ik Cruel person. k Verse of If scripture (Od). k Cruelty, destructive intentions. ikan Termite, sacred to the Spirit of Destiny (rnml). ikn Eggplant, sacred to the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). kan One. krn Beads that are worn as a necklace. ike Ivory, sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl). ik Deformity in the spine, those who suffer this condition are protected by the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl). ikeyika Circumcision. kn Sacred palm nuts used in If divination. ikoko Pot. ikorta Junction in the road, sacred to the Divine Messenger (s). ik Messenger. ikoko Corner. illdy Divination performed at a child's naming ceremony. kl y The visible realm of earth. kl run The invisible realm of Spirit. Ikoriko Hyena. kos w'y Divination performed at a child's naming ceremony. Ik Death, the Spirit of Death depending on context. Ik dd Plague.

ikun Squirrel. ikn Stomach. il Facial marks. il Ochra, sacred to the Spirit of Lightning (Sng). laiy If medicine for courage. ilaji Middle. ilana Holy principle. il rn East, Spirits of the East depending on context. il House. il - ar Blacksmith shop. ile ati ona House and road, a reference to all the property that a person owns. il - ek Court house. Il If The Spiritual capitol of traditional Yorb culture, also refers to a Spiritual City in the Realm of the Ancestors (kl run). ildi Meeting place for the male council of elders (Ogboni). il Ground. il aiy The earth, usually refers to the surface of the earth. ild Top soil. Ilgbn Small pox. lek Bead. ilm Dawn. Il gr Praise name for the Spirit of the Earth (Onil) meaning: "House of Perfection."

il omo House of the child, meaning the womb. ilpa Sub soil. pt Rope. ils Night. il To do, disciplined action. ilogbon House of Wisdom, mystical home of the Spirit of Destiny (rnml). ilyun Conception of a child. l City. l Drum. male Ancestor reverence (Egngn). mw - ara Incarnation, current state of reincarnation. mjkuku Courage and determination. im Knowledge. imobubur Bad information. ml Forces of Nature (rs) in their earliest manifestation as expressions of light, meaning: "House of Light." ml - irawo Star light. ml - rn Sunlight. ml - osupa Moonlight. im'lrun Theology. im - ope Palm leaves. moran Opinion, advice. mtoto Cleanliness, part of If discipline.

imonamona Lightning, the physical manifestation of the Spirit of Lightning (Sng). imor If divination performed to determine which Force in Nature (rs) guides an individual's consciousness. mtt Cleanliness. imunamuna Fierce, intense. in Fire. n To possess. inu Belly, inside depending on context. pd Meeting. pk 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. ipara Ointment made from herbs. par End, conclusion, completion. pt Trouble maker. pel Short facial scars indicating family lineage. ipenpe - ju Eyelashes, eyelid, eye brow depending on context. pete Yams cooked in palm oil, sacred to the Spirit of Iron (gn). ipin Guardian. pn Destiny, also refers to a spiritual substance that is projected from the eyes during alternate states of consciousness. ipin ijeun Spirit that lives in the stomach. pitan Oral tradition. ipo Position. pnj Distress.

pnr Higher self, described in If scripture as a person's spiritual double that lives in the Realm of the Ancestors (kl run). Iponri The Force in Nature (rs) that guides the consciousness of a particular individual. Ip - ok 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. pr The Spirit of the Big Toe, in If Ancestor reverence the big toe is the place where personal consciousness (Or) forms a link with Ancestral consciousness (Or Egn). r Wild animal. irankoro Crawling. iran Abyss, a place of despair, also refers to a religious drama depending on context. ran Vision, both physical and mystical, future generations depending on context. ran - tel Generations, descendants. ranse - Olrun Messengers of the Source of Being (Oldmar), praise name for Forces in Nature (rs). rw Stars. rawo - guala Venus, the Spirit of Venus, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). rwal The star Sirius, the Spirit of Sirius refered to as the canoe star in If scripture. rawol If medicine for children. rw Oke The star Sirius, the Spirit of Sirius, refered to as the canoe star in If scripture. ire Good fortune. ire If herb (funtumia elastica ).

irp Cooperation, friendship, the Spirit of Cooperation. rs Rice, sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl). ireti Expectation. rmj Hunter's funeral chants. irere If medicine in a calabash. rt Sacred verse of If scripture (Od). iri Dew, sacred to the Spirit of Plants (Osnyn). irin Iron, physical manifestation of the Spirit of Iron (gn). irin j To travel by walking, to go on a journey, also refers to the journey through life depending on context. iro Height. r Sound, wrapper worn by women depending on context. iro - f Tapper used by If diviners to tap the side of the divining tray as part of the invocation process. rk Tree used as an Ancestor shrine (Egn and Iymi). rhn News. rn Thoughtful. rsun Red camwood powder used as If medicine and as a source of attraction for the invocation of specific Forces in Nature (rs). r Lie, error. iru Tail. irukere Cow tail switch. irun Hair. Irnl The Spirits of all the Ancestors (Egn).

Irnmle Forces in Nature (rs) that created the Earth. sl Reproductive organs. sl - ay The Universe, all the world. sl - run The entire Invisible Realm of the Ancestors. isansan Root. ise Work. sgn Ancestor reverence. isele Disaster. simi Rest. isink Funeral. isisiyi The right row in a field. isogan Adult males. somolruko Giving a name to a child at a naming ceremony. sedl Tradition, custom. spay Revelation, intuitive inspiration. su Yam. taj Selling at the market. itan Finish. tan History, legend, mythology. tan - towodowo Traditional legend, stories about Forces in Nature (rs). ite Bush, sacred to the Spirit of the Tracker (ss). t Throne. tef If initiate.

itbi Greatness, distinction. ito Urine. tj Caring for. tm Meaning. w Character, according to If the defining quality of spiritual growth and destiny. w - gba Character of an elder. w - d Nature. wgby World view, belief system. w - Olrun Character of high ethical standards, spiritual role model. w - pl Good or gentle character. iwj Forehead. iwj - or Power center in the forehead, seat of mystic vision. wj Mystic vision. Iwin Ghost. iwf Servant. w Orun West, Spirits of the West depending on context. w rere Good character. wo You. wn About. wr Sacred verse of If scripture (Od). iwr Gold. iwosan Healing. iwowo Bead.

iwu Grey hair, sign of respect. wu Erotic love, the realm of the Spirit of the River (Osun). iwj Forehead. y Punishment, suffering. y Mother. y - gan Senior female elder within the society of Ancestral mediums (Egngun). ygb Grandmother, elder mother. ygbe Praise name for original Yoruba Ancestor (Oduduwa). ymi Society of Women, meaning: "My Mothers." y - egb Elder woman in any women's society. yako Mother of an adult male. ylj Mother of the Market, a reference to the senior priestess of the Market women, usually an initiate into the Mysteries of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). ylwo Female If diviner meaning: "Mother of the Mysteries." yl Elder wife in a polygamous family. ylors Female initiate into the mysteries of the Forces of Nature (rs). iyan Yams prepared in silence as a offering to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl). iynnu Surprise. Iyansan Praise name for the Mother of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya) meaning: "Mother of the Child of Nine." yanu Wonder. iyawo Junior wife, also refers to those who are recently initiated into the Mysteries of Forces of Nature (rs).

Iyawo ale Evening star, Spirit of the Evening Star. iye Number, value. iyekan Ancestors of the Father. yr Chanting verses (Od) of If oral scripture. iyi Glory. y This. iyin Praise. iyo. Rejoice. yonu Trouble, worry. iyn Beads worn by chiefs.

J
ja Reach. j To fight, to struggle. j To get, to find out. jde To go out, to emerge. jdeogun To prepare for combat. jdekr To come out of a place. jdi To attack. jff To be active. jagun To make war, also the title of a military leader. jagunjagun Warrior. jagba Wrestling competition. Jkta To fight with stones, also the Spirit of the Stone Thrower. jmb Accident. je To eat. j To allow. Jebl To rule as chief. je ewo Bad luck that comes as the result of violation of taboo. jf To experience good fortune. jege Softly. jj To swear an oath. je ohun Bad luck that comes as the result of violation of taboo.

jk To allow. jem To be connected with. jeun To eat. jw To confess. j To wake. jbtjibata Soaking. jgb Mask that represents a Spirit of the Water. jigi Mirror, glass. jije To eat. jikelewi To pounce. jnn To be far. j To dance, to light a fire, to burn depending on context. joko Sit down. jn To be on fire. jo To be similar. joj j Excuse me, forgive me. jowo Grant favor. ju Surpass, to excel. jb Praises, a request that respect be accepted by the Spirits. jugbna Assistant.

k To read, to count, to be placed on depending on context. k To reap, to pluck. kb Dress. kdr Destiny. Kbiys Greeting of respect to a king (Oba). Kbysl Term of respect praising a chief or elder. k'g Asking permission to enter a house. kaka Instead. kal To sit down. kan To touch. kn One. knj To be in a hurry. knkan Any. K - m - - ka - l Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "Whom to know is to be saved." kan To be on fire. knkn Catapult. kangere Feeble. Kanki Short pants. Kanl Touch the earth, to reach the earth. knn The same. kri To go around. kr Good morning. krn To become sick.

ks nkan What is the matter? kata - kata Scattered, unfocused. kwe To read. kw Hail, a sign of respect, a greeting for a political leader, also means leader. k To cut. kedere Clear. kker Small. kr To be small. krw Cotton seeds, sacred to the Spirit of the King of the White Cloth (Obtl). Khnd 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 environment. All second born twins in traditional Yoruba culture have this name whether they are male or female. kekere Good fortune. keleku Calico cloth, sacred to the Spirit of the Ancestors (Egn). ki To greet, to press tightly, to push depending on context. k Before, to greet depending on context. kk Quickly. kijikiji Shaking. kkn Mortal. koro To go. klhin One who stands behind to give support, moral support. kini First.

knd What causes. kiniun Lion. Kiribiti All around. k Not, to meet depending on context. k To gather. kobokobo A whip that is used to symbolize the power of the Spirit of Iron (gn). kk Lump. kk Coca. kkr Germ that causes disease. kro Entirely, completely. koriko Grass. Kor Spirit who creates the calabash of the inner self. Usually worshipped by small children. Krira To hate. kor To be bitter. koto Hollow or hole depending on context. k To reject. ko To write, to sing, light from lightning, sacred to the Spirit of Lightning (Sng). k To hang up. koja To pass. kkr Key, sacred to the Divine Messenger (s). kol Lineage scares on the face, back and shoulders.

kla Bitter kola nut, sacred to most Forces in Nature (rs) and used in If for a simplified form of divination. kolobo Sore throat. knk Bullfrog. kni To teach, to give instruction. k - nl - ab Circumcision. kkan Each, one each. korin To sing. ksr To memorize.

ku To die. kutute Stump of a tree. kukunduku Yam. kkr Short. kun To divide into parts, to set on fire depending on context. kn To be full. kunle Kneel to the ground as a gesture of respect to either a sacred shrine or an elder. kunrin To sing. kr To be short. kurkur Fog. Kurumu Round or spherical shape.

L
l To appear.

l To dream. lrngunkn Cloth used for making clothing for Kings (Oba). lrin In the middle. ly To be alive. labalb Butterfly. lbel Secretly. lgbra To be strong. lgidigba Black beads made from palm nut shells worn around the waist by women for fertility. lagogo To ring a bell. lik Immortal, the term Immortals is a reference to Forces in Nature (rs). l - l The beginning of time, also refers to a mystical state in which the person experiences a connection with the Source of Being (Oldmar). l - l All that would be, meaning forever into the future. lils Innocent, not guilty. lim Unholy, in violation of taboo, not consecrated. linpkun Without beginning or end, immortal. lipin Infinite. Lky Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (gn). lkgb Rheumatism. ll To dream. ll Touch the Earth, a sign of respect to elders llju To enlighten.

ln Yesterday, in the recent past. lsn Free, no charge, worthless depending on context. lati From. ltij In the olden days, reference to a very long time ago. ly To rejoice, to experience pleasure. le To be hard l Can, might, to be able. l To be on. ll To be on the ground. lmm Priest of Islam, an Imam. lralra Repeatedly. ltlt The segments of a ritual. lhin After, behind. lsks Immediately. lw To be beautiful. l To use ld Outside. ld oni In the present time. lode Resides. ljoojm Daily. lk Soft. lkun Strong. lni Today.

lr On. lw To be rich, having abundance lo To go, more than depending on context. l Indirect. lodon The southern leg of the cross marked on the If divination tray. lkan Brave. L - l'la Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning; "Master of tomorrow." L - l'n Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "Master of the Day." L - l tunla - plu - Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "Master of the day after tomorrow." lwolwo Recently. l To strike. lukoun Penis. lnkk Fighting with fists.

M
ma Indeed. m I will. Mag Chief Priest of the Spirit of Lightning (Sng). Mgbmit Spirit who shapes consciousness. mjl Poison. ml Charm used to prevent being physically attacked.

ml Ox. Mana - mana Lightning, physical manifestation of the Spirit of Lightning (Sng). mrw Palm fronds, sacred to most Forces in Nature (rs), used as clothing for rituals involving the Spirit of Iron (gn). ms Do not. Mason Mediums of the Spirit of Ancestors (Egngun) who dress in masquerade to honor the Ancestors (Egn). mb To exist, to be alive. mbo Coming, expression meaning: "I will return." mj Two. ml How many? mrin Four. mrndnlgn Sixteen, also used to refer to a system of divination used by rs initiates that is based on the first sixteen verses of If divination (Od). meta Three. mw Ten. mi To swallow, to breathe. mmo Sacred, holy. mrn Another. mo I. moji Performance of Ancestor masquerade (Egngn). moj To know. moru Hot weather. mo To build.

m Again, against, any more. molara To feel. mol To build. mrn To know. motl To be able to predict the future. mu To drink. mule To drink dirt, reference to making an unbreakable oath. mupa Remote.

N
n The same. n First of all. nba Joining. nfe To want. nfe Loving. nje Well. njo To dance, dancing. ni To say, to be, someone, that depending on context. nb There. nb Here. ngbgbogbo Always. ngbn Then ngbt When.

nihin Here. nikan Alone. nlt To have to, must do. nle At home. nm Intelligent, skilled, wise. npa About, through. nrl Humble, a reflection of good character in If. ntrp Because. ntrt Because. ntt In truth. niwn In moderation. nje Then, therefore. nko Not. nk What about? nkoja Passing. nl Big. nlo Going. nmu Drinking. nrin Walking. nro Thinking. nse Making. ns Go on. n To wipe, to be lost.

nwon They or them. nyaju Placing a hex through the use of the eyes. nyn You. nyo Rejoicing.

O
o He, she and it. ob Kola nut used in simplified systems of If divination. ob Female gender. ognrin Woman. obirikiti Circle. Obrt Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "The Immense Orbit." bo Vagina. obuko Male goat, sacred as food for a feast in honor of Forces in Nature (rs). o dbo Goodbye. de Outside, outside of the house, outside of town. de - ay The entire world. de ssiy The present time. de n Today. de - run The entire invisible realm, home of the ancestors (Egn) and the Immortals (rs), the Source of Creation. d Mj Verse of If scripture (Od).

odi It becomes, town wall depending on context. odde Parrot, sacred to most Forces in Nature (rs) as a symbol of transformation and initiation. dd Complete. dnd Complete. od River, physical manifestation of the Spirit of the River (Osun). d - ar Blue river, a reference to the fluids in the birth canal, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). d - ej Blood river, a reference to the blood in the birth canal, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). dodo Justice. Od The Spirit of the Womb of Creation, also refers to the verses of If scripture and the pot used to initiate If priests. Odd Same as Oddw. Oddw Spirit of Black Character, black is a symbolic reference to that which is invisible, the opposite of light. In some regions of Nigeria this spirit is the primal Goddess, in Ile If this Spirit is the original male Ancestor of Yoruba culture. odukun Sweet potato. Odumare Regional variation of Oldmar who is the Source of Creation. ofere The morning star, Spirit of the Morning Star. fin Law. f Loss. ofofo Tales, stories, folklore. ofun loss. fun Mj Verse of If scripture (Od).

fn 'knrn Verse in divination based on the use of 16 cowries (mrndnlgn). Oga - ogo Praise name for the Source of Creation (Olrun) meaning: "The Brave One." Ogb Mj The first verse of If scripture (Od). ogbe The comb of a rooster. ogb Old age. 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 (Onil). ogborogan Broad. ge Spirit Guardian of Barren Women. gd Incantation used to transform problems, also refers to medicine used as protection against the Spirit of Death (Ik). gg Precision, exactness. ogiri Boiled oil seeds. giri Wall. gd Diseases caused by neglect of personal care or violation of taboo. gn The Spirit of Iron. ogun War, fight. ogn Twenty, inheritance. gnda Mj Verse of If scripture (Od). gn gb Medicine used to induce astral travel (out of body experience). gngbe Bodyguard of a King (Oba).

ohun Thing. ohn Sound, voice. oji Storm. jj Shadow spirit created by the physical manifestation of a person's negative emotions. ojise Messengers. j Rain. jl Boa constrictor. jntarg Wife of the Spirit of Death (Ik). oj Eye, or face depending context. oj - se Power in the eyes, spiritual power that can be seen coming out of the eyes when a person is in an altered state of consciousness, also refers to Mystic Vision. oj - aiye Face of the earth, surface of the earth. ojbo Shrine, meaning: "Facing what it is we worship." Ojugbede Chief priest of the Spirit of Iron (gn) in Il If. ojubona Teacher, usually second eldest priest in a society of elders. oj - in Inner eye, the ability to see visions. ojl Dream vision, also trance vision. ojlm Acquaintance. ojumo Dawn. Oj Od The first sixteen verses of If scripture (Od). oj - ri Grave. oj n Road way. Oj opn The north arm of the cross marked on the If divination tray.

oj - rr Shrine for Ancestors who were If initiates, it includes the Osun staff. Oj - run Sky, meaning: "The Eyes of the Invisible Realm." ojrn Alternate state of consciousness meaning: "Eyes to ancestral lineage." k Mountain and Spirit of Mountain depending on context. ok gg Physical mountain. okete Giant rat, sacred to the spirit of the Divine Messenger (s). oko Farm, farmer, husband, penis, farm tool depending on context. Okolo Spirit of the Sky. okorokoro Front. okt Conical shaped shell, If symbol of infinity. oku Corpse. okun The ocean. Okn Beads worn by a chief. ol Thief. Olodo Praise name for the Spirit of the River (Osun) meaning: "Owner of the Brook." Oldmar Spirit of Creation. Olfin Spirit of the Law, meaning: "Owner of the Law." Olfn - pk - l Praise name for the Spirit of the Divine Messenger (s), meaning: "Enforcer of the Law Giver." olgb Cat. ologogololo Naked. Olojongbodu The Spirit of the Wife of Death (Ik).

olko Farmer. Olkun Spirit of the Ocean. Olkun - su - elusu Female aspect of the Spirit of the Ocean. Olnmoro Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "Owner of Cleanliness." Olore Spirit who shapes the head of infants before birth. olr Vertical. Olor Spirit that organizes personal consciousness, guardian Spirit. Olr Chief. Olor - Mrn Spirit who protects towns, meaning: "Spirit with Four Heads." olry - gn Vultures comb, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). Olosa Spirit of the Lagoon. Olbamb Praise name for the Spirit of Lightning (Sng), meaning: "The Creator helped me before I had this child." Oluri The Spirit of the Rivers. Olgb - rere Praise name for the Spirit of the Mother of Fishes (Yemoja), meaning: "Giver of Good Things." Olghohn Hex initiated by members of the council of male elders (Ogboni) against persons who violate community taboo. Ol irin Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (gn), meaning: "Chief of Iron." Olkso r Praise name for the Spirit of Lightning (Sng), meaning: "The Controller of Lightning." oluku Friend. olkll Each.

Olumaki Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (gn), meaning: "Chief of Strength." Olmmami ktr Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "The Chief Averter." Olumu The Spirit of Understanding. Olnrin - dd - k - gt Praise name of the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "Black Man from Ogeti Hill." Olrj Praise name for the Spirit of Lightning (Sng), meaning: "King who must not see rain." Oluorogbo Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl), meaning: "Chief of the Medicine of Truth." Oluoyo Praise name for the Spirit of Lightning (Sng), meaning: "Chief of Oyo." olrnlw Helper. Olrin The chief of the male council of elders (Ogboni). olsn Worshipper. Olusonso Praise name for the deified Ancestor who founded the city of Ile Ife (Oramife). Olwa Praise name for the Source of Being (Olrun), meaning: "Chief of Character." Olw - mi - m - im - tn Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "Who can most understand the Source of Being." oluware The person in question. Olwk Praise name for the Spirit of the Wind (Oya), meaning: "The controller of those who wear the Ancestral masquerade." Olweri Spirit of the River (Male aspect of Yemoja). Oluwo Chief If diviner of the male council of elders (Ogboni). Oluwo Igbo Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl), meaning: "Chief Diviner of the Forest."

Olworogb The Spirit who makes Heads, meaning: "Creator of the heads in the forest." Oluyare The name used for Ancestor masquerades in Edi. Oluyeye Old woman, wise woman. omi Water. omi ay The waters of earth. omi'gbo The waters of the forest. omi run The waters of the Invisible Realm of the Ancestors. omira Menstrual blood. omi - tt Cool water. mg Fool. n Road, path, home of the Spirit of Iron (gn). onbr Customer. onbode Gatekeeper. Ondn Type of Ancestor masquerade (Egngun), meaning: "One who performs miracles." onj Dancer. onl Keeper of the house. Onl Spirit of the Earth, meaning: "Owner of the Earth." Onlgangan - ajk Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "Owner of the Spirit of the Traditional Drum that is saluted first." Ongbjm Barber, profession is sacred to the Spirit of Iron (gn). Oni're Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (gn), meaning: "Chief of the Town of Ire."

ons Worker. onsgn Herbal doctor, meaning: "Owner of the power of medicine." omisw Trader. onw fnfn Praise name for the Source of Creation (Oldmar), meaning: "Owner of Pure Character." onyebye Valuable. onje Wait. Onshe System of divination sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl) used in criminal cases to determine guilt or innocence. gun Medicine. Ooh shoko Traditional introduction to If songs, the response is bani. oore Good turn, good deed. Orn The sun, The Spirit of the Sun. run Smell. oorun Sleep. s Force in Nature (Same as rs). sl Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl), meaning: "Spirit of Mystic Vision." s gbowjn Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl), meaning: "The Spirit who lives in the Distant Forest." soko Spirit of the Farm. Opl Wife of the Spirit of Destiny (rnml)), chain used for If divination, meaning: "Puzzle of the Palm Tree." opepe Young. pin sn The end of a ritual. p Post.

op Window. pp Street. pr Liar. orere Street. ori Cornstarch porridge. or The Spirit of Consciousness, also means head in common usage. or - peere Patterns of conscience. or - pr Personal destiny. or - ff Headache. or - gbn Hot headed, meaning short tempered. orgun mrin ay The four directions of Creation. or ibi Lack of alignment with personal destiny, bad luck, misfortune. or ire Alignment with personal destiny, good luck, good fortune. orin Song. or in Inner self. ork Praise poem, invocation of spirit, meaning: "Praising Consciousness." orile Lineage name. orl Name of a Nation. rs Spiritual Force in Nature that guides evolution through the expression of its own unique form of consciousness. rs agbala Spiritual guardian of the back yard, identified in If scripture as the younger brother of the Spirit of the Farm (rs Oko). rs Alase Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl), meaning: "Spirit with the Power of Dreams."

ris - bi Wife of Orungan. rs dl Spirit of an extended family rs l Spirit of a town. rsl Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl), meaning: "Spirit who Creates Light." rs - og'enia Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl), meaning: "The Spirit who Owns Humans." rs or Spirit of personal consciousness. rs - Orle Spirit of the Nation. Orta The boundary between the visible realm of Creation and the invisible realm of Creation. or tt Cool headed. Oro The personification of the power of the word. r Spirit of the Forest, invoked as part of If funeral rites. orgb Bitter kola, If herb eaten to insure that a person speaks the truth. oroko iyin Praise name. oru Pot. rukn Orphan. oruko Name. orko Smallpox. Oshu Spirit of the Moon. Osi Spirit of the Ancestors (Egn). s Left.

Osibiriki Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (gn), meaning: "The One who bursts out suddenly." sn Imole Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (gn), meaning: "Chief of Spirits." Osu Moon, Spirit of the Moon, Daughter of the Spirit of Lightning (Sng). Osugbo The word for male council of elders in some regions of Nigeria, same as Ogboni. smr The Spirit of the Rainbow. Osun The Spirit who protects individual consciousness. osn Camwood powder. Osn dudu Black camwood powder, sacred to the Spirit of the Tracker (ss). Osn pupa Red camwood powder, sacred to the Spirit of Iron (gn). osusu Bunch. tit Wooden stool. tit Truth. otosi Destitute, in poverty. Otu The priest who makes offerings on behalf of the King (Oba). tura Mj Verse of If scripture used for divination. Otrpon Mj Verse of If scripture used for divination. un He, she, him, her, it when spoken with emphasis. we Proverb. ow Money. w Trade. w eyo Cowrie shells used as money.

owu Hammer. owuro Morning. O'yansa Mother of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya), meaning: "Mother of Nine." Oye The Spirit of the Harmattan Wind, lives in Igeti hill with the Divine Messenger, the male aspect of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). ye Knowledge of the heart, emotions. ygyig The primal stone of Creation, the Source of Creation. oyin honey, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). oyikiti Surrounded. oyun Pregnancy.

O
o You. Oba King, one of approximately twenty - one regional monarches in traditional Yoruba society. Oba lr Praise name for the Source of Creation (Oldmar), meaning: "Almighty Chief." Oba gbly Spirit of the Four Seasons, meaning: "King of the Calabash of the Earth." Oba - i gb Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl), meaning: "King of the Forest." Obakso Praise name for the Spirit of Lightning (Sng), meaning: "King of Kso." (This name is frequently mistranslated to mean: "The King is not Dead.") Obalaiye Praise name for the Spirit of Infectious Disease (Babaluaiy), meaning: "King of the hot earth."

Obalofun Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl), meaning: "King of Pure Speech." Obalfn Spirit who protects Artists. Obanla Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl), meaning: "King of Purity." Oba obnrin Queen Mother. Oba Oke Spirit of the Mountain. Oba Om Praise name for the male aspect of the Spirit of the Ocean (Olkun), meaning: "King of the Water." Oba run Praise name for the Source of Creation (Oldmar), meaning: "King of the Invisible Realm of the Immortals." obara Rope. br Mj Verse of If scripture (Od). Obayya Praise name for the Source of Creation (Oldmar), meaning: "Highest King." Obtl Spirit of the King of White Cloth. Obtl gbingbin iki Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl), meaning: "The Big Big Spirit of the King of the White Cloth." Oba - ti - l Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl), meaning: "King of Vision." Obba Goddess of the Iba River. ob Soup. be Knife, medicine for soup depending on context. obe - oljumeji Knife with a double edged blade. obe gbaguda Knife sacred to the Spirit of Destiny (rnml). obo Monkey,

oboto Lump. bun Market. obuntun Bride. d Paint made from natural materials. odan Grass, grass land, shade tree depending on context. ode Hunter. ode mata Spotted medicine, sacred to the Spirit of the Tracker (ss). od Young person. dmobinrin Young woman. dmoknrin Young man. odun Year, or time of any seasonal celebration. dndn Medicinal herb. of Arrow. ofafa Tree bear. f Free. ofin Palace of the King (Oba). ofe A charm used to induce astral travel, or an out of body experience. f Free, no charge. of Incantation, invocation. f Loss by death. of - se 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. g Chameleon.

Ogan Ant hill, sacred to the Spirit of Destiny (rnml). ganmo Young palm leaves, essential herb in If initiation. obg Garden. Ogbo Flax. ogbn Wisdom Ogbni Council of male elders who worship the Spirit of the Earth (Onil). gbn Calabash. ogede Banana, sacred to the Spirit of Lightning (Sng). gbdan Member of male council of elders (Ogbni) who carries the staff of Ogbn (Edan). ogd Swamp. ogomo Palm fronds, sacred to all the Forces in Nature (rs), used as spiritual protection in If shrines. ogoro Bamboo. ohun Taboo. oj Market, sacred to the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). je To eat everything. oj The Sun, the Spirit of the Sun, also means day depending on the context. oj - ik The day of death. jj Everyday. ojjojo Ancient times, long ago, in the distant past. oj Orn Four day week, traditional If week and prayer cycle (Five days in some regions). oka Snake.

oka - ik Struggle with the Spirit of Death (Ik), life and death struggle. okn Physical heart. kan One. okanjuwa Greedy. knkn Exact spot, place in the distance. knrn Mj Verse of If scripture (Od). krmh Praise name for the Spirit of the Divine Messenger (s). oke Bag. kkluj Mighty and awesome, praise name for any of the Forces in Nature (rs). oko Husband. ok Hoe, garden tool. ok Boat. k Spear. okn Heart. oknrin Invalid, person protected by the Spirit of the King of the White Cloth (Obtl). ol Honor, wealth and tomorrow, depending on context. la Tomorrow. olnla Great honor, great wealth. ole Red steamed beans, used as If medicine to induce pregnancy. ol Embryo. le Lazy person. olgbn Sage.

oljo One who has mastered a skill. Olj n Praise name for the Source of Creation (Oldmar), meaning: "Owner of the Day." Olokanran Spirits of Prophecy. olmo Parent. olomo Mountain. Olona Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (gn), meaning: "Owner of the Road." Olrun Ultimate Source of Being. Ols The Spirit of the Lagoon. Olose Force in Nature, same meaning as rs. olw Wise elder. omo Child. omo awo First stage of If initiation. omod Young child. omo de Child of. omo ile Children of the house. omo tndgn Those who worship the Spirit of Iron (gn), meaning: "Child who fires a gun twenty times in the air." omolhn Follower. omolb Sophisticated person. omo - d Servant. omo Od The two hundred and forty verses that follow the first sixteen verses of If scripture,

Omol Praise name for the Spirit of Infectious Disease (Babaluaiy), meaning: "Child of heat." omo owu Small hammer. omu Breast. on Decoration. n Road. n Aimo The north leg of the If cross that is marked on the If divination tray, meaning: "The path of wisdom." nmf The six sacred directions, meaning the four directions of the compass plus up and down, or the center axis. n Munu The west leg of the If cross that is marked on the If divination tray, meaning: "The direct path." n Okanran The east leg of the If cross that is marked on the If divination tray, meaning: "The straight path." n tbi Ay The center point of the If cross that is marked on the If divination tray, meaning: "The path that brings all things to earth." n Crocodile. ni The King of the entire Yoruba Nation. p Staff. p rr Staff of the Spirit that Protects Consciousness (Osun). p Osun Staff of the Spirit that Protects Consciousness (Osun). p Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml)), meaning: "Palm Tree." (The Palm Tree is the If symbol for the cycles of birth, life, death and rebirth.) ope Palm tree, sacred tree of life in If scripture. op Gratitude, thanks. pe'f Tree sacred to If (Elasis Idolatrica ).

opeyinb Pineapple. opolo Frog. plp Many, much. pn Bowl. rnyn Spirit of the First King (Oba) of Oyo. Oramife Spirit of the Father of the Spirit of Lightning (Sng). oran Affair. rngun Spirit of the grandson of Odduwa. ranmiyn The Spirit of War, considered the Father of the Spirit of Lightning (Sng) in Il If. ore Friend. r Word, also refers to the Spirit of the Power of the Word. or Wealth. r jnle Words of deep esoteric meaning. orun Sky, or neck. run The Invisible Realm, home of the Ancestors and the Immortals. run - Apadi Home of disruptive earth bound ancestor spirits. rungan 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). rnml Spirit of Destiny, the prophet of If, physical incarnation of the Spirit of Purity (l). run k Spirit of the Mountains in the Invisible Realm of the Immortals. Osa Lagoon, sacred to the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). s Mj Verse of If scripture (Od).

sn Daytime, afternoon. osn Fruit. Osan Horse tail fan, carried by elders as a tool for offering blessings. Osan agblumo African star apple (chrysophyllum africanum ). snyn Spirit of Herbs and Medicine. Osara Forces in Nature, same as rs, meaning: "One who gathers children." s Four day ritual week. ose Soap. srmgb Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl). Os Sng Wooden double headed ax used as a dance wand for initiates into the mysteries of the Spirit of Lightning (Sng). sgbwa Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "The One who brings the right hand path of Character," or "The One who brings Good Character." sn Imol Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (gn), meaning: "First Among the Immortals." ss The Spirit of the Tracker. sn 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 (Egn) and to Forces in Nature (rs). otin Beer made from corn.

otita apoti Stool shaped like a box. otun Right. otun ow Right hand. w Communal help. ow Hand. wrn Mj Verse of If scripture (Od). owon Thorn. Oya Spirit of the Wind, Spirit of the River Niger. Oyh Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml). yk Mj Verse of If scripture (Od). ynss Praise name for the Divine Messenger (s), meaning: "One who works with honey." Oyo City in Nigeria, home of the Spirit of Lightning (Sng).

P
pa To kill, to betray, to break, to suffer, to cut depending on the context. pp Myself, yourself, his self, her self, even, especially depending on context. pad To return, to alter to change, depending on context. pd To meet. pkt Calabash. Pkelem Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "The Calabash of Wisdom." pk Cassava.

pkr Night ritual for the Spirit of elevating the dead (r) at funerals. palpatn Shape shifting, usually from human form to animal form and back to human form. pl To ask a riddle, usually a riddle with some moral point involved. pam To keep safe. panum To keep quiet. pra Suddenly, loud. paranganda Bludgeon, hit with a club. par To disappear, to be destroyed. pari To complete. pariwo Shout. pasan Whip. pase To give an order. pta - pta Completely finished, over with. pe That, to say that. pl Lineage marks on the face. peleke To increase. pp Elevated floor space used as a stool. peregun If herb used to mark boundaries, sacred to the Divine Messenger (s). ps To prepare. ps To be present. pe Call. p To be late.

pl Soft, with sympathy, with caution ppp Petty. pere Generous. prepre In shreds. pete Flat. pidn Ritual magic usually performed by initiates of the Spirit of Lightning (Sng). pn To divide, to share. pinnu To decide. pipe Complete. pip To call. pp Late. pipon Redness. pitan To recite personal or family history, to tell stories. piwada To improve personal character. pl Animal trap. p Cheap. pj To be ordinary. polu Together. pon To draw water. ponripon Thick. pk Cup made from a coconut shell. pooku Small sum.

poripon sigidi Dangerous spirit, warrior spirit. pupa Red. pupo Many, much. putu Well.

R
r To buy. ra To perish. r To crawl. ran To spin. rn To send for. rn To sew. ranti To remember. rr Song. rr At all, not at all. rri To shave the head, the first step of initiation. r To go off, to set a trap depending on context. rdede Unclean, messy. rm To draw towards, to be attracted to. rere Good, kind. reti await. re Yours. r To tire.

rr Good things, good fortune. rin To laugh. ri See. r Formerly. rb Dutiful, responsible. rikisi Plot. rin To walk. rinrin To go for a walk. rr Buying. rrn To have sight, to see. riri Tremble in fright. r To tell, to meditate, to think depending on context. r To put on women's clothing, reference to a woman dressing. roj To complain. ron To ponder. ror To be fierce. ro Gush. r To urge. rjo To rain. rj To strain. rora To be careful, to be gently. ru Offer. rbo Offer a life force offering.

run Perish.

S
s To apply medicine. s To dry in the sun, to run off, to escape depending on context. s Season, designated length of time. sb Usually. Saraga Spirit that shapes consciousness (Or), meaning: "The Strange place of Uniqueness." slo To run away. sn To crack, to make a loud noise. sn To be well. san To reward, to pay. snm Sky. sanra To be overweight. sanw To pay money. sr To run. sari To rub medicine on the scalp. s To cook. se To make. se ese Death of a pregnant woman. segi Waist bed for protection and fertility. Sgr - Algbj Praise name for the Divine Messenger (s).

shn In the past. Sr Rattle for the Spirit of Lightning (Sng). s And. s To. sibe Still. sb In this place. shn To this place. sl Towards home. simi To rest. sin To serve, to bury depending on context. sn To escort. sinsin To rest. sin Into. so To tie. sd Outside. sk Up, towards. so To throw, to say. sr To speak. Suminiwa Ajokeopo Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (gn). sun To sleep. Sngbmi Spirit that shapes consciousness (Or), meaning: "Be Closer to Me." sunkn To cry.

S
s stale, only depending on context. s To pick up. sbuku Disgraceful. sj The practice of magic associated with astral travel among women's secret societies (Iyaami). sn To flow. snbo To overflow Sng The Spirit of Lightning, also the fourth Alfin of Oyo. snku Premature death. sansan Straight. sro To meditate, to think. se To do, to cause, to be, to make depending on context. sebi Suppose. sgg Casting lots, casting some form of divination. segun To make war. sk To lie. skk Casting lots, casting some form of divination. slara To be jealous. slri To promise. selse To injure. s 'p 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. ss To worry. skoto Pants. sor To celebrate the annual feast for the Spirit of the Power of the Word (Or). stito To have faith. s To watch. Sponn Small pox and the Spirit of Small Pox. sw To spy.

T
t To sell. ta To shot, pepper flavor depending on context. ta - a - o -rfn Buffalo hunters. tr Straight. tabi Or. Two First born of twins, either male or female, according to Yoruba tradition the first born twin is the youngest. tak To refuse. tlk Poor person. tan To finish.

tn To trust. tani Who? tann To light a lamp. tp Illness caused by eating to much sweet food. tara Pebble, small stone. Tf If initiation. te To establish. t To press. t To spread out. tt Thin tel To follow. tl Already. temut emu Hassock. tenum To emphasise. tete If herb used as medicine considered the parent of all herbs (Amaranthus candatus Spinach). ttpnl If herb used as medicine considered the parent of all herbs (Amaranthus candatus Spinach). ti Property. t To push. t That. tij To be shy. tklra Self. tkara - eni Total self.

tile Even. Ti npoj ik d Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (rnml), meaning: "The Changer of the determined day of Death." Tm The Brother of the Spirit of Lightning (Sng). tmtm Small. tin Thus. tinrin To sneer. tntn Sincere. titi Until. titun New or something new. t Equal, enough, the word is used at the end of If incantations as a seal to indicate that a prayer is complete and the power of the prayer has been transfered out in the world. tbi ode Hunter. t To approach, to follow. tr Straight. toro To request. tu Paddle, to losen, alone depending on context. tk To scatter. tlsi Force, necessity. tn To repeat. tnd Reborn. tutu Cool

wa To exist, to seek depending on context. w To be. wdi To ask questions. wy As things are. w To twist. wejeweje Good things. wr Quickly. were Young. wp To say that. wiri Hazy. wo Relax. w Which. wran To watch. wodi To investigate. wo'gun mrin The four corners of the world, the four directions. wo Shed, to enter depending on context. wol To enter. wolwd To go in and out. won Then. wrk Elemental Spirits who work with the Spirit of Infectious disease (Babaluaiye) to help spread disease. wuye Quietly.

Y
ya To split. y To turn aside. y To flood. yakata To straddle. yalayala Swift. yn To choose. yanmoti Sesame seed. yanran Good. Yansan Mother of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). yara Room. yra To be quick. yt Different. Yemideregbe Praise name or the Spirit of the Ocean (Olkun). Yem Wife of the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl). Yemw Wife of the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl). yesi Who. Yewa Spirit of the Yewa River. yeye Mother. Yeye Aiye Praise name for the Spirit of the Earth (Onil), meaning: "Mother of the Earth." yebe Lavish.

yewere Worthless. yy Foolishness. yi This yibi Greatness. yio Will. yo To appear.

CATERGORIES OF SPIRITUAL FORCES

as Female Spirits. bik The Spirits of young children who live a short life between reincarnations. jnde The spirit of a deceased ancestor (Egn) who speaks at their own funeral through a medium. agbas The Spirits of a sacred stones. ajobi Ancestors of a woman, matralineal ancestors. Ajogn Destructive Spirits that bring death, disease and poverty. These Spirits are generally associated with the Spirit of the Divine Messenger (s) and are considered an aspect of the balancing dynamic that occurs in Nature. rwa The Spirits of the North, ancestral Spirits. Aronimoja Spirits of the forest, elemental spirits. Aylal The collective Spirit of Ancestral Mothers. elnn Elemental spirits that block human growth, they are usually generated by interalized fear. bora The Forces of Nature (rs), that provide protection, ie the Divine Messenger (s), the Spirit of the Guardian of Consciousness (Osun), the Spirit of the Tracker (ss), and the Spirit of Iron (gn). eburu Destructive elemental spirits. ebur Elemental spirits that work with the Spirit of Infectious disease (Babaluaiye). gn The Spirit of an ancestor. elr The Spirit of a child who dies young and reincarnates with the same destiny, same as bik. emere Elemental spirits. m rs Spirit of a Force in Nature (rs).

Guusu Spirits of the South, a reference to Spirits who bring spiritual transformation. bamol Spiritual Forces in Nature (rs) that are worthy of respect. gbamole Calabash of light, reference to the primal polarity of Creation at the beginning of time, and a reference to those Spiritual Forces that bring Light into the World. il rn Spirits of the East, a reference to Spirits of wisdom. ml Forces of Nature (rs) in their earliest manifestation as expressions of light, meaning: "House of Light." ranse - Olrun Messengers of the Source of Being (Oldmar), praise name for Forces in Nature (rs). Irnl The Spirits of all the Ancestors (Egn). Irnmle Forces in Nature (rs) that created the Earth. Iwin The spirit of ghosts, a reference to earth bound human spirits. w Orun Spirits of the West, a reference to nuturing Spirits. Olor Spirits that organizes personal consciousness, guardian Spirit, a reference to the rs associated with a person's character and destiny. Olose Force in Nature, same meaning as rs. Oluri Spirits of the Rivers. s Force in Nature (rs). rs Spiritual Force in Nature that guides evolution through the expression of its own unique form of consciousness. rs dl Spirits of an extended family. rs l Spirits who are the guardian of towns and cities in traditional Yoruba culture each town honored a particular rs. rs or Spirit of personal consciousness, guardian rs. rs - Orle Spirit of the Nation.

Osara Forces in Nature, same as rs, meaning: "One who gathers children." Osi Spirit of the Ancestors (Egn). Olokanran Spirits of Prophecy, those Spirits who speak of the future. wrk Elemental Spirits who work with the Spirit of Infectious disease (Babaluaiye) to help spread disease.

SPIRITUAL FORCES
Aj Spirit of the Whirlwind. Abanigbele Spirit of Fire, this is a reference to the animating consciousness that exists inside a burning flame. Agayu Spirit of the Fire at the Center of the Earth. gbgb Spirit of the Forest that causes trouble. Agemo Spirit of the Forest worshipped in the Ijebu region of Nigeria. guala Spirit of Venus. jl - mpin Spirit who shapes the head and forms the consciousness of each new born child. j Spirit of a Bird used by women (ymi) to invoke powers used for abundance and justice. This same power is used to consecrate the crown of the Yorb Kings. Also used as a reference to money or abundance.

4 Aje Saluga Elemental Spirit of Abundance, sacred to the Spirit of the Mothers (ymi). Akd Spirit of one of the Prophet rnml's first two students. Aln Spirit that helps shape consciousness prior to birth, "The Merciful One." Aldndn run Guardian Spirit of personal destiny in the Realm of the Ancestors, the Source of personal destiny. mk Spirit of the Sun. Amsan Spirit of one of the children of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). Apetebi Spirit of the wife of the Spirit of Destiny (rnml). pr - in Spirit of the inner self. Aroni Spirit of the forest, elemental spirit with the body of a human and the head of a dog. Arku Spirit who transforms and elevates the spirit of the ancestors. sed Spirit of one of the Prophet rnml first two students. Abanigbele The Spirit of Fire, this is a reference to the animating consciousness that exists inside a burning flame. Babaluiy Spirit of the Surface of the Earth, this is the Spirit 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. Dada The Spirit of Vegetables, also the guardian Spirit new born children with large tufts of hair. Ejufiri The Spirit that shapes consciousness, the foundation of inner strength. elekeji eni Spiritual double, higher self. Erinl Spirit of Song. s The Spirit of the Divine Messenger, who also as a role as the Spirit of the Divine Trickster and the Spirit of the Divine Enforcer. dn Spirit of the Male aspect of the Spirit of the Earth (Onil).

Egbgb Spirit honored by the society of women (ymi). l The Spirit of Purity, the First Reincarnation of the Spirit of Destiny (rnml). Eld Creator, associated with the power center between the eyes. Ibeji Spirit of Twins. bta Spirit of Triplets. Ik Spirit of Death. pnr Higher self, described in If scripture as a person's spiritual double that lives in the Realm of the Ancestors (kl run). Iponri The Force in Nature (rs) that guides the consciousness of a particular individual. pr The Spirit of the Big Toe, in If Ancestor reverence the big toe is the place where personal consciousness (Or) forms a link with Ancestral consciousness (Or Egn). rw al The star Sirius, the Spirit of Sirius refered to as the canoe star in If scripture. Irp Spirit of Cooperation Kor Spirit who creates the calabash of the inner self. Mgbmit Spirit who shapes consciousness. Od Spirit of the Womb of Creation. Odd Same as Oddw. Oddw Spirit of Black Character, black is a symbolic reference to that which is invisible, the opposite of light. In some regions of Nigeria this spirit is the primal Goddess, in Ile If this Spirit is the original male Ancestor of Yoruba culture. Odumare Regional variation of Oldmar who is the Source of Creation. Ofere Spirit of the Morning Star.

gn The Spirit of Iron. jj Shadow spirit created by the physical manifestation of a person's negative emotions. jntarg Spirit of the wife of the Spirit of Death (Ik). Oldmar Spirit of Creation. Olfin Spirit of the Law, meaning: "Owner of the Law." Olojongbodu Spirit of the Wife of Death (Ik). Olkun Spirit of the Ocean. Olore Spirit who shapes the head of infants before birth. Olor - Mrn Spirit who protects towns, meaning: "Spirit with Four Heads." Olosa Spirit of the Lagoon. Olumu The Spirit of Understanding. Olworogb The Spirit who makes Heads, meaning: "Creator of the heads in the forest." Onl Spirit of the Earth, meaning: "Owner of the Earth." Orn Spirit of the Sun. soko Spirit of the Farm. Opl Spirit of the wiife of the Spirit of Destiny (rnml) or Spirit of Consciousness, also means head in common usage. rs agbala Guardian Spirit of the back yard, the younger brother of the Spirit of the Farm (rs Oko). ri s - bi Spirit of the wife of Orungan. r Spirit of the Forest, invoked as part of If funeral rites. Osu Spirit of the Moon, daughter of the Spirit of Lightning (Sng).

smr Spirit of the Rainbow. Osun Spirit who protects individual consciousness. O'yansa Spirit of the Mother of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya), meaning: "Mother of Nine." Oye Spirit of the Harmattan Wind, lives in Igeti hill with the Divine Messenger, the male aspect of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). Oba gbly Spirit of the Four Seasons, meaning: "King of the Calabash of the Earth." Obalf n Spirit who protects Artists. Oba Oke Spirit of the Mountain. Obtl Spirit of the King of White Cloth. Obba Goddess of the Iba River. Olrun Ultimate Source of Being. Ols The Spirit of the Lagoon. Oramif e Spirit of the Father of the Spirit of Lightning (Sng). ranmiyn The Spirit of War, considered the Father of the Spirit of Lightning (Sng) in Il If. r Spirit of the Power of the Word. rungan Spirit of the child of the Spirit of the Mother of Fishes (Yemoja). rnml Spirit of Destiny, the prophet of If, physical incarnation of the Spirit of Purity (l). run k Spirit of the Mountains in the Invisible Realm of the Immortals. snyn Spirit of Herbs and Medicine. ss Spirit of the Tracker.

8 Osun Spirit of the River, fertility, sensuality and abundance. Oya Spirit of the Wind, Spirit of the River Niger. rnyn Spirit of the First King (Oba) of Oyo. rngun Spirit of the grandson of Odduwa. Poripon Sigidi Spirit of Combat. Saraga Spirit that shapes consciousness (Or), meaning: "The Strange place of Uniqueness." Sngbmi Spirit that shapes consciousness (Or), meaning: "Be Closer to Me." Sng Spirit of Lightning, also the fourth Alfin of Oyo. Sigidi Messenger Spirit for warrior spirits who protect a particular family lineage. Sigidi S ugudu Spirit of Nightmares. Sponn Spirit of Small Pox. Yem Spirit of the Wife of the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl). Yemw Spirit of the Wife of the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obtl). Yemja Spirit of the gn River, meaning: "Mother of Fishes."

PRAISE NAMES S
Agongo ogo He Who Carries a Club. Alajki One Who is Addressed First. Amnisgn - mp He who has all the Knowledge of Powerful Medicine. Bara Strength.

9 Elgb Spirit of Good Character. Elgra Spirit of the Trickster. Olf n - pk - l Enforcer of the Law Giver.

SS
Ata - mts The Sharp Shooter. Olog arare Master of Himself. rs ipapo adun Spirit of Sweat Togetherness.

GN
Atnlrgn Hefty Hunter. wlwl Rugged and Rough Spirit. wny rs The Enraged Spirit. Lky Chief of the Earth. Ol irin Chief of Iron. Olumaki Chief of Strength. Oni're Chief of the Town of Ire. Os ibiriki The One who Bursts out Suddenly. sn Imole Chief of Spirits. Olona Owner of the Road. sn Imol First Among the Immortals.

OBTL
A - k - b - l Radiant White. Albalese He Who Predicts the Future.

10 Alamorere Owner of the Best Clay. Oluorogbo Chief of the Medicine of Truth. Oluwo Igbo Chief Diviner of the Forest. sl Spirit of Mystic Vision. s gbowjn The Spirit who lives in the Distant Forest. r s Al ase Spirit with the Power of Dreams. r sl Spirit who Creates Light. rs - og'enia The Spirit who Owns Humans. Oba - i gb King of the Forest. Obalofun King of Pure Speech. Obanla King of Purity.

Obtl gbingbin iki The Big Big Spirit of the King of the White Cloth. Oba - ti - l King of Vision. srmgb Source of Good Things from the Forest. Pkelem The Calabash of Wisdom.

OLKUN
jbaj The Spirit Who Wakes up to Discover Money. Oba Omi King of the Waters.

AGANJU
Elek o. Owner of the Cave.

YEMJA

Olgb - rere

Giver of Good Things.

SNG

11

rr Fast as Lightning. Bmbi Spiritually Reborn. Kbiys Greeting of Respect. Kbys l Greeting of Respect. Olbamb The Creator helped me before I had this child. Ol kso r The Controller of Lightning. Olrj King Who Must Not See Rain. Oluoyo Chief of Oyo. Obakso King of Kso.

OYA
Afefe - jeje Whirlwind. Afriflglg Mysterious Wind. jliy Winds of the Earth. jlrun Winds of the Realm of the Ancestors. Efufu - lege - lege Gentle Breeze.

Iyansan Mother of the Child of Nine. Olwk The controller of those who wear the Ancestral masquerade.

OSUN
Olodo Owner of the Brook.

OSNYN
Atoobajay The adequate Protector.

BABLUAIY

12

Asin - mo - l'gb - ynj The Mystery of Power that Comes from Eating the Yam. Obalaiye "King of the hot earth. Omol Child of heat.

ONILE
Il gr House of Perfection. Yeye Aiye Mother of the Earth.

RNML
yn - awo - in - igb Ayan Tree is the Mystery of the Inner Sanctum of the Sacred Grove. Agbnire Hunter of Good Fortune. Agbnrgn Hunter of the Medicine of Good Fortune. Aje - ju - Oogn Stronger than Medicine. A - k - m - - tn Not to Have Full Knowledge of You is to Fail. Amiygn The Guardian of Medicine on Earth. Amodd One Who Cuts through Sickness. Aml If Owdy "The Savior of If from the Early Days. A - sr - day One Who Makes Things Prosper. Ibkej dmr Second to the Creator. If Olokn Diviner of the Sea. K - m - - ka - l Whom to know is to be saved. L - l'la Master of tomorrow. L - l'n Master of the Day.

13

L - ltunla - plu - Master of the day after tomorrow. Obrt The Immense Orbit. Olnmoro Owner of Cleanliness. Olmmami ktr The Chief Averter. Olnrin - dd - k - gt Black Man from Ogeti Hill. Olw - mi - m - im - tn Who Can Most Understand the Source of Being. Onlgangan - ajk Owner of the Spirit of the Traditional Drum that is saluted first. p Palm Tree. sgbwa The One who brings the right hand path. Ti npoj ik d The Changer of the determined day of Death.

OLODMAR
km First Soul. mi Mimo Spirit of All Wisdom. Oga - ogo The Brave One. Olwa Chief of Character. Oba lr Almighty Chief. Oba run King of the Invisible Realm of the Immortals. Obayya Highest King. Olj n Owner of the Day.

RUN
kl run The invisible realm of Spirit.

14 l If The Spiritual capitol of traditional Yorb culture, also refers to a Spiritual City in the Realm of the Ancestors (kl run). ilogbon House of Wisdom, mystical home of the Spirit of Destiny (rnml). Ip - ok 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. sl - run The entire Invisible Realm of the Ancestors. l - l The beginning of time. de - run The entire invisible realm, home of the ancestors (Egn) and the Immortals (rs), the Source of Creation. Orta The boundary between the visible realm of Creation and the invisible realm of Creation. ygyig The primal stone of Creation, the Source of Creation. nmf The six sacred directions, meaning the four directions of the compass plus up and down, or the center axis. run - Apadi Home of disruptive earth bound ancestor spirits