Ifá determinants(IBO): See different kinds + what they represent

Ibo, also known as Iranse are Ifá determinants in asking questions from Ifá during consultation.

For instance, if one wishes to go somewhere to visit a friend/s acquaintances but one is not feeling too sure or comfortable with the trip, one may use ìbò to ask whether to go or not.

 This exercise will take less than 20 seconds to complete and it may turn out to be different between life and death.

There are several ìbò instruments which Ifá priests make use depending on the preference of the babalawo/ iyanifa and what operates in the area where the Ifá is being cast. Below are 10 Ifá determinants plus their uses:

A: Cowries:

Cowroes were used as a medium of exchange in the olden days. In this wise cowries are used by Ifá priests to ask for six things:
    I: it is used to ask for IRE ( well being)
    II: it is used to ask for wealth
    III: it is used to confirm whether to make a particular sacrifice in the odu  revealed.
    IV: it's used to represent contention/litigation which entail spending money or other matters which will make one inquire to spend money
     V: it is used to represent whether a particular question asked from Ifá is in the affirmative.
     VI: it is equally used to represent the ire of a wife.  This is because taking a wife entails money spending.

B: Apá ( African Mahogany):
Apá tree are regarded as having the capability of overcoming adversary. Apá seeds are used to represent victory over problems and enemies.  It's also used to represent the capability to surmount a very grave problems and use to determine whether an ipese  is to be done to the dead at night.

C: Isin Seeds ( Akee apple seeds):
This is very black and it is always tough and shiny.  This seeds are used to represent ORUNMILA and to ask whether there is need to propitiate Ifá.

D: Àgbálùmò seeds ( African star Apple):
Àgbálùmò fruits when ripe, is sweet, it is the seed that is planted to bring forth another tree. The seed is therefore used to represent three things: IRE (well- being) ▪It's used to ask whether the odu revealed for clients bring it the ire of wives or children,▪ Used to determine whether EGBE (heavenly mates)  Is to be fed.

E: Sáyò seeds (Phsical nuts):
Ayò is a warre game played with sáyò seeds. Sáyò seeds are also known as "OMO  AYÒ" (Children of Ayò game) . For this reason and for the fact that Ayò game is played for relaxation, sáyò is used to represent two things: 
   ▪ Happiness: Because when one plays a game it is expected to feel real and happy.
   ▪ Children:  Since sáyò seeds are the "children" of Ayò game, the seeds are used to represent the ire of many children for the person making inquiry.

F: Broken Plates:
When a plate is broken, it is useless and a loss to the owner as it cannot serve any use again. Broken plates are used to represent the following:
   ▪ Loss: A broken plate is no more productive to the owner.
   ▪ It is used to represent the opposite of IRE which is IBI (evil)
NB: No Ifa priests must ever mention evil or ibi instead he or she should say ÀYÈWÒ (inquiry) 
    ▪Helplessness:  It is also to represent a very bad or particular hopeless situation.
    ▪ Uselessness:  It is equally used to represent situation or a matter of disappointment.
    ▪ It can be used to confirm the innocence of someone accused of wrong- doing
    ▪ It is used to feed a divinity/Orisa/ Ori.

G: Bones:
Bones can be gotten only after the death of an animal whose bones are removed. Bones are used to represent death or disappointment, end of a venture or undertaking. It is also used to represent Ancestors. Ancestors are dead  relation  who had gone for a long time sometimes before the client as born.  Whenever they were buried, only bones will remain, that is why bones are used to represent the ancestors. It is also used to represent disaster also.

H: Teeth:
Teeth are used to represent the following:  Loss, divorce,  separation,irreconcilable difference.

I: Ota  (Stones):
Stone as ìbò is used to represent:
  ▪ Longevity
  ▪ IRE (Well- being)
  ▪ Good health
  ▪ Fight, quarrel, misunderstanding
  ▪ Refusal to heed warning or advice
  ▪ Round pebbles are used to represent ORI.

X: Sea Shell:
They are used to represent:
Spouse or partnership:  The shell is a partner of the sea. It is therefore used to represent the IRE of  a spouse or partner for the client
  ▪ Propitation of the white deites:
All white deities  ( Òsún, Obatala, Yemoja etc) are represent with sea shell in order to determine whether to propitiate any of them

Credit: Fasina Falade.