How Many Days Does Itefa (Ifá Initiation) Take? The Truth Behind 3 and 17 Days

📌 Please read carefully — this knowledge is essential for anyone seeking deeper understanding of Ifá. Feel free to ask questions in the comments!

Introduction: The Big Question About Itefa

One of the most common questions people ask is:

“How many days does it take to complete Itefa (Ifá initiation)?”

The short answer: 3 days.

But others say it takes 7, 9, 13, 17, or even 27 days (sometimes called Itadogbon). Surprisingly, all of these answers can be true — but the real question is: what actually happens during those days, and why do the timeframes differ?

The Traditional 17-Day Itefa (Itadogun)

Historically, the traditional period for Ifá initiation was 17 days, known as Itadogun. This practice has been recorded for over a hundred years.

So why was the process reduced to just 3 days in modern times? Are any rituals missing? Let’s break it down.

What Happens During Itefa?

Itefa is one of the most profound and spiritually intense initiations in Yoruba tradition. It is the process that:

• Reveals a person’s life path, purpose, and destiny.

• Provides deep consultation through Ikin Ifá (sacred palm nuts).

• Involves no fewer than ten consultations, where multiple Odu Ifá are cast and interpreted.

• Requires the wisdom of experienced Babalawos, and sometimes references the insight of community elders such as the Oluawo or Araba, even if not physically present.

Imagine 15–20 Babalawo chanting verses of Ifá across ten different consultations — giving the initiate (Iyawo Ifá) an in-depth roadmap of past, present, and future.

From these revelations, the Babalawo prescribe:

✅ Sacrifices (Ebo) to realign destiny
✅ Offerings to the Òrìṣà (Ibo)
✅ Spiritual medicines (Akose) to overcome challenges

The Community Role in Itefa

Traditionally, the initiate’s family and community fully support the process.

• They take time off work.

• They gather all needed ritual materials.

• They treat the Iyawo Ifá like royalty, while the community celebrates a spiritual rebirth.

Rituals such as Ikota, Ikoje, Ikotadogun, and more are performed, with days filled with singing, drumming, feasting, and joy.

But here’s the challenge: in today’s fast-paced world, how many people can truly devote 17 full days?

Why the Modern 3-Day Itefa Exists

Because of practical realities (time, cost, and responsibilities), the Itefa process has been condensed into 3 days.

• The core rituals are not skipped.

• Duties are shared among trusted Babalawo.

• Important rites like Odun’ta, Ipanadu, Oro Odu are completed afterward as needed.

This makes initiation more accessible and manageable while still honoring the sacred process.

The Difference Between 17 Days and 3 Days

✨ No ritual is missing.
The difference lies in timing and structure, not content.

However, one drawback is that the shorter version requires more discipline from the initiate and their family. They must carefully follow instructions, complete offerings, and document post-initiation obligations so that nothing is lost.

Conclusion: The True Essence of Itefa

Whether done in 3 days or 17 days, the essence of Itefa remains unchanged:

• A sacred journey of rebirth

• A pathway to destiny and purpose

• A deep spiritual alignment with Ifá wisdom

It is not about “how many days” — but about the clarity, transformation, and divine connection it brings.

Credit:

Aṣíwájú Àjàyí Ifádáre Ìyówùú Àwòko-Ọ̀pẹ̀

(Ojùgbọ̀nà-Awo Mọ́gàjí-Ọ̀yọ́)