Where Do I Start On My Ifa Journey? · ASE Spirituality & Ifa Skool

Where Do I Start On My Ifa Journey?

Inspired by a question from our community member

— thank you for asking this so beautifully.

One of the most common questions I receive from people who are new to this tradition is some version of what Tara asked:

"I don't know which things are supposed to happen and in what order — if that makes sense?"

It makes complete sense. And I want you to know — there is no such thing as a silly question when you're finding your footing on a sacred path. The fact that you're asking means you're taking this seriously, and I respect that deeply.

So let's talk about it.

First, something important to understand:

Every spiritual house — every ile — does things a little differently. The Lucumí tradition is vast and beautiful, and the order of initiations can vary based on the house, the lineage, and most importantly, what Ifá reveals for you specifically. What I'm sharing here is how we do things in our ile, at Temple Orisha Ile Ifa. Your path may look slightly different depending on your spiritual needs and what divination uncovers. And that's not a problem — that's the tradition working exactly as it should.

With that said, here is our general template.

Step 1: A General Reading — This Always Comes First.

Before anything else happens, the first step is sitting with Baba Victor for an Ifá reading. This is non-negotiable, and here's why — Ifá is the map. Without the map, you're just guessing. A reading reveals where you are spiritually, what you need, and what your next step looks like. It takes all of the guesswork out of the journey and replaces it with clarity and direction.

Nothing moves before this step.

Step 2: Guardian Orisha Reveal.

Once you've had your reading, the next step is finding out which Orisha owns your head. Every person has a Guardian Orisha — a specific sacred energy that governs their life, their personality, and their destiny. Knowing who your Guardian Orisha is changes everything. It's like finally understanding why you are the way you are. Things start to make sense in a whole new way.

Step 3: Elekes — The Sacred Necklaces.

After your Guardian Orisha is revealed and you've begun to build a relationship with this community and express your genuine commitment to the path, we welcome you into our spiritual family through your Elekes ceremony.

I want to be honest with you about what this means. Receiving your Elekes in our ile makes you officially my godchild. That is not something I take lightly — not even a little bit. This is a real, lifelong spiritual relationship and I treat it as such. So yes, we take our time here. And that's a good thing.

Please note: some houses give Elekes much earlier in the process. This is simply how we do it in our ile.

Step 4: Ikofa / Hand of Ifá.

This is a deeper, more serious initiation that connects you directly to the wisdom of Ifá and the sacred energy of Orunmila. In most cases, this ceremony also includes receiving your Warriors — and this is a significant, life-changing step. You are receiving Orishas that will be with you for life. Baba Victor is also making a sacred commitment to be your Padrino. Both sides of this relationship are entering into something real and lasting.

Step 5: Kariocha — Full Initiation.

This is what people often call being "crowned" or "making saint." It is the full priesthood initiation and the deepest level of commitment on this path. Not everyone is called to this level — and that is perfectly okay. Ifá reveals whether and when Kariocha is right for you. It is never something to rush or decide on your own.

Step 6: Becoming a Babalawo (for men, if that is their path).

For men who are called to the highest level of priesthood in this tradition, the path can ultimately lead to becoming a Babalawo — a high priest of Ifá. This is a profound calling and a lifelong dedication.

The most important thing I want you to walk away with is this.

You don't have to figure out the whole path today. You just need to take the next right step. Ifá will reveal the rest when the time is right. Every house is different, every person's journey is different, and the beauty of this tradition is that it is deeply personal. There is no one-size-fits-all here.

Just start. The path will open as you walk it.

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Where Do I Start On My Ifa Journey?