The Mano de Orula ceremony is one of the most important initiations within the Lukumi tradition. Awo Fakan for men or Ikofa Fun for women is a three-day-long ceremony that can only be performed by Babalawos. This beautiful ceremony is not for the faint of heart. It can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding; but can also bring tremendous change in the lives of devotees. It is also said that receiving Mano de Orula protects the initiate from an early death.
Here is a brief overview of the Mano De Orula/Hand of Ifa ceremony. This overview is purposefully vague to protect the secrets of our beautiful tradition.
On the first day, offerings are made to Eggun, Santos and their tools are washed in omiero, and your newly birthed warriors (Eshu, Ogun, Ochosi, and Osun) are fed. Lastly, your Orula is fed and you return home with some omiero to bath in. You will need to bathe in omiero multiple times over the course of the 3 days.
The second day is a day of rest and spiritual reflection. In some houses, you will receive a rogation and clean your Santos this day.
The third and final day is the day of Ita. Ita is your life reading where you find out what Odu or sign you live under, who your guardian Orisha is, as well as what other initiations (if any) you need. Your Ita acts as a roadmap in your life moving forward. Stick to your Ita and your life is sure to be blessed.
After the Day of Itá, godparents will formally deliver the orishas to the home of the initiate in a rite called Entrada.
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