Odù Ifá

The Complete Encyclopedia of the 256 Sacred Odù

Odù Ifá are the 256 sacred verses/figures at the heart of Ifá divination — 16 principal Odù Méjì and 240 Omo Odù formed from their combinations. Each carries its own meaning, proverbs (Ẹsẹ Ifá), associated Òrìṣà, and life teachings passed down by Babaláwo and Ìyánífá for centuries. Search, browse, or cast your own Odù below to begin exploring.

Cast Your Odù

Tap the button to randomly cast an Odù, inspired by the traditional Ọ̀pẹ̀lẹ̀ (divining chain) method of forming two four-line figures.

Your Odù will appear here after casting.

This tool is for educational and entertainment purposes, inspired by traditional Ifá divination. For an authentic consultation, please seek a qualified Babaláwo or Ìyánífá.

Understanding the Odù System

The Binary Lines

Each Odù is formed from marks made on the Ifá divination tray (Ọ̀pọ́n Ifá) using the sacred palm nuts (Ikin) or divining chain (Ọ̀pẹ̀lẹ̀). Each mark is either a single line (I) or a double line (II). Four marks form one "leg" — giving 16 possible leg patterns.

16 Become 256

A full casting produces two four-line legs — a right leg and a left leg. When both legs are identical, the result is one of the 16 senior Odù Méjì. When the legs differ, the combination produces one of the 240 Omo Odù — each read as its own distinct figure with unique guidance.

Reading an Odù

A trained Babaláwo or Ìyánífá recites the Ẹsẹ Ifá (verses) associated with the cast Odù, drawing on years of memorised oral literature to offer guidance specific to the situation. Our encyclopedia offers a simplified, educational introduction to this vast tradition.