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When we contemplate the essence and nature of Apetebii, Ifa’s teachings on the marriage between Odu and Orunmila are illuminating. In brief, Odu arrived at Orunmila’s house with a powerful bird, called aragamago.

Before she departed from heaven, Olodumare told Odu that aragamago would complete any task she assigned to it. At the same time, Orunmila anticipated Odu’s arrival and went to consult Ifá. The babalawo told Orunmila to sacrifice in order to ensure that Odu’s power would not destroy him. Orunmila complied.

Odu arrived and the malevolent powers that accompanied her consumed the sacrifice. She also commanded aragamago to partake of it as well. Odu then moved into Orunmila’s home as his wife. Immediately, she swore that, even if somebody asked her to, Odu would never fight Orunmila because she did not want him to suffer. But anybody who wanted to make Orunmila suffer, Odu would fight them.

Odu pledged to transform all Orunmila’s burdens into blessings. She promised that whatever Orunmila sent her to do, she would do. If wizards or witches ever wished to destroy Orunmila, Odu pledged to decimate them. She said that, because of her, no Aje could destroy Orunmila.

Then, Orunmila recognized Odu for being superior to all women of the world. He went on to decree that all of his priests would treat Odu with the utmost discretion, care and protection. Every babalawo must have Odu in order for his practice to be complete.*

And so, let Odu bring wisdom, protection and devotion into the lives of all babalawo. Àse! May we enjoy the blessings of the mystical marriage that brings about fulfillment and eternal bliss. Àse!

Obafemi Origunwa, MA | OrisaLifestyle.com

* Origunwa, Obafemi. Shadow Mothers. Pg
122-128

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Obafemi Origunwa, MA | Orisalifestyle.com

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