People always want to know: "what is the purpose of receiving your Icofa?". The answer is: This single hand of Orunmila, which is EXACTLY the same for either men or women, is a direct conduit to the energy of the Orisa of Divination. The energy of Orunmila might be equated to the General Practioners in medicine. It is Orunmila's knowledge of all that was and all that will be, that imparts a tremendous insight and power to those connected to it. Other Orisa are more specific in their areas of energy. More like the specialists in medicine. Because Ifa is so intimately connected with balance in our lives, the energy and wisdom of Orunmila is essential to achieve this... for only this overview can place the various parts in their correct order. As the years roll by…and they have definitely done so…I become more and more convinced that, other than dealing with those emergency issues of our life ( illness, legal problems, new job, new birth etc ) that we are best served by paying the most attention to the broader, longer range, divinations that impact our lives. First, and foremost, is your Life Path Reading, which is the template for understanding ALL future readings with the exception of Orisa or Ifa initiation. Second, would be the monthly indications of your Icofa. As with every Ifa tool we make at the Ifa Foundation ( made available through this Spiritual Tools website store)…we would prepare your One-Hand-of-Orunmila (Icofa) at a time where a group of Oluwo’s, Babalawos, and Iyanifa’s join their forces with the Igba Iwa and the Nana Buuken energies to form an alignment at the highest level for the creation of this tool. Therefore it is not possible for you, as a non-initiate, to be present during this event.

For those that follow our world view about Ifa…you would then understand that energy has no boundaries…it is virtually limitless. At thw lwvwl of this type of consecration, only initiated Priests of Ifa can be involved. It takes a lot of skill from those that are trained at the highest level to work with Orunmila’s energy in this way.

As Priests of Ifa…we work with “two hands” of Orunmila so you can understand the level of value that “one hand” offers.

Having the actual Ifa Tool…Icofa, will enable you to deepen the level you “connect” on in order to realize the deepest access to the energy of “wisdom and knowledge”. This is very important. With this, you can know more…have more answers…make better decisions…and make less mistakes.

Each set of Ikin that we provide you with (from this type of ceremony) will be consecrated during this “high” level of ceremonial work with Orunmila On the third day afterwards…we will prepare your personal “One-Hand-of- Orunmila to be able to divine your LIFE PATH READING.

This Icofa Path Reading is one of the most important ones you will have in your lifetime. It is a huge look at how you “should be” operating in life. It is your filter…your direction and your blueprint to your life.

Immediately after performing this level of Divination…we will then type all of the information discovered… into a clear layout for your understanding.

You will receive a specific Odu that will be important for you to always remember. You should keep this in the back of your mind daily while you move through life’s currents!

Having the Icofa brings a support to one of the legs you need to stand on… as there are three legs that create your balance.

One can receive this Ifa Tool before or after an Orisa Priest Initiation. It is usually received after someone has connected with their Esu energy.

When your package arrives…you will see there will be: a layout of your Divination and what that entails. the Prayer to Orunmila that you may use each morning as well as when you do your monthly offerings. a complete list of offerings that we recommend using as well as their purpose so you understand more about what you are doing. a Certificate of Authenticity with your name and the date for future reference…as you will want to check in annually for a recharge. an Ide to be worn on your left wrist as to ensure you do not pass before your time…(there is a whole story behind this) a wooden disc with the name and layout of your Odu so that you may have it readily available when you work with them. a small rock that is your Esu that resides with Orunmila. 18 Ikin with eyes on them and last but not least…instructions to teach you how to work with this valuable tool…it is most important that you work with your Icofa tool at least once a month…and pray daily to Orunmila.

You will understand where to position it in your home and how to welcome it into your life as well as how to care for it on a regular basis.

We also encourage communication after your receive your tool…asking us about any type of questions you may have after receiving it.

ONCE A MONTH, THE FIRST OF EVERY MONTH… THE OLUWO PERFORMS A DIVINATION THAT PERTAINS TO ORUNMILA FOR ALL THOSE THAT HAVE THEIR “ICOFA”.

THIS IS POSTED ON THE IFA FOUNDATION WEBSITE IN THE AREA DIVIDED OUT AS…ICOFA READING This will enable all those with their Icofa Ifa Tool to continue learning more about how the energy of Orunmila works with our lives. The special reading that the Oluwo will share each month will be an indication of what the month’s vibrational tone will be like and how to best prepare for it. A suggested offering will be included.

Having access to this information will provide you will an enormous opportunity for growing and deepening your connection to gaining more “wisdom and knowledge”!

The Ifa Foundation has Icofa ceremonies every month. When you are ready contact Iya Vassa for more details. iyanifa@ifafoundation.org 1-877-432-6722