The Role of Family and Ancestral Influence in Shaping Character in Ifá Belief

Foundations of Character in Ifá Philosophy

In Ifá belief, character—Ìwà Pẹ̀lẹ́—is the foundation of spiritual alignment and success in life. It is not just a set of moral traits, but a spiritual force that supports one's destiny (ayànmọ̀ or ìpín), chosen before birth in the realm of Ọ̀run. This destiny is carried out in Ayé (the physical world) through the choices a person makes, especially in alignment with their Orí (inner head/spiritual consciousness).

“Orí ló kó ni, Ọrísà ló bà wá,” meaning: “It is the Orí that chooses our path; the Òrìṣà only supports it.”

Orí is the most powerful spiritual companion one has. When a person is in tune with their Orí, things flow: opportunities open, decisions feel clear, and one's emotions are stable. Misalignment with Orí can manifest as repeated failure, confusion, lack of focus, or emotional heaviness.

“Bá a rí ire, bá a rí ẹgbé, Orí ló fúni.” "If one finds blessings or elevation, it is the Orí who granted it."

Cultivating Character Through Family Influence

In Ifá thought, families are more than biological units—they are spiritual environments where character is formed and tested. Parents, grandparents, and community elders transmit values that shape a child's worldview and behavior.

Children are expected to observe and imitate, internalizing behaviors such as respect, restraint, patience, and gratitude. This transmission is not only verbal but ritual: through participation in ceremonies, listening to proverbs, and witnessing how elders manage conflict and joy, children absorb ethical patterns.

Example: A child raised watching their father regularly salute the Orí and ancestors before beginning his day is likely to internalize the importance of spiritual discipline and reverence.

In Odù Obàrà Meji (6-6), we are reminded:

“The patient man becomes a king through patience.” This Odù teaches that virtues learned through family guidance—especially endurance and humility—lead to elevation.

Ancestors as Living Influences: Egúngúng

In Yorùbá cosmology, ancestors are not "dead" but spiritually alive and involved. They become Egúngúng, sacred spirits who guide, protect, and correct their descendants. Ancestors are honored with offerings (such as water, food, gin, or kola nut), prayers, and rituals that affirm their continued role in the family.

“Tí a bá bùkún ọmo, a máa bùkún ìdí rẹ̀.” "When we bless the child, we bless the womb that bore them."

Example Ritual: A person might pour libation to their ancestors each morning, saying, "Egúngúng mi, mo wá bà yín lórí, ẹ jò ẹbọ òrí mi, kí òpón ire lá yà mi wá."

Translation: "My ancestors, I greet you. Accept my offerings and guide my head. May the road of blessings open to me."

In Odù Ogbè Ìròsù (1-4), a man suffers misfortune because he failed to honor his ancestors. The moment he is instructed through divination to restore those rituals, his luck and clarity return. This illustrates that neglect of one's spiritual lineage can block one's path.

Understanding Ìyámi: The Mothers and Forces of Justice

While Egúngúng represent known ancestors, Ifá also reveres the Ìyámi Àjẹ́, the primordial mothers. These are ancient feminine forces tied to creation, justice, and the mysteries of the night. Though not ancestors in the biological sense, they shape destiny and spiritual protection, especially through women’s bloodlines.

Veneration of Ìyámi involves restraint, reverence, and sometimes avoidance of disrespectful behaviors such as gossip, abuse, or arrogance—all of which disrupt their favor.

“To offend the Mothers is to invite misfortune; to honor them is to prosper in silence.”

Divination as Diagnosis and Path Correction

Ifá divination offers insight into ancestral issues, character flaws, and spiritual misalignments. Diviners (Babaláwo, Ìyánífá, or Ọlórìsà) receive messages from Òrùnmilà through signs (ọdu) that speak to the root causes of suffering or stagnation. Many Ọlórìṣà (priests and priestesses of specific Òrìṣà) also perform divination using tools and methods specific to their Òrìṣà's lineage and tradition, such as cowries, Obi, or Merindilogun.

Example: A woman facing chronic relationship failures consults Ifá. The Odù revealed is Òsà Òfún (9-10), which shows that an ancestor was betrayed in love and never vindicated. She is told to feed her ancestors, cleanse her Orí, and stop repeating cycles of blame.

Ritual prescription (e.g., ẹbọ with shea butter and white cloth to Obàtálá) realigns her path.

“Ifá doesn't predict—it remembers.” It uncovers the hidden agreements and violations shaping present conditions.“Ifá doesn't predict—it remembers.” It uncovers the hidden agreements and violations shaping present conditions.

Diaspora Healing: Reconnecting the Broken Lineage

For those in the diaspora, Ifá offers a redemptive framework to reconnect with lost ancestral memory. Even when names, homelands, or languages are gone, one can restore alignment through:

• Building an ancestral altar with offerings

• Asking Orí to reveal inherited wisdom in dreams

• Participating in Egúng rituals

• Receiving spiritual adoption from elders and priests

“When you honor the ones who came before, you heal what they could not finish.”

This healing is not only emotional—it is metaphysical. When one reconnects with their lineage through divination, blockages can lift, spiritual protection strengthens, and clarity about one’s path emerges.

Conclusion: Character is the Bridge

Character is not merely a personal trait—it is a bridge between Orí and Òrùnmilà, between the child and their ancestors, between past and future. In the eyes of Ifá, character is destiny made visible.

“If you wish to fulfill your ayànmọ̀, do not ask only for money or titles—ask for Ìwà Pẹ̀lẹ́.”

By honoring our ancestors, cultivating good character, and listening to our Orí through divination, we live not just for ourselves, but as extensions of those who walked before us.