Ori Rere: The Blessing of a Good Head

In Yorùbá spirituality, nothing is more personal or powerful than your orí — your spiritual head, your inner self, your destiny. It is the part of you that stands before Olódùmarè (the Supreme Being), chooses your path before birth, and then guides you through life.

It is said:

“Orí la bá bò, a bá f’òrìṣà jẹ.”“It is the head we must honor first, before even the Òrìṣà.”

This teaching reminds us that no matter how many deities, ancestors, or spirits you honor, your own orí is your first protector and guide.

When we speak of orí rere — a “good head” — we mean a destiny that is filled with blessings, peace, and alignment. Having orí rere is like walking through life with a lamp that lights the road ahead, or like having the wind always at your back. It doesn’t mean you won’t face struggles, but it means your path will open, your blessings will find you, and your destiny will carry you forward.

What Does Ori Rere Mean?

The Yorùbá believe that before each of us is born, we kneel in heaven (ọ̀run) before Olódùmarè to choose our orí — our destiny (ayànmọ̀). Some choose a smooth path, others one that is more difficult, and some choose a path full of tests that will make them strong.

If your orí is “good” (rere), your chosen destiny unfolds with blessings. If your orí is “bad” (burúkú), you may face constant setbacks, blockages, and misfortunes.

But destiny is not fixed in stone. Through prayer, offerings, and good character, a heavy destiny can be lightened, and a troubled head can become a good one. As the elders say:

“Orí burúkú gbẹ́bọ, ó di orí rere.”“A troubled head accepts sacrifice and becomes a good one.”

This teaching gives us hope: no matter what hand life deals you, your orí can be cared for, strengthened, and transformed.

Living with Good Character

A good head is not only about destiny — it is also about ìwà pẹ̀lẹ́, good and gentle character. Even someone born with blessings can spoil their orí if they live with arrogance, greed, or dishonor.

Good character means:

• Honesty in your words and dealings.

• Kindness and compassion toward others.

• Humility and respect for elders and community.

• Patience in times of trial.

The Yorùbá say:

“Ìwà l’ẹwà, ìwà l’òrò.”“Character is beauty, character is wealth.”

To live with ìwà pẹ̀lẹ́ is to polish your orí rere so it shines. Without it, even blessings can slip through your fingers.

Offerings to Ori: Gentle and Simple

Caring for your orí is more than just living right — it also involves ritual maintenance. Just as the body needs food, the orí needs to be fed.

But unlike sacrifices given to some Òrìṣà, the offerings for your head are always adimú — simple, non-animal offerings that are cooling, gentle, and pure. They refresh the spirit and invite blessings.

Common adimú for orí include:

• Water (omi tútù) – to bring calm, clarity, and freshness.

• Honey (òyin) – to sweeten your path and attract good things.

• Coconut (agbòn) – for purity, cleansing, and renewal.

• Kola nut (obi) – for prayer, sealing agreements, and clarity.

• Shea butter (òrí) – for soothing, protection, and inner peace.

These are given during ẹborí (“feeding the head”), a practice where you sit in prayer, anoint your head, and ask your orí for guidance and blessing. It is a way of saying: “My destiny, I honor you first. Lead me well.”

Strength in Hard Times

Having orí rere does not mean life is without hardship. It means that when challenges come, you will not be crushed. You will have the inner strength, wisdom, and divine support to endure and overcome.

Think of orí rere as the difference between a storm that destroys your house and a storm that shakes it but leaves it standing. One who has orí rere bends like the palm tree in the wind — tested, but never broken.

Walking in Your Purpose

Yorùbá wisdom teaches that destiny is chosen before birth. To have orí rere is to live in alignment with that choice. It means your steps follow the path you laid for yourself in heaven, and your spirit is at peace because you are walking in purpose.

When your head is good, you not only prosper for yourself, but you also uplift your family, your community, and future generations. A good head is never selfish — it radiates blessings outward.

A Path to Fulfillment

Orí rere is a reminder that your destiny is sacred, and that your head carries divine light. When you honor it through prayer, simple offerings, and good character, you unlock peace, purpose, and prosperity.

As another proverb says:

“Orí rere ni ma ń jẹni lọ́lá.”“A good head is what brings one to honor.”

By caring for our orí, we honor Olódùmarè, we honor our ancestors, and we honor the divine spark within us.