J ja Reach. jà To fight, to struggle. já To get, to find out. jáde To go out, to emerge. jádeogun To prepare for combat. jádekúrò To come out of a place. jádi To attack. jáfáfá To be active. jagun To make war, also the title of a military leader. jagunjagun Warrior. jagba Wrestling competition. Jàkúta To fight with stones, also the Spirit of the Stone Thrower. jàmbá Accident. je To eat. jé To allow. Jebáàlè To rule as chief. je ewo Bad luck that comes as the result of violation of taboo. jèfá To experience good fortune. jege Softly. jéjé To swear an oath. je ohun Bad luck that comes as the result of violation of taboo.

jékí To allow. jemó To be connected with. jeun To eat. jéwó To confess. jé To wake. jìbàtàjibata Soaking. jìgbò Mask that represents a Spirit of the Water. jigi Mirror, glass. jije To eat. jikelewi To pounce. jìnnà To be far. jó To dance, to light a fire, to burn depending on context. joko Sit down. jóná To be on fire. jo To be similar. jojú jóò Excuse me, forgive me. jowo Grant favor. ju Surpass, to excel. júbà Praises, a request that respect be accepted by the Spirits. jugbáàna Assistant.

K

kà To read, to count, to be placed on depending on context. ká To reap, to pluck. kábà Dress. kàdárà Destiny. Kábiyèsí Greeting of respect to a king (Oba). Kábíyèsìlè Term of respect praising a chief or elder. k'ágò Asking permission to enter a house. kaka Instead. kalè To sit down. kan To touch. kán One. kánjú To be in a hurry. kánkan Any. Ká - mò - ó - ka - là Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà), meaning: "Whom to know is to be saved." kaná To be on fire. kànàkànà Catapult. kangere Feeble. Kanki Short pants. Kanlè Touch the earth, to reach the earth. kánnáà The same. kári To go around. kárò Good morning. kárùn To become sick.

kàs ínkan What is the matter? kata - kata Scattered, unfocused. kàwe To read. káwó Hail, a sign of respect, a greeting for a political leader, also means leader. ké To cut. kedere Clear. kékeré Small. kéré To be small. kéréwú Cotton seeds, sacred to the Spirit of the King of the White Cloth (Obàtálá). Kéhìndé The second twin to be born, the oldest child among twins is believed to come last so that the younger child can test the new environment. All second born twins in traditional Yoruba culture have this name whether they are male or female. kekere Good fortune. keleku Calico cloth, sacred to the Spirit of the Ancestors (Egún). ki To greet, to press tightly, to push depending on context. kí Before, to greet depending on context. kíákíá Quickly. kijikiji Shaking. kíkún Mortal. koro To go. kìléhin One who stands behind to give support, moral support. kini First.

kínìdí What causes. kiniun Lion. Kiribiti All around. kò Not, to meet depending on context. kó To gather. kobokobo A whip that is used to symbolize the power of the Spirit of Iron (Ògún). kókó Lump. kòkó Coca. kòkòrò Germ that causes disease. kóòro Entirely, completely. koriko Grass. Korí Spirit who creates the calabash of the inner self. Usually worshipped by small children. Kórira To hate. korò To be bitter. koto Hollow or hole depending on context. kò To reject. ko To write, to sing, light from lightning, sacred to the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó). kó To hang up.

koja To pass. kókóró Key, sacred to the Divine Messenger (Èsú). kolá Lineage scares on the face, back and shoulders.

kòla Bitter kola nut, sacred to most Forces in Nature (Òrìsà) and used in Ifá for a simplified form of divination. kolobo Sore throat. kònkò Bullfrog. kóni To teach, to give instruction. kó - nìlá - abè Circumcision. kòòkan Each, one each. korin To sing. kósórí To memorize. ku To die. kutute Stump of a tree. kukunduku Yam. kúkúrú Short. kun To divide into parts, to set on fire depending on context. kún To be full. kunle Kneel to the ground as a gesture of respect to either a sacred shrine or an elder. kunrin To sing. kúrú To be short. kurúkurú Fog. Kurumu Round or spherical shape.

L

là To appear.

lá To dream. láàràngunkàn Cloth used for making clothing for Kings (Oba). láàrin In the middle. láàyè To be alive. labalábá Butterfly. lábelè Secretly. lágbára To be strong. lágidigba Black beads made from palm nut shells worn around the waist by women for fertility. lagogo To ring a bell. láikú Immortal, the term Immortals is a reference to Forces in Nature (Òrìsà). làí - làí The beginning of time, also refers to a mystical state in which the person experiences a connection with the Source of Being (Olódùmarè). láí - láí All that would be, meaning forever into the future. láilésè Innocent, not guilty. láimó Unholy, in violation of taboo, not consecrated. láinípèkun Without beginning or end, immortal. láiópin Infinite. Lákáyé Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún). làkúègbé Rheumatism. lálá To dream. lálé Touch the Earth, a sign of respect to elders làlóju To enlighten.

láná Yesterday, in the recent past. lásán Free, no charge, worthless depending on context. lati From. látijó In the olden days, reference to a very long time ago. láyò To rejoice, to experience pleasure. le To be hard lè Can, might, to be able. lé To be on. lél è To be on the ground. lèmómù Priest of Islam, an Imam. léraléra Repeatedly. létòl´tò The segments of a ritual. léhin After, behind. lésèkésè Immediately. léwà To be beautiful. lò To use lódè Outside. lódè oni In the present time. lode Resides. lójoojúmó Daily. lókè Soft. lókun Strong. lóni Today.

lórí On. lówò To be rich, having abundance lo To go, more than depending on context. ló Indirect. lodon The southern leg of the cross marked on the Ifá divination tray. lókan Brave. Ló - l'òla Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà), meaning; "Master of tomorrow." Ló - l'òní Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà), meaning: "Master of the Day." Ló - l òtunla - pèlu - è Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà), meaning: "Master of the day after tomorrow." lówolówo Recently. lù To strike. lukoun Penis. lùníkúùkù Fighting with fists.

M

ma Indeed. máà I will.

Magà Chief Priest of the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó). Mágbéèmitì Spirit who shapes consciousness. májèlé Poison. málù Charm used to prevent being physically attacked.

màlúù Ox. Mana - mana Lightning, physical manifestation of the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó). màrìwò Palm fronds, sacred to most Forces in Nature (Òrìsà), used as clothing for rituals involving the Spirit of Iron (Ògún). másé Do not. Mason Mediums of the Spirit of Ancestors (Egúngun) who dress in masquerade to honor the Ancestors (Egún). mbè To exist, to be alive. mbo Coming, expression meaning: "I will return." méjì Two. mélò How many? mérin Four. mérìndínlógún Sixteen, also used to refer to a system of divination used by Òrìsà initiates that is based on the first sixteen verses of Ifá divination (Odù). meta Three. méwà Ten. mi To swallow, to breathe. mímo Sacred, holy. míràn Another. mo I. moji Performance of Ancestor masquerade (Egúngún). mojú To know. móoru Hot weather. mo To build.

mó Again, against, any more. molara To feel. molé To build. mòràn To know. motélè To be able to predict the future. mu To drink. mule To drink dirt, reference to making an unbreakable oath. mupa Remote.

N

náà The same. ná First of all. nba Joining. nfe To want. nfe Loving. nje Well. njo To dance, dancing. ni To say, to be, someone, that depending on context. níbè There. níbí Here. nígbàgbogbo Always. nígbànáà Then nígbàtí When.

nihin Here. nikan Alone. nílátì To have to, must do. níle At home. nímò Intelligent, skilled, wise. nípa About, through. nírèlè Humble, a reflection of good character in Ifá. nítòrpé Because. nítòrítí Because. nítòótó In truth. niwòn In moderation. nje Then, therefore. nko Not.

nkó What about? nkoja Passing. nlá Big. nlo Going. nmu Drinking. nrin Walking. nro Thinking. nse Making. nsó Go on. nú To wipe, to be lost.

nwon They or them. nyaju Placing a hex through the use of the eyes. nyín You. nyo Rejoicing.

O

o He, she and it. obì Kola nut used in simplified systems of Ifá divination. obí Female gender. ogìnrin Woman. obirikiti Circle. Obírítí Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà), meaning: "The Immense Orbit." óbo Vagina. obuko Male goat, sacred as food for a feast in honor of Forces in Nature (Òrìsà). o dàbo Goodbye. òde Outside, outside of the house, outside of town. òde - ayé The entire world. òde ìsìsiyí The present time. òde òní Today. òde - Òrun The entire invisible realm, home of the ancestors (Egún) and the Immortals (Òrìsà), the Source of Creation. Òdí Méjì Verse of Ifá scripture (Odù).

odi It becomes, town wall depending on context. odídeé Parrot, sacred to most Forces in Nature (Òrìsà) as a symbol of transformation and initiation. òdìdì Complete. òdìndì Complete. odò River, physical manifestation of the Spirit of the River (Osun). ódó - aró Blue river, a reference to the fluids in the birth canal, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). ódó - ejé Blood river, a reference to the blood in the birth canal, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). òdodo Justice. Odù The Spirit of the Womb of Creation, also refers to the verses of Ifá scripture and the pot used to initiate Ifá priests. Odùdúà Same as Odùdúwà. Odùdúwà Spirit of Black Character, black is a symbolic reference to that which is invisible, the opposite of light. In some regions of Nigeria this spirit is the primal Goddess, in Ile Ifè this Spirit is the original male Ancestor of Yoruba culture. odukun Sweet potato. Odumare Regional variation of Olódùmarè who is the Source of Creation. ofere The morning star, Spirit of the Morning Star. òfin Law. òf ò Loss. ofofo Tales, stories, folklore. ofun loss. Òfun Méjì Verse of Ifá scripture (Odù).

Òfún 'kànrán Verse in divination based on the use of 16 cowries (mérìndínlógún). Oga - ogo Praise name for the Source of Creation (Olórun) meaning: "The Brave One." Ogbè Méjì The first verse of Ifá scripture (Odù). ogbe The comb of a rooster. ogbó Old age. ogbo ato Grow old, long life, used as a blessing from an elder to a junior. Ogboni Society of male elders who worship the Spirit of the Earth (Onilé). ogborogan Broad. Òge Spirit Guardian of Barren Women. ògèdè Incantation used to transform problems, also refers to medicine used as protection against the Spirit of Death (Ikú). ògégé Precision, exactness. ogiri Boiled oil seeds. ògiri Wall. ògòdò Diseases caused by neglect of personal care or violation of taboo. Ògún The Spirit of Iron. ogun War, fight. ogún Twenty, inheritance. Ògúnda Méjì Verse of Ifá scripture (Odù). Ògún ègbé Medicine used to induce astral travel (out of body experience). Ògúngbe Bodyguard of a King (Oba).

ohun Thing. ohùn Sound, voice. oji Storm. òjìjí Shadow spirit created by the physical manifestation of a person's negative emotions. ojise Messengers. òjò Rain. òjòlá Boa constrictor. Òjòntarìgì Wife of the Spirit of Death (Ikú). ojú Eye, or face depending context. ojù - àse Power in the eyes, spiritual power that can be seen coming out of the eyes when a person is in an altered state of consciousness, also refers to Mystic Vision. ojú - aiye Face of the earth, surface of the earth. ojúbo Shrine, meaning: "Facing what it is we worship." Ojugbede Chief priest of the Spirit of Iron (Ògún) in Ilé Ifè. ojubona Teacher, usually second eldest priest in a society of elders. ojú - inú Inner eye, the ability to see visions. ojúlà Dream vision, also trance vision. ojúlùmò Acquaintance. ojumo Dawn. Ojú Odù The first sixteen verses of Ifá scripture (Odù). ojú - óòri Grave. ojú ònà Road way. Ojú opón The north arm of the cross marked on the Ifá divination tray.

ojú - òrèrè Shrine for Ancestors who were Ifá initiates, it includes the Osun staff. Ojú - Òrun Sky, meaning: "The Eyes of the Invisible Realm." ojúràn Alternate state of consciousness meaning: "Eyes to ancestral lineage." òkè Mountain and Spirit of Mountain depending on context. oké gígà Physical mountain. okete Giant rat, sacred to the spirit of the Divine Messenger (Èsù). oko Farm, farmer, husband, penis, farm tool depending on context. Okolo Spirit of the Sky. okorokoro Front. okòtó Conical shaped shell, Ifá symbol of infinity. oku Corpse. okun The ocean. Okùn Beads worn by a chief. olè Thief. Olodo Praise name for the Spirit of the River (Osun) meaning: "Owner of the Brook." Olódùmarè Spirit of Creation. Olófin Spirit of the Law, meaning: "Owner of the Law." Olófín - àpèká - lúù Praise name for the Spirit of the Divine Messenger (Èsú), meaning: "Enforcer of the Law Giver." ológbò Cat. ologogololo Naked. Olojongbodu The Spirit of the Wife of Death (Ikú).

olóko Farmer. Olókun Spirit of the Ocean. Olókun - su - elusu Female aspect of the Spirit of the Ocean. Olónìímoro Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà), meaning: "Owner of Cleanliness." Olóore Spirit who shapes the head of infants before birth. olóòró Vertical. Olorí Spirit that organizes personal consciousness, guardian Spirit. Olórí Chief. Olorí - Mérìn Spirit who protects towns, meaning: "Spirit with Four Heads." olórìyà - ìgún Vultures comb, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). Olosa Spirit of the Lagoon. Olúbambí Praise name for the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó), meaning: "The Creator helped me before I had this child." Oluéri The Spirit of the Rivers. Olúgbé - rere Praise name for the Spirit of the Mother of Fishes (Yemoja), meaning: "Giver of Good Things." Olúghohún Hex initiated by members of the council of male elders (Ogboni) against persons who violate community taboo. Olú irin Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "Chief of Iron." Olúkòso Àìrá Praise name for the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó), meaning: "The Controller of Lightning." oluku Friend. olúkúlùlú Each.

Olumaki Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "Chief of Strength." Olúmmaàmi Òkítíìrí Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà), meaning: "The Chief Averter." Olumu The Spirit of Understanding. Olùnrin - dúdú - òkè - Ìgèté Praise name of the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà), meaning: "Black Man from Ogeti Hill." Olúòrójò Praise name for the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó), meaning: "King who must not see rain." Oluorogbo Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá), meaning: "Chief of the Medicine of Truth." Oluoyo Praise name for the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó), meaning: "Chief of Oyo." olùrànlówó Helper. Olúrin The chief of the male council of elders (Ogboni). olùsìn Worshipper. Olusonso Praise name for the deified Ancestor who founded the city of Ile Ife (Oramife). Olúwa Praise name for the Source of Being (Olórun), meaning: "Chief of Character." Olúwà - mi - àmò - imò - tán Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà), meaning: "Who can most understand the Source of Being." oluware The person in question. Olúwèkù Praise name for the Spirit of the Wind (Oya), meaning: "The controller of those who wear the Ancestral masquerade." Olúweri Spirit of the River (Male aspect of Yemoja). Oluwo Chief Ifá diviner of the male council of elders (Ogboni). Oluwo Igbo Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá), meaning: "Chief Diviner of the Forest."

Olúworíogbó The Spirit who makes Heads, meaning: "Creator of the heads in the forest." Oluyare The name used for Ancestor masquerades in Edi. Oluyeye Old woman, wise woman. omi Water. omi ayé The waters of earth. omi'gbo The waters of the forest. omi Òrun The waters of the Invisible Realm of the Ancestors. omira Menstrual blood. omi - tútù Cool water. òmùgó Fool. ònà Road, path, home of the Spirit of Iron (Ògún). oníbàárà Customer. oníbode Gatekeeper. Onídán Type of Ancestor masquerade (Egúngun), meaning: "One who performs miracles." oníjó Dancer. onílé Keeper of the house. Onílé Spirit of the Earth, meaning: "Owner of the Earth." Onílégangan - ajíkí Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà), meaning: "Owner of the Spirit of the Traditional Drum that is saluted first." Onígbàjámò Barber, profession is sacred to the Spirit of Iron (Ògún). Oni're Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "Chief of the Town of Ire."

onísé Worker. onísègùn Herbal doctor, meaning: "Owner of the power of medicine." omisòwò Trader. oníwà fúnfún Praise name for the Source of Creation (Olódùmarè), meaning: "Owner of Pure Character." oníyebíye Valuable. onje Wait. Onshe System of divination sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá) used in criminal cases to determine guilt or innocence. óògun Medicine. Ooh shoko Traditional introduction to Ifá songs, the response is bani. oore Good turn, good deed. Oòrùn The sun, The Spirit of the Sun. òórun Smell. oorun Sleep. Òòsà Force in Nature (Same as Òrìsà). Òòsáálá Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá), meaning: "Spirit of Mystic Vision." Òòsà Ìgbowújìn Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá), meaning: "The Spirit who lives in the Distant Forest." Òòsàoko Spirit of the Farm. Opèlé Wife of the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà)), chain used for Ifá divination, meaning: "Puzzle of the Palm Tree." opepe Young. òpin ìsìn The end of a ritual. òpó Post.

opó Window. òpópó Street. òpùró Liar. orere Street. ori Cornstarch porridge. orí The Spirit of Consciousness, also means head in common usage. orí - àpeere Patterns of conscience. orí - àpéré Personal destiny. orí - fífó Headache. orí - gbóná Hot headed, meaning short tempered. orígun mérèèin ayé The four directions of Creation. orí ibi Lack of alignment with personal destiny, bad luck, misfortune. orí ire Alignment with personal destiny, good luck, good fortune. orin Song. orí inú Inner self. oríkì Praise poem, invocation of spirit, meaning: "Praising Consciousness." orile Lineage name. orílè Name of a Nation. Òrìsà Spiritual Force in Nature that guides evolution through the expression of its own unique form of consciousness. Òrìsà agbala Spiritual guardian of the back yard, identified in Ifá scripture as the younger brother of the Spirit of the Farm (Òrìsà Oko). Òrìsà Alase Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá), meaning: "Spirit with the Power of Dreams."

Òrisà - bi Wife of Orungan. Òrìsà Ìdílé Spirit of an extended family Òrìsà ìlú Spirit of a town. Òrísálá Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá), meaning: "Spirit who Creates Light." Òrìsà - og'enia Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá), meaning: "The Spirit who Owns Humans." Òrìsà orí Spirit of personal consciousness. Òrìsà - Oríle Spirit of the Nation. Oríta The boundary between the visible realm of Creation and the invisible realm of Creation. orí tútù Cool headed. Oro The personification of the power of the word. Òrò Spirit of the Forest, invoked as part of Ifá funeral rites. orógbó Bitter kola, Ifá herb eaten to insure that a person speaks the truth. oroko iyin Praise name. oru Pot. òrukàn Orphan. oruko Name. orúko Smallpox. Oshu Spirit of the Moon. Osi Spirit of the Ancestors (Egún). òsì Left.

Osibiriki Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "The One who bursts out suddenly." Òsìn Imole Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "Chief of Spirits." Osu Moon, Spirit of the Moon, Daughter of the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó). Osugbo The word for male council of elders in some regions of Nigeria, same as Ogboni. Òsùmàrè The Spirit of the Rainbow. Osun The Spirit who protects individual consciousness. osùn Camwood powder. Osùn dudu Black camwood powder, sacred to the Spirit of the Tracker (Òsóòsì). Osùn pupa Red camwood powder, sacred to the Spirit of Iron (Ògún). osusu Bunch. òtità Wooden stool. òtitó Truth. otosi Destitute, in poverty. Otu The priest who makes offerings on behalf of the King (Oba). Òtura Méjì Verse of Ifá scripture used for divination. Otúrúpon Méjì Verse of Ifá scripture used for divination. òun He, she, him, her, it when spoken with emphasis. òwe Proverb. owó Money. òwò Trade. ówó eyo Cowrie shells used as money.

owu Hammer. owuro Morning. O'yansa Mother of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya), meaning: "Mother of Nine." Oye The Spirit of the Harmattan Wind, lives in Igeti hill with the Divine Messenger, the male aspect of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). òye Knowledge of the heart, emotions. Òyígíyigì The primal stone of Creation, the Source of Creation. oyin honey, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). oyikiti Surrounded. oyun Pregnancy.

O o You. Oba King, one of approximately twenty - one regional monarches in traditional Yoruba society. Oba Àlórí Praise name for the Source of Creation (Olódùmarè), meaning: "Almighty Chief." Oba Ìgbàláyé Spirit of the Four Seasons, meaning: "King of the Calabash of the Earth." Oba - i gbó Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá), meaning: "King of the Forest." Obakòso Praise name for the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó), meaning: "King of Kòso." (This name is frequently mistranslated to mean: "The King is not Dead.") Obalúaiye Praise name for the Spirit of Infectious Disease (Babaluaiyé), meaning: "King of the hot earth."

Obalofun Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá), meaning: "King of Pure Speech." Obalùfòn Spirit who protects Artists. Obanla Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá), meaning: "King of Purity." Oba obìnrin Queen Mother. Oba Oke Spirit of the Mountain. Oba Omí Praise name for the male aspect of the Spirit of the Ocean (Olókun), meaning: "King of the Water." Oba Òrun Praise name for the Source of Creation (Olódùmarè), meaning: "King of the Invisible Realm of the Immortals." obara Rope. Òbàrà Méjì Verse of Ifá scripture (Odù). Obayíya Praise name for the Source of Creation (Olódùmarè), meaning: "Highest King." Obàtálá Spirit of the King of White Cloth. Obàtálá gbingbin iki Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá), meaning: "The Big Big Spirit of the King of the White Cloth." Oba - ti - álá Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá), meaning: "King of Vision." Obba Goddess of the Iba River. obè Soup. òbe Knife, medicine for soup depending on context. obe - olójumeji Knife with a double edged blade. obe gbaguda Knife sacred to the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà). obo Monkey,

oboto Lump. òbun Market. obuntun Bride. òdà Paint made from natural materials. odan Grass, grass land, shade tree depending on context. ode Hunter. ode mata Spotted medicine, sacred to the Spirit of the Tracker (Òsóòsì). odó Young person. òdómobinrin Young woman. òdómokùnrin Young man. odun Year, or time of any seasonal celebration. òdúndún Medicinal herb. ofà Arrow. ofafa Tree bear. òfé Free. ofin Palace of the King (Oba). ofe A charm used to induce astral travel, or an out of body experience. òfé Free, no charge. ofò Incantation, invocation. òfò Loss by death. ofò - àse Power of the word, word of power, reference to the ability to make effective prayers and a reference to the words that are used as keys to invocation. ògà Chameleon.

Ogan Ant hill, sacred to the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà). Òganmo Young palm leaves, essential herb in Ifá initiation. obgà Garden. Ogbo Flax. ogbón Wisdom Ogbóni Council of male elders who worship the Spirit of the Earth (Onilé). ògbún Calabash. ogede Banana, sacred to the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó). Ògbédan Member of male council of elders (Ogbóni) who carries the staff of Ogbón (Edan). ogòdò Swamp. ogomo Palm fronds, sacred to all the Forces in Nature (Òrìsà), used as spiritual protection in Ifá shrines. ogoro Bamboo. ohun Taboo. ojà Market, sacred to the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). òje To eat everything.

ojó The Sun, the Spirit of the Sun, also means day depending on the context.

ojó - ikú The day of death.

òjòjò Everyday.

ojójojo Ancient times, long ago, in the distant past. ojó Orún Four day week, traditional Ifá week and prayer cycle (Five days in some regions). oka Snake.

oka - ikú Struggle with the Spirit of Death (Ikú), life and death struggle. okàn Physical heart. òkan One. okanjuwa Greedy. òkánkán Exact spot, place in the distance. Òkànràn Méjì Verse of Ifá scripture (Odù). Òkàràmàhó Praise name for the Spirit of the Divine Messenger (Èsú). oke Bag. òkékélujè Mighty and awesome, praise name for any of the Forces in Nature (Òrìsà). oko Husband. okó Hoe, garden tool. okò Boat. òkó Spear. okòn Heart. okìnrin Invalid, person protected by the Spirit of the King of the White Cloth (Obàtálá). olà Honor, wealth and tomorrow, depending on context. òla Tomorrow. olánla Great honor, great wealth. ole Red steamed beans, used as Ifá medicine to induce pregnancy. olè Embryo. òle Lazy person. ológbón Sage.

olójo One who has mastered a skill. Olójó Òní Praise name for the Source of Creation (Olódùmarè), meaning: "Owner of the Day." Olokanran Spirits of Prophecy. olómo Parent. olomo Mountain. Olona Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "Owner of the Road." Olórun Ultimate Source of Being. Olósà The Spirit of the Lagoon. Olose Force in Nature, same meaning as Òrìsà. olòwò Wise elder. omo Child. omo awo First stage of Ifá initiation. omodé Young child. omo de Child of. omo ile Children of the house. omo ìtándógún Those who worship the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "Child who fires a gun twenty times in the air." omoléhìn Follower. omolúàbí Sophisticated person. omo - òdò Servant. omo Odù The two hundred and forty verses that follow the first sixteen verses of Ifá scripture,

Omolú Praise name for the Spirit of Infectious Disease (Babaluaiyé), meaning: "Child of heat." omo owu Small hammer. omu Breast. onà Decoration. ònà Road. Ònà Aimo The north leg of the Ifá cross that is marked on the Ifá divination tray, meaning: "The path of wisdom." Ònòméfà The six sacred directions, meaning the four directions of the compass plus up and down, or the center axis. Ònà Munu The west leg of the Ifá cross that is marked on the Ifá divination tray, meaning: "The direct path." Ònà Okanran The east leg of the Ifá cross that is marked on the Ifá divination tray, meaning: "The straight path." Ònà tóbi Ayé The center point of the Ifá cross that is marked on the Ifá divination tray, meaning: "The path that brings all things to earth." ònì Crocodile. Òòni The King of the entire Yoruba Nation. òpá Staff. Òpá Òrèrè Staff of the Spirit that Protects Consciousness (Osun). Òpá Osun Staff of the Spirit that Protects Consciousness (Osun). Òpè Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà)), meaning: "Palm Tree." (The Palm Tree is the Ifá symbol for the cycles of birth, life, death and rebirth.) ope Palm tree, sacred tree of life in Ifá scripture. opé Gratitude, thanks. Òpe'fá Tree sacred to Ifá (Elasis Idolatrica ).

opeyinbó Pineapple. opolo Frog. òpòlópò Many, much. òpón Bowl. Òràányàn Spirit of the First King (Oba) of Oyo. Oramife Spirit of the Father of the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó). oran Affair. Òràngun Spirit of the grandson of Odùduwa. Òranmiyàn The Spirit of War, considered the Father of the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó) in Ilé Ifè. ore Friend. òrò Word, also refers to the Spirit of the Power of the Word. orò Wealth. òró ìjìnle Words of deep esoteric meaning. orun Sky, or neck. Òrun The Invisible Realm, home of the Ancestors and the Immortals. Òrun - Apadi Home of disruptive earth bound ancestor spirits. Òrungan Child of The Spirit of the Mother of Fishes (Yemoja) and in some regions the Spirit of the Fire at the Center of the Earth (Aganju). Òrúnmìlà Spirit of Destiny, the prophet of Ifá, physical incarnation of the Spirit of Purity (Èlà). Òrun Òkè Spirit of the Mountains in the Invisible Realm of the Immortals. Osa Lagoon, sacred to the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). Òsá Méjì Verse of Ifá scripture (Odù).

òsán Daytime, afternoon. osán Fruit. Osan Horse tail fan, carried by elders as a tool for offering blessings. Osan agblumo African star apple (chrysophyllum africanum ). Òsányìn Spirit of Herbs and Medicine. Osara Forces in Nature, same as Òrìsà, meaning: "One who gathers children." Òsè Four day ritual week. ose Soap. Òsèèrèmògbò Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá). Osè Sàngó Wooden double headed ax used as a dance wand for initiates into the mysteries of the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó). Òsígbìwa Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà), meaning: "The One who brings the right hand path of Character," or "The One who brings Good Character." Òsìn Imolè Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "First Among the Immortals." Òsóòsì The Spirit of the Tracker. òsón Hottest part of the day. Ososo nirun agbon Pointed beard, symbolic reference to a wise person or a wise ancestor. Osun The Spirit of the River, fertility, sensuality and abundance. ota Enemy, male stone (falic shaped) depending on context. oti Liquor, used as an offering to the ancestors (Egún) and to Forces in Nature (Òrìsà). otin Beer made from corn.

otita apoti Stool shaped like a box. otun Right. otun owó Right hand. òwè Communal help. owó Hand. Òwórín Méjì Verse of Ifá scripture (Odù). owon Thorn. Oya Spirit of the Wind, Spirit of the River Niger. Oyáhó Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà). Òyèkú Méjì Verse of Ifá scripture (Odù). Òyìnsèsè Praise name for the Divine Messenger (Èsú), meaning: "One who works with honey." Oyo City in Nigeria, home of the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó).

P

pa To kill, to betray, to break, to suffer, to cut depending on the context. páàpáà Myself, yourself, his self, her self, even, especially depending on context. padà To return, to alter to change, depending on context. pàdé To meet. pàkátà Calabash. Pàkelemò Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà), meaning: "The Calabash of Wisdom." pákí Cassava.

pákórò Night ritual for the Spirit of elevating the dead (Órò) at funerals. palápatán Shape shifting, usually from human form to animal form and back to human form. pàló To ask a riddle, usually a riddle with some moral point involved. pamó To keep safe. panumó To keep quiet. pàra Suddenly, loud. paranganda Bludgeon, hit with a club. paré To disappear, to be destroyed. pari To complete. pariwo Shout. pasan Whip. pase To give an order. páta - páta Completely finished, over with. pe That, to say that. pèlé Lineage marks on the face. peleke To increase. pèpè Elevated floor space used as a stool. peregun Ifá herb used to mark boundaries, sacred to the Divine Messenger (Èsú). pèsè To prepare. pésè To be present. pe Call. pé To be late.

pèlé Soft, with sympathy, with caution pépèpé Petty. pere Generous. pérepére In shreds. pete Flat. pidán Ritual magic usually performed by initiates of the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó). pín To divide, to share. pinnu To decide. pipe Complete. pipè To call. pípé Late. pipon Redness. pitan To recite personal or family history, to tell stories. piwada To improve personal character. pòòlò Animal trap. pò Cheap. pòjù To be ordinary. polu Together. pon To draw water. ponripon Thick. pòòkó Cup made from a coconut shell. pooku Small sum.

poripon sigidi Dangerous spirit, warrior spirit. pupa Red. pupo Many, much. putu Well.

R

rà To buy. ra To perish. rá To crawl. ran To spin. ràn To send for. rán To sew. ranti To remember. rárá Song. rárá At all, not at all. rári To shave the head, the first step of initiation. ré To go off, to set a trap depending on context. rédeède Unclean, messy. rémò To draw towards, to be attracted to. rere Good, kind. reti await. re Yours. rè To tire.

rèrè Good things, good fortune. réin To laugh. ri See. rí Formerly. ríbá Dutiful, responsible. rikisi Plot. rin To walk. rinrin To go for a walk. rírà Buying. ríràn To have sight, to see. riri Tremble in fright. rò To tell, to meditate, to think depending on context. ró To put on women's clothing, reference to a woman dressing. rojó To complain. ronú To ponder. rorò To be fierce. ro Gush. rò To urge. ròjo To rain. rójú To strain. rora To be careful, to be gently. ru Offer. rúbo Offer a life force offering.

run Perish.

S

sà To apply medicine. sá To dry in the sun, to run off, to escape depending on context.

sáà Season, designated length of time. sáàbà Usually. Sàaragaá Spirit that shapes consciousness (Orí), meaning: "The Strange place of Uniqueness." sálo To run away. sán To crack, to make a loud noise. sàn To be well. san To reward, to pay. sánmò Sky. sanra To be overweight. sanwó To pay money. sáré To run. sari To rub medicine on the scalp. sè To cook. se To make. se ese Death of a pregnant woman. segi Waist bed for protection and fertility. Sègíìrì - Alàgbàjà Praise name for the Divine Messenger (Èsú).

séhìn In the past. Sééré Rattle for the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó). sì And. sí To. sibe Still. síbè In this place. síhín To this place. sílé Towards home. simi To rest. sin To serve, to bury depending on context. sìn To escort. sinsin To rest. sinú Into. so To tie. sódé Outside. sókè Up, towards. so To throw, to say. sòrò To speak. Suminiwa Ajokeopo Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún). sun To sleep. Sùngbèmi Spirit that shapes consciousness (Orí), meaning: "Be Closer to Me." sunkún To cry.

S

sá stale, only depending on context. sà To pick up. sàbuku Disgraceful. sàjé The practice of magic associated with astral travel among women's secret societies (Iyaami). sàn To flow. sànbo To overflow Sàngó The Spirit of Lightning, also the fourth Aláàfin of Oyo. sánku Premature death. sansan Straight. sàro To meditate, to think. se To do, to cause, to be, to make depending on context. sebi Suppose. ségègé Casting lots, casting some form of divination. segun To make war. sèké To lie. sékèké Casting lots, casting some form of divination. sèlara To be jealous. sèléri To promise. selése To injure. s 'èpè To work a hex, to invoke some form of protection.

sese Just. Sigidi Messenger for warrior spirits who protect a particular family lineage. Sigidi Sugudu The Spirit of Nightmares. sigun To lead warriors into battle. sísé To worry. sòkoto Pants. sorò To celebrate the annual feast for the Spirit of the Power of the Word (Orò). sòtito To have faith. só To watch. Sòponnà Small pox and the Spirit of Small Pox. sòwò To spy.

T

tà To sell. ta To shot, pepper flavor depending on context. ta - a - o -réfòn Buffalo hunters. tààrà Straight. tabi Or. Táíwo First born of twins, either male or female, according to Yoruba tradition the first born twin is the youngest. takú To refuse. táláká Poor person. tan To finish.

tán To trust. tani Who? tanná To light a lamp. tápà Illness caused by eating to much sweet food. tara Pebble, small stone. Téfá Ifá initiation. te To establish. tè To press. té To spread out. téété Thin telé To follow. télè Already. temut emu Hassock. tenumó To emphasise. tete Ifá herb used as medicine considered the parent of all herbs (Amaranthus candatus Spinach). tètèùpònlá Ifá herb used as medicine considered the parent of all herbs (Amaranthus candatus Spinach). ti Property. tì To push. tí That. tijú To be shy. tìkálára Self. tìkara - eni Total self.

tile Even. Ti npojó ikú dà Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà), meaning: "The Changer of the determined day of Death." Tìmì The Brother of the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó). tímótímó Small. tin Thus. tinrin To sneer. tìnùtìnù Sincere. titi Until. titun New or something new. tó Equal, enough, the word is used at the end of Ifá incantations as a seal to indicate that a prayer is complete and the power of the prayer has been transfered out in the world. tóbi ode Hunter. tò To approach, to follow. tóóró Straight. toro To request. tu Paddle, to losen, alone depending on context. túkà To scatter. túláàsi Force, necessity. tún To repeat. túndé Reborn. tutu Cool

W

wa To exist, to seek depending on context. wà To be. wádi To ask questions. wàyí As things are. wé To twist. wejeweje Good things. wéré Quickly. were Young. wípé To say that. wiri Hazy. wo Relax. wó Which. wòran To watch. wodi To investigate. wo'gun mérin The four corners of the world, the four directions. wo Shed, to enter depending on context. wolé To enter. woléwòdè To go in and out. won Then.

wòròkò Elemental Spirits who work with the Spirit of Infectious disease (Babaluaiye) to help spread disease.

wuye Quietly.

Y

ya To split. yà To turn aside. yá To flood.

yakata To straddle.

yalayala Swift.

yàn To choose. yanmoti Sesame seed. yanran Good. Yansan Mother of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya). yara Room. yára To be quick. yàtò Different. Yemideregbe Praise name or the Spirit of the Ocean (Olókun). Yemò Wife of the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá). Yemòwó Wife of the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá). yesi Who. Yewa Spirit of the Yewa River. yeye Mother. Yeye Aiye Praise name for the Spirit of the Earth (Onilé), meaning: "Mother of the Earth." yebe Lavish.

yewere Worthless. yèyé Foolishness. yi This yibi Greatness. yio Will. yo To appear.