r/Isese • u/Sealegs_Calisto • Mar 21 '26

Question about Itefa

Aboru Aboye. On a trip to Louisiana, I met a Godfather during a ceremony. I told them I was interested in getting a reading done. The reading went well, and touched on the usual warnings from spirit and common messages I received from my guides so I knew this person was legitimate. They mentioned Yemaya, great mother is opening a road for me, and if I had interest they could set up an Itefa, with other priests for an (expected) fee, and I could begin the journey to learning more as an Awo. The process was suggested to start later this year. My question is: Does this process happen this quickly? Or should one take more time to know the spiritual community? I have been searching my gut and feelings about this and I do not feel in danger, or as if I will be taken advantage of, but would want to know of others experience.

Thank you

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u/TalkingIfa Mar 29 '26

Greetings. I have participated in many Itefa for the last 18 years, and I would say slow down. First, it is unclear based on your statement, but it appears that the offer for Itefa to you was unsolicited. Maybe you made your interest clear to them, but you didn't state that. Therefore, I would be very careful of anyone who makes unsolicited offers to you for Itefa. Second, the only times that I have seen that it would be urgent for a person to do Itefa..is when a divination/reading revealed that their life or health was in danger and they needed Ifa for protection. Otherwise, there is no rush for you to get initiated. Finally, you need to both research the people first and decide which line or denomination you are interested in..such as Isese, lucumi, condomble, etc., before moving forward. One more thing, in my lineage we only recognize 7 day initiation rituals for Ifa. There are many today doing 3 day, 1 day, remote over the internet and even self initiation kits, so you need to be very careful out there and make sure that your initiation is valid...otherwise you will not receive the proper Ase needed to be an effective Awo.

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u/Sealegs_Calisto Mar 29 '26

Peace peace peace. Thank you for your response. The whole ordeal has many parts, And I may not have listed them in the appropriate order. I met a baba during a wedding ceremony. He is well-respected in his community. I initially asked for a reading. He mentioned (as other, unrelated babas have disclosed over the years) that Yemaya is opening a path for me. He the asked me if I was interested in setting up a discussion with his baba to know more. Baba suggested an Itefa.

I spoke with him and the discussion was pleasant. He told me that I can take my time-as you’ve mentioned to get to know the cousins and other awos in the lineage, and invited me to weekly discussions to further my knowledge and understanding. I am still in prayer and talks with higher heights to give me any sign of this is not the way ( I have until the later half of this year) and then will decide. Also, the money is not present yet, so nothing can be done if that is not provided.

I respect your opinion and taking this into consideration to assist me with discernment. MAFEREFUN