Orunmila – Who he is, his offering, history and greeting

Orunmila is considered the “Chief Counselor” of all the orishas. He is responsible for Ifá, a system of divination used to consult the orixás. Therefore, he is the knower of people’s fate.

Learn more about the orixá Orunmila – who in some cults is not considered an orixá, but a counselor.

Who is Orunmila in Umbanda?

Orunmila is a very important entity that was present in the creation of the Earth and Humanity.

He is considered the redeemer of the power of intuition, clairvoyance and destiny by both Umbanda and Candomblé.

Guardian of the wisdom of Ifá, the sacred book of Umbanda practitioners, Orunmilá is one of the most prestigious orixás, second only to Olondumarê, who is the Supreme God of African religions.

With his great knowledge and critical sense, Orunmila is able to fix everything that is imperfect. Therefore, it is highly sought after by people who are experiencing difficulties. He helps those who seek him to find the answers to their problems.

Because this orixá is against any kind of hatred or revenge, whenever someone asks him for help, it is necessary to sincerely wish well for other people. Otherwise, the person will not be blessed and will not have their request answered.

Orunmila’s History

Orunmila had 16 childreneach representing a characteristic of life, such as love, hate, life itself, and death.

He was a very strict father and always demanded respect from all of his children. One day, at a family gathering, one of his 16 children refused to kneel in front of him.

When asked about the reason for the insolence, the son replied: “I am also a king. Why should one king bow down to another?”

Orunmila was very disappointed. His sadness was so great that it made him withdraw to heaven and abandon the mission of perfecting everything that had been created on Earth.

With the withdrawal of Orunmila, many bad things began to happen, such as hunger and misery.

Many priests and his other 15 children went to beg him for mercy, but the Orisha Orunmila could not get out of his deep melancholy.

Until the son who didn’t bow was crying to his father for forgiveness. Orunmila forgive him, but he did not want to return to his post of guardian of the Earth.

However, he devised a plan to end the misfortunes that were happening: he distributed oil palm kernels so that anyone who needed his help could call him by throwing the kernel.

In addition, he commissioned his 16 children to be odusmaking them the path the Orixás use to solve life’s problems.

What is the day of Orunmila?

Orunmila’s day is celebrated on October 4th. But every Friday, he is celebrated by Umbanda practitioners, who dress in green, yellow and ivory white – the colors of the Orixá – in his honor.

What is the food for Orunmila?

To make an offering to Orunmilá, the most common foods are cornmeal or cornmeal with honey, boiled yams, fine sweets, lobsters, shrimp and meat fillets.

Food for Orunmila should be distributed in even portions on white plates. Therefore, balls are usually made with the food to make distribution easier. Each plate must also contain a candle.

In addition, the offering must be mounted on top of a white tablecloth, with flowers and two glasses of sweet white wine.

But attention, it is important to consult a Father or Mother of Saint before making any offering to understand the peculiarities of the Orisha.

Salute to Orunmila

The salutation to Orunmila is:

Epá Ojú Olorún, Ifá Ò!

The phrase means: Long live the eyes of God, He is Ifá!

Syncretism of Orunmila

Orunmila does not have syncretism with any saint. However, he is believed to represent the Holy Spirit due to his great wisdom.

Orunmila’s Prayer

“The great Orisha of a thousand eyes
Lord of secrecy, thus art thou known among Men. By the grace of Olorun
That in divine grace allowed your coming from Orun to Earth. In a remote time and teach in Aiye the mysteries
from the Sacred Oracle of Divination to Good Men
And clean heart.
Allow us the great Òrúnmilà to receive
A holy spark of your Eternal Wisdom like the
Infinite Universe
Bequeath us the truth and the knowledge of your virtue
In the name of Obàtálá.
So that we may as consecrated Oluyos
In your Faith we fulfill divine mission among the
Men who suffer, and claim the bounty of your Wisdom
millennial
Ace, Ace, Ace.”

If you want to count on the help and wisdom of Orunmila to solve your problems, have the orixá figurine in your home.