Chapter Five: Interpreting the Voice of the Odù

Divination is not complete when the Odù appears. That is only the beginning.

In this chapter, we learn the sacred art of interpretation—the ability to translate what the Odù is saying into guidance that is real, relevant, and transformative.

Each Odù speaks in stories, symbols, proverbs, and parables. But how do we make sense of it all? How do we know what the Odù is truly saying in this moment, to this person, in this situation?

Here, you will begin to understand that interpretation is not just about memorizing verses. It’s about relationship—between you and the Odù, between the question and the context, between the visible world and the invisible forces shaping it. You will see how the same Odù can carry many different meanings depending on tone, position, accompanying verses, and the presence of blessings or warnings.

You’ll explore how to listen beyond the surface. How to hear the wisdom embedded in metaphor. And how to recognize the ethical and spiritual instructions the Odù is offering—not just what may happen, but what must be done.

This is where divination becomes transformational. Where you move from information to wisdom. From prediction to empowerment.

And to deepen this art of interpretation even further, my books on Amazon offer extended teachings, verses, case studies, and mythic references for each Odù. They are the perfect resource for those who want to refine their ability to hear, interpret, and apply the divine messages of Ifá in everyday life.

By the end of this chapter, you will begin to trust what you hear. You will begin to see the patterns. And you will begin to speak with the voice of the tradition.

Interpretation is where intuition meets training. Where the sacred meets the personal.

Let us now learn to listen deeply.