Babalawos

Babalawo is a term from the Yoruba language used to designate a male priest and diviner within the Ifá religious tradition. The word combines baba (father) and awo or awó (one who knows), commonly interpreted as “father of the secrets” or “father of Ifá knowledge.” Babalawos are central to the Ifá system, serving as custodians of its oracle, verses, and ritual practices.

Training and role. Becoming a babalawo typically involves long apprenticeship and initiation under an established teacher. A trained babalawo memorizes and interprets the Ifá corpus, a canonical body of 256 odu (odú Ifá) plus associated verses, proverbs, and stories. Divination is performed with tools such as the Opele chain or sacred palm nuts (ikin Ifá), which help determine a client’s destiny and necessary remedies. In a session, the babalawo interprets the signs, advises on actions, and prescribes spiritual remedies, offerings to Orisha or ancestors, and, when needed, herbal preparations or rites.

Cultural context and influence. Babalawos are a defining figure in Yoruba religious life and in diasporic communities linked to Ifá, such as Regla de Ocha (Santería) in Cuba and Candomblé in Brazil. They may conduct initiations, cleansing rituals, divination clinics, and community ceremonies, acting as trusted counselors and ritual specialists. While the practice varies regionally, the core role of a babalawo is to interpret Ifá, provide guidance, and maintain the continuity of Ifá knowledge within their lineage.

See also. Ifá, Orisha, Odu Ifá, divination.