Online Reference For Body, Mind & Spirit

Term: Babalawo

DEFINITION:
Title for a diviner priest of high rank within the Santería and Ifá community that means “Father of Mysteries.” The “mysteries” refer to the wide knowledge they possess about their divination systems and about the Spiritual Forces that surround us. They are the only ones that have the authority to consult Orunmila, Orisha of Divination and Witness of Destiny, through their ritual implements, such as Ikin Ifá (palm nuts), Opele (divining chain), and Opon Ifa (divining tray).
AUTHOR:  Chris Lee