When one makes IFA, one becomes a priest of Orunla. This ceremony is reserved for those elected by Orunla. This is usually determined when one receives Awofaca. Orunla will state that this person must go on to become a priest of Ifa and receive the other "hand" of Orunla. Since our tradition is afro-cuban, only men are initiated into the mysteries of Ifa. However, we do not critizise or condemn what others do in this respect. We simply feel compelled to follow the rules of the traditions in which we were born. Orunla is the Orisha of divination. he is like the secretary of Olofi, that transmits Olofi's wishes to mankind using the divination system of Ifa.
The Oluos and Babalawos use the Ekuele for simple divination processes and consultations. This is a chain that has eight pieces of coconut shell or a special seed that has been split, inserted at various points on the chain. Ifa was the first computer, because the divination system works on a binary system. When the diving chain is thrown, there are 256 combinations that can arise. Babalawos and Oluos are constantly studing, since the volume of knowledge relating to the Orduns or patterns is very extensive. The divination system also is performed using the ikines or special palm nuts that represent Orunla. By "beating the palm nuts" or passing the ikines from one hand to another, the "letters" of Ifa are derived. Several Babalawos must be present for this, to assure that no mistake is accidentally made. This method is used when very important and specific knowledge is needed such as determining the guardian angel of a person. Not everyone is destined to become Oluo or Babalawo. Some initiates must dedicate themselves to working with the Orishas by making the Saint on others. There are those who are spiritual mediums, in which the dead take possession of them, and these persons usually are not destined as priests of Ifa.
The ceremonies of Ifa are different when one is made a Babalawo. They have their own mysteries that are not related to those of making the Saint. Needless to say, details of this initiation cannot be given. One must walk through that door to understand.