Ose Odi (Oshe Di)

Olofin (The Supreme Being) sent three rains upon the earth. With the first rain, precious stones, jewels, diamonds, etc., fell. Everyone went out to collect these riches except for Orunmila (The Orisha of Wisdom). The people said: "How foolish he is; he could make himself rich."

With the second rain, a great deal of money fell. Everyone went out to collect it except for Orunmila, and the people said: "How foolish he is; he does not take the money, and without it, one cannot live."

The third rain fell, and with it an infinity of spears, bows, arrows, and knives. No one went out to collect them, but Orunmila went out and gathered them all. The people commented: "Why would he want those? They are useless."

Later, a portion of those who had collected the jewels, diamonds, and money squandered their riches. They began to threaten those who still had their wealth stored, intending to take it from them. In order to avoid losing what they possessed, those with riches went to Orunmila's house to buy the weapons he had gathered. Orunmila sold the weapons to them and, in doing so, became rich.

Nota (Glossary and Ceremonial Significance): Olofin -- the Supreme Being, the manifestation of God who interacts directly with the Orishas and humanity. Orunmila -- the Orisha of wisdom, destiny, and the master of the Ifá oracle. Patakín -- a sacred parable or legend used in the Ifá tradition to illustrate the meaning of a divination sign. The Symbolism of the Weapons -- the spears and knives represent Ebbó (sacrifice/ritual work) and the "tools" given by Ifá. While others seek "easy money," the initiate seeks the tools to defend their destiny. The story emphasizes that the "weapons" of Ifá (knowledge and ritual) are what provide true and lasting stability.