Ogunda Meyi

Also called Baba Ogunda Meji, Oggunda Meji

nº 9 of 256 · Meyi · Edited by Ricco Ledesma

The kingdom of iron: the knife that splits the difference, justice that cuts straight, and the weeping that turns into laughter.

43 patakíes 10 eewó 15 ebbós and works 17 proverbs

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Ogunda Meyi is Odù number 9 of the 256 in Ifá, one of the 16 Meyi and the head of the Ogunda family. It is also written as Ogunda Meji or Baba Ogunda Meji or Oggunda Meji. This page brings together its prayer in Yoruba, 43 patakíes (3 in full in plain sight, with their teaching, ebbó and chants), its proverbs, 15 ebbós and works and the signs it shows in the consultation — with the full eewó in plain sight; the rest of the iré and osogbo and the full recipes open with The Notebook, in English.

The sign at a glance

Order in Ifá: Odù 9 of 256 · Meyi
Composition: Ogunda over Ogunda
In the Diloggún: 3-3 · Ogundá tonti Ogundá
Orishas that speak: Oggún · Obbatalá (Oshanlá) · Eshú (Elegbará) · Shangó · Oshosi · Yemayá · Oyá · Odduduwa · Oluo Popo (San Lázaro) · Oshún

What Ifá says in this sign

Ogunda Meyi, also known as Baba Ogunda Meji, rules iron. In this sign were born weapons and the art of war, surgery and the cesarean, the okpele that carries the messages of Ifá, and the path by which a mother can save her absent child with her ebbó. Here Obatalá split a fish into two halves to end a fight, and that is why the sign orders you to split the difference. Its ruling is one of victory: Ogunda Meyi defeats death, and what you lost comes back to your side and your weeping turns into laughter.

But iron cuts both ways. The children of this sign have a hard heart, distrust everyone and let themselves be carried away by fights. You must not carry weapons of any kind. An enemy watches you at night to attack you treacherously, and there is danger of unexpected assaults: they could beat you to rob you and even take your life. Do not go out at night. Stay away from any tie with a woman of the yellow race, a future queen of Death, and offer a he goat to Eshu. You have two wars, one in front and another behind your back, and a curse that must be cleansed. Do not do the favor they come to ask of you: in this sign people go to prison for helping the wrong person.

«Tears turn into laughter and what had been lost appears: this is how Oggunda speaks.»The pulse of Ogunda Meyi

In work and money, your good fortune depends on knowing how to use your head. They will come looking for you from another place where a fortune awaits you, and you have or will have a house of your own. You have a gift you must cultivate. When several people fight over something that cannot be divided, share it out fairly and you will win everyone's gratitude. If they give you a post, in good fortune you will carry it with ease; in bad fortune, it will be too big for you.

In love, women are your greatest help if you treat them with nobility and understanding; if not, your wife will grow tired and leave you alone. Be careful with the daughters of Oshún, who can leave you impotent. For the woman, this sign marks slavery: she may end up selling her body and destroying herself, and she must leave that path in time.

In health, the sign speaks of high blood pressure, peritonitis, ailments from the neck to the head, impotence and venereal diseases in men, and vaginal diseases in women. Fix your decayed teeth, which make your stomach sick and give you bad breath, and avoid alcohol. In due time receive Oluo Popo and Yewá against contagion, and seek the protection of Osain. If you stubbornly refuse the sacrifices that Ifá marks for you, you may end up taking your own life: carry them out, do not stay alone, speak with a trusted person and seek the help of a doctor or a professional. If you walk a straight path, the iron of Ogún works in your favor.

The sign in one line

Meet halfway instead of fighting, do not grant the favor that puts you at risk, and listen even to children, because in Oggunda tears turn into laughter and what was lost returns home.

The prayer of Ogunda Meyi · Yoruba

Ogunda Meji Ogunda siro owayolokun ashanla biriniwa Obatalá obataisa jekua Obá igbo odobaleni Ogún oriré yolorun. Oshosi Ogunda Meji eyeni eye oraruma okualorun obaralayuna tiwa Elegbará awalawa olowu shiwosi Orunmila kaye wario orun maferefun Odduduwa orugbo.

Súyere
Orosi baba kerere, baba kerere, baba kerere.

Proverbs of Ogunda Meyi · Òwe

“Weeping turns into laughter and what was lost appears.”
“If the machete goes to the field, whether it cuts grass or not, it returns to the house.”
“The hunter's wife does not shout without reason when the arrow hits the mark.”
“Knowing how to wait belongs to the wise.”
“If my head does not sell me, no one buys me.”
“From discussion, light is drawn.”
“Patience and benevolence go inside the chest of wealth.”
“Whoever honors Ifá will always have hope and security in his children.”
“The plant that is cut and transplanted reproduces just like its original trunk.”
“The sky is immense, but grass does not grow in it.”
“The knife that reaches old age still cuts the millet stalk.”
“Tragedy among three, Olofin splits the difference.”
“War breeds war.”
“When Ogún flares up, blood is shed.”
“A villainous woman strips a man bare.”
“The life of an Awó will be unprosperous the day the white heron lays black eggs.”
“When Ogún gets excited, the obó fills up.”

14 proverb interpretations in this Odù, locked.Every proverb explained: which road it comes from and how it applies.Unlock →

Iré and Osogbo

Three iré and three osogbo of this sign, open to everyone.

Iré · what the sign brings

They overcome death.
Their weeping turns into laughter, and what was lost reappears within four or five days.
If for twelve mornings they greet the sun and buy lottery tickets, luck comes to them.

Osogbo · what the sign warns

They suffer unexpected attacks: they may be beaten to be robbed and even killed.
An enemy watches them at night to attack them by treachery.
They suffer from high blood pressure, peritonitis and illnesses from the neck to the head.

46 more iré and osogbo readings in this Odù, locked.The rest of the iré and osogbo of the sign, sorted by subject — health, money, love, death, loss…Unlock →

What is born in Ogunda Meyi · Ìbí

Surgery, autopsy and birth by cesarean.
The iron that cuts in order to heal was born in this sign, along with every trade that cuts, chops and saws.
The science of war, weapons and iron.
It is the kingdom of iron and of every metal structure; the iron age was born.
The okpele, the messenger of Ifá.
From the tree that grew over the grave of Awó Foka, whose fruit split open telling the secret.
The words Eboru, Eboya, Eboshishe.
The boys told the old babalawos what was missing for the santo to come down.
The symbol of medicine.
The staff of Odduduwa with the snake Eyola coiled around it: the healing and the saving of the sick.
That it be the mother who makes the ebbó to save a child who is far away.
Yemayá got a reading for Inle and Oshosi, and the ebbó saved them without them being there.
Akaro Opa Okun, the Eggún spirit of Olokun.
The staff of the sea that lives next to Olokun and eats white rooster.
The man turned into a slave of Ogún's prenda.
That is why the child of this sign does not work with congo charms: what belongs to him is to receive Osain.
That Shangó watches everything that happens on the earth and in the seas.
From the pact of brotherhood between Shangó and Oggún.
The otí (liquor) and the erection of the penis.
This sign rules masculine strength, and also its excesses, which destroy it.

What is forbidden · Eewó

The full eewó of this Odù, open to everyone — with the road each ban came out of.

Do not carry weapons of any kind.
The Awó of this sign is the realm of iron: the weapon in his hand calls down misfortune and the law.
Do not eat breadfruit, rooster, yam, cassava, or lobster.
The lobster betrayed Orunmila in this sign; they are its food taboos.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages, even less those served by people you distrust.
They may put witchcraft (ogú) in your drink.
Do not cross or jump over pits or holes.
A mark of the sign: the pit is open for the one who jumps it.
Do not kill the boa (eyó).
The snake coiled around Odduduwa's staff is the salvation of the sick.
Do not go about with congo prendas.
Obbatalá cursed Oggún here for his witchcraft; what is proper is to receive Osain.
Do not go out into the street at night.
An enemy is watching you to attack you by treachery.
Do not do the favors that put you at risk.
You have done three favors that were not appreciated, and for a favor you may end up in prison.
Do not take up hunting or fishing as a profession.
An express prohibition for the Awó of this sign, neither of animals in the bush nor of fish in the water.
Do not reveal the secrets of Ifá or boast of what you have.
Toló lost everything twice by his indiscretion: his bad luck came through his tongue.

Ebbós of Ogunda Meyi · The sacrifices that open the road

MoneyThe lamp of Eggún for work🔒 The Notebook MoneyThe basket of obí of Orunmila🔒 The Notebook LoveThe fish cut in two (to end a dispute)🔒 The Notebook LoveEbbó to cure impotence🔒 The Notebook Keeping death awayOparaldo of Oggunda Meyi🔒 The Notebook Keeping death awayThe secret of the mat🔒 The Notebook LossBaths of Oyá against the curse (shepé)🔒 The Notebook LossThe crown of Oyá (so the crown fits well)🔒 The Notebook Overcoming enemiesThe knife of the board🔒 The Notebook Overcoming enemiesThe tied tongue of the enemy🔒 The Notebook

10 ebbós in this Odù, locked.Each full recipe: ingredients, preparation and where it goes.Unlock →

Works of Ogunda Meyi · The workings of the sign

MoneyThe greeting to the sun🔒 The Notebook HealthRogation of the three peppers🔒 The Notebook Keeping death awayThe fruits of Obbatalá (when children see shadows)🔒 The Notebook LossCleaning the house against the arayé🔒 The Notebook Overcoming enemiesThe three roosters to the anvil of Oggún🔒 The Notebook

5 works in this Odù, locked.Each full recipe: ingredients, preparation and where it goes.Unlock →

Patakíes of Ogunda Meyi · The roads of the Odù

1The wild horse the king sent to Orunmila

Orunmila arrived in a town ruled by a king. His good deeds soon gave him great fame, and that bothered the monarch. Removing him by force was not possible, because the people admired him, so the king decided to ruin his reputation.

While the king was plotting, Orunmila consulted the oracle and Oggunda Meyi came out. An ebbó was marked for him with a horse, a saddle, dolls of a man and a woman, two roosters and two doves. He did it and stayed waiting, because his Ifá had told him that people would come for him. The king ordered the wildest horse of the plains to be captured and invited Orunmila to a tribute for everything he had done for the town. To get him to the palace, he sent him that animal. Then he went up to the terrace and folded his arms, sure that he would see his guest fall to the ground.

What he saw left him speechless: Orunmila was coming on foot, leading the horse by the rein, while the crowd cheered him. The king asked: “How is it possible that he walked so far?” Orunmila answered: “My Ifá forbade me to ride on anything.” Then the king admitted his defeat: “I cannot deal with this man; he has won the sympathy of the people.” And he offered him an agreement: “In this town the two of us can live: you with religion and I with justice.”

What it teaches

An ebbó made in time protects from the traps that others set out of envy. Respecting what Ifá forbids, even when it seems a nuisance, is what keeps the position earned by good deeds.

Orunmila's ebbó

A horse, a saddle, dolls of a man and a woman, two roosters and two doves.

Prohibition of this path

Orunmila's Ifá forbade him to ride on anything. That prohibition is what defeated the king's trap.

2The Calabash and the Yam (Oyá's Weapons)

A dispute set the calabash and the yam against each other: each claimed to be the more useful to Orunmila. Both followed Oggunda Meyi to the place where Ifá is consulted. When the consultation was over, Orunmila ordered Oggunda to bury the calabash and keep the yam with him. Oggunda Meyi trusted his own strength, ignored that order and put both things under the ground.

A short time passed and in that spot a monstrous creature appeared and began to devour the inhabitants. Fear spread and Oggunda, beside himself, could find no way out. Along the road came Oyá, singing, beautiful, her body surrounded by pointed weapons.

Orunmila gave Oggunda a pair of hens and told him to take them to Oyá, who would know how to rescue him. In front of her, Oggunda passed the birds over his body to cleanse himself and offered them to her with a song. Oyá then gave him her weapons, and with them Oggunda defeated the monster.

That is why the calabash is planted in the Igbodu today and the yam is set aside for the awó, for his good fortune. In addition, the Oyá that the awó of this sign receives holds inside a charge of its own; here it is only mentioned, not described.

What it teaches

Setting aside an elder's advice out of overconfidence can create an evil greater than oneself. Going to Oyá with humility and with the proper offering returns the means to repair what was damaged.

Offering to Oyá

Two hens. With them the cleansing is done before Oyá and they are offered to her with a song.

Calabash and yam

The calabash is not carried along: it is planted in the Igbodu. The yam is kept for the awó, who receives it for his good fortune.

What Oyá sang as she came along the road

OYA GARA ILEU ALAMITA BEWE OBINI MESAN IDE OGUN OYA GARA ILEU WEREWE ASHE FORODO IKE.

What Oggunda sang as he offered the hens to Oyá

EYE ALAMI ELE ABEBO ADIE ADIE MAFUN ADIE OYA ELE MI OSI.

This path keeps 1 awó secret in the complete treatise.🔒 The Notebook

3Yemayá saves Inle and Oshosi

Inle and Oshosi were sons of Yemayá. Inle lived by fishing and worshiped Oru Ode Orun, who rules half of the world during the night; for that reason the best fishing happens in the dark. Oshosi was a hunter and served Wawa Todo Olo Orun, who rules the other half during the day; for that reason the best hunting is done in the light.

Yemayá lived worried about her sons' fortune and sang for them, asking that they return home with good luck. She had reason to fear: in this Ifá Arun Awala Ini was also born, tetanus, who pursued the two brothers. It hid inside the arrows and the fishhooks to finish off the sons of Yemayá.

So Yemayá went to see Oluo Shiwishi, a son of Obatalá. He consulted the Odù Oggunda Meyi for the two young men and, through their mother, made the ebbó for them without their being present. In this way they were saved.

That is why in this sign one can divine and make ebbó through the mother to save a son, even if he is not present.

What it teaches

A mother can reach an absent son with her ebbó and free him from danger. The trades that give a living hide risks that cannot be seen, and a mother's care reaches the place where they work.

Mother's ebbó for an absent son

In this path the divination and the ebbó are done through the mother to save a son, even if he is not present. This is what Oluo Shiwishi did for Inle and Oshosi.

What Yemayá sang for her sons

Baba karere, baba karere. (padre, que regresen a la casa con suerte) Erosi baba karere. (padre, cálmese y que regresen a la casa) Iyere opon. (ante el poder del polvo del mundo) (iyefá de Orunmila) Baba karere, baba karere, Erosi baba karere, Awata oniyo. (el que va a pescar los peces sagrados) Baba karere, baba karere, Erosi baba karere, Awaka omode. (el gran hijo de la caza)

4The staff and the snake (the symbol of medicine is born)🔒 The Notebook 5Ogún shuts Oluo Popo in the bush🔒 The Notebook 6The boys said what was missing🔒 The Notebook 7The quarrel over the fish (splitting the difference)🔒 The Notebook 8The metamorphosis of Ogún🔒 The Notebook 9The dog and the cat🔒 The Notebook 10The birth of the okpele🔒 The Notebook 11When Obatalá cursed Ogún🔒 The Notebook 12An Ifá of indiscretion (Toló and the secret given away)🔒 The Notebook 13The curse (the pact with the mother of the snakes)🔒 The Notebook 14The birth of Oshalufón (some boys gave him his name)🔒 The Notebook 15Ogún in chains and the secret of death of his machete🔒 The Notebook 16Shingun Shinloko guesses what the elephant was carrying🔒 The Notebook 17The birth of Akaró (the secret of Olokun)🔒 The Notebook 18The slave dancer🔒 The Notebook 19The shame of the king who forged iron🔒 The Notebook 20Where Olofin arrested the babalawos (Iború, Iboya, Iboshishe)🔒 The Notebook 21The road of the monster (the three marked arrows)🔒 The Notebook 22The serpent that received teeth from Obatalá🔒 The Notebook 23The teacher🔒 The Notebook 24When Ogún split the difference🔒 The Notebook 25When Ogún developed life (the link is never broken)🔒 The Notebook 26When Ogún sacrificed so as not to die🔒 The Notebook 27The children of Orunmila🔒 The Notebook 28How Orunmila populated the earth (Ogún, Olokun and Ule)🔒 The Notebook 29The divination for the tiger🔒 The Notebook 30The divination for the boa (the arrows of God)🔒 The Notebook 31The divination for Ode (the outside)🔒 The Notebook 32Osain defeats Death and Eji Oko keeps Epipayemi🔒 The Notebook 33The princess of two failed weddings arrives at Eji Oko's house🔒 The Notebook 34Eji Oko escapes from heaven with the wrong flag🔒 The Notebook 35The divination for Oyi (the mother of the twins)🔒 The Notebook 36Alamiyo, the hunter of ingratitude (the kingdom of Ibokun)🔒 The Notebook 37Oggunda Meyi deciphers the three wonders of the palace of Ifé🔒 The Notebook 38Aguofenla, the trap hunter (one good deed deserves another)🔒 The Notebook 39Oni and Ooni (how he got the name Oggunda Ja Meyi)🔒 The Notebook 40Aganmurere, the crown prince of Benin🔒 The Notebook 41The drum that saved Oyó🔒 The Notebook 42Ogunda Meyi heals the King of Death and frees thirty awó🔒 The Notebook 43The monkey and the wild boar🔒 The Notebook

40 more patakíes in this Odù, locked.Read every road in full with The Notebook.Unlock →

The full treatise is in English. With The Notebook, the whole sign opens on this page in English: the full text of every patakí, the recipes for the ebbós and works, and the iré and osogbo readings. · This page is also available in Spanish: See Ogunda Meyi in Spanish →

Frequently asked questions about Ogunda Meyi

What does the Odù Ogunda Meyi mean in Ifá?

The kingdom of iron: the knife that splits the difference, justice that cuts straight, and the weeping that turns into laughter.

What number is Ogunda Meyi among the 256 Odù of Ifá?

Ogunda Meyi is Odù number 9 of the 256 in Ifá, one of the 16 Meyi and the head of the Ogunda family.

Which orishas speak in Ogunda Meyi?

In the Odù Ogunda Meyi these orishas speak: Oggún, Obbatalá (Oshanlá), Eshú (Elegbará), Shangó, Oshosi, Yemayá, Oyá, Odduduwa, Oluo Popo (San Lázaro), Oshún.

What is a proverb of the Odù Ogunda Meyi?

One of the proverbs of Ogunda Meyi says: «Weeping turns into laughter and what was lost appears.».

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