SEASHELL DIVINATION

Seashells are another wonderful way to practise your divination skills in a natural setting. If you are lucky enough to live near the seaside then this combined with the sounds of the waves and the peaceful, meditative landscape could be the right setting to learn this form of divination.

COWRIE SHELL DIVINATION

Cowrie shells have been used for centuries in parts of Africa for divination. However, they were also used by astrologers in Kerala in India. The shells are said to be the doorway through which we can access the wisdom of our ancestors. Some say that they resemble a half-open eye. Others believe that they resemble female genetalia so therefore are symbolic of fertility.

They are associated with sexuality, femininity, rebirth, abundance, creation and protection.

OBI DIVINATION

Obi divination originates in West Africa. It gives a straightforward yes or no answer. This system uses just four shells which represent the past, future, male and female.

The following interpretations are from https://originalbotanica.com/blog/cowrie-shell-divination-obi-diloggun

Cowrie shells can fall either up/open or down/closed. It is possible for sixteen different outcomes to occur. These possible outcomes are grouped into five answers. They are:

Alafia: four mouth-up cowries

This is the most blessed of responses. Alafia is a “Yes” to whatever you asked about — and you may be gifted with more than you wished for or your desires may come to fruition sooner than you hoped. Alafia means "peace." It represents all of the light that is available and able to assist you. Although this is a very positive answer, it still requires one more throw of the cowries if you want to see exactly how stable and long-lasting this "yes" might be.

Etawa: three mouth-up, one mouth-down cowries

A "Maybe". Etawa is not a definite response. One has turned against three others. Therefore while three say yes, there is an element of dispute in the answer. If you need a quick answer, Etawa leans to a “yes”. However, it is not a definitive answer. Like Alafia, when you get Etawa, it is advisable to make another throw.

Ejife: two mouth-up, two mouth-down

This is an unequivocal “Yes”. The balance between light and dark indicates a definite affirmative answer. Once you have this perfect yes there is no further need for interpretation or a re-toss of the shells.

Okanran: one mouth-up, three mouth-down

“No.” What you asked will not. Okanran is a firm no. Three have teamed up against one. The strong level of opposition is an indication that much work is needed before the blessings in question could come to fulfillment.

Oyekun: 4 mouth-down cowries This is a very strong “No”. If you receive this reading, you may want to consider participating in a spiritual cleansing in order to clear away the negativity that surrounds this issue in your life. Oyekun represents total darkness and the spirits of the dead can speak through this answer.

DILOGGUN DIVINATION

Diloggun is practised by the Orishas and has a set of 21 shells. Odu refers to the patterns that fall when doing a reading.

The following are the outcomes that can be determined by a throw;

• Okana (one mouth up)

• Eji Oko (two mouths up)

• Ogunda (three mouths up)

• Irosun (four mouths up)

• Oche (five mouths up)

• Obara (six mouths up)

• Odi (seven mouths up)

• Eji Ogbe (eight mouths up)

• Osa (nine mouths up)

• Ofun (ten mouths up)

• Owani (eleven mouths up)

• Ejila Shebora (twelve mouths up)

• Metanla (thirteen mouths up)

• Merinla (fourteen mouths up)

• Marunla (fifteen mouths up)

• Merindilogun (sixteen mouths up)

• Opira (no mouths up)