If you are interested in following the path of Orisha, there are things you need to do...

I would say, first and foremost. Do not hurry. My advice always is to start with a connection to your ancestors and spirit guides. Those that have made the time to connect, are

better equipped to find the right home for themselves spiritually. Developing that connection requires, time and dedication but it is worth it. Going into a path that requires a degree of blind faith is not recommended without a connection and guidance from those that love

you the most and want the best for you. May your own ancestors and spirit guides you. How does one do that?...You may ask. There are various ways and resources in the Nigeria and online, but I would say that it is important to build some kind of ancestor altar in your home.

Visiting a Diviner and having a reading. Finding a reputable Diviner of Ifa can be a necessary step. It may be the first time that will connect you with IFA and you may find it is a comfortable experience or you may find that it is not for you. Some people come

only once to the divining mat. They take on board the advice and it serves them for that moment in time. Others may come on a regular basis and may never have to receive anything but may find that visits to a Diviner helps them on their journey. It is certain that with

regular divinations comes more of a connection to yourself as a person and also to Orisha. If you have not yet begun a practise of connecting to your ancestors, more than likely this will come up in a reading, so I really recommend to visit the above advise first.

Going to any Diviner, does NOT commit you to their Ile (house of Worship). You should never feel pressured by any Diviner to become committed to them as Godparent. Choosing a godparent, should take time and building up a relationship should also take time. The reason

why there are so many fractured Orisha families is usually because of the lack of time taken to get to know one another, and also the fact that many relationships are long distance, which is very difficult to maintain...

Finding a Godfather and Orisha house.

Firstly, you need to be clear about which of the Orisha youu want to commit to or you feel is calling you. I am a IFA priest and I am proud of my lineage. When you choose your godfather, you are also choosing to belong to a lineage and a way of doing things.

It is important to realise and be conscious of the fact that it is a community based practise and receiving Orisha/Elekes that is taking on the responsibility of belonging to a house and a lineage. Things may change and at any point in time, you may feel that

the initial house where you were introduced to Orisha may not be the house for you but this is why it is important to take baby steps and not to hurry before you make any commitments. Getting to know people before asking them to represent you within the religion is

really important. Taking your time and being open to helping within the Ile (house) is a good starting point. Seeing how you feel within the Ile (house), how friendly people are and welcoming, and generally how you fit in, is important.

Be aware that there are houses that work with Ifa (whose priests are known as Babalawos) and houses that don’t work with Ifa. Each way is fine; however I would beware of houses that are extremely anti one path or another. Fanaticism is never a good thing. Ideally,

there should be mutual respect between different lineages/houses and ways of doing things. Educate yourself and understand that there are roles that Babalawos have that Olorishas don’t have and vice versa. Understand that you can have multiple through

Godfather within this religion. You can have for example a Godfather of Ifa, but within the domain of olorisha, and if you are destined to become crowned, you need to be represented by an Olorisha.