BELIEFS OF THE YORUBA

Did you know that Yoruba cosmology encompasses a multitude of intriguing concepts, with the notion of multiple dimensions being an integral component of its spiritual and metaphysical framework?

In Yoruba belief, the universe is broadly divided into two main realms:

(1). Aiyé – the physical world, where humans, animals, and visible life exist.

(2). Òrun – the spiritual or invisible realm, where deities (Òrìṣà), ancestors, and other spiritual beings reside.

However, this dichotomy is not absolute. Òrun itself is often considered multilayered, comprising various levels or zones that house diverse entities, ranging from divine beings to ancestral spirits to less benevolent forces. The boundaries between these realms are fluid, and spiritual practitioners like babaláwo (priests of Ifá) can communicate across them, particularly during rituals, divination, and trance states.

The Yoruba also believe in reincarnation (Atunwa) and destiny (Ayànmó)—concepts that imply a soul’s journey across lifetimes and realms. Prior to birth, it is said that a soul chooses its destiny in Òrun before descending to Aiyé.

Òrìṣà and Their Dimensions

Each Òrìṣà is not merely a deity but a force of nature, a guardian of cosmic principles, and a ruler of different "realms." For instance, Òrúnmìlà governs wisdom and divination and has access to all dimensions of time and space. Èṣù is the divine messenger and keeper of the crossroads between Òrun and Aiyé.

The Soul’s Journey: Ori, Ayànmó, and Atunwa

This touches on how every soul (through Ori, the personal divinity) chooses a destiny (Ayànmó) before being born. If a soul fails to fulfill that destiny in one life, it can return (Atunwa), often within the same family line.

Ifá Divination and the Dimensions of Knowledge

The Ifá corpus (through the Odu Ifá) is akin to a spiritual database. Babaláwo can access it to diagnose problems, reveal destinies, and guide people using knowledge from multiple dimensions.

Realms Within Òrun (The Invisible World)

Òrun is not a single "heaven" but a multidimensional realm with layers: Òrun Rere (the realm of good spirits and ancestors), Òrun Apadi (a place of wandering or unresolved spirits), and others.