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The right leg is the principal one and is read first; the left is the secondary (witness). — Bascom, Ifá Divination; Encyclopedic Treatise of Ifá.
Odu #141 · Omo Odu (Odu Combinado)
Ogunda Otura
"Ogunda and Otura: be content with what Olofin has given you and do not curse for want, for there are those in a worse condition."
Numerology
22 (synthesis of 9 with 13)
Elements
Iron - Strength | Earth - Stability | Synthesis — Integration of forces
Sacred Colors
Dark green (forest, wild nature) and Grey (endurance) (a combination of the energies of both Odus)
Symbolic reading — interpretation, not attributed to the Treatise.
Also known as: Ogunda Tura · Ogunda Otua · Oguda Otura · Oguda Otua
What is the Odu Ogunda Otura
Ogunda Tetura is the Ifá in which religious weariness and the slave trade were born, in which Ile Koro, the city of the spirits, speaks, and in which Xangô, out of shame, hanged himself, accompanied by his faithful servant Abá.
Meaning
In the Tratado, Ogunda Tetura warns against growing weary within religion, for here religious weariness is born and one tends to abandon the saints and to renounce the godfather. It is an Ifá of ups and downs which, in great troubles, brings the temptation to attempt against one's own life; for this reason it commands not to despair, to make rogations, and not to curse for want, remembering that others are in a worse condition. It forbids carrying things on the head and on the back, keeping birds caged, and killing butterflies.
Sacred Profile
Symbolic reading — interpretation, not attributed to the Treatise.
Numerology: 22 (synthesis of 9 with 13). This number resonates in the energy of this Odu, guiding the seeker in understanding the cycles and vibrations that govern this path.
Elements: Iron - Strength | Earth - Stability | Synthesis — Integration of forces. The sacred elements establish the bridge between the material and spiritual worlds, offering tools of balance and transformation.
Sacred Colors: Dark green (forest, wild nature) and Grey (endurance) (a combination of the energies of both Odus). The colors of this Odu carry specific vibrations that can be used in rituals, clothing, and environments to harmonize with its energy.
Qualities: Strength, Endurance, Integration, Synthesis, Dynamic balance. These qualities represent the inner forces that the seeker can cultivate to walk in alignment with the wisdom of this Odu.
✦ Recommendations
Do not grow weary of religion nor renounce the godfather; make rogations continually, for it is an Ifá of ups and downs. Be content with what Olofin has given you and do not curse for want, thinking of those who are worse off and still struggle to live. Give a white dove to Olofin from your own head, take great care of Ogum and of Xangô, and place in the home a long white, yellow and black banner. Release the birds from their cages and preserve the butterflies.
⚠ Cautions
This is an Ifá of ups and downs which, in moments of great difficulty, may bring thoughts of giving up on one's own life — the Odu itself commands not to despair, to make rogations and to seek support. Do not curse for want. Do not carry weight on your head nor on your back, because of ailments of the metatarsus. No one holds you in regard; do not live as a slave to the family nor hold property in your name. The woman makes you jealous because you do not attend to her, devoting yourself to revelry or to other women.
This Odu describes tendencies and possible paths to work on — not a fixed destiny or a guaranteed prediction.
Ire
The serenity of the one who is content with what Olofin has given them and does not curse for want, and the rogations that sustain them through the ups and downs; the care of Ogum and Xangô that wards misfortune away from the family.
Osogbo
The religious weariness that makes one abandon the saints and renounce the godfather, the slavery and the helplessness of the one whom no one holds in regard; the ups and downs which, without rogation, bring the thought of attempting against one's own life.
Context and study of the 256 Odus
Ogunda Otura belongs to the full corpus of the 256 Odus of Ifá, a body of oral and written wisdom spanning centuries across the African diaspora and the Americas. Understanding this Odu means placing energies, archetypes, and sacred narratives in relation to the opele, divination, and a life practice guided by balance. The philosophical reading offered on this page does not replace initiation with a Babalawo or Iyanifa, but it deepens respect for the tradition and supports structured study for those who learn with humility.
In Ifá texts, the name Ogunda Otura appears in prayers, ebo, and songs; its energy is tied to cycles of transformation and to relationship with the land, the Orishas, and community. Comparing this Odu with its root Meji and related Odus helps you recognize patterns of Irê and Osogbo that recur through life and everyday choices.
The Ifá Wisdom digital library brings together all 256 paths with epithets, essence, synthesis, and practical guidance. By exploring this page and the full library, you build a foundation for meditation, spiritual journaling, and ethical follow-up—with explicit gratitude to Yoruba culture and its guardians.
Irê, Osogbo, and reading Ogunda Otura
In any Odù, Irê points to blessings and positive affinities; Osogbo highlights challenges and adjustments. Reading this Odu invites integrated reflection on relationships, work, emotional health, and purpose. Ifá asks for patience, right speech, and—when prescribed by an initiated priest—ebo and disciplines of conduct.
When you use the Ifá oracle with artificial intelligence on this platform, you receive a philosophical and educational interpretation: a learning bridge, not a priestly ritual. Keep that distinction to honour the tradition and the role of Babalawos and Iyanifas.
Ethics, respect, and continuing study
Ifá Wisdom is a multilingual educational service. We combine careful documentation of the Odus with the awareness that the living oracle belongs to the communities that preserve it. We do not promise cures, material guarantees, or a substitute for initiatory counsel.
To explore Ogunda Otura in depth, browse the library of 256 Odus, the Odu of the day, and—if you wish—a contextual consultation in the oracle—always respecting your autonomy and the culture of origin.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Odu Ogunda Otura mean?+
What is the central message of Ogunda Otura?+
What are the Irê and Osogbo of Ogunda Otura?+
Sources consulted
- Tratado Enciclopédico de Ifá, section Ogunda Otura (Ogunda Tetura)
Written by
- Pablo de Lima (Awofakan)
- Thaiana de Lima (Ikofá)
A couple initiated in Ifá in the Cuban lineage — Regla de Ocha / Ifá.
Meet the authors →Notice: This platform is an educational and cultural tool. Consultations are intended for reflection and contemplation, drawing on ancestral Yoruba wisdom. They do not replace professional medical, psychological, legal or financial advice, nor an in-person consultation with an initiated priest.