Starting the Ifá Journey – What Readiness Really Feels Like
Written by Dr. Asanee Brogan, Ori Alignment Coach
Dr. Asanee Brogan is an Ori Alignment Coach, Ifá educator, and author. She is the founder of Asanee 44, a spiritual brand rooted in the Ifá tradition that offers lineage-based guidance and support through Ifá divination, Odu Ifá wisdom, and Ori-centered ancestral work. She is also the host of the African Spirit Reintegrated + Reimagined podcast.
Many people assume that starting their Ifá journey begins with curiosity, excitement, or a strong sense of desire. Sometimes, that pull comes through imagery or symbolism. Other times, it occurs in moments of urgency, when someone is facing financial problems, relationship challenges, or instability. During such times, they often desire relief. In these instances, interest alone can feel like readiness.
But being ready is not a declaration or a reaction to life’s challenges. Instead, it is an internal condition. Feeling drawn to the Ifá tradition does not automatically mean a person is prepared to integrate it into their life. What often happens at the beginning of an Ifá journey is tension between an individual’s interests and limitations. But this is not a clear signal to move forward.
This phase explains the pull to the tradition, not what to do about it. The unsettled feeling many people experience early on is often the first sign of internal realignment.
How to know when you’re ready for Ifá
Readiness does not feel urgent. When someone is prepared to begin their Ifá journey, they are not driven to do things right away or motivated only to fix a problem. The interest is present, but it does not feel frantic, all-consuming, or chaotic. There is room to slow down without feeling the need to ‘do something’ immediately.
At this stage, a person recognizes their need for structure, understanding, and empowerment along their journey. They understand that they don’t have to have all of the answers. However, they know that it’s vital for them to find the right sources to guide their path. They are willing to wait for this reality to manifest itself in due time.
Why a solid foundation is paramount
At the beginning of an Ifá journey, what’s most important is your foundation. People often arrive wanting answers, results, or immediate relief. Yet those impulses say very little about their ability to properly navigate or integrate into the tradition.
Once they have a solid foundation, their focus naturally shifts. There is less fixation on outcomes and more attention to understanding the tradition itself, its beliefs, its practices, and its demands. This is where discernment begins. Not because they have been told what to do, but because they recognize that without grounding, everything else is meaningless.
Why is it uncomfortable at the beginning
The beginning of an Ifá journey often feels uneasy, even when there are no external obstacles prohibiting your path. That discomfort usually comes from not yet understanding what the tradition is about. Many people approach Ifá through fragmented information, sensational imagery, or disjointed narratives.
When these elements fail to form a coherent understanding, frustration ensues. This anxiety is compounded by the reality that the Ifá tradition is still widely misunderstood and stigmatized. This leads to a decision shrouded in isolation and internal conflict.
These dynamics reflect that reorganization is needed. Familiar belief systems and ways of being feel unstable at this point. However, new structural frameworks grounded in traditional wisdom have not yet fully formed.
In this in-between space, proper orientation, education, and mentorship are essential. Without these devices, uncertainty often turns into anxiety or apathy. With them, this discomfort becomes a refined adjustment period.
What comes next on the path of Ifá
Once you feel ready to start your journey, the next step is orientation. This is when you begin to understand the full essence of the Ifá tradition, its lineage expressions, and how they function. Through this foundation, you gain a deeper understanding of where you fit within the vast framework.
From there, Ifá-based educational grounding is crucial. Through a sound learning framework, you gain deeper insight into the structure of the tradition. You learn what it is and what it isn’t. This enhances your sense of agency as you acquire the tools and resources to ‘speak the language’ of the tradition. Even more, Ifá mentorship supports this process by providing you with greater context and human connection.
This is what we provide at Asanee 44. Our platform exists to support individuals at every stage of their Ifá journey. So, if you feel called to the tradition, explore the vast Ifá journey resources we provide at Asanee 44 to get started.
Read more from Dr. Asanee Brogan
Dr. Asanee Brogan, Ori Alignment Coach
Grounded in years of study and practice within the Yoruba-based Ifá tradition, Dr. Asanee Brogan creates accessible learning resources. These tools guide individuals toward ancestral reconnection and Ori alignment. Through Asanee 44, she provides Ifá divination, rituals, products, courses, and more that honor African spirituality with authenticity and cultural integrity.
