Ifa Initiation & How much it Costs in Africa and USA

Ifa initiation, also known as Itefa or Itelodu, is a sacred and transformative process rooted in the rich Yoruba Isese spiritual tradition. This ancient process marks the beginning of a formal and deeper relationship with Orunmila, the Orisha of wisdom and divination, and can truly change your life for the better.
Ifa initiation integrates spiritual, ancestral, psychological, cultural, and social elements to tap the soul and align with the divine self. Through the process you will discover the Odu that guides your life, offering orientations, sacrifices, medicines, taboos, and behaviors that will positively transform your existence. This information will help you to better navigate your life by knowing what to focus on and how to avoid potential pitfalls that may undermine your progress. This initiation ceremony last for 3-17 days but it is really an intense internal journey that will continue for a year or more after the ceremony. After that initial period, it is a lifelong process of personal development, healing, and elevation. It is not for the superficial or faint hearted. It will take you through a complete transformational process forcing your personal growth.

Improve the Quality of your Life
Through this process, things that may have been challenging can often be achieved. Ifa is not magic, but is an elevation that can bring stability and support in all areas of your life.
Discover Your Divine Path in Life
Learn your taboos, what is compatible with your destiny, and more. Gain insights into your life's blueprint, including compatible professions, relationships, and future prospects.
Receive Spiritual Guidance and Protection:
Connect with Orunmila and Olodumare, gaining spiritual protection and guidance to navigate life's complexities.
Healing and Transformation
Heal from dis ease and trauma at the root of the condition. Ifa has literally saved lives.
Transform Your Character, Ascension, and Wisdom:
Ifa initiation is about becoming a changed person, both in character and wisdom. It serves as a compass to steer through life's ocean, bringing comfort and avoiding hardship. Become a Priest/ Priestess
For those specifically called, one can begin training to become a professional priest. After training, you would be known as a Babalawo or Iyanifa.
Achieve Spiritual Rebirth:
After Ifa initiation, you are encouraged to re-initiate yourself by cultivating good habits, seeking knowledge, and being more prudent and thoughtful.

How much does Ifa Orisa Initiation cost?

Initiation into the Ifa/Orisa tradition is a profound and complex undertaking, far beyond a simple ceremony. It involves numerous participants, specialized imported materials, animals, and significant time commitment, typically lasting several days (5-7, sometimes 3 or as many as 17). This intensive process requires the dedicated presence of priests and support staff, often involving travel and time off for these individuals. The combined effort focuses on the initiate's elevation, healing, and spiritual growth, creating a uniquely personal and transformative experience.

Given the rising costs associated with initiation, it's understandable to seek clarification on the financial aspects. While discussing costs can be sensitive, transparency helps prevent misunderstandings and fosters appreciation for the resources, manpower, and intricate work involved. Many initiates may underestimate the extensive preparations and expenses required.

The following chart provides a GENERAL overview of POTENTIAL initiation costs, categorized by location (Africa vs. America). It's crucial to remember these are ESTIMATES and actual costs can vary significantly based on location, the specific Orisa, the individual Ile (house/temple) and Oluwo (priest), and the length and elaborateness of the ceremony. While initiation fees in Africa may appear lower due to the cost of living and access to local resources, additional expenses such as plane ticket , visas, tips, etc, can make the overall cost comparable to initiations performed in the United States. Post initiation education and Ebos also should be considered when examining cost. Many initiate in Africa but do not have dedicated teachers to actually train them in the diaspora.

Important Note: The total estimated costs do not necessarily represent the final fee charged by the Oluwo. The chart encompasses the full range of potential expenses, including travel, lodging, offerings (dash/tips), ritual attire, and other variables. Some of these costs might be included in the Oluwo's fee, while others may be the responsibility of the initiate. The purpose of this chart is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the financial considerations involved.

Initiation cost download pdf

A detailed, itemized explanation of this chart is available as a separate PDF document for further clarification. This document will break down each cost category and provide more context for the figures presented in the chart. The duration of the initiation, which can range from a minimum of 3 days to more elaborate ceremonies lasting 7-17 days, will also be reflected in the final price quoted. Longer, more elaborate initiations will naturally incur higher costs.

ASHE Soul Fees for Ifa Initiation
To make it affordable for those who need it we have a sliding scale with averages around 7200.00 USD for 5 Days. This includes

Fees for all priests and support workers involved for the period of days required.
All preliminary divinations
Preparations for shrine and other materials, supplies
Transportation to and from the Airport
Meals for all Initiation Days
Lodging at the temple during Initiation days
The consecrated shrine/shrines of the Orisa initiated into
Tools for the Orisa
Training Program on your Orisa and how to take care of your shrines and personal rituals to empower you.
The consecrated ide and eleke,
A consultation with 3 or more Awos on your ita

Ebo for your Ita,
Follow up Ebos for 7, 17,, 27 and 90 day
A written report of your ita and pertinent information to you as an Initiate,
A Photo album of your experience
The necessary animals required,
The ewe or herbs required,

Payment Assistance Programs
We are able to offer payment assistance in the following ways:
-Apply for scholarship grant for reduced fees based on low income, dependents, disability, senior citizen , special circumstances, or divination.

Pay later emergency initiation based on divination
-Take advantage of Payment Plan-- Put your initiation on LAY A WAY! Up to 16 months to pay
-Buy now, Pay later: For those who qualify for financing .
To get started and to see what you qualify for, Fill out our application and we will follow up with you.