Afa language, used primarily for divination and spiritual consultation in Igbo spirituality, consists of specific terminologies that usually differ from everyday (demotic) Igbo words. Knowing these Afa words and their regular Igbo and English equivalents can provide deeper insight into your cultural and spiritual practices as an Odinani practitioner. This post provides a detailed look at the sixteen strings of ‘elilie afa’ which are as follows: Aka, Akwu, Agali (Aghali), Atulukpa, Ete, Ijite (Ogwute), Obala, Oha (Ora), Okala (Okara), Ose, Obi (Ogbi), Odii, Ofu, Oghele/Ogeli/Ogoli/Ogholi, Otule, and Ululu.

Please keep in mind that this post offers basic insights for understanding. Also keep in mind that Afa language may have deeper contextual interpretations, depending on usage and specific nuances as applied by expert mystics.

16 Afa Words With Their Regular Igbo & English Terms

1. Aka

Ordinary Igbo: Ijem | Njem
English: Journey
Explanation: "Aka" in Afa signifies a journey or a path, similar to "ijem/njem" in regular Igbo, symbolizing one’s process or progression in life or spirituality.

2. Akwu

Ordinary Igbo: Ihe kwu otu ebe | Onodu | Ino ofu | Isiko
English: Something standing still | Stillness | Patience | Staying in one place
Explanation: "Akwu" denotes something that is stationary or stable, it symbolizes steadiness or a lack of movement.

3. Agali/Aghali

Ordinary Igbo: Ikenga | Ezi gbali mkpi ato
English: Ikenga | Strength | Three joined roads
Explanation: In both Afa and ordinary Igbo, "Ikenga" refers to a symbol of strength, achievement, and success, usually represented by a carved wooden figure.

4. Aturukpa or Atunukpa or Atulukpa

Ordinary Igbo: Ndi Oyibo | Akwa | Udo | Ife e kedolu
English: Europeans | Cloth | Udo deity | Something that is tied up
Explanation: In Afa, "Aturukpa" can refer to Europeans or cloth or Udo, symbolizing foreign influences on a situation.

5. Ete

Ordinary Igbo: Ihe mbelede
English: Sudden event | Vibration
Explanation: "Ete" describes an unexpected or sudden occurrence, indicating surprise or abrupt changes.

6. Ijite or Ogwute

Ordinary Igbo: Okpololo ezi | Okpolo uzo | Owa
English: Main road | Natural wave | Path
Explanation: "Ijite" signifies the main road, representing a major path or route, usually used in divinations to indicate a significant life direction.

7. Obala

Ordinary Igbo: Oba | Ihe di n'ife | Ife ghere oghe | Ndi Enuagu | Amagu
English: Contraction | An unhidden object | Something open | Enagu | Amagu people
Explanation: "Obala" refers to something visible or not hidden.

8. Ora

Ordinary Igbo: Oku | Ife na-eke eke | Ubosi Eke | Agu-Nkwo (Agu-Nkwo-Eze-Ututu) |Nzu
English: Fire | Something that shines | Eke day | The hawk form of Agwu | Conqueror of the mornings | White clay
Explanation: "Ora" signifies light, representing cosmic light or something that stands out, shines bright.

9. Okala

Ordinary Igbo: Ihe kpogala akpoga | Ihe zogali azoga
English: Astride | Something wide | Something that was fought over
Explanation: "Okala" describes something wide or spread out, it can indicate breadth or expansiveness.

10. Ose

Ordinary Igbo: Anya | Ihe ghere oghe
English: Eye | Something open | Portal | Potency
Explanation: "Ose" means eye, symbolizing vision, perception, and divine insight.

11. Obi or Ogbi

Ordinary Igbo: Ojije | Ogiga | Igba izu
English: Movement | Dialogue | Finding a solution
Explanation: "Obi" or "Ogbi" indicates movement or travel, signifying progress or changes in one's life or spiritual journey.

12. Odii

Ordinary Igbo: Neeli | Ndeli | Abani
English: Midnight | Darkness | Night
Explanation: "Odii" represents midnight, a time associated with deep spiritual activities or transitions.

13. Ovu or Ofu

Ordinary Igbo: Otu ihe | Afufu | Oru
English: One | Suffering | Work
Explanation: "Ovu" denotes the concept of one or unity, indicating singularity or wholeness.

14. Ogele or Ogoli or Ogheli

Ordinary Igbo: Nwaanyi | Onye na-aku ota | Iku ota
English: Woman | Someone that complains | Complaint | Absolution
Explanation: "Ogele" or "Ogheli" refers to women, it symbolizes the feminine aspect or female presence in various contexts.

15. Otule

Ordinary Igbo: Okwu | Ikpe
English: Speech | Arbitration | Case | Trouble (disputed issue)

Explanation: "Otule" refers to speech or spoken words, it symbolizes communication and expression.

16. Ululu

Ordinary Igbo: Ihe kpodolu akpodo
English: Hooked | Principle of gravity | Anchoring or Pinpointing
Explanation: "Ululu" describes something hooked or attached, it symbolizes a strong connection or attachment.

In Conclusion

Knowing and understanding these Afa words and their regular Igbo and English equivalents not only improves one's knowledge of Igbo spirituality but also deepens the appreciation for the intricate language and symbolism within the culture. These words play important roles in divination, rituals, and daily spiritual practices, which illustrate the connection between language, spirituality, and life in Igbo society.