Did You Know This About Libation in Igbo Culture?
In Igbo culture, libation, known as “itu mmanya n’ala” is a deeply sacred act. It’s not just about pouring a drink to the earth; it’s seen as a spiritual activity, which connects the living and their ancestors. But did you know that even the way the drink is served during this ritual carries important meaning?
In Igbo culture, every gesture in this process is meaningful, and even the hand you use carries deep spiritual symbolism. Let’s break this down.
🖐🏾 The Right Hand (Aka Ikenga) and Left Hand (Aka Ekpe/Ikpa)
In everyday conversation, we talk about the right hand and left hand without thinking much of it. But in Igbo mystical philosophy, both hands have deeper, energetic meanings tied to your destiny, Chi (personal spirit), and ancestral energies.
The right hand, in its sacred form, is called Aka Ikenga, this is your spiritual right hand, your hand of manifestation and personal power (will). It’s through Aka Ikenga that one takes bold actions, builds legacy, and expresses their spiritual strength.
The ordinary or physical right hand is called Aka Nni, and while it’s useful for daily activities like eating, it’s also an extension and physical manifestation of Aka Ikenga.
The left hand is traditionally known as Aka Ekpe or Aka Ikpa, but in Igbo mystical thought, it is also called Aka Chi (Eke) or Aka-Njiputa-Uwa, meaning the hand of spiritual recall or the hand that represents the passive potent void from which one came into this world.
While the right hand is active and outward (energetically positive), the left hand is passive and inward-facing (energetically negative). Keep in mind that despite the prevalent stigma on the left hand in today’s society, it is the prescribed hand used in Igbo secret societies and mystical rites due to its connection to potent or latent energies and ancestral mysteries.
Why All This Matters During Libation
When libation is performed, the symbolism of the hands remains important. You may have heard the saying:
“The right hand does not serve the left hand with hot drink.”
This is goes beyond etiquette, it reflects the sacred alignment of energies during spiritual rituals. A hot drink (like palm gin, or schnapps—nkwu oku) is served and handled with conscious intention.
In Igbo spiritual tradition, one does not use the right hand to serve the left hand with hot drink (nkwu oku). After any spiritual declaration is made with the drink, it is the right hand, which has been served by the left hand, that is used to pour the libation onto Aja Ani (the Earth), grounding the words and intention into sacred alignment.
Using the right hand (aka ikenga) to serve the left hand (aka ekpe) would be a reversal of sacred order, and can symbolize causing energetic confusion or misalignment.
The Earth Is Conscious In Igbo Culture
When the drink is poured on Aja Ani, it is not simply a symbolic act. In Igbo cosmology, Ani/Ana/Ala is the Earth Mother, the most significant Goddess in Igbo consciousness who witnesses and receives offerings and intentions, she adjudges all actions. Through her, ancestral energies are reached, and through her, balance is restored.
What’s the Takeaway?
Your hands are channels of spiritual power.
The right hand (Aka Ikenga) is used to activate, declare, and ground spiritual work.
The left hand (Aka Ekpe) is where latent potent energy resides, used in secret and mystical paths, but not typically used in open rituals like libation.
Never use the right hand to serve the left hand with hot drink, especially during libation.
Always pour with the right hand onto the earth (Aja Ani) to seal your intentions in divine order.
Understanding these simple yet powerful gestures helps preserve the sacred integrity of Igbo traditional spirituality and reminds us that nothing in ritual is ever random, every act is a doorway to deeper connection.
