Orula, The Master Fortune Teller

Some Patakís relate the existence of Orula both in heaven and on earth. In his earthly incarnation, he is commonly considered the brother of Eleguá, Changó and Ogún, and a descendant of Obatalá and Yemú (Yembó). When Ogún disgraced himself by attempting to have sexual relations with his own mother, Obatalá's anger was so intense that he ordered the death of all his male offspring. Those who were mature enough, like Ogún and Eleguá, left home, but Eleguá, ever vigilant, remained vigilant of affairs at Obatalá's residence. When Changó was born, Eleguá foresaw the danger if Obatalá discovered the sex of the child, so he quickly took him to the house of his older sister, Dada, entrusting her with the responsibility of raising the baby.

Some time later, Orula came into the world, and once again, Eleguá hurriedly took the infant. Not knowing what to do, he buried the child at the foot of a ceiba tree, providing him with daily sustenance to prevent him from dying of hunger. As time went by, Obatalá fell seriously ill. Recognizing Changó's abilities as a healer, Eleguá sought him out to cure his sick father. Changó made a miraculous recovery, prompting Eleguá to take the opportunity to beg Obatalá's mercy for Orula. At Eleguá's request, Obatalá agreed and, to commemorate the forgiveness, Changó cut down the Ceiba tree and made a magnificent divination board with its wood, imparting the secrets of divination to Orula. This marked Orula's ownership of the até (wooden divination board) and her exclusive authority to manage the Ifá oracle. Thus, Orula's closest companions became her brothers, Changó and Eleguá. Orula occupies a prominent place in several patakís, where he is represented married to Ochún or Yemayá. One narrative suggests that Yemayá acquired the art of divination (with cowrie shells) by clandestinely observing Orula from behind a door.

Orula embodies wisdom and serves as a formidable healer, using herbs and roots to relieve ailments. Her symbolic colors are yellow and green, reflected in her eleke (bead necklace) composed of alternating yellow and green beads. People who have received Orula's protection through Orula's hand or Orula's cofá wear a simple bracelet of yellow and green beads on their left wrist to protect against premature death. Orula possesses the knowledge of the moment of death destined for each individual, ensuring that those adorned with her idé (bracelet) on their left wrist avoid premature death. It also offers protection against mental afflictions and madness.

In Catholicism, Orula is syncretized with Saint Francis of Assisi, celebrated on October 4. It is customary on this day for the godchildren of a Babalawo to visit and present offerings, such as two coconuts and two candles, as a sign of respect to Orula. At home, Osún is often placed alongside Orula as a protective guardian. Those initiated with Orula's cofá or mano traditionally pay formal homage to Orula monthly, typically during the new moon phase. Offerings of red palm oil and honey are made, accompanied by the lighting of two candles while prayers and special requests are whispered. While some lineages designate Sunday as Orula's day, in other traditions each day has a meaning to honor Orula.