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Ori
Also known as: Ori Inu
By Elizabeth Stein for Mythos Atlas. About the author. Editorial notes are grounded in the site's cited sources and can be challenged through the contact page.
Interactive 3D representation
About Ori
The Inner Head
Ori ('head') represents each person's unique spiritual essence and chosen destiny. Before birth, each soul kneels before Olodumare and chooses an ori—a personal fate and divine self.
The Primary Orisha
In Yoruba spirituality, Ori is considered more important than any other Orisha for the individual. The saying goes: 'Ori is the most important god for a person.'
Alignment with Destiny
Misfortune often indicates misalignment with one's ori. Through divination and ritual, one can realign with their chosen destiny and restore harmony.
Origin Story
Before each soul enters the world, it kneels in heaven and chooses its ori—its head, fate, and personal deity. This choice is then sealed by Olodumare.
Domains
destinyconsciousnesspersonal godfateintuition
Symbols
headcowrie shellswhite clothcoconut