Ọpẹ́ifá

Name: Ọpẹ́ifá
Age: 30
Location: Chicago, IL
Religious Practice: Ifå

ATR Profile Narrative: Ọpẹ́ifá is a 30 year old Ifa practicioner from Chicago, Illinois. Her practice shows up for her every day in prayer and altar work. She dresses every day, she puts on her ilekes and other spiritual tools, covers her head, and uses her spiritual principles to guide how she shows up and interacts with the world around her. Ọpẹ́ifá would not be who she is today if it wasn't for her ancestors aligning her on this path. Ifa has elevated her in every way; from giving her principles to stand on, teaching her the importance of integrity, and has helped her overcome negative coping mechanisms like addiction. She also attributes Ifa of giving her the tools to keep a cool head and a well-balanced character, and ultimately helps her raise her own standard of herself. Ọpẹ́ifá's advice to beginner practitioners is to do your research on ADRs, but don't get stuck intellectualizing the religion. Additionally, she suggests being humble, patient, and authentic - this journey takes time, everyone is traveling their own paths and it's important to not try to get to point Z before gathering all the tools and lessons needed to get there. ATR shouldn't be practiced as a fad or as something to "show off" to other people. As more ascension is gained, the recognition meant for you will naturally come, and this won't be the same path or timeline as anyone else.