Editing Ifá (section)

===Theology===
In [[Yorubaland]], divination gives priests unreserved access to the teachings of Ọ̀rúnmìlà.<ref>Lijadu, E. M. Ifá: ImọLe Rẹ Ti I Ṣe Ipile Isin Ni Ilẹ Yoruba. Ado-Ekiti: Omolayo Standard Press, 1898. 1972.</ref> Among the Fon, Ọ̀rúnmìlà is known as Fá.{{sfn|Landry|2019|p=101}}

[[Eshu]] is the one said to lend ''[[Ase (Yoruba)|ashe]]'' to the oracle during provision of direction and/or clarification of counsel. Eshu is also the one that holds the keys to one's ''ire'' (fortune or blessing)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aseire.yolasite.com/meaning.php|title=Ase Ire :: What is Ase Ire?}}</ref> and thus acts as Oluwinni (one's Creditor): he can grant ''ire'' or remove it.<ref>[http://www.ogbeogunda.alawoye.com]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925144243/http://www.ogbeogunda.alawoye.com/|date=September 25, 2015}}</ref> Ifá divination rites provide an avenue of communication to the spiritual realm and the intent of one's [[destiny]].<ref>Adéẹ̀kọ́, Adélékè. "'Writing' and 'Reference' in Ifá Divination Chants." Oral Tradition 25, no. 2 (2010).</ref>

Among the Fon, it is the female spirit Gbădu who is regarded as the source of Fá's power.{{sfn|Landry|2019|p=34}} She is deemed to be the wife of Fá.{{sfn|Landry|2019|p=49}}
Her presence is required for new initiations.{{sfn|Landry|2019|p=38}} She is believed to offer significant protection for people but her veneration is thought dangerous unless a person is initiated.{{sfn|Landry|2019|p=38}} It is for instance believed that women must be kept apart from her presence, for if they get near her they may be struck barren or die.{{sfn|Landry|2019|p=49}}