Ika Meyi (Iká Méjì)

Ika Meyi (Iká Méjì) is one of the sixteen Odù Mejis of Ifá and a strong sign of osobo, associated with conflicts, deceptions, losses, and disobedience. In this Odù, deceit, blackmail, disbelief, and malevolent sorcery are revealed, therefore requiring ebó, obedience, and firmness of character to avoid serious consequences in the person's life.

Index

Technical specifications of Ika Meji

Attribute	Detail
First Name	Iká Méjì, Ika Meyi, Eka Meji.
Order in the Ifá corpus	11
Diloggún (Santería)	14-14 (Merinla silly Merinla).
Orishas that manifest	Orúnmila, Obatalá, Oyá, Orí, Iyami Oosoronga, Eshú, Shangó, Oduduwa, Naná Burukú.
Ifa warning	What he lifts with his head he destroys with his feet; through pride and doubt he loses confidence and ends up falling into loneliness and loss.
Writing the sign	00 II 00 00

Meaning and Analysis of the Odu Ika Meji

Iká Méjì is an Odù where confrontation is not always presented openly, but through deception, hidden pressure, intrigue, or manipulation.

This Odu describes people who quickly learn to be cautious, because they discover that not everyone who smiles has good intentions. From this arises a reserved, defensive, and sometimes harsh character. What initially is protection can, over time, turn into isolation, difficulty trusting, and a way of acting where the person responds harshly before feeling hurt.

“If I don’t listen to advice, I won’t live to old age.”

In Ika Meji, the problem is not a lack of intelligence, but stubbornness. When a person becomes entrenched in their own judgment and disregards the guidance of Ifá, they end up making decisions that lead to conflict, loss, or exhaustion, damaging with their own hands what they were trying to protect.

Economic aspects

In Ika Meji, material advancement does not go unnoticed. This Odù grants the ability to build businesses, maintain positions, and pave new paths, but this progress rarely remains calm. What is built here often sparks competition, gossip, and covert maneuvers against the individual. It is not only about achieving success, but also about knowing how to preserve it without becoming careless, because what has been achieved can become a target for others.

“Modesty and simplicity are inside the treasure chest.”

In this Odù, what is shown is exposed. Displaying too much of what one achieves awakens envy, provokes interference, and paves the way for fraud or undermining. Ika Meji teaches that discretion is not an ornament, but a safeguard.

Health and Wellness

In matters of health, Ika Meji does not allow for neglect. It speaks of circulatory problems, high blood pressure, spasms, cramps, and ailments that can develop silently until they become serious. It also indicates accidents or leg injuries, as well as internal problems that are not always understood in time. It is a sign that demands constant observation and respect for the body's signals.

“The güiro falls into the water, it doesn't reach the bottom.”

This Odu does not deny the danger, but warns that all is not lost. In Ika Meyi, the fall is not always final, but recovery depends on addressing what manifests itself in time. Ignoring signs, delaying attention, or neglecting the ebó allows a minor issue to become something difficult to reverse.

Religious aspects

Ika Meji carries a strong spiritual weight. It speaks of sorcery, hidden traps, invisible pressures, and trials that are not always seen but are felt. It is an Odù with the capacity for defense, closure, and severing, but it demands absolute seriousness in everything related to ebó, foundations, and attention to the deities. Misconduct here will not go unanswered.

“What I say, Olodumare hears.”

In this sign, words are not spoken lightly. What is uttered in anger, with the intent to hurt, or as a curse can take shape and return. Ika Meji warns that a loose tongue opens paths that cannot be easily closed later.

Personal relationships and love

In matters of the heart, Ika Meji indicates intense bonds. It can foster strong relationships, loyalty, and commitment, but it also awakens jealousy, possessiveness, and a strong need for control. The person doesn't usually love halfway; they feel deeply, but that same intensity can lead to distrust, demands, or a need to dominate. When there is no balance, the bond ceases to be a refuge and becomes a source of conflict.

“The woman who comes to me will find happiness.”

Ika Meji doesn't elevate a person; it compromises them. Stability in a relationship doesn't stem from strength of character, but from mutual respect, fidelity, and affection. When affection becomes domination, suspicion, or coercion, what was meant to sustain the relationship ends up wearing it down.

Overview of the Ifá Odu Iká Méjì

This is an Odù deeply connected to witchcraft and deceit, where dark forces operate. However, it also reveals that good can come from those who oppose it, and that salvation doesn't always come from the expected source. Ika Meji is a safe harbor… but only for those who follow Ifá.

In this Odù it is revealed that, before the sacrifice, the animals' snouts are tied and chewed coconut and pepper are blown into their ears, eyes and forehead, as part of the order that governs the ebó.

Likewise, Ika Meji has the power to close the ebó and dismiss from the board, towards Heaven, the other Odù and the spirits that were called during its execution.

What originates in the Ifa odu Ika Meyi?

The evil of human beings.
Wood pigeons and turtle doves.
The belly rogation with pumpkin for the female belly that is deformed.
Anchors and canoes.
The use of Obi Omi Tutu in the worship of Orunmila and all the Saints.
The dance of the heads of four-legged animals sacrificed to the Saints.
The fresh water that is offered to the Saints, especially to Eshu-Elegba.
Exogamy.
Marriage.
Racism and xenophobia.
The sandbanks.
Fabrics.
The quays.
The clavicles and ribs.
The claws of the felines, the natural weapons, the lizard and the iguana.
Induced abortion and hatred of children.
The opening of trade in countries.

What does the Ika Meji symbol mean?

The Boa speaks, which rules all reptiles; this Odù is represented by two snakes.
It speaks of evil sorcery, witchcraft, and deceit.
It speaks of blackmail, trickery, deception, loss, and fraud.
It speaks of marriage, of the husband, of blood, of wounds, and of fidelity.
It speaks of the war between Obatalá and Yemayá.
It talks about removing someone from a place or position to put someone else in their place.
He talks about how, when he goes out in Osobo, the police arrive at the house.
It speaks of how the Awó, if he sets his mind to it, can become a powerful sorcerer of black magic or Jewish stick.
It speaks of Orunmila ordering the ship to perform Ebó, and it did not do so.
It speaks of Orunmila dancing with everyone's heads and continuing to do so.

Point out:

Strengthen Ogun.
Do not give Osanyin to the godson.
Greet the rainbow when it appears.
Eating peanuts and corn is prohibited.
The person has a grimace, mannerism, or nervous tic.
Feed all the waters.
Save the love of parents towards their children.
Ogue is the crown of the Obá of the Hausa.
It is forbidden to perform Ifá ceremonies for priests of other religions.
Shangó and Egun eat all kinds of animals together.
Here the sea became populated with fish.
The colors of this Ifá are black, blue, and red.
The herbs of this Odù are: azucarito, celestina azul, cerraja, maíz y duro.

Ifá says in Ika Meji

When Ika Meji appears in divination, its message is not one-sided. This Odu indicates both what can rise and what can fall in a person's life. It speaks of marriage, respect, status, stability, and prosperity, but also of obstacles, accusations, envy, setbacks, and the danger of straying from one's destiny if the prescribed offering (ebó) is not performed. In Ika Meji, the outcome depends largely on obedience to Ifá and compliance with what the sign commands.

When Ika Meji comes in Iré

When Ika Meji speaks in Iré, it announces stable unions, consideration, and material advancement. For a man, it signifies the arrival of a woman who joins of her own free will and remains steadfast. For a woman, it announces the arrival of a husband and stability in the relationship.

It also signifies the fruition of projects, overcoming of obstacles, and the opening of paths when the person attends to Ifá, to Eshu-Elegua, to Ogún, to Orishanlá and Olodumare accordingly.

In initiation ceremonies, it can signify a crown, position and recognition, as well as obtaining a house, owning a business, and stability within religious life.

When Ika Meji speaks in Osobo

When Ika Meji appears in Osogbo, he warns of losses, accusations, difficult conflicts, and setbacks that can twist destiny if the indicated sacrifice is not made.

If it comes out in Awafakán, the person must do Ifá so as not to get lost, provided that he/she does not have a moral impediment nor is a saint's horse.

It also points to envy from one's own brothers, burdens that are difficult to overcome, and shameful situations that can only be avoided through rituals and obedience.

In women, it can manifest as ailments in the abdomen or stomach, linked to behaviors that Ifá commands to be corrected.

In Osogbo, Ika Meji should not be left unattended, because its word becomes heavy when the person ignores what the sign is showing.

Recommendations from Ika Meji

Treat women well; do not hit or offend them.
To find one's way in life so as not to fall into humiliation in old age, illness or adversity.
Be obedient to Ifá so that the head leads to a good position.
Take care of your head regularly.
Use Obi Omi Tutu in the worship of Orunmila and all the Saints.

Works and prescriptions

Feed all the waters; the offerings must be taken to the river.
Receive Ogun and, if you already have him, strengthen him and feed him.
Strengthen Ogun when this Ifa speaks in Osobo.
Give Yemayá a white rooster.
Give Eshu a chicken.
Rubbing one's head with woodlice, white cockroaches, and ripe Indian banana.
To pray the head with a guabina (Ejá-Oro).
Taking baths with omiero of Ifá herbs.
Give Inle-Oguere palm oil and perform Ebó with two pigeons, two guinea fowls and other ingredients.
Put two Ogués loaded with ceiba root, jiquí, atiponlá, goat head, ero, obi, kolá and osun naború, lined with dilogunes, to Elegua.
Put eight ekrú to each one of Obatalá and Eshu.
Offer Eshu-Elegba jutía, smoked fish and roasted corn, and give him a rooster, after Ebó with two white doves.
Present the food to Elegua and do not hand it over until the third day.
Before giving Osanyin to the godson, perform Ebó with a hen, two potatoes, two yams, other ingredients and money.
Perform Ifá for those born under this sign when indicated, in order to preserve life.

Ika Meji's Prohibitions (Taboos)

Do not put liquids or food in gourds.
Do not consecrate priests of other religions in Ifá.
Do not disobey Orunmila.
Do not engage in marital infidelity.
Do not jump over holes or ditches.
Do not enter caves.

Proverbs from the Odu of Ifá Ika Meyi:

The woman who comes to me will find happiness.
You are always crying.
Modesty and simplicity go inside the chest of riches.
The güiro falls into the water, it does not reach the bottom.
If they don't give me my place, it is certain that they will take it away.
What I say, Olodumare hears.
The one who thinks to betray, is already consummated.
My life has a name "problems".
Thanks to the boat came wealth.
If I don't hear advice, I won't grow old.
Gold is never lacking in the eyes of the leopard.
The young man is denied the right.
When the anchor moves, the ship stops.
All trees dry up, bamboo does not.
The man clings to his old stick in his walk on land and an old wood in the sea.
The gourd was born out of disobedience.
The king of the Ahusas never dies poor.

"He who thinks of betraying, has already committed the act" warns that betrayal doesn't begin with the act itself, but with the intention. In Ifá, whoever harbors deceit or disloyalty in their thoughts has already twisted their destiny, because what is conceived against another ultimately turns against oneself.

Ifá ethical code of the odu Ika Meji:

"The Awó's well-being stems from his adversary" teaches that the priest's firmness often rises in the face of opposition and envy. In Ifá, the adversary not only tests the Awó but also compels him to remain upright, to guard his word, and to uphold his foundation so that his path does not stray.

Ebbo of the Odu Ika Meyi Ifa:

Ebó to calm a man in the house

The heads of hutia and fish are ground into powder, placed on the board, and the Babá Ika Meji prayer is recited. Then, this powder is added to food for the person to consume.

Then a broody hen's egg is taken, Babá Ika Meji is painted on it, and it is broken on the outside of the door of the house, saying:

"Just as this egg did not produce chicken, so and so do not go out on the street."

Works for the Orishas

For Yemayá: He will be given a white rooster.
For Eshu-Elegba: He will be given a rooster.

Head cleansing (Ika Meji's secret)

The head is prayed over with:

cochineal
white cockroaches
ripe Indian banana

Work for Elegba

Two loaded Ogué are placed on it:

ceiba root
jiqui
atiponlá
goat head
ero
obi
kola
osun naború

Each one is covered with a hand of dilogunes (shells).

You may also like: Treaty of Ifa, Oddun Obara Meyi

Prayer of the Odu Baba Ika Meyi:

IKA NI KANI EBO IKA NI KANI ONI BABALAWO OLUWO AGUBI AGBE DEMOYEKO
BABY OSI AGBE DEMOYEKO OTU ÑARA ÑARA ADIFAFUN LAOKO ELEBUTE,
JEKUA OSHANLA BIRINIWA ONIBARA NIREGUN ONI MIREO OGUN ALAWEDE,
MAFEREFUN OLOKUN.

Suyère Oddun Ika Meji:

MAYOKODA MAYOKODA WARA NI MAMA YOKODA WARA NI BABY OTUN
BABY OSI OTO ÑARA ÑARA ADIFAFUN ELEBUTE.

Nigerian Traditional Iká Méjì Ifá Verse

Káwó fun mi
Kí n kásè fun o
A day fún Oníkàámògún
Omo Aláaka káwó iku
Wón ní ó saca káálè ebo ní ó se
Wón ní ó fi aaka kún ebo è ru
ko ku
kò rùn
Kà sàì kábi kúò
Akika
Akika kà sàì kábi kúò
Akika.

Ifá wants this person to be well. Ifá says that he will save him from the clutches of death, disease and loss. He must add Aaka to his sacrifice.

Káwó fun mi
Kí n kásè fun o
He made divination for Oníkàámògún
The son of Aláaka káwó ikú
They advised him to take care of the land and offer sacrifice
They advised him to add Aaka to the sacrificial items
He did not pass away
Nor did he fall ill
What will roll the bad things away?
Akika
Akika will roll bad things away
Akika.

Patakies of the Ifá sign Ika Meyi:

He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword.

They were three inseparable friends, one of them named Adimere. They were always together, until two of them suggested they travel to another land in search of prosperity.

They left and, upon arriving in a new kingdom, asked the king for work. He employed the two friends in ordinary tasks, but sent Adimere to plant pumpkins on the condition that he had to bring them back ready to eat that same day.

Every time Adimere stuck his pickaxe into the ground, he fell asleep. When he awoke, he would find one pumpkin already grown and another ready to eat. In this way, he accomplished the impossible, which annoyed the king, who began to impose increasingly difficult tasks on him. However, Adimere always managed to overcome them.

In time, Adimere decided to consult Orunmila. Before leaving, he asked his friends not to reveal his destination. During the consultation, Orunmila saw Ika Meji and instructed him to perform an ebó to free himself from suffering. He also warned him that he should distance himself from his two friends, as their closeness would endanger him. Furthermore, he announced that he would be taken to a land where he was expected to rule, and that after the ebó he should attend to his head.

Noticing his absence, the king questioned Adimere's friends. At first they remained silent, but under threat of punishment, they ended up revealing everything. Then the king ordered a box to be made the size of Adimere.

When Adimere returned, he was arrested, locked in the box, and thrown into the sea. But because he had fulfilled the ritual, his fate changed. Some fishermen found the box floating and, believing it contained an animal, dragged it to shore. Upon hearing Adimere sing, they realized there was a man inside. They freed him, and upon hearing him speak their language, they recognized him as someone important and crowned him king of that land.

Once on the throne, they asked him what he desired. Adimere asked neither for riches nor for revenge, but instead sent word to invite the king who had caused him so much suffering.

Before going, the king consulted Orunmila, who advised him not to go. However, he disobeyed. When he arrived, he did not recognize Adimere. Adimere reassured him and said he would not kill him, but took him prisoner.

Then he imposed on him the same test that he had received:

—Take these seeds, the pickaxe, and the shovel. Go to the mountain and plant pumpkins, because today I want to eat some.

ExplanationThis pataki of Ika Meji reveals that a man's destiny can change when he fulfills the Ebó, even in the midst of betrayal and adversity.

Adimere is saved because he obeys Orunmila and distances himself from those who would compromise him, while his own friends betray him out of fear and weakness. Here we see how the enemy is not always outside, but among those closest to us. The king, by acting abusively and without reason, ends up facing the very trial he imposed.

Ifá warns that whoever prepares evil for another ends up walking towards it, and that only sacrifice fulfilled and obedience sustain man against his enemies.

The usurious woman

On this path of Ika Meji, it is said that there was a very rich woman, but very stingy, especially with food. Whenever a visitor came to her house, even if they were family, she would cover up what she had so that no one else would eat. After she had eaten, rather than give anything left over to anyone else, she would throw it in the trash. Because of this, she woke up every day with a swollen belly.

On one occasion, a relative of hers went to Orunmila's house, and he told him that the woman had to spend a lot of money on food and distribute it for five days to everyone who came to her house; and if no one came, she should call the neighbors to share it with them.

When the woman learned what Orunmila had sent to say, she replied that she would not do such a thing and that Orunmila was a glutton.

Oshun learned what had happened and went to ask the woman for food, but she refused. So Oshun disguised herself and went out selling pumpkins. She went to the woman's house and offered them to her. The woman asked her what they were for, and Oshun She replied that they were for eating. When he asked the price, Oshun told him they cost eight pesos.

Right then and there they began to argue, and Oshun threw the gourds at her stomach. Wherever each one struck, a tumor formed. Day after day her belly swelled more and more, until it became deformed.

Seeing herself in that state, the woman went to consult Orunmila, who told her that it wasn't the pumpkins that had made her like that, but the food she was denying and throwing away every day. But the woman said that was a lie.

When his condition worsened, he sent for another consultation, and Orunmila repeated that he had to spend a lot of money on food for five days so that people could eat in abundance, because only in this way would the swelling go down.

Already lost, she did as Orunmila had commanded. She distributed food for five days, and when she began to improve, she went to give thanks. Then Orunmila told her that she was not yet finished, that she must feed Oshun on five separate occasions.

The woman followed the instructions and then performed Yoko Osha. That's how she regained her health.

ExplanationThis pataki teaches that in Ika Meji, denied food becomes illness in the body. Disobedience to Orunmila prolongs the osobo, and only fulfilling the ebó opens the path again. Here, Oshun points out the transgression and places the test where the delay lay.

Eshu by Ika Meji: Eshu Bi

Eshu Bi is the Eshu Elegba proper to Ika MejiHe lives in the bushes and appears as a child. He is the brother of AkongoriyeIts foundation is made with mountain stone.

Load:
It contains herbs like blue and white celestina (oriye and kotoriye), hen's foot, freshness, nettle, ivy, three pumpkin vines, peony, plus hill country, crab country, jail country, and four-cornered countryThey are also put on ero, obi, kolá, osun naború, orogbo, The head and front legs of a turtlea whirlpool bath, fish head, as well as the name and surname of the person receiving itIt also includes a handful of dilognes.

Before sealing it, the feet of the person receiving it are washed, and the cowrie shells are also washed with that water. Once the filling is complete, it is given a roosterwhose body is taken stuffed to the mountain. This must be done before the wash.

This Eshu also has a path in the cornersHe is said to do evil deeds when he is not properly cared for. He is the brother of Eshu Lawana, who lives in the savanna and travels all the roads. Eshu Bi guides people from the corners to where the Encourage alone overnight.

It is considered chief of the Ibeyis (Jimaguas) and a firm protector when he decides to shield his son. In tradition Will plowIt is known as Baisoyé.

Learn about the 16 Mejis: