SwamiG Institute

Divination Mini Series • Obi Orisha (Novice)

3-Week Mini Course • 6 Modules • Weekly Zoom

“Beyond 4-Cowries”
Obi Orisha Divination (Novice)

A structured introduction to Obi-based divination that bridges foundational 4-cowrie outcomes into Obi Abata / Obi Orisha patterns, ethics, question framing, and certification readiness.

Practice-First

Daily documented castings (photo + written findings) with feedback.

Daily casting habit

Weekly Zoom

Guided instruction, review, and Q&A each week.

📍 Weekly live session

Novice Track

Designed to build reliable basics + ethical interpretation.

🎓 Eligibility for certification

6 Core Modules

Course map
  1. Introduction — orientation & expectations
  2. 4-Cowrie System — meanings, patterns, use-cases
  3. Obi Abata / Obi Orisha — attachments, elements, patterns
  4. Deities (Orisha) — spiritual context and influences
  5. Questions — framing, ethics, clarity & follow-ups
  6. Summary — readiness + certification eligibility
Training rhythm: cast daily • document outcomes • submit findings • review live on Zoom.

Obi Orisha Introduction

orientation • limits • naming

There is benefit to those that receive Aborisha initiations to have access to the divine. This access, while always present, may be obscured by ego, doubt, negative energies, ancestors, or other spiritual / energetic provocateurs. Fundamental divination systems exist to provide insight to basic yes-or-no questions within clear limits.

Limits of Questioning

ethics-first
  • Yes/No questions only.
  • Avoid questions that have known answers.
  • Minimize illegal, immoral, or unethical questions.
  • Refrain from asking the same question twice.
  • Questions that harm self, others, or the environment are off-limits.
  • Questions about oneself are encouraged.

From 4-Cowrie to Obi Abata

system evolution

After Aborisha initiations, it is common to receive 4 cowries as a first implement for divination. The Four Cowrie Divination System—with its families of possibilities—is profound enough to extend throughout the life of even a very blessed and hardworking Aborisha. In some settings, an alternate level of divination is the Obi Abata, using fresh nuts (split and cast) as an introduction to an alternate or sometimes primary divination system.

In the African diaspora, the nuts may be imported away from their energetic source. Over time, Obi systems evolved to meet Aborisha needs. One such evolution is Obi Orisha: a divination system comprised of four elements affixed with two pairs of attachments—extending the familiar outcome families into broader domains of influence used in Obi Abata-style divination.

Naming Convention

Obi Orisha identity

When presented to an Aborisha, the implement may be renamed after the initiate’s name. The implement in general is referred to as Obi Orisha, while in the hands of an Aborisha it may be referred to as Obi “Aborisha Name”.

Aborisha Name Obi Orisha Name
Oshun Kemi Obi Kemi
Ogun Leve Obi Leve
Shango Yemi Obi Yemi

Example phrasing in a reading: “The Obi Yemi says…” • “The Obi Leve responds with…”

Module purpose: to facilitate the interaction between the Aborisha, the Obi Orisha, and divine inclination—towards clarity, alignment, and ethical guidance.

What You’ll Do

practice + documentation
  • Learn the foundational “Yes / Maybe / No” outcomes from 4-cowrie.
  • Transition into Obi Abata / Obi Orisha patterns and attachments.
  • Cast 16x daily, record the pattern, and write a short interpretation.
  • Submit photos + findings for feedback.
  • Use a support chart to validate meaning + ethical direction.

Ideal For

who this serves
  • Beginners ready to move beyond basic “4-cowrie only” readings.
  • Iyawos and devotees who want structured divination discipline.
  • Students preparing for a novice-level divination credential.
  • Anyone who needs ethical question framing and consistent outcomes.

3-Week Plan

weekly milestones

Week 1 — Foundations (4-Cowrie Basics + Daily Discipline)

Daily casting Submit pics + findings Zoom session
  • Introduction & orientation
  • 4-cowrie meanings and core outcomes
  • Cast 16x daily; submit photo + interpretation
  • Live Zoom review + Q&A

Typical focus outcomes: Alafia (Yes), Etawa (Maybe/struggle), Ejife (Definitely yes), Okana (Doubtful), Oyeku (No).

Week 2 — Obi Abata System (Attachments + Expanded Patterns)

Daily casting Upgrade interpretation Zoom session
  • Obi Abata elements and “attachments” framework
  • Pattern recognition: moving from simple outcomes to structured variants
  • Cast 16x daily; submit photo + meaning
  • Zoom: troubleshooting, ethics, and clarity of question

Expanded study outcomes may include: Ogbe, Obita, Akita, Aje, Ilera, Akoran, Ero, Ejire.

Week 3 — Deities + Application (Readiness & Certification)

Daily casting Deities (Orisha context) Assessment readiness
  • Deities/Orisha context applied to interpretation
  • Ethics: appropriate directives and responsible guidance
  • Sample questions used to assess readiness
  • Zoom: final review + next steps

End-of-course: sample question set + review of documented castings.

Certification Eligibility

Novice Diviner
  • Consistent daily casting documentation (photo + written meaning).
  • Ability to reframe unclear questions ethically.
  • Correct identification of key outcomes and patterns.
  • Demonstrated understanding of directives (ethics) and context.
  • Participation in weekly Zoom review sessions.
Application: Students may apply for certification as “Novice Diviner” upon completion and review.

Support Chart Usage

validation tool
  • Reference patterns (elements skyward/earthward) to confirm meaning.
  • Use ethical directives to guide “what to do next” responsibly.
  • Connect outcomes to Orisha influences as context—not superstition.
  • When outcomes are doubtful (e.g., Okana), reframe the question.

This course emphasizes repeatable practice, documented results, and ethical clarity.