Merindinlogun
Encyclopedia
Merindinlogun is a cowrie-shell divination
method practiced in the Yoruba religion, and of several Afro-American religion
s derived from it, that uses sixteen cowrie shells.
The number sixteen holds important significance in Yoruba mythology
as it was the purported number of original divinities that established life on earth. In merindinlogun divination, the shells are thrown and the number of shells that fall with the opening facing up is associated with a certain odu
(for example, five shells up represent Oshe, while eight shells up represent Ogbe
). This system of divination is used when consulting the Orisha
s, as opposed to the ikin or opele which are only used to consult Ifá
.
Cowrie-shell divination
Cowrie shell divination refers to several distinct form of divination using cowrie shells that are part of the rituals and religious beliefs of several religions...
method practiced in the Yoruba religion, and of several Afro-American religion
Afro-American religion
Afro-American religions are a number of related religions that developed in the Americas among African slaves and their descendants in various countries of Latin America, the Caribbean, and parts of the southern United States...
s derived from it, that uses sixteen cowrie shells.
The number sixteen holds important significance in Yoruba mythology
Yoruba mythology
The Yorùbá religion comprises the original religious beliefs and practices of the Yoruba people. Its homeland is in Southwestern Nigeria and the adjoining parts of Benin and Togo, a region that has come to be known as Yorubaland...
as it was the purported number of original divinities that established life on earth. In merindinlogun divination, the shells are thrown and the number of shells that fall with the opening facing up is associated with a certain odu
Odu
Odu may refer to* Old Dominion University , a university located in Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.*Odu , a 1998 album by King Sunny Adé*Nnamdi Oduamadi , Nigerian footballer known by the nickname Odu...
(for example, five shells up represent Oshe, while eight shells up represent Ogbe
Ogbe
Ogbe is a village in Ahiara city, in Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria. It is made up of nine hamlets, namely:* Amaoji* Umuejere* Umueleke* Umuihi* Umuihiokwu* Umuloolo* Umuokeawa* Umuoma* Umuuzu...
). This system of divination is used when consulting the Orisha
Orisha
An Orisha is a spirit or deity that reflects one of the manifestations of Olodumare in the Yoruba spiritual or religious system....
s, as opposed to the ikin or opele which are only used to consult Ifá
Ifá
Ifá refers to the system of divination and the verses of the literary corpus known as the Odú Ifá. Yoruba religion identifies Orunmila as the Grand Priest; as that which revealed Oracle divinity to the world...
.