The Shells That Speak
by Elizabeth Barrette

Cowrie shells are sacred to Yemaya,
orisha  of the ocean.
Her priestesses throw the shells
onto the blue-and-white cloth
to see what they will say.

Alafia -- four mouths.
The answer is yes, with blessings;
but Alafia  can be overzealous,
so throw again to confirm
with Alafia, Ejife,
or Etawa  working up to either.

Ejife -- three mouths.
The answer is yes,
and the seeker walks in balance:
challenged yet victorious,
giving and taking.

Etawa -- two mouths.
The answer is maybe,
indeterminate; ask more questions
to clarify the seeker's intent.
But if the two mouths open again,
that is Etawa-Meji:
Do not ask what you already know.

Okana -- one mouth.
The answer is no;
forces work against the seeker,
but diligent effort may bring change for the better.
A single spark shines in the shadows.

Oyekun -- no mouths.
The answer is no,
and the seeker walks in darkness,
out of balance with Spirit and self.

Anyone can put an ear to a seashell
and hear the ocean,
but only one wise in the ways of orisha
can make the shells speak sense.


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Above is a poetic description of Obi, a form of divination traditionally done with cowrie shells or coconuts.  It comes from the Yoruban tribe in Africa and is practiced today among various Afro-Caribbean traditions.


This poem was written as part of the Poetry Fishbowl project and sponsored by a patron for publication in The Wordsmith's Forge.

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