88 Basic Odinani Questions
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These questions are designed to help you assess your grasp of foundational concepts in Ọ́dị̀nànị̀. If you can confidently answer each one without referencing any material, it’s a strong sign that you have a solid basic understanding of foundational Ọ́dị̀nànị̀ concepts.
How to Complete the Self-Evaluation: Set aside quiet time to reflect on each question. Respond by writing or speaking, either on your own or with a partner. Afterwards, compare your answers with trusted resources on the topic to gauge your understanding.
OMS members are also welcome to send written or audio responses to Oma for review. All the best!
Questions
How do you understand the concept of “Chī”?
Identify and explain up to four major dimensions or aspects of one’s Chī.
What is “Chī Ụ̀wà” or “Ónyé Ụ̀wà,” and what role does this force play in a person’s life?
In what ways can one nourish or direct energy to their Chī?
What are the four Ìgbò market days, and what roles do they play in Ìgbò cosmology?
Which natural elements are associated with each market day?
How would you describe “Ézùmèzù Mmụ́ọ́” (spiritual guides), and what role do they play within the framework of Ọ́dị̀nànị̀?
What role do Ànụ́mànụ̀ Mmụ́ọ́ (spirit animals) play in Ọ́dị̀nànị̀?
Which animal(s) have you recognized as your spiritual guides on your journey, and why?
Are you familiar with any sacred trees in Ìgbò land? What purpose do they serve?
What is Ị́gọ́ Mmụ́ọ́?
What role does Ị́gọ́ Mmụ́ọ́ play in the practice of Ọ́dị̀nànị̀?
How does sound influence or support the process of Ị́gọ́ Mmụ́ọ́ in Ọ́dị̀nànị̀?
List four major items that can be used during Ị́gọ́ Mmụ́ọ́.
Why is it important to perform Ị́gọ́ Mmụ́ọ́ barefoot?
In which direction do Ìgbòs traditionally face when praying, and what is the significance?
Why would an Ọ́dị̀nànị̀ practitioner need an altar?
What is Ǹzù, and what are its traditional uses?
What is Ọ́jị́ (kolanut), and what role does it play in Ìgbò spirituality?
What is the difference between Ọ́jị́ Ìgbò (reddish kolanut) and Ọ́jị́ Úgò (golden kolanut)?
Name up to seven spirit guides in Ọ́dị̀nànị̀ and briefly describe their roles.
Who is Nné Ágwụ́, and how would you describe this spiritual force?
What is Àrà Ágwụ́, and what does it signify in a person’s spiritual journey?
Now that you know about Ágwụ́ and Àrà Ágwụ́, what is the purpose of the practice of Ị́lụ́ Ágwụ́ in Ọ́dị̀nànị̀?
Is it possible to reject one’s spiritual calling in Ọ́dị̀nànị̀? If so, when and how can this be done?
What do you understand by the concept of “Ìkèngà”?
Who is a Díbị̀à, and how would you describe the role they play within Ọ́dị̀nànị̀?
Can you name and describe different types of Díbị̀às in your own words?
What are some red flags or warning signs that may indicate a Díbị̀à is not right for you to work with?
What do you understand by the terms “Ọ́gbánjē” and “Ǹdị́ Ọ́gbánjē”?
What is “Ìyī Ụ̀wà,” and what significance does it hold?
Who are the “Ǹdị́ Ìchíé,” and what role do they play in Ìgbò cosmology?
How does one become an Ìchíé in traditional Ìgbò context?
Where do Ìgbòs believe the soul goes after death?
What spiritual role does the sun, “Ányánwụ́,” play in Ìgbò traditions?
Share a few spiritual hygiene rituals commonly practiced in Ọ́dị̀nànị̀.
What is Afa divination, and what is its purpose in spiritual practice?
How should one properly prepare for an Afa session?
True or False: Àlà is the most revered deity in Ìgbò spirituality. Explain your answer.
Who or what is Ògwùgwù, and what aspects of life does this energy govern?
What is “Àkwàlị́ Ọ́mụ́mụ́,” and how is it connected to Àlà?
Who is “Ọ́nwá” or “Ọ́má,” and what role does she play in Ọ́dị̀nànị̀?
What do the terms “Ọ́fọ̀ nā Ògù” mean, and how would you describe each separately?
Who is Èkwènsù, and what do you understand about their role or symbolism?
What does “Mmìrì” represent in Ọ́dị̀nànị̀, and who are “Ǹdị́ Mmìrì”?
What are cowries used for in Ọ́dị̀nànị̀, and what is their origin and significance?
What is “Ị́chụ́ Àjà,” and what are its primary uses?
What is a “Dí Mmụ́ọ́” and what is a “Dí Ụ̀wà”? What is the main difference between them?
What is “Àrụ́” or “Àlụ́,” and how does it manifest in practice?
What is “Ị́kpụ́ Àrụ́” (abomination cleansing), and when is it necessary?
What is an “Àlụ́sị́,” and can you name the one associated with your hometown or lineage?
What are some spiritual uses of “Òsè Ọ́jị́” (alligator pepper)?
What is the correct way to open a fresh pod of Òsè Ọ́jị́, and why is this method used?
Describe how Òsè Ọ́jị́ can be used for purification or affirmations.
What is “Àjà Ànị̀,” and how does it relate to your spiritual journey?
Who or what are “Àkàlị̀òghèlì,” and how do they come into being?
Mention three or four Ìgbò proverbs and what they mean to you.
Share one or two Ìgbò myths or folktales you know and the lessons they carry.
Mention up to two Ìgbò spiritual superstitions and what they suggest.
What are the four Ìgbò world ages, and what is your understanding or opinion about them?
As an Ọ́dị̀nànị̀ practitioner, what rituals or practices help you connect with your Chī?
What is “Àrọ̀bìnàgụ̀,” and what do you know about its spiritual significance?
Who is “Ákpụ́ Ọ̀kálété,” and what role does this force play in Ọ́dị̀nànị̀?
What is your understanding of “Ògbùnàbàlị̀” in Ọ́dị̀nànị̀?
Who are the Ụ̀mụ̀ Ádā, and what spiritual and cultural roles do they play in Ìgbò society?
Why do Ìgbòs say “Ìséē” or invoke “Ọ́fọ̀” after prayers or invocations, and what do these terms represent symbolically and spiritually?
Who is an “Òfèkè,” and what does this term signify?
What is “Ụ̀chụ́,” and how does it show up in practice?
What’s the difference between “Ìzù Ụ́ká” and “Ìzù Ìgbò”?
How many moons are there in the Ìgbò lunar calendar, and why?
What is the spiritual significance of a new moon, and what rituals align with it?
What is the significance of a full moon, and what practices are associated with it?
What are some traditional spiritual uses of palm oil in Ọ́dị̀nànị̀?
What can “Àkị́lụ̀” (bitter kola) be used for in Ìgbò spirituality?
What is “Èdò” used for in Ọ́dị̀nànị̀, and what is its spiritual role?
What are the uses of eggs in Ìgbò spiritual rituals?
What is the spiritual function of the bell in Ọ́dị̀nànị̀ practices?
Define “Ǹsọ́” and its implications.
What is “Ǹsọ́ Chī,” and have you identified any for yourself on your journey?
What are some “Ǹsọ́” (sacred codes or restrictions) that every Díbị̀à should follow?
What is “Ọ́mụ́mụ́,” and how can you cultivate this energy daily?
What is “Ìsàlákà,” and why is it significant in Igbo rites?
Explain the concept of “Àkàràkà” (destiny) and how to align with it in life.
Carry out a mock ritual of “Ị́gọ́ Mmụ́ọ́,” incorporating as many authentic Ìgbò terms and items as possible (practical exercise).
What meditation techniques are practiced or inspired by Ọ́dị̀nànị̀?
What is the Age of Aquarius (Age of Èkwènsù) in the context of Ọ́dị̀nànị̀, and what might this age represent for the world at large?
As a modern Ọ́dị̀nànị̀ practitioner, what ways do you believe Ọ́dị̀nànị̀ can thrive in the 21st century? Share your response in the comment section.
What concept in Ọ́dị̀nànị̀ currently holds the most meaning for you? Share your reflection in the comment section.
