ORUNLA: SANTERIA AND THE ORISHA OF DIVINATION

In Cuban Santeria, Orunla (also called Ifa, Orunmila, and Orula) holds a unique position. People initiated into the mysteries of any other Orisha are taught that Orunla's priests, the Babalawo, are intrinsically and hierarchically superior to all others. In fact, it is said that a man of great age can be a priest of any other Orisha for many decades, attaining great prestige and power, yet a little boy just initiated to the mysteries of Ifa is considered the old man's elder!