ODE
ODE is another Orisha closely related with Orumila and his priests. Ode is the father of Ochossi. This Orisha can only be given by Babalawos, since they are the only ones that know the secrets of his preparation and the ceremonies that must be correctly performed. Just as all the children of Chango must receive Agallu, so must all the children of Ochossi receive Ode. Ode does not live with the other Orishas in their special room, as he prefers to live outside and many times is placed with Osain. Many people receive Ode to resolve court cases and other problems with "la justicia". Ode is an Orisha of much respect. Often he is kept covered with a cloth, except when being worked with to solve a problem. Ode, like Ochossi, is a hunter. Ode's infuence in Ifa in Cuba is seen in the use of the Irofa. The Irofa is tapper that is used to work with Orumila, principally during ebbos involving the "tablero" or table of Ifa. In Africa this tapper is made of carved wood or ivory, while in Cuba, this tapper is made from deer antler.
OLOKUN
OLOKUN for the priests of Orumila is a very special Orisha. This Orisha is not the same as the Olokun that santeros give. That Olokun is actually a "camino" of Yemaya. Olokun of Babalawos is male and more correctly corresponds more closely to the old Greek and Roman gods of Poseidon and Neptune. Actually Olokun is probably the originator of these Mediterranean dieties. Olokun is related to the story of the Universal Flood. Oddudua and Olokun were at war, and Olokun decided to flood the earth. Oddudua then chained Olokun to the floor of the sea. Olokun said: "Here I will stay, but every day, I will take the life of someone." And the legend goes that every day someone dies at sea. Olokun for this reason is very related to the Dead. Who knows how many have died at sea over the centuries? The ceremonies of Olokun of Babalawos are very complicated and last 3 days, and have several weeks of preparation. There is an Ita, where Olokun speaks to the person receiving and also the Dead are fed with Olokun. Most children of Yemaya need to receive Olokun of Babalawos at some point in their lives. This Orisha is received when Orumila indicates it is appropriate.
