The School of Sacred Mysteries
Institute for Esoteric & Ritual Studies
Academic Catalog

A structured course of study in the sacred traditions.

This catalog outlines the programs, courses, and areas of study offered by the Institute for Esoteric & Ritual Studies. Each program is designed to be walked in sequence, with clear learning outcomes and qualified faculty.

Program I

Foundations of Living Ifá

LevelFoundational
Courses6 Core
FormatLive & Recorded
PrerequisiteNone
Join the Waitlist
Program Description

The Foundations of Living Ifá is designed for individuals who are new to Ifá, have received Hand of Ifá, have participated in Òrìṣà initiations, or simply want a structured understanding of African Traditional Religion and its foundations.

This program is designed to answer one of the most common questions students ask:

“What do I do now?”

Students will receive structured education that helps them understand the tradition, their responsibilities, daily spiritual practice, and the foundations needed before moving into more advanced studies.

Each Class Includes
  • Live Instruction
  • Guided Discussion
  • Questions & Answers
  • Downloadable Study Guide
  • Quiz
  • Class Recording
Curriculum

Course of Study

SM 101Course 01

Introduction to African Traditional Religions

Understand the foundations, worldview, history, and purpose of African Traditional Religions and why they continue to be practiced today.

Learning Outcomes
  • Describe the cosmology and worldview shared across West African traditions.
  • Trace the historical continuity of ATR through the diaspora.
  • Distinguish Ifá, Òrìṣà worship, and ancestor veneration as related but distinct practices.
  • Respond thoughtfully to common misconceptions about African spirituality.
PrerequisiteNone — open to all students.
SM 110Course 02

Understanding Ifá

Learn who Orunmila is, what Ifá is, the role of the Babaláwo, the purpose of divination, and the importance of Ebó.

Learning Outcomes
  • Identify Orunmila and his role as witness to destiny.
  • Explain the purpose and structure of Ifá divination.
  • Describe the training, responsibilities, and boundaries of the Babaláwo.
  • Articulate the meaning and function of Ebó in restoring alignment.
PrerequisiteSM 101 recommended.
SM 120Course 03

Ori & Destiny

Study the concepts of Ori, destiny, character (Ìwà Pẹ̀lẹ́), responsibility, and personal spiritual development.

Learning Outcomes
  • Define Ori as inner head, destiny, and personal divinity.
  • Explain the relationship between destiny, character, and free will.
  • Practice reflective exercises for cultivating Ìwà Pẹ̀lẹ́ (gentle character).
  • Recognize how Ori shapes decision-making and spiritual growth.
PrerequisiteSM 101 and SM 110.
SM 130Course 04

Life After Initiation

Learn what happens after receiving Hand of Ifá or participating in traditional initiations, including daily responsibilities, spiritual growth, and common questions.

Learning Outcomes
  • Understand what Hand of Ifá and Òrìṣà initiations spiritually establish.
  • Identify daily and weekly responsibilities of an initiated practitioner.
  • Navigate common early-stage questions, doubts, and challenges.
  • Build a sustainable rhythm of study, practice, and community.
PrerequisiteSM 110. Recommended for those who have received Hand of Ifá or Òrìṣà initiations.
SM 140Course 05

Living the Tradition

Practical instruction covering daily practice, prayer, shrine care, offerings, ethics, discipline, and maintaining a healthy spiritual life.

Learning Outcomes
  • Establish a personal daily practice of prayer and greeting.
  • Care for shrines and sacred objects with proper protocol.
  • Apply traditional ethics to modern decisions and relationships.
  • Recognize signs of spiritual imbalance and appropriate responses.
PrerequisiteSM 110 and SM 130.
SM 150Course 06

Introduction to the Odù

An introduction to the Odù, why they are central to Ifá, how they guide spiritual understanding, and how students begin studying them responsibly.

Learning Outcomes
  • Explain what the Odù are and their place in the Ifá corpus.
  • Name the sixteen principal Odù and their basic significance.
  • Approach the Odù with the reverence and boundaries the tradition requires.
  • Prepare for continuing study in The Living Odù Series.
PrerequisiteCompletion of SM 101 through SM 140.
Program II · Continuing Education

The Living Odù Series

Our signature continuing education series. Students study the principal Odù through structured live instruction taught by our Resident Babaláwo.

This series is designed for students who want to deepen their understanding of the wisdom contained within the Odù.

Each Session Explores
  • Meaning
  • Stories
  • Proverbs
  • Character Lessons
  • Practical Application
  • Yoruba Vocabulary
  • Questions & Answers
Language & Liturgy

Sacred Language Studies

SM 160

Yoruba Language Foundations

Learn essential Yoruba vocabulary, greetings, pronunciation, sacred terminology, and foundational language used throughout the tradition.

SM 170

Sacred Songs & Prayers

Learn foundational songs, prayers, pronunciation, meanings, and appropriate contexts for their use within the tradition.

Forthcoming

Continuing Studies & Masterclasses

Future educational offerings will include specialized studies taught by qualified faculty. New programs are added as the institute grows.

  • 01Mysteries of the Òrìṣà
  • 02Ori Studies
  • 03Egúngún Studies
  • 04Ritual Practice
  • 05Ancestor Traditions
  • 06Yoruba Language
  • 07Spiritual Ethics

Additional schools, programs, and faculty will be added over time as the institute grows.

Enrollment

Join the waitlist to receive first access to new programs.

Enrollment for the Foundations of Living Ifá and the Living Odù Series opens in cohorts. Waitlist members receive announcements, syllabi, and orientation details before public registration.

Join the WaitlistMeet the Faculty