There are two ways of using The Oracle. One, by means of The Seeds of Orunmila, which are normally used by The Babalawo in Ceremonies, for himself and those around him. The most popular method is that of the so-called Opele in Africa and Brazil or Equele for Cubans, which consists of a tuning fork-shaped chain, with eight halves of seed pods of Opele tree tied to it (Schrebera Golungensis)

There are four halves tied to each side of the chain. The Babalawo ties some things, such as beads, coins and cowries to both ends of the chain.

The Babalawo holds the chain by the centre, which is empty. Each of the seed halves has a concave and a convex surface. When the Babalawo cast the chain, some of the halves will present their concave surface and others their convex one.

Each combination of the four surfaces has an Odu sign. In Nigeria, the chains are made of leather, timber, cotton, thread or metal, the later been the most valuable. It is the most popular tool for Ifa prediction and the most widely-used, as it is said that the Opele allows for an Odu quickly and easily.

From the Book "Un acercamiento a nuestras Raíces"