Reading the Signs by the Coconut

 

You use four pieces of fresh coconut (shell on one side and flesh on the other). These pieces should be intact, with no internal cracks etc. These are called the obinu. Alternatively, you can use othello pieces or some other small item that has a dark side and a light side.
You ask a question and throw the obinu into the air. How they land determines the answer. Sometimes you need to throw two or more times for a complete picture.

Alafia: All four Obinu land white side up. Means Affirmative or it is possible. Can also mean happiness, health, everything has been done as right and proper. Peace, prosperity and grace.

Eyife: Two Obinu are white side up, two dark side up. Means yes. Absolutely Positive. Definately affirmative. If the previous throw was Alafia, the answer is yes. No need to throw again.

Otawe: Three Obinu land white side up. One lands dark side up. It means Maybe, or there are doubts. It can mean hope, but without complete confidence. When Otawe comes up, you need to throw the shells again, while being more specific in your question. THe next throw will give you an answer. If Otawe comes up again, the answer is no.

Ocanasode: One Obinu white side up, three dark side up. Means No. Negative, beware of something bad. grave difficulty.

Oyekun: All four Obinu are dark side up. Means DEFINATELY NO. It is a bad sign.

Information is derived from Santeria: A Practical Guide to Afro-Caribbean Magic by Luis Manuel Nunez