In some Yoruba traditions, Abiku spirits congregate in large trees, including the iroko, using them as dwelling places between their cycles of birth and death. The iroko tree serves as a gathering point where Abiku spirits plan their returns to the human world.
Aja and Iroko are both powerful forest spirits dwelling in the deep bush. Aja inhabits the wild forest where iroko trees grow tallest, and herbalists who learn from Aja must also know how to approach Iroko's sacred trees for medicinal materials.
Aroni and Iroko share the deep forest as their domain. Aroni, the one-legged herbalist spirit, uses materials from sacred trees including the iroko in his teachings, and both spirits must be respected by those who venture into the bush.
The outcome of encountering Iroko — whether one receives blessings or madness — is governed by one's Ori. In Yoruba belief, personal destiny determines whether a person can safely approach the iroko spirit and benefit from its power.
Osanyin governs the medicinal properties of all plants, including the iroko tree whose bark and leaves are used in traditional remedies. Iroko's spirit must be propitiated before herbalists can harvest materials from the sacred tree for Osanyin's medicines.
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