Adrinka

MAIN SYMBOLS

Hene:

This is,the sign of the King. Standing for absolute authority. It indicates respect for higher authority and so by extension suggests the importance of respecting tradition and wise council advice and opinion.

Bi-Nka-Bi:

Literally meaning "bite not one another" This signifies
cooperation; and unity with others. By working in concert and avoiding conflicts one can build fortitude.

Musuyidie:

Translated as "that which expels evil" It represents virtue and indicates the goal of transcending negative impulses and actions, and striving to attain spiritual purity.

Fihankra:

This is the sign of the house It represents bonding. the safety inherent in a strong foundational relationship.

Biraba Wo Soro:

The larger phrase, "Biribi wo soro na"ma embeka mensa", means "there is something in the heavens; let it reach me."

Stands for aspiration. This speaks of hope, and the eternal quest for enlightenment.

Nsoroma:

This is the sign of the star, (a child of the heavens) "Obu Nyankon soroma te Nyame na onte neho so". meaning harmony; literally translating as (A child of the Supremem Being "I do not depend on myself. My illumination is only a reflection" It is a reminder that the human race is part nature, and must interact knowingly with the surrounding world to achieve proper balance.

Krado:.

This is the sign of the legal seal. It refers to the sense of
community. It addresses the need to adhere to the rules of social order. Awareness of the larger group is essential for society to function.

Aya:

This is the sign of the fern. Stands for courage. Aya is a homonym for "I am not afraid of you," and thus this sanctions fearless bravery in the face of intimidation.

Nkyin Kym:

This means transformation; (Obra kwan ye nkyinkyimiie.) Literal translation: Changing one's self. Playing many roles.The course of life is full of twistings, ups and downs, and zigzags.This symbol emphasizes the need for critical appraisal and reappraisal of one's situation in life. It reminds that there is always, an option for personal growth and change,

Wawa ABA:

This is the sign of the seed. It stands for commencement and symbolizes birth and new beginnings.

Kramuh:

Stands for discernment. The full phrase, "Kramuh-bunch amma yanbu kramuh-pa", states the inability to tell genuine from fake, thus calling attention to the dangers of false impressions.

Nsaa:

This is the sign of the blanket (Nea onim nsaa na oto nago). It stands for security. It has the image of protection from harm.

Nkonsonkonso:

This is the sign of the links. It refers to association; and symbolizes the value of relationships, and reminds us that we are part of a continuing chain of humanjty.

Dwanimen:

This is the sign of the ram's horns and refers to determination. It stands for personal strength and conviction. When one must be firm in your belief, even in the face of adversity.

Fofoo:

This,ls the sign of the encroaching plant. It stands for self control. The image of invasive foliage represents jealousy; which must be kept in check or else it will quickly grow out of control.

Hye Wo Nhye:

Translating as "he who burns you be not burned,"and stands for
absolution. This symbol calls for forgiveness, similar in tone to the classic ideal of "turn the other cheek".

Owuo:

This is the sign of the ladder. It symbolizes progression; and represents the natural sequence of life and death.

Sankofa:

"'Meaning "return and fetch it" but stands for correction. This image reminds that there is much flexibility in life, and thus opportunities to undo mistakes.

Kuntinkantan:

This translates as "do not boast" Reflects humility. It warns of the dangers of arrogance or pretension, and endorses modesty and restraint.

Ntesie:

It Stands for training. This is part of a longer expression meaning "Nyansa bun mu nne mate masie.""I have heard it and kept it"

symbolizes learning, knowledge and wisdom.

Akokuh Nan:

This is the sign of the hen (hen's feet). Refers to parenthood The full phrase is "Akokuh nan tia na ba so enkum no," which means "the hen treads upon its chicks but does not kill them" This speaks to the value of discipline, protection, good care and tenderness.

Epa:

This is the sign of (handcuffs) bound hands Stands for restriction. "Onii a n epa da wo nsa no, ne akowa ne wo." You are the slave of him whose handcuffs you wear.This image of physical binding symholizes not only physical but spiritual constraints.

Uhwuh Foro Adobeh:

Literally this means "serpent climbs the palm tree" stands for
overcoming. This image of a snake transcending its physical limitations symbolizes unusual achievements that surpass presumed insufficiencies.

Ako-Ben:

This is the sign of the war horn. Stands for a warning. It symbolizes a call to arms and denotes an oncoming hazard, is cautionary alarm.

Sunsum:

This is the sign of the soul. Refers to introspection; soulsearching.Some Akans believe that the soul of a ruler inhabits a younger courtier. It counsels meditation and the search inward.

Dame-Dame:

This is the sign of the game target. It indicates uncertainty; or the impact of luck and chance,

which can ring changes upon even the most reliable situation.

Penpamasie:

This translates as "that which will not crush" Stands for
dependabilty. It means constancy and endurance., strength and solidarity.

Nhye:

Stands for Fire;

This can be the blank spot; or similar to Wyrd; leaving, ending and beginning of all.

Summoning Spirit

ASHANTI

Although Colonialism has replaced much of the indigenous religion in the African Coastal region I feel the Ashanti as significant example of traditional African Tribal Culture are still retained after merging with western religion. The Ashanti exemplifies tribal belief and ritual being preserved and passed on to enrich modern life.

Many of these Adrinka Symbols are used today in African fabrics for both their colour and beauty and for the luck or magick inherent in displaying the symbol itself. This is a selection of stylized images from this culture representing key ingredients of human existence, much like the Egyptian Hieroglyphs.

Talismans were made with the symbols woven in and worn about the neck or girdle. These forms may be drawn onto cards or plaques, and used in the same way as Tarot or Runes.

There is not a specific SET of Adrinka symbols. Including newer Symbols there could be between 60 to over a Hundred.

There is no standard set. Individual diviners generally used:
Thirteen (the number of Luner Months) to Twenty Eight (the number of Days in each Cycle). To Forty One (the combination of the Two.

I am using the Max Maven selection of Twenty-Eight as a guideline in keeping to specific Ashanti culture. This smaller selection are those specifically used as Talismans and seem to work best for divining.

Flat, water washed stones and shells (both sea shells, and heavy pieces of shells from KOLA nuts and other nuts) were painted on one side with the symbols, They are used in Divination by tossing and reading the ones with Symbols side showing.

Copyrite RiciaJo 2002 all Rights Reserved

This page was last updated on: 10/7/05

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Doing a reading:

The subject, consults the diviner and kneels before him. A cloth with Adrinka symbols is spread out between them. The wooden bowl containg the Adrinkas is set out in the center of the cloth, and the diviner asks for guidance in the matter while the subject scoops the runes, running them through their hands. The Sunsumani then dumps the runes, bundling them into the white cloth, without touching them, and raises the bundle to the spirits for guidence. Then gently lets them fall from the bundle to scatter on the cloth for reading.

The ones with the reverse side showing, are removed to the wooden bowl and the runes with the symbol up are read.

Notes on interpretation:

The one closest to the subjest represents him or her. If any others are touching his one, they represent big obstacles. and those close by represnet problem areas, or close allies for the subject. Groups or clusters (3 or 4) the farthest away to the right side, (of the subject) signify past history or influence; The left side represents the results of inquiry or the truths regarding the matter; and are judged by the runes that are together and proximity to each other and the subject.

For Quick advice the subject can face away and reach into the bowl behind them and select 3 runes , on at a time, which are laid out by the Susumani in the order they are selected as Subject-problem-results.

READING THE SYMBOLS

Traditionally the "Adrinkas", are blessed by the high "Sunsumati" (the "posesser of soul wisdom"), who made them) they are kept wrapped in a white cloth. They are placed in a coco cup, (wooden vessel) and one drawn out each morning by the indvidual sunsumani, diviner, for daily Wisdom.

The word Adrinka literally means "farewell".