When Cowries Fall, Be Ready for the Storm: A Yoruba Story of Orunmila, Prosperity, and Preparation

By Baba Esuwale Adigun (King Brujo)

In the Yoruba spiritual tradition, we pass down wisdom through Yoruba stories—sacred tales that reveal the hidden mechanics of life, nature, and the Orisha. These stories may shift slightly depending on the region, but their spiritual core stays the same. Today, I want to share one such tale—an Orunmila Yoruba story about prosperity and preparation—and why it’s more relevant now than ever.

🔑 The Orunmila Yoruba Story About Prosperity and Preparation

There was once a town plagued by poverty. The people were suffering. Hunger gnawed at them, and hope was all but gone. So they turned to Orunmila (Orula), the Orisha of wisdom and divination, asking for guidance in their struggle.

Orunmila consulted Ifa and shared a prophecy:

“It will rain cowries from the sky.”

Now, back then, cowries were money—real currency. This meant a miracle was coming.

And it happened. The skies opened, and cowries poured down like blessings from the heavens. The townspeople ran out with baskets, bowls, anything they could grab to collect the windfall. They were overjoyed. Overnight, they went from struggling to thriving.

They spent lavishly. Celebrated. Enjoyed the high life. But they made one mistake—they thought the blessings would last forever.

The Storm Behind the Blessing

Later, Orunmila (Orula) performed divination again. This time, he saw something dangerous:

“Weapons will rain from the sky.”

Swords. Machetes. Guns. Ammunition. Warfare was coming.

Orunmila warned the town. He called a meeting. Told them to prepare.

But the people didn’t listen. They stayed indoors. Comfortable. Complacent.

Only Orunmila went out during the rain of weapons. He collected everything—quietly building an armory while everyone else ignored the signs.

Unprepared and Vulnerable

Months passed. Word of the town’s miraculous cowrie rain spread to the next village. Jealousy turned into greed, and soon that neighboring town made plans to invade.

But the people were unprepared. They had no weapons. No defense. No foresight.

In desperation, they ran to Orunmila:

“We need help! Give us machetes, guns, anything to protect ourselves!”

Orunmila said:

“Give me all your cowries, and I’ll give you weapons.”

They did. And in the end, Orunmila had both the money and the weapons.

Why?

Because he prepared.

This Orunmila Yoruba story about prosperity and preparation teaches us a lesson we can't afford to ignore: Blessings mean nothing if you’re not ready for the battle that follows.

Real Talk: This Ain’t Just a Story

This Yoruba story reflects real life. Think back to the pandemic. Cowries were raining again:

• Stimulus checks

• PPP loans

• Unemployment boosts

• SBA grants

People were LIT. Trips to Dubai. Cars they couldn’t afford. Bottles, bags, and Balenciaga.

But who actually prepared?

Fast-forward a couple years—rents rising, inflation climbing, bills stacking. Where did it all go?

See, the cowries came, but so did the adversity. Most weren’t ready for that second rain.

Wisdom Is Wealth

Here’s the truth:

Blessings are seasonal. So is adversity. Your survival depends on how you handle both.

While everyone else was enjoying the overflow, Orunmila was stacking his defenses.

Ask yourself:

• When you were up, did you build for the times you'd be down?

• Did you think the money train would ride forever?

• Did you pray only for riches but never for wisdom?

Don’t Just Shine—Shield Up

Life is like a road. You can have luxury tires on your vehicle, but when the terrain gets rough, they pop. If you’ve got off-road tires, though? You keep moving. No problem.

That’s the difference between living to impress and living to endure.

Prepare for your storm while the sun is still shining.

Final Word from Baba Esuwale Adigun

Family, Orunmila (Orula) didn’t just tell the future—he moved with wisdom. He stored up. He planned. He didn’t get distracted by wealth or blindsided by war.

Be like Orunmila.

• Don’t just chase blessings—protect them.

• Don’t just flex your fortune—fortify it.

• Don’t just spend—strategize.

Whether it’s cowries or conflict—it’s coming. The question is: Will you be ready?

Odabọ.