The Odun's are the way the Orisha's communicate with humankind. They are one of many patterns or numerical values that can manifest when used with the divination system of the Lucumi. These are shown through the cowries shells used during the divination. There are over 250 Oduns.

Each Odun has a proverb; a meaning and a cleansing that can be used to deflect the Odun. For example, during a divination if eight cowries shells are face-up that is Eyeunlye.

The proverb for Eyeunlye is "the head is what leads the body; you are born to be a queen or king; give yourself your rightful place; know how to use your head; don't destroy with your feet what you have created with your head; love yourself first so that you will be able to love others; etc.."