The Seven African Powers for Beginners (African Spirituality & Magic)
More and more people are being drawn to their pre-Christian ancestral ways. Modern African American, Afro-Caribbean, South American and many other magical people feel called to work with the Orishas, including the Seven African Powers. Learn about the Seven African Powers and how you can begin working with them in African spirituality and folk magic.
Who Are the Orishas?
The Orishas are a group of spirits originating from Yorubaland, which is a region in Africa spanning Nigeria, Benin and Togo. Some people liken the Orishas to gods and goddesses. They are similar but not quite the same. In the Yoruba religion, there is one main creator god known as Olodumare. Moreover, the Orishas are spirits (more similar to demi-gods or angels) that work under the watchful eye of Olodumare. Olodumare created the Orishas and therefore has domain over them, including over the Seven African Powers. However, the Seven African Powers are invoked in many different religions and magical systems including Lucumi, Vodou, Santeria, Candomble, folk Catholicism and many more!
Who Are the Seven African Powers?
The Seven African Powers are seven of the most potent and venerated Orishas. When the Seven are brought together in invocation and prayer, they will do amazing things for their people. The Seven African Powers are these seven Orishas: Eshu Elegbara, Ogun, Obatala, Yemaya, Oshun, Shango and Oya. Now, depending on who you ask, the 7th (Oya) is sometimes substituted with Orunmila or Ochossi.
A note on online sources: I’ve done considerable research on the Seven African Powers, and I find it interesting that because of the forced syncretization of the Seven African Powers with seven Catholic saints, some sources claim the original 7 were never Orishas. That they’ve always been saints. But I disagree and believe this is a dogmatic and patriarchal way to shut out indigenous original religion. Ultimately, it’s up to you what you believe about the Seven African Powers.
The Seven African Powers and Saints
Now for the fun stuff. Let’s take a look at each of the Seven African Powers, their qualities, and the saints they were syncretized with. You may choose to work with individual Orishas OR learn how to invoke the Seven African Powers together at the end of this article!
1. Eshu Elegbara
Eshu Elegbara is also known as Elegua, Exu, Eshu and Legba (or Papa Legba), depending on the tradition. This powerful orisha is the messenger between worlds and is guardian of the crossroads. Nearly every spirit associated with the crossroads is a trickster, and Eshu Elegbara is no exception. He is one of the Seven African Powers who’s a psychopomp (a guide for the dead) and also a guardian of travelers. He is the Orisha to call upon when you need a road opened and to open communication with all other Orishas and spirits.
Eshu Elegbara’s Magical Associations:
- Domain: crossroads, all roads, paths, thresholds and doors, psychopomp, messenger, traveling, fertility, comedy, mischief, healing
- Saints: Saint Anthony, Saint Lazarus and Saint Peter
- Manifestations: over 200 manifestations depending on the tradition, as a virile young man with a phallus, a concrete head with cowrie shell eyes and mouth, old limping man with a cane and hat, etc.
- Colors: Black, Red
- Offerings: tobacco, rum, candy, toys, spicy food (hot sauce and peppers)
- Animals: mouse and rooster
2. Ogun
The 2nd of the Seven African Powers is Ogun, iron-working healing Orisha. They say Ogun isn’t just a spirit of iron, that he is iron. Therefore he rules over metal working and alchemy of any kind. Ogun’s polarity is present in his healing abilities and his ability to destroy. A patriarchal spirit, he watches over children and families and is one of the most venerated Orishas in the African diaspora. Known as the spirit who never rests, Ogun is a shaman and healer and has close ties to blood. Judika Iles warns in her Encyclopedia of Spirits, that if you’re bleeding in any form to NEVER approach Ogun.
Ogun’s Magical Associations:
- Domain: iron and metalworking, alchemy, healing, weapons, oath-taking, orphans and the homeless, cutting through obstacles, technology, vehicles/transportation, railroad tracks, shapeshifting (werewolves – lou garoux)
- Saints: Saint James the Great, Saint Peter, John the Baptist, Saint Martin and Andrew, Archangel Michael
- Manifestations: virile, strong man with fiery eyes, manifests as metal itself; there are MANY manifestations and personas of Ogun including Ogun Blandjo and Ogun La Flambo
- Colors: green, red and white, black, blue
- Offerings: leave offerings by railroad tracks, red palm oil, red candles, cigar, rum, wine, liquor, dragon’s blood, metal, chains, railroad spikes, metal tools, weapons, toy planes and cars, meat, red beans, grains of paradise, spicy foods, etc.
- Altar: concealed in a cabinet or closet with 3-legged cauldron and offerings
3. Obatala
Obatala is an Orisha of the Seven African Powers known as a “cool” spirit of healing and peace. He’s also credited with the job of creating human bodies – particularly with imperfections like blindness and other defects. Perhaps he knew variety is necessary for human evolution! Obatala is the gentlest of the Seven African Powers and very patient. His domain is over legal matters and he brings legitimate justice. Obatala prefers people who control their emotions and are level-headed.
Obatala’s Magical Associations
- Domain: justice and legal matters, peace and serenity, protection of the blind, mute, and those with various birth defects, easing tempers and rage, sobriety, creativity, healing
- Saints/Deity: Jesus Christ
- Manifestations: similar to Jesus, long hair and pure white clothing
- Colors: white
- Offerings: cascarilla powder, sugar, shea butter, water, milk, NO ALCOHOL, white rice, banana, white flowers
- Animals: white doves, white elephants, snails
4. Yemaya
One of the female Seven African Powers, Yemaya is a water Orisha presiding over the oceans. Depicted often as a mermaid, Yemaya’s domain is over all things related to the ocean. She is a sister of Oshun, Orisha of rivers. The Great Mother and protects motherhood as well as female sexuality. She gives abundant treasures and foods like the sea but can also be angered like the sea. Don’t venerate Oya and Yemaya in the same area, they don’t get along! Yemaya protects abused and neglected women and children and also travelers over the sea. Invoke her at the beach.
Yemaya’s Magical Associations
- Domain: female fertility issues, motherhood and children, abused women, over-seas travelers, beauty, the ocean, all ocean creatures, love, healing, abundance, people born under Water zodiac signs, anyone who’s ancestors survived the passage from West Africa to the New World are her people!, erotic dance
- Saints: Black Madonna of Regla and Stella Maris
- Manifestation: mermaid, beautiful woman wearing sea colors, sexually charged, hair and clothes decorated with shells, coral, crystals etc.
- Colors: blue, white, pearl
- Offerings: seashells, jewelry, perfume, coral, flowers, watermelon, pomegranate, duck, lamb, fish, plantain chips, coconut cake, molasses
5. Oshun
Another of the female Seven African Powers, Oshun is the Orisha of the rivers. Baptism by water invokes her purifying essence. When Oshun calls to you, it’s like a gentle river enveloping you. But if she’s angered – watch out! Her domain is over all things that flow like water, love, milk, money, honey, etc. Invoke her for cleansing rituals with water, to heal reproductive problems (for fertility), for romance, divination, employment, magic and much more! Some believe Oshun and Yemaya are sisters and venerate them together. Oya and Oshun don’t get along!
Oshun’s Magical Associations:
- Domain: motherhood and babies, fertility, healing, cleansing, love and romance, self love, rivers and fresh water, divination, witchcraft, wealth
- Saints: Catherine of Alexandria and Our Lady of Charity
- Manifestations: beautiful woman wearing yellow or gold and five golden bracelets, with a mirror at her belt, as a mermaid, manifests in cinnamon and honey, as fresh running water, waterfalls
- Colors: Yellow, gold, orange
- Offerings: mirrors, rosemary, lantana, marigold, pumpkin, makeup, brushes, perfumes, oils, flowers, fans, sandalwood, honey (ALWAYS taste the honey before offering it to her – legend has it she was once almost poisoned by honey!), chamomile tea, shrimp and spinach, yellow and orange fruits and veggies, cinnamon, river stones, amber, coral
- Animals: all river fish, leopards, crocodiles, crickets, vultures, parrots and peacocks
6. Shango
Shango is one of the “hot” orishas and is known as the lord of thunder and fire. He’s the fertile male god who’s intimate with Oba, Oshun and Oya. Keep he and Ogun far away from each other! They are rivals. Shango will brings justice via lightning and he protects his followers from evil. He loves music, women, and fun.
Shango’s Magical Associations
- Domain: thunder and lightning, justice, protection, male fertility and virility, the sky, music and musical instruments, love, dancing, fighting
- Saints: Saint Jerome, John the Baptist, Saint Barbara
- Manifestations: powerful handsome man with a red coat and cowrie shells, on lightning with a double-axe
- Colors: red and white
- Offerings: copper, mugwort, high john the conqueror root, lots of spicy food, red foods and red palm oil, liquor like red wine and rum, sugar and cascarilla
- Animals: horse, ram, leopard, crocodile, turtle, lizard
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7. Oya
Oya is the last of the Seven African Powers, though sometimes she’s substituted with Ochossi or Orunmila. She manifests as a horned water buffalo or a beautiful woman. Her domain is the Niger River, fertility, secrets, shapeshifting, spirits, cemeteries, etc. Never invoke her and Yemaya or Oshun together (the only exception is when invoking the 7 African Powers!)
Oya’s Magical Associations
- Domain: Niger River, female fertility, magic, divination, women’s secrets, female warriors, cemeteries, spirits of the dead, horse farms, libraries, healing of ancestral lines, winds (hurricanes too!), marketplaces
- Saints: Saint Barbara, Teresa of Avila
- Manifestations: beautiful woman, water buffalo, wears 9 copper bracelets, antelope
- Colors: maroon and purple shades
- Offerings: flowers, starfruit, plums, purple grapes, nine eggplants as traditional offering, bean fritters, red wine, set up an altar at home or set offerings at cemetery gates
- Animals: antelope, water buffalo, locust, sheep, horse
Respect and Reverence for the Culture and Seven African Powers
It should go without saying that if you plan to invoke and work with the Seven African Powers for healing, abundance, fertility, etc. that you should approach them with respect and reverence. Understand the culture and people from whence the Seven African Powers came. These spirits, the Orishas, were brought to the Americas on the backs of the enslaved Africans. They’ve survived because of the culture. Have a respect and understanding of what the Orishas’ people endured and henceforth survived. If you don’t have respect for the African diaspora and culture, the Seven African Powers will not have respect for you!
Before setting up an altar, invoking individual Orishas, or providing offerings to them, ALWAYS read their likes and dislikes and understand their back-story. Some Orishas don’t get along with one another and should never be venerated in the same space. To haphazardly throw Shango and Ogun on the same altar without doing research may anger them! Be smart and respectful. You can always learn about other African deities too, like Anansi for example.
Ways to Invoke the Magic of the Seven African Powers
In addition to working with and venerating these Orishas individually, you can call upon them as the Seven African Powers in times of great need OR to cover ALL of your bases! Even though some of these Orishas don’t get along on a normal basis, when invoked as the Seven African Powers their animosity towards one another may be calmed. Moreover, there are different ways to invoke the Seven African Powers including dance, chanting, prayer, candles, oils, and more. All of which will be detailed below.
Seven African Powers Candle and Prayer
Find Seven African Powers candles online, at local botanicas or conjure shops or at your local Walmart or grocery store! I’ve found a few 7 African Powers candles at Walmart in the candle aisle for a dollar a piece. They typically depict the 7 saints the Orishas are syncretized with but the power is the same. Burn it every day for 7 days along with the prayer on the label. When you burn the candle and pray over it, you’re invoking ALL the Orishas’ powers and covering all of your bases for prosperity and protection. If you can’t find a 7 African Powers candle, use what you have. A white candle works for just about any invocation and for any deity. Carve or write the names of the 7 African Powers on the candle and dress it in an oil of your choice.
Seven African Powers Oils, Incense and Soaps
Using oils, incense and soaps specifically created with the energy of the 7 African Powers will bless any ritual or spell you do. Use the oil to anoint doorways, wallets, candles, your car, and your body to invoke their blessings and protection. Burn the incense during prayer as offering to them. Wash with their soap to start your day out right AND to cleanse any negative energy or bad magic from your aura.
Call on the 7 African Powers When…
You need to cover all of your magical bases or you have a great need. They aid in self-empowerment, strength, prosperity, opportunities, protection of family and home, healing, career, motherhood and fatherhood, fertility, peace, justice and legal matters and much more! If you find working with one spirit or god isn’t enough, invoking the 7 African Powers will pack the spiritual punch you need!
A Few Sources Used:
- Encyclopedia of Spirits by Judika Illes
- Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells by Judika Illes
- Conjuredcardea.com
- OriginalBotanica.com
72 Comments
London
March 17, 2023 at 1:08 pmThis is a great article I have been initiated to work with Elegua Obatala Shango and Ochosi my next step is the divination/IFA ceremony where I find out who my head Is and make my commitment to them I am currently working on that. I must say my Fathers as I call them have helped me Love them much! I also honor and build alters for my Mothers Oshun Yemaya and Oya.
Laoru
October 27, 2022 at 10:08 amI’m interested in this. I’m not black. I believe my sister has cast a hex on me. She works with many black women from the Caribbean & I believe that they helped her do this to me. How can I protect myself from this
Izzy
April 23, 2022 at 5:50 amI’ve been lazy about learning any culture. I am fascinated w the orishas. They called to me around 96 or 97,98. But before that, I could hear my ancestors say, I am from Bantu lineage. Always heard Nana buruku when I was little. I was trying to find out more, and then stopped. When I did my DNA, it did confirm Banta, Nigeria, and Congo. I’d like a friend that wouldn’t mind my questions, or be judgemental. I understand translation gets lost or changed, either way the roads meet back to the beginning, is my opinion. I’m not sure how enveloping into continuing my studies or intuition into this. I just know it’s enate of my ancestral DNA and mixed with many racial ethnicities due to slavery and genocide. I’m sure the translation wasn’t an offense, it just is…yemaya for example is primarily used by puertricans. At least the ones I know of, and some tarot cards are written with 2 or 3 translations of the orishas. This site is hard to text w a phone, so I hope I hear back from anyone of you. It would be nice to chat. One of my supervisors told me to lohe Kush or kushinties for religion purposes of my own.
Nicole Liverpool Crawford
October 4, 2021 at 8:34 amHi i am new to this i am just seeking information on the seven African Powers because and was told many times to call on my ancestors for help and not sure how to call on them and i really think i need if because my financial life is not good, my husband health has taken a dip and he was the bread winner in the home , right now i cannot pay my tuition as i am a Nursing student , i have four boy to support and cannot even afford to even purchase books for school sometimes i really need guidance.
Veronica y o r k
October 21, 2021 at 2:41 pmHi I’m Veronica I am a new beginning of this seven African power and I would like to learn more about it please guide me through it and teach me every word of it please I need it money home living and others so help me with this thank you
Alicia
October 4, 2021 at 12:37 amGreetings! To clarify you DO NOT have to be initiated in order to connect with the spirits of the Orishas. Spirit of the ancestors lives in your blood and you can invoke the presences of anyone of them, to assist you on your journey. Your intention is what matters the most. Intention is energy, spirit is energy. Especially if you’ve had dreams or felt their presence, follow your intuition/insight, and what resonates with your spirit. You are the source/GOD the power flows through you, you have the ability to heal and create/manifest. Love & Blessings to ALL!
K
April 10, 2022 at 4:30 pmYES MA AM !! THIS IS TRUE !! I don’t even think I want to know which one has my head. I love all of them!! I feel them with me daily !!!
Anonymous
August 7, 2022 at 1:01 amI felt this… thank you
PaloPrincess
August 2, 2021 at 1:56 pmHello. I’m currently on an ATR spiritual path and have an amazing Padrino; however, in order to practice our invoke the spirits of that religion I have to be initiated. Does one have to be initialed into the Yoruba religion in order to call on the Orisas or 7 African Powers?
Anonymous
September 16, 2021 at 10:28 pmYes you do have to be initiated to have a serious connection , any other who calls on our Orishas are seen as strangers to the religion , wouldn’t be able to attend ceremonies or anything involving the Orishas . I had the same question and was told that , now today I am baptized and has been one of the biggest blessings of my life
Katrina
June 28, 2023 at 10:31 amNo. You don’t have to be initiated. The relationship is for the Orisha to decide and your devotion.
Chika
July 16, 2021 at 5:45 pmThank you so much for this. i took my time to read it all.
Cassia
February 17, 2021 at 3:29 amI want to learn, I’m reading a book by Lilith Dorsey and it’s good. I am looking for new books on the subject. I dreamt of a woman with her face covered from the top of her white glowing crown, long red dress with glowing white heart on the front . Which Orishas would this be? Thank you for this article and my help you could give.
anon
January 12, 2021 at 1:57 amHi everyone! So I follow a lot of people practicing spirituality / Orisha but I’ve only passed their descriptions briefly out of interest. But last night I had the strangest dream where there was some type of male figure? Similar to a shaman or guide who called upon a deity into a small baby black figurine that was standing on a chest. The baby doll starting moving and crawling towards me, which startled me but at the same fascinated me so much that this was even happening. Even though the guide (?) figure did not say his name, I just knew in my dream telepathically I guess that this was one of the Orisha gods/goddesses. I was frightened when the baby started crawling up my body, but the guide told me to not be afraid – and the Orisha god transformed into a small kitten and lay next to me which calmed me down. Later on I was afraid as the guide said Orisha might not be happy because he was called upon just to see if something would happen, but later my friend found out that the Orisha god had something in common with us. Which was that he had left home + family when he was young. I’m kind of confused because I don’t think about Orisha and the religion at all, if not barely except for the time I see it mentioned once or twice in a while on twitter- but I think this dream must be significant? Could anyone point me in the right direction? I’m trying to be cautious and respectful at the same time because I am not black, I’m asian actually. Thanks so much for reading this lengthy post!!
Raven
February 1, 2021 at 7:20 pmI believe that your dream was a sign. If you try to dwell on it too much, you will lose the message that is trying to be sent to you. Just write down the key points of your dream that stood out to you and the date. And just pay attention to everything that is happening to you for awhile. The answer will reveal itself. And as far as you being Asian, that has nothing to do with The Divine trying to make contact with you. Rest assured that we are ALL children of The Divine, and the form that It chooses to present Itself is only to appease us as human beings for our limited capacity of understanding the unknown. However, it’s all the same. From Oshun, to Isis, to Eve, to Freya, etc. We are all connected.
Nicole
February 15, 2022 at 7:58 amAsian lineage is african descent as well.
Gen Prea
January 5, 2021 at 3:42 pmI recently bought a statue with Jesus on his cross and the 7 Orishas around him. I love the statue and I’m a big believer but I don’t want to disrespect ogun and chango being in the same statue and space. What do you advice I do about the statue?
Anonymous
March 16, 2021 at 8:31 pmtheir all one, they each represent a different sense of being.
Anonymous
September 30, 2022 at 10:36 amYou’ve Disrespected Obatala and olodumare by having Jesus . Pick one side European saints /copies. or the original orishas
Marshelle81
December 29, 2020 at 4:32 amThis was an awesome read!! I was once told that I have one foot in the spiritual world and one foot in man’s world by a pastor. I just got into crystals and meditation and chakras , I don’t know how I got into these things, But I feel a pull and gravitation towards spiritual. Then there are Christians who calls it witchcraft like my church, to be honest I always get asked are you Christian, baptise, what is your religion? And I always reply I honestly don’t know, I just know I believe in God and Jesus Christ. I need help on my spiritual journey, any suggestions?
Anonymous
May 12, 2021 at 4:47 pmDON’T WORRY JESUS WAS MORE SPIRITUAL THAN RELIGIOUS AND HE CERTAINLY WASNT A CHRISTIAN!
OTorres
November 3, 2021 at 2:14 amI connect with you on this on every level .
Ashli
December 18, 2020 at 4:04 amThis was so affirming for me personally and spiritually. O shun has been with me since I was about 10 years old. I would always call her mama.. she felt more of a mother to me than my own. I would like to share a picture that was revealed to me from Oshun. Thank you for this message. You are faithful In your journey…
Jacqueline A Greene
March 5, 2021 at 7:48 pmI feel that I closely identify with Oshun.
Bree
December 11, 2020 at 12:41 amHi, I enjoyed reading this. I grew up in a “christian” church and I am at an age where I have decided to embark on my journey to learn and explore spirituality as my ancestors did prior to being brought over to America. The deeper connection to where I truly come from and everything they embodied and never got a chance to learn and experience. My biggest question is, after reading about all 7 of them (and I know there are many more to learn about) outside of learning exactly what it means to understand African based spirituality, how do I know exactly which spirit to honor/follow and work with? Where could I start on finding a real guide so I get the right guidance and proper information. I want to truly understand not go on this journey just because. I guess in a sense I want to avoid offending any of them while trying to connect. I hope I am making sense. Any information for a beginner on her journey would help.
Anonymous
August 21, 2022 at 4:43 pmyes i feel its because the ones that are promoted in each country
Jojo
October 25, 2020 at 9:28 amThis gods are from my country. Western rules have made them hidden here too and we have to come back in touch with them
Azeez ojewuyi akanni
September 2, 2020 at 11:28 amAm learning soot was helpful to me
Am Nigeria am have the five of orisha powerful these are:obatala,sango,ogun,osun and esu
Kofi Bro
August 21, 2020 at 3:44 pmJust Started my journey in learning more of African Spirituality. Thanks a lot for this.
Frances Thomas
August 6, 2020 at 4:35 amIts Yemoja not Yemaya please she’s called Yemoja in Africa. Yemaya has no meaning in Yoruba.
Tone
August 11, 2020 at 4:33 amI thought her name was spelled differently depending on the particular sect. Like “Osun” snd “Ochun” 🤔
Anonymous
August 19, 2020 at 5:57 pmNo its always been OSHUN
Robert Turk
January 12, 2021 at 9:41 pmThe different spelling comes in because some nationalities would automatically change it to sound more natural to them (easier pronunciation). I would prefer to learn it also orally so I actually know the original sound and tonation of their name.
Aixa
May 15, 2021 at 5:22 pmYoure correct. It can be spelled differently depending on the sect and the language they use. Oshun can be spelled like: oshun, ochun, osun, oxum, oshum, etc.
Same with Yemaya. Hers can be spelled: Yemoja, yemaya, Iemanjá, etc.
Dorian Dotson
September 1, 2020 at 11:47 pmThank you for clarification.
Anonymous
September 20, 2020 at 7:48 pmIs the letter y even in our native language?
J. Walker
October 14, 2020 at 12:21 pmPeace and blessings may eye ask you a question…are you from the mother land if so how can eye contact you…
Anonymous
April 23, 2022 at 5:29 amIsn’t it cultural translation? I know as far back1400 or 1500. The Spaniards took slaves, and therefore we became immensely multiracial. The puertricans call her Yemaya, because they say its a translation of Spanish. Some tarot cards are wrongly identified if you say its only one way. I’ve been trying to learn my cultural roo Wouldn’t
Marshelle
July 28, 2020 at 6:06 amCan a deceased sibling still be spoken with if you put up a alter for them in the form of an ancestor??
admin
July 28, 2020 at 10:50 amAbsolutely!
Anonymous
August 19, 2020 at 6:00 pmYes and most time u need no alter calling on a deceased sibling all u need is stillness and a great way of mediation. Do it in water or in a mirror for those are portals to the other side. Dont be scared sound very direct try to have an old item of your siblings and white candles
Jojo
November 9, 2020 at 7:04 pmHow do I banish an attached spirit ? And who from the 7 powers do I call out too?
Osuntope
October 25, 2020 at 9:32 amIt’s hard but possible
SSmith
July 25, 2020 at 10:11 pmI am so excited on my new journey I’m reading everything that I can possibly learn. Thank you for sharing.
Tamela
July 25, 2020 at 3:28 pmI drive Uber sometimes & usually play West African AfroBeats music while driving. One of my passengers was African American PhD doctor who had studied or had some familiarity with western African religion said I had a Osun type energy ⚡ and/or vibe. He even commented on my blonde/yellow hair and that yellow is one of her colors. After reading about her, her colors are some of my favorite colors, especially yellow! I wear alot of yellow & I accessorize with alot of orange and gold!
I am just starting to delve into our indigenous spirituality but my love and embrace for my West African roots was a result of my meditation practice after the death of my biological father in 2014. I started asking the question of who am I meaning all the way back to my roots in Africa. I feel like my Mom’s side probably came more from Ghana 🇬🇭 & my dad’s side more from Nigeria. Anyhoot, I started immersing myself in Nigerian culture, 1st with the Nollywood movies and the AfroBeats music and eventually with some of the food. My manifestations were super strong bc I’ve met Davido, Tekno among other artists and several Nollywood actors and directors! I am a little somewhat afraid to just start all out practicing Voodoo & calling out to the Orishas, but I realize that it’s partly because of the demonization of white oppressors. I will research & study more before fully immersing/baptizing myself. Ase & Namaste 🙏🏿
Breeya Gandy
August 3, 2020 at 2:42 amThis is a blessing to hear. I’m so proud of you
Pernille Witt
July 19, 2020 at 6:27 pmHi – how come Aja is not part of the orishas? She is an orisha too right?
Alicia
October 4, 2021 at 12:40 amThere are a few that’s not listed. The ones in the article are just the most popular, and sought after.
Anonymous
July 18, 2020 at 4:35 pmI have a question… I am worshiping both Oya and Oshun, From this, I have learned that they do not like each other is it okay that I’m Worshiping both-?
admin
July 19, 2020 at 1:14 pmYes, just keep their altars separate and don’t invoke them at the same time unless you’re invoking the 7 powers altogether.
Mousieq
July 18, 2020 at 3:17 amI started on this path a couple of months ago when Oshun appeared to me, I made her altar and in the last couple of weeks 3 more Orishas have appeared to me in their beautiful human form, my question is … is it possible for someone to have all 7 orishas come to them without being invoked? as i have not invoked any of them they just showed up.
admin
July 18, 2020 at 12:24 pmOf course that’s possible!
Tarvaris
July 22, 2020 at 6:44 pmHow long have you been live this life style????
Diana
August 2, 2020 at 10:59 pmWhere can I connect with a community to learn more?
Anonymous
September 6, 2020 at 8:30 pmDid they appear to you during meditation?
Shawn
August 7, 2022 at 1:10 amOshun has appeared to me in mediation and even crown me. Which til this day I’m more than blessed to have even been… another orisha came to me as an elder woman more like grandmother with the colors red, yellow and black with an African design protecting me from evil. I feel back from working with them but I have been speaking to them when I can. I love the fact that we are getting back to what has been taking from us. Going to start back most definitely…
Marcus H Diggs
July 9, 2020 at 1:40 amMumbo Jumbo was a monotheistic African God who I could reference 60 years ago but has seemed to disappear since then…..???….are you familiar with this entity
Stacy Griffith
June 27, 2020 at 2:05 pmHello, permit me if I may, I’m new to this and still learning. I’d lime to learn more about my ancestors beliefs etc. I see more that i s imperative to my calling. I have been plagued with many battles spiritually from money issues to lack of employment, business not doing well, sickness, blocked paths to business ventures, money not staying in my hands etc. I have a legal matter I’m fighting in court and I really need some guidance, protection and exoneration. I’d like to invoke all 7 spirits to assist in my plight and once and for all rid myself of these spiritual attacks or at least be better prepared when adversity comes. Can you guide me as to how to proceed. I will gather all that was listed above to use. I just need a bit of guidance. Thanks in advance.
Cojuana Graddy
July 15, 2020 at 11:21 pmI don’t have an answer but just want to share with you. I’ve been Christian and Hebrew. Haven’t really left Hebrewism as I’m tribe of Dan. I started crying out to God for help on this earth because I was experiencing what you’re experiencing. I started gaining an interest in the Orishas kind of out of nowhere. One day at work, I broke down. I ran outside and started calling the feminine Orishas I learned about in this book by Lillth Dorsey, Orishas Goddesses and Voodoo Queens. Very in depth. I called out to them as I could name them. I felt like water had come over me and I was breathing under the water. That was my first experience. I felt Yemaya and Oya’s presence about me. I prayed for cleansing and repair. After that, it appears that Oya became my patron because I could only focus on her. I recently lost that job as this was only a month ago. Yesterday I learned Oya likes chocolate. I went to whole foods and got her a good bar of organic chocolate. I presented it along with incense for her. I later put in a resume for a job fair Friday. The company was so impressed at my score results that they called immediately and offered employment! Higher pay too by $3 more! I looked at my daughter and laughed. I said all this from a chocolate bar? Okay! Let’s get this new spiritual awareness and help on the road!!!!
Crystal
June 26, 2020 at 5:54 amlol I guess I was half asleep when i read how to use the candle because everyday for 7 days i would wake up , light the candle, say the prayer, then before bed i would turn it off.
when i got down to the last 3 colors i started questioning myself ,but it was too late i was already in too deep to not stay dedicated lhaahahahha
i very much appreciate this information, thank you.
Jamila Foy
June 23, 2020 at 7:44 amI really appreciate how your broke it down to where it help me understand. I’ve always been drawn to wanting to understand African spirituality since I was a teenager but at that time if you tried to go to the library to look up info there was only a couple of books out. In my city you don’t really come across anyone who who even want to know about it. As I grow older I’m wanting more and more info even joined groups on fb but afraid to say anything because everyone who most talk in the groups are practicing already and I dont understand some of their post.
Chrisy
June 26, 2020 at 6:15 am( delete if not allowed) hello, I hope you are doing well. I’m new the the practice as well, still learning. i think the groups are fun to follow it gives you a little bit of insight and i feel like some people in the group will help with some questions. what i do is follow certain people on youtube who talk about the storys of the orishas which i find to be very important , you can learn a lot about the orishas and lessons through the stories. theyre is yorba and santaria when it comes to orisha practices and for both the storys are diffrent so i would justmake sure youre following someone who is yorba or santaria depending on what you desires . then move onto learning the dances (what they mean and the moves of each orisha) and songs . in my opinion think its a great idea to learn a lot about orishas and the practice before taking further steps .
Crystal
June 16, 2020 at 7:32 pmthank you so much for the time you put into this
Ayeshia
June 10, 2020 at 3:39 pmHello can you please give me a free app to download to learn more about the Orishas please. Thank you in advance.
admin
June 12, 2020 at 4:54 pmI don’t know about apps but try searching for audiobooks on the Orishas. I’ve seen a few in Audible.
Doreen Williams
October 4, 2020 at 2:45 amI was given a 7 african powers necklace on the 7th day it mysteriously broke. How and where do I dispose of it? New to the 7 african powers. I remember my mom honoring them, but were too young to remember how to work with them. I have the utmost respect for ALL the ORISHA’s! I need to dispose of it PROPERLY.
Ty for your helpful guidance.
Izzy
April 23, 2022 at 5:37 amQuestio , did u ware it while washing and bathing. It will break sooner or later, especially if made w silk thread. If it’s precious to you, then just retread it, and cleanse it.
Yarissa
May 27, 2020 at 1:51 amThan you this was so helpful,
Alana Anthony
May 24, 2020 at 7:55 pmI’m a black woman just beginning my journey into African Spirituality. and looking to strengthen my practice. This was very informative and easy to read thank you!
Jack Galardi
May 23, 2020 at 11:34 pmHello. I have question that I hope you won’t mind answering. I have three of the seven powers already in my home: Ellegua, Ogun, and Obatala. Along with Ochosi and Osun, the rooster sentinel, not the Orisha of Love, Oshun, I mean, as well as a shrine to my Dad. The question I have is would me burning the 7 African Powers incense have an adverse effect with a ritual I’m planning given all that I’ve said.
admin
May 27, 2020 at 2:17 pmNo, the 7 African powers when called on for ritual or a need wouldn’t interact negatively with any other energy in the home.
Carolca
May 19, 2020 at 1:45 pmAm learning,so it was helpful to me