What does the 7 African powers do?

This beautiful coloured candle sits in a glass with images of the 7 African powers, also called Orishas, and in the centre Jesus nailed to the cross. The candle has 7 colours that correspond to these powers. You burn this candle to evoke the almighty powers of the 7 African orishas.

Burning this candle is supposed to help in getting money, good business, happiness and a peaceful household. This candle brings positive energy to your home and has a calming effect. You can pray when you burn it, while focusing on your desires:

Oh seven African powers that are so close to our divine Saviour With great humility I kneel before you and beg your intercession for the Almighty Listen to my petition and grant me peace and prosperity Please remove all obstacles that cause me to go wandering Oh olofi, I trust the words "Ask and you will receive" May it is so! Amen.

The 7 African Powers

Everyone can rely on the 7 African powers, spiritual guides who guide without exception. They are all 7 associated with deities:

Obatala is Our Lady, Yemalia (Yemaya) is Stella Maris, Ochun (Oshun) is Our Mother of Charity, Chango is Saint Barbara, Orula (Oya) is Saint John the Evangelist, Orgum (Ogun) is Saint John the Baptist and to slot Elegua is Sint Simon Petrus.

Candles in the Eastern Trading shop

In our shop you will find a large range of candles, some with wonderful scents, others in glasses holding an image. These often have an image of a saint and are meant to pray for. If you are looking for ​​the 7 African Powers, we also have special incense in the shop to call on them.

Who Are The Seven African Powers?

The Seven African Powers are seven of the most well-recognized and celebrated deities of the Yoruban culture. Also identified as the Orishas, they are common to all beliefs of the Yoruban starting position, while they are not always considered to be the same deities. In Vodun, they are perceived as Loas or Lwas. In the Macumba traditions, of Candomble and Umbanda, they are called Orixa. While in Santeria, Voodoo's corresponding religion, they are spoken of as Las Sietes Potencias and lastly, in the Congo Basin, they are referred to as Nkisi.

The Orishas are claimed to be the emissaries of Olodumare. Olodumare is a gender-neutral, divine, all-knowing and deity who created the earth and the entire universe. The Orishas are demi-Gods who have been assigned to watch after mankind. They oversee the forces of nature in addition to our troubles.

The Orishas recognize each other and are seen primarily by their distinctive numbers, colors, markings, meals, and personalities. These dictate what gifts and contributions are acceptable for each Orisha. The advocates of all the Orishas will require contributions in the way of which they are used to so that the Orishas acknowledge correctly and will provide an answer in the presence of a spell or curse. Understanding the forces of nature that guide them, the Orishas can be best known by. For example, Elegua is located at the crossroads, while Oshun enjoys the rivers and streams.

A secure relationship with that one dominant spirit influence provides an individual to request for the aid of all seven spirits in every undertaking. The Seven African Powers are called upon for overcoming obstacles; help with spiritual change, and encouragement of personal power. Any individual can call upon the Seven African Powers bearing in mind that they are spirit guides and anybody, whether they are initiated or not, have contact with spirits of the deceased for their direction. Normally they are called for by burning a vigil candle, which is seven colors or using seven different candles to represent the various colors. As you call the Seven African Powers and petition them for help, fasten strips of scarves or fabric of seven different colors in a bundle and spin in the air above your head.

Collectively, these seven Orishas symbolize a force that offers guidance and strength during the course of all our troubles and hardships.

One

Yoruba

Archeological evidence shows that the Yoruba people became a notable presence in the West African world sometime around the 5th century B.C. The founding father of the Yoruba people was King Oduduwa. He resided in the capital city Ile-Ife, which, to this day, is considered to be a sacred symbol of the Yoruba people. Some old stories present Oduduwa as a creator deity, making Ile-Ife the place where humanity was created. But historical accounts speak of battles for supremacy against unruly invaders.

Prior to Oduduwa, the Yoruba were a scattered nation, living in semi-independent cities ruled by chiefs (obas). The twenty-something cities had twenty-something kings, who had their own subordinates to keep the villages in check. So, we can’t speak of a united nation. The only key element that identified them as Yoruba was their language.

Once Oduduwa became king, the Yoruba kingdom was born. The role of the king gained importance, and the kings that succeeded him called themselves the sons of Oduduwa. It also became customary for people who desired influential political roles to prove their lineage as descendants of Oduduwa. After Oduduwa’s death, his sons moved from Ile-Ife to start their own

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Before you buy the paperback:Know that this is more like an instruction manual. Half of it is spells. The other half is made up of very brief overviews of the seven orishas.

Before you buy, know that you're getting, like, a one page overview for each orisha. That being said, it's a great introduction to the orishas!

Before you buy the paperback:Know that this is more like an instruction manual. Half of it is spells. The other half is made up of very brief overviews of the seven orishas.

Before you buy, know that you're getting, like, a one page overview for each orisha. That being said, it's a great introduction to the orishas!

...more

What does the 7 African powers do?

The 7 African Powers are seven of the most well-known and celebrated deities (orishas) of the Yoruban pantheon. The orishas are common to all faiths of Yoruban origin, although they are not always considered to be the same deities. In Santeria, Voodoo's sister religion, they are referred to as Las Sietes Potencias. In Macumba traditions (Candomble, Umbanda), they are called Orixa. In Vodoun, they are called Lwas (Loas), and in Palo, they are referred to as Nkisi.

In all of these traditions, the Orishas have many aspects (Caminos), which are often quite diverse. In this lens, we will take a look at Papa Legba (also Ellegua), Yemaya, Oshun, Obatala, Ochosi, Oya, and Ogun. I will also identify their associated saints.

A Guide to Serving the Seven African Powers for the Individual Voodoo Practitioner

Papa Legba

Loa of crossroads, doorways, and gates

What does the 7 African powers do?

Papa Legba, Guardian of the Crossroads

Legba has his origins with the Fon people of Dahomey (Benin) Africa and is said to be the guardian and trickster of the crossroads and entrances. He is one of the most widely worshipped loas and is known by several names. In Surinam in Brazil he is known as Exu, in Trinidad, in Cuba he is known as Ellegua, and in Haiti and New Orleans he is known as Papa Legba. Papa Legba is the master linguist, the trickster, warrior, and the personal messenger of destiny. He has the power to remove obstacles and he provides opportunities. All ceremonies begin and end with Papa Legba, and there can be no communication with any of the other loas without consulting him first. His gift for linguistics enables him to translate the requests of humans into the languages of the spirits and loas.

To learn more about this deity, please see my other lens Papa Legba, Loa of Opportunities and Gatekeeper to the Spirit World.

Ellegua Bust

What does the 7 African powers do?

Ellegua Bust

Papa Legba Voodoo Doll, available from planetvoodoo.com

What does the 7 African powers do?

Papa Legba Voodoo Doll, available from planetvoodoo.com

NA GIRA DO EXU - Invoking the Spirits of Brazilian Quimbanda

Yemaya

Mother of the Seven Seas

Yemaya, Mother of the Seven Seas

What does the 7 African powers do?

Yemaya, Mother of the Seven Seas

What does the 7 African powers do?

Yemaya

Mother of all Orishas

Yemaya is the Mother of the Seven Seas, the Santeria Orisha of fertility and motherhood. She offers protection to women. She is likened to the patron saints Lady of Regla, and Mary, Star of the Sea.

Myth has it that Yemay gave birth to the 14 Yoruban Goddesses and Gods. When her uterine waters broke, it caused a great flood creating the oceans. The first human man and woman were borne from her womb.

Yemay is the Creation Goddess, and is often depicted as a mermaid. She is associated with the moon, ocean, and female mysteries.

Mary, Star of the Sea

What does the 7 African powers do?

Mary, Star of the Sea

Yemaya Santeria and the Queen of the Seven Seas

Oya

Goddess of Storms, Cemeteries, and the Marketplace

What does the 7 African powers do?

Oya, Mistress of the Marketplace, Ruler of Hurricanes

Oya is the Goddess of the Niger River, and the orisha of wind, lightning, fertility, fire and magic. She creates hurricanes and tornadoes and carries the spirits of the dead to the underworld. This is why she is closely associated with cemeteries. Her full name is Oya-Yansan, which means "mother of nine."

Oya is the mother of disguises and wears many masks. She is revolutionary, efficient, strong-willed, and indispensable in emergency situations. If you need help in business, Oya can bring you prosperity in economic affairs.

Oya has been syncretized in Santeria with the Catholic images of Our Lady Of Candelaria (Our Lady of the Presentation) and St. Theresa. In Brazilian Umbanda she is represented by Saint Barbara.

Our Lady of Candelaria

What does the 7 African powers do?

Our Lady of Candelaria

Oya Voodoo Doll, available from planetvoodoo.com

What does the 7 African powers do?

Oya Voodoo Doll, available from planetvoodoo.com

The Mask of Oya

Fernandez Barrios presents us with the gift of her spiritual wisdom, learned over a lifetime of deep and conscious practice.

Ogun

God of War, blood, and iron

Ogun

What does the 7 African powers do?

Ogun

What does the 7 African powers do?

Ogun, Wild Man of the Woods & Father of Technology

Ogun (Ogoun) is the traditional warrior, similar to the spirit of Ares in Greek mythology. As such, Ogun is mighty, powerful, and triumphal; yet, also exhibits the rage and destructiveness of the warrior whose strength and violence can turn against the community he serves. Ogun gives strength through prophecy and magic.

In Yoruba mythology, Ogun is a son of Yemaja (Yemaya) and Orungan. In Santera and Palo Mayombe, he is identified with Saint Peter. In Haitian Vodou, he is associated with St. James the Greater and St. George. In New Orleans Voodoo, he is associated with St. Anthony and St. George. In all his incarnations Ogun is a fiery and martial spirit. He can be very aggressively masculine, but can rule the head of female, or effeminate male initiates of his choosing. He is also linked with blood, and is for this reason often called upon to heal diseases of the blood. In addition, he is often called upon to bring work to the unemployed.

Ogun Voodoo Doll, as seen on National Geographic's Taboo

What does the 7 African powers do?

Ogun Voodoo Doll, as seen on National Geographic's Taboo

Ogun, Santeria and the Master of Iron

Chango

God of War, blood, and iron

Chango Voodoo Doll

What does the 7 African powers do?

Chango Voodoo Doll

What does the 7 African powers do?

Chango, Orisha of Fire, Power, Thunder, & Sensuality

Chango (Shango, Xango) is the orisha of lightening, dance, thunder, power, passion, and sensuality. He is the epitome of all things masculine, and the dispenser of vengeance on behalf of the wronged. He has the power to help you win wars, defeat your enemies, and gain power over others. He will ensure you are victorious over all of your difficulties. Chango is believed to have once been a Yoruban king; thus, he must be treated as such.

According to Yoruba and Vodou belief systems, Chango hurls bolts of lightning at the people chosen to be his followers, leaving behind imprints of stone axe blade on the Earth's crust. These blades can be seen easily after heavy rains. Worship of Chango enables a great deal of power and self-control. Chango altars often contain a carved figure of a woman holding a gift to the god with a double-bladed axe sticking up from her head.

In art, Chango is depicted with a double-axe on his three heads. He is associated with the holy animal, the ram, and the holy colors of red and white.

Saint Barbara

What does the 7 African powers do?

Saint Barbara

Obatala

Creator God, Androgynous Sky King of the White Cloth

Obatala Voodoo Doll

What does the 7 African powers do?

Obatala Voodoo Doll

What does the 7 African powers do?

Obtl, Supreme Deity of the Yoruba Pantheon

Obtl is the creator God, a symbol of peace and purity, the Father of humankind, and messenger to Olofi. His color is white, containing all the colors of the rainbow. He rules the mind and intellect, cosmic equilibrium, male and female. Obtl is likened to the patron saint Our Lady of Mercy.

Obtl is the supreme deity of the Yoruba pantheon, the great African tradition from which much of New Orleans Voodoo originates. As the Creator god, all of the other Orishas are but aspects of Obtl.

Obtl also created "defective" (handicapped) individuals while drunk on palm wine, making him the patron deity of such people. People born with congenital defects are called 'eni orisa': literally, "people of Obtl". He is the god of the north. He is always dressed in white, hence the meaning of his name, Obtl (King who wears white cloth). His worshippers strive to practice moral correctness as unblemished as his robe.

Obatala : Santeria and the White Robed King of the Orisha

Oshun

Goddess of Love, Passion, Sensuality, Wealth, and Prosperity

Oshun

What does the 7 African powers do?

Oshun

What does the 7 African powers do?

Oshun, Goddess of Love

In Yoruba mythology, Oshun is an Orisha (spirit goddess) of love, intimacy, beauty, wealth and diplomacy.

According to the Yoruba elders, Oshun is the "unseen mother present at every gathering", because Oshun is the Yoruba understanding of the cosmological forces of water, moisture, and attraction. Therefore she is omnipresent and omnipotent. Her power is represented in another Yoruba scripture which reminds us that "no one is an enemy to water" and therefore everyone has need of and should respect and revere Oshun, as well as her followers.

To learn more about Oshun, check out my lens devoted to this awesome love goddess: Oshun.

Oshun Voodoo Doll, available from planetvoodoo.com

What does the 7 African powers do?

Oshun Voodoo Doll, available from planetvoodoo.com

(Re)writing Osun: Osun in the Politics of Gender, Race and Sexuality - From Colonization to Creolization

Resources for the Seven African Powers

Prayer to the Seven African Powers

Oh, Seven African Powers, who are so close to our Divine Savior, with great humility I kneel before thee and implore your intercession before the Great Spirit. Hear my petition and grant me peace and prosperity. Please remove all of the obstacles that cause me to stray from the Beauty Way. Oh Olofi, I trust in the words “ask and you shall receive”. Let it be so! Amen.

Seven African Powers Macuto Amulet, www.planetvoodoo.com

What does the 7 African powers do?

Seven African Powers Macuto Amulet, www.planetvoodoo.com

What does the 7 African powers do?

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You cannot re-publish this content elsewhere without crediting me (Voodoomama aka Denise Alvarado) as the owner and originator. The content is mine, written by me, and I own it.

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Reader Feedback

Deadicated LM on October 01, 2012:

Awesome Lens and Graphics; thanks for sharing.

anonymous on September 19, 2012:

what color belongs to what ,saint,like orange belongs to ,red belongs to etc.

anonymous on July 17, 2012:

i love them all

allenwebstarme on April 13, 2012:

Very interesting worth reading.

Margaret Schaut from Detroit on January 15, 2012:

Really fascinating. And mysterious!

Rose Jones on January 07, 2012:

Interesting, fascinating images to take with me as I drift off to sleep.

bfaz10 on November 12, 2011:

very interesting read!

jamesnodturft on May 19, 2011:

Oya visited my dreams right before the tsunami that hit Thailand.

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mywebcontent on October 30, 2010:

Interesting lens. I don't know much about Yoruba culture, but I am aware of it's heavy influence on the voodoo religion. It is all very interesting to see the similarities in the different spiritual beliefs on the planet.your wish is your command

anonymous on August 31, 2010:

Thumbs up!Great lens... very informative. Thanks for the good read.----------------------------- Yeast infection no more Review

religions7 on December 18, 2009:

Great lens, blessed by a squidangel :)