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.
The Seven African Powers-known in Spanish as Las Siete Potencias Africanas-are a revered force in African diasporic religions, offering guidance, strength, and protection. These Orishas embody divine wisdom and balance and are rooted in the rich spiritual traditions of Santeria, Hoodoo, Candomblé, and other practices. They are called upon to remove obstacles, provide clarity, and empower those who seek their blessings. By honoring the Seven African Powers, practitioners invite their wisdom and strength into their lives.
This incense honors the Seven African Powers, a symbol of unity and spiritual strength. Its rich, grounding aroma aids in invoking divine guidance and protection. Ideal for ancestral rituals, meditation, or seeking blessings, it fosters balance and connection with universal energies. It is a powerful tool for spiritual empowerment.
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. You need to cover all of your magical bases or you have a great need.
Whether you're seeking protection, clarity, or success, these rituals provide a powerful way to connect with the Orishas and draw upon their wisdom. 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!
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Call on The Seven African Powers to overcome life's obstacles.
Learn About 7 African Powers (7 Potencias) Altar Tutorial | Yeyeo Botanica
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.
While each Orisha has deep roots in West African spiritual systems-particularly the Yoruba religion-the concept of the "Seven African Powers" as a unified force emerged later. As enslaved Africans preserved their traditions under colonial rule, they merged Orisha worship with Catholic saints and created new frameworks for spiritual practice.
The number seven holds sacred meaning in many belief systems, symbolizing divine order, completeness, and spiritual alignment. Grouping these Orishas together allowed practitioners to invoke a wide spectrum of divine attributes-love, justice, strength, protection, clarity, prosperity, and transformation-with one unified prayer or ritual.
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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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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The Seven African Powers: A Closer Look
The Seven African Powers consist of seven powerful Orishas, each governing different aspects of life:
- Elegua: Also known as Eshu Elegbara, Exu, Eshu and Legba (or Papa Legba), depending on the tradition. He is the guardian of crossroads and the messenger of the Orishas. He is the opener of doors and the first to be honored in any ritual. 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.
- Ogun: The master of iron, war, and labor. 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.
- Obatala: The wise father figure and creator of humanity. He symbolizes peace, clarity, and justice. 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.
- Yemaya: The mother of all Orishas, ruling over the ocean and motherhood. She provides comfort, healing, and protection. 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.
- Oshun: The Orisha of love, beauty, and prosperity. She grants fertility, joy, and abundance. 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.
- Shango: The Orisha of fire, lightning, and masculinity. He represents strength, passion, and leadership. 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. Want to learn more about the old gods? Grab a signed paperback copy of Kitty Fields’ Compendium of Pagan Gods, Volume 1 in The Otherworldly Oracle Collection. 333 pages of detailed info on how to work with the ancient deities.
- Oya: The fierce warrior goddess of storms and transformation. She governs change, death, and rebirth. 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.
For a deeper understanding of each Orisha, including their attributes, offerings, and individual prayers, explore our in-depth articles dedicated to each one.
Working with the Seven African Powers
Establishing a connection with the Seven African Powers is not only about asking for help-it’s about cultivating respect, trust, and reciprocity. Start with a simple altar setup: use a white cloth, a glass of fresh water, and a Seven African Powers candle or image. Place these items in a quiet, clean area of your home. Light candles regularly and speak openly to the Orishas about your goals, gratitude, and needs.
To maintain the spiritual energy of your altar, refresh the water weekly, keep the space clean, and offer items such as fruit, flowers, incense, or coins. Music, drumming, prayer, and dance are also meaningful ways to honor the Orishas.
Many practitioners wonder whether to work with the Seven African Powers collectively or focus on a single Orisha. Both approaches are powerful, and each serves a different purpose. If you're facing a multifaceted problem-like a need for protection, clarity, and strength all at once-it's appropriate to call on the full group. If you’re dealing with a specific situation-such as a legal battle, romantic concern, or health issue-working with the Orisha who governs that area can yield focused results.
Many practitioners report being "called" by a specific Orisha-an experience that can come in the form of repetitive symbols, songs, dreams, or sudden emotional resonance with an Orisha’s qualities or mythology. You might also feel drawn to one Orisha through dreams, signs, or personal experience. Think of calling on the Seven as seeking support from a wise council.
| Orisha | Domain | Qualities |
|---|---|---|
| Elegua | Crossroads, Messages | Messenger, Guardian, Opener of Doors |
| Ogun | Iron, War, Labor | Strength, Healing, Protection |
| Obatala | Peace, Justice, Creation | Wisdom, Patience, Clarity |
| Yemaya | Ocean, Motherhood | Comfort, Healing, Protection |
| Oshun | Rivers, Love, Prosperity | Fertility, Joy, Abundance |
| Shango | Fire, Lightning | Strength, Passion, Leadership |
| Oya | Storms, Transformation | Change, Death, Rebirth |
Rituals and Prayers
The Seven African Powers offer guidance, protection, and strength when called upon. These rituals serve as a way to invite their divine energy into your life, empowering you to overcome obstacles, attract prosperity, and receive spiritual guidance. Whether you're seeking protection, clarity, or success, these rituals provide a powerful way to connect with the Orishas and draw upon their wisdom.
Seven African Powers Candle Ritual
This ritual is ideal when you need strong, balanced support in times of difficulty or uncertainty. The combined energy of the Seven African Powers can offer spiritual protection, restore inner strength, and help clear the path ahead. Use this candle prayer to open communication with the Orishas and surround yourself with their divine presence. Set up a sacred space with a white cloth and place the candle at the center. As the candle burns, recite a Seven African Powers prayer daily, asking for their guidance and protection.
Seven African Powers Mojo Bag
A mojo bag is a powerful talisman used to attract specific blessings. In this ritual, the energy of the Seven African Powers is channeled into a portable charm focused on wealth, opportunity, and personal empowerment. Perfect for entrepreneurs, job seekers, or anyone ready to manifest abundance in their life. Place the lodestone, coin, and High John root inside the bag. Anoint the outside of the bag with Seven African Powers Oil while visualizing your goals manifesting.
Seven African Powers Cleansing Bath
This cleansing bath ritual is designed to purify your energy and align you with the guidance of the Seven African Powers. Water, being a sacred conduit in many spiritual traditions, serves as a vehicle for renewal, healing, and divine connection. Perform this ritual when you need clarity, spiritual realignment, or emotional release. Begin by pouring the prepared Seven African Powers Bath into the warm water. Stir in the sea salt while focusing on your intention to cleanse away negativity and align with divine energy. As you bathe, hold the mirror and gaze into it. Speak affirmations such as...I release what no longer serves me. When finished, allow yourself to air dry naturally to seal in the energy.
Seven African Powers Offering
Offerings are a sacred way to show respect and gratitude while inviting the Orishas into your life. This ritual deepens your spiritual relationship with the Seven African Powers and is ideal when you’re seeking clarity, strength, or answers from the divine. The multicolored Seven African Powers candle represents each Orisha in unified form, allowing you to connect with their collective energy in a powerful and focused way. Begin by setting up a clean altar or sacred space. Place the multicolored candle at the center. Arrange the coconut halves beside the candle as a symbol of nourishment and divine wisdom. Place the dish of honey in front of the candle to sweeten your connection and attract blessings. Light the Seven African Powers candle and say each Orisha’s name aloud: Elegua, Yemaya, Oshun, Shango, Obatala, Oya, Ogun-inviting their energy to surround and support you. Spend a few quiet moments in meditation, listening inwardly for any impressions, messages, or emotional shifts.
Seven African Powers Prayer
After performing the rituals, it is essential to offer prayers that align your intentions with the divine energies of 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!
The Seven African Powers are a source of strength, wisdom, and protection, assisting those who call upon them with devotion and faith. Whether through candle rituals, mojo bags, spiritual baths, or offerings, working with these Orishas can open doors to prosperity, clarity, and divine guidance.
