The 7 African Powers: Who They Are and How to Work With Them

Throughout the African diaspora, especially in Yoruba, Santería, Candomblé, and other Afro-Caribbean traditions, the 7 African Powers are revered as divine spiritual forces—Orishas—who guide, protect, and empower those who call upon them.
Each power represents a unique aspect of life, nature, and the divine. When invoked together, the 7 African Powers offer complete spiritual support—from love to justice, from healing to strength.
Who Are the 7 African Powers?
Here are the 7 most commonly honored Orishas associated with the 7 African Powers:

1. Elegua (Eleggua) – The Gatekeeper
   Opens and closes doors
   Guardian of crossroads and destiny
   Colors: red and black
   Offerings: candy, toys, coconut, rum
   Work with Elegua when you need direction, decisions, or breakthroughs.
2. Ogun – The Warrior
   Orisha of iron, strength, and labor
   Protector and enforcer of justice
   Colors: green and black
   Offerings: metal, cigars, rum, red palm oil
   Call on Ogun for protection, courage, and removing obstacles.
3. Chango (Shango) – The King of Thunder
   God of fire, lightning, masculinity, and leadership
   Associated with power, passion, and charisma
   Colors: red and white
   Offerings: apples, bananas, cinnamon, drums
   Invoke Chango for confidence, success, and righteous action.
4. Obatala – The Father of Peace
   Orisha of purity, wisdom, and spiritual clarity
   Known for patience, justice, and compassion
   Colors: white
   Offerings: coconut, white flowers, milk, rice
   Work with Obatala to calm your mind, seek justice, and elevate spiritually.
5. Yemaya – Mother of the Ocean
   Divine mother, protector, nurturer of all life
   Associated with fertility, healing, and emotional balance
   Colors: blue and white
   Offerings: watermelon, molasses, seashells
   Call on Yemaya for healing, motherhood, and emotional strength.
6. Oshun (Ochun) – Goddess of Love and Prosperity
   Orisha of fresh water, beauty, abundance, and attraction
   Colors: gold and yellow
   Offerings: honey, oranges, cinnamon, sunflowers
   Work with Oshun for love, wealth, creativity, and sweetening situations.
7. Orunmila (Orula) – The Seer and Diviner
   Orisha of wisdom, fate, and Ifá divination
   Bringer of spiritual insight and clarity
   Colors: green and yellow
   Offerings: palm nuts, kola nuts, candles
   Invoke Orunmila for guidance, prophecy, and wise decision-making.
   How to Work With the 7 African Powers
   Set up an altar: Use candles in their colors, photos or symbols, water, and offerings.
   Pray or speak your intentions: Each Orisha responds to respect and clarity of purpose.
   Light candles: One for each Power or a 7-day candle if you’re calling on all at once.
   Make offerings: Keep them fresh and remove after 1–3 days with gratitude.
   Keep a spiritual journal: Record dreams, signs, and shifts after your work.
   Affirmations to Connect with Their Energy
   “The 7 African Powers walk with me and open every door.”
   “I call upon the wisdom of Orunmila, the strength of Ogun, and the love of Oshun.”
   “Protected by Elegua, guided by Obatala, nurtured by Yemaya, empowered by Shango—I rise.”
   Why the 7 African Powers Matter Today
   In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, connecting with these divine energies can bring you grounding, strength, clarity, and purpose. Whether through daily prayer, ritual, or ancestral veneration, the 7 African Powers offer a sacred framework for healing and spiritual evolution.

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