Calling On 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. Their combined energy creates a powerful spiritual force capable of influencing many aspects of life, from love and prosperity to justice and protection.

By honoring the Seven African Powers, practitioners invite their wisdom and strength into their lives. Through prayers, rituals, and offerings, one can establish a profound spiritual connection with these Orishas and receive their blessings. Whether facing difficult decisions, needing protection, or seeking spiritual enlightenment, the Seven African Powers provide support and guidance.

The Origins of 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. This grouping developed through the syncretism of African, Indigenous, and European religious elements in the Americas.

As enslaved Africans preserved their traditions under colonial rule, they merged Orisha worship with Catholic saints and created new frameworks for spiritual practice. In Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and regions of the United States, the Seven African Powers became a powerful collective expression of divine intercession and protection.

The Sacred Number Seven

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. Over time, the Seven African Powers became a common focal point in spiritual supply shops, candle labels, devotional books, and popular rituals throughout the 20th century.

Building a Relationship 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. Even if you’re not initiated into any specific tradition, you can still develop a meaningful relationship through consistent offerings, prayer, and devotion.

Creating a Seven African Powers Altar

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. Over time, you may notice stronger intuition, prophetic dreams, or subtle emotional shifts as your relationship deepens.

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. Regular attention shows commitment and helps build rapport with these divine forces.

Who Are the Seven African Powers?

The Seven African Powers consist of seven powerful Orishas, each governing different aspects of life. They are:

• Elegua - 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.

• Yemaya - The mother of all Orishas, ruling over the ocean and motherhood. She provides comfort, healing, and protection.

• Oshun - The Orisha of love, beauty, and prosperity. She grants fertility, joy, and abundance.

• Shango - The Orisha of fire, lightning, and masculinity. He represents strength, passion, and leadership.

• Obatala - The wise father figure and creator of humanity. He symbolizes peace, clarity, and justice.

• Oya - The fierce warrior goddess of storms and transformation. She governs change, death, and rebirth.

• Ogun - The master of iron, war, and labor. He offers protection and helps overcome obstacles.

For a deeper understanding of each Orisha, including their attributes, offerings, and individual prayers, explore our in-depth articles dedicated to each one.

Calling on the Collective vs. Individual Orishas

There are times when you may feel called to work with the Seven African Powers as a united force, and other times when a single Orisha's presence is needed more specifically. Both approaches are powerful, and each serves a different purpose. Knowing when and how to call upon the collective versus the individual Orishas can deepen the spiritual relationship and enhance your results.

When to Call on the Seven as a Whole

Many practitioners wonder whether to work with the Seven African Powers collectively or focus on a single Orisha. 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. This approach is also ideal for beginners, as it allows you to receive balanced energy and guidance without needing in-depth knowledge of each Orisha's domain.

When to Work with a Single Orisha

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. You might also feel drawn to one Orisha through dreams, signs, or personal experience. 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. Honoring one Orisha at a time can deepen your spiritual bond and bring powerful insight.

Think of calling on the Seven as seeking support from a wise council. Each Orisha brings unique gifts, and together they offer a well-rounded, multifaceted response to your prayers.

Rituals to Call Upon the Seven African Powers

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. Below are simple yet effective rituals that can help you establish a deeper connection with the Seven African Powers.

Seven African Powers Candle Prayer for Strength and Protection

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. You will need the following:

• Seven African Powers 7-Day Candle

• Seven African Powers Oil

• A white altar cloth

• A glass of fresh water

• A personal petition written on parchment paper

Set up a sacred space with a white cloth and place the candle at the center. Anoint the candle with Seven African Powers Oil, rubbing it from the base to the wick while focusing on your intention.

Light the candle and place a glass of water beside it, symbolizing clarity and communication with the Orishas.

Hold the parchment with your petition, speaking your desires aloud, and then place it beneath the candle.

As the candle burns, recite a Seven African Powers prayer daily, asking for their guidance and protection. Allow the candle to burn completely, then dispose of the remains respectfully.

Mojo Bag for Success and Prosperity

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. Gather the following items:

• A red or green mojo bag

• A small lodestone

• A coin for prosperity

• A piece of High John the Conqueror root

• A few dried basil leaves or a pinch of prosperity herbs

• Seven African Powers Oil

Begin by cleansing your mojo bag with incense or by passing it through the candle flame.

Place the lodestone, coin, and High John root inside the bag. Sprinkle a pinch of Seven African Powers Powder into the bag, calling upon the Orishas to bring success and prosperity into your life.

Anoint the outside of the bag with Seven African Powers Oil while visualizing your goals manifesting. Carry the mojo bag with you or place it near your workspace to attract wealth and opportunities.

Bath for Cleansing and Spiritual Guidance

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. These items are essential for the ritual:

• Seven African Powers Bath

• A large bowl of warm water

• A handful of sea salt

• White candle

• A small mirror

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. Light the white candle near your bath to invite spiritual illumination and protection.

As you bathe, hold the mirror and gaze into it. Speak affirmations such as...

I release what no longer serves me. I welcome clarity, peace, and divine guidance.

Call on the Seven African Powers by name: Elegua, Yemaya, Oshun, Shango, Obatala, Oya, Ogun—asking them to cleanse, protect, and guide you.

When finished, allow yourself to air dry naturally to seal in the energy. Dispose of the remaining bath water outside, at a crossroads or near a tree, as an offering of gratitude.

Offering Ritual for Divine Guidance

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. You will need:

• Seven African Powers 7-Day Candle

• Seven African Powers Oil

• A small dish of honey

• A coconut cut in half

• A bowl of fresh water

• Seven African Powers Incense

Begin by setting up a clean altar or sacred space. Place the multicolored candle at the center. Anoint the candle with Seven African Powers Oil, rubbing from base to wick while focusing on your desire to connect with the Orishas.

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. Set the bowl of fresh water nearby to invite clarity, purity, and open communication with spirit.

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. Then, light the incense, allowing the fragrant smoke to carry your prayers to the spirit world.

Spend a few quiet moments in meditation, listening inwardly for any impressions, messages, or emotional shifts. Speak from the heart, give thanks, and remain open to divine insight.

Let the candle burn each day until it is finished, or relight it over several days while continuing your prayers and offerings.

Prayers to the Seven African Powers

After performing the rituals, it is essential to offer prayers that align your intentions with the divine energies of the Seven African Powers. These prayers are meant to amplify your connection with the Orishas, inviting their protection, guidance, and blessings.

General Prayer for 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 Prayer for Protection

Seven African Powers, guardians of light,
Shield me from harm, both day and night.
With Elegua's guidance, open paths clear,
Ogun's strength to conquer fear.
Yemaya's nurturing, Oshun's sweet love,
Shango's courage sent from above.
Obatala's wisdom, Oya's fierce guard,
Together protect me, my eternal ward.
Asé.

Seven African Powers Prayer for Prosperity

Oh, Seven African Powers, mighty and just,
I stand before you seeking abundance and trust.
Bless my endeavors, let wealth flow my way,
Prosperity and success with each passing day.
Remove all obstacles, open fortune's door,
That I may thrive and want no more.
With gratitude, I honor your divine might,
Guiding me to abundance, day and night.
Asé.

Seven African Powers Prayer for Love

Seven African Powers, hear my plea,
Fill my heart with love's sweet decree.
Attract to me a partner true,
With a bond profound and virtues due.
May our souls connect, harmonious and free,
Blessed by your grace, so mote it be.
Asé.

Seven African Powers Prayer for Healing

Oh, compassionate Seven African Powers,
In your divine energy, healing showers.
Touch my body, mind, and soul,
Restore my health, make me whole.
Banish ailments, both seen and unseen,
With your guidance, I am serene.
Grateful for your nurturing embrace,
I walk in wellness, by your grace.
Asé.

Prayer for Success

Mighty Seven African Powers, divine and wise,
Guide my actions, let my ambitions rise.
Grant me the strength to persevere,
Success in endeavors, far and near.
Illuminate my path with your radiant light,
That I may achieve by day and night.
With your blessings, barriers fall,
Victory is mine, standing tall.
Asé.

Embracing the Divine Power

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. Honor them with sincerity, and their energy will support you through life’s trials and triumphs.