The best-known image of the Seven African Powers shows Christ on the cross with seven saints in medallions around him, linked by a chain, each one standing for an orisha.
Origin & Traditional Use
The Seven African Powers is a grouping that grew up in Caribbean and US botánica culture, gathering seven major orishas into one devotion. The usual list is Elegua, Obatala, Yemaya, Oshun, Shango, Ogun and Orunmila, though some versions swap in Oya or Ochosi. Oils, candles and prayers under this name belong to popular folk practice and hoodoo rather than initiated Lucumí ritual.
Uses by Tradition
Folk Catholicism & Spiritism
- Dress a seven-colour candle with the oil and light it before the printed image of the Seven Powers on a Sunday, reciting the prayer printed on the back of the card or candle.
- Anoint the corners of the image or a framed print of it to keep the seven at watch over the household.
- Add a few drops to a floor wash for a home where money, health and peace are all under strain at once.
Hoodoo & Rootwork
- Dress a candle for road opening when you cannot tell which part of life is blocked.
- Anoint the corners of a job application or business card before sending it out.
A Simple Working
- Lay out seven chime candles in seven different colours in a circle.
- Dress each one with the oil, speaking the name of one of the seven orishas as you do.
- Place a glass of water in the centre for clarity.
- Light the candles in turn, starting with Elegua, who opens the way.
- State plainly what you need help with.
- Let the candles burn out, then pour the water out the front door.
Pairs Well With
- Chime candles in seven colours: one for each power.
- A seven-colour candle: the classic candle for this devotion.
- A glass of water: for clarity on the altar.
- Road Opener oil: for when the main need is open paths.
Lore & History
The seven are each matched with a Catholic saint in the familiar image, following Cuban syncretism: Shango with Saint Barbara, Yemaya with Our Lady of Regla, Oshun with Our Lady of Charity, Ogun with Saint Peter and Elegua with the Holy Child of Atocha or Saint Anthony. The grouping spread through printed prayer cards and candles sold in botánicas across the Caribbean and the United States in the twentieth century.
What You Receive
Seven African Powers oil, available in 2 dram, 1 oz and 16 oz.
Did You Know?
Because the list of seven varies from one card or candle to another, many practitioners check the saints on their own image to see which orishas it includes.
| Weight | N/A |
|---|---|
| Size | 2 dram, 1 oz, 16 oz |
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