7 African Powers Fixed 7-Day Candle

*This candle comes with a prayer card.

The Seven African Powers, known in Spanish as Las Siete Potencias Africanas, are a revered coalition of seven Orishas—powerful spiritual forces deeply rooted in the traditions of Santería, Candomblé, Vodou, and Umbanda. Their veneration spread across the world through the African diaspora, as enslaved people carried their sacred traditions with them, ensuring that their divine connection remained unbroken. To this day, descendants of the diaspora continue to call upon these mighty Orishas for guidance, protection, and blessings.

The Seven African Powers are among the most influential and widely venerated Orishas:

Elegua is the keeper of roads and pathways, opening and closing the doors of destiny for humankind. As the ruler of the crossroads, he is the first Orisha created and the divine messenger through whom all prayers must pass before reaching any other Orisha. Call upon Elegua in matters of fate, opportunity, and life’s many journeys.

Yemaya, the great mother and queen of the sea, embodies nurturing, fertility, and spiritual growth. She is a source of comfort, strength, and renewal, especially in times of emotional hardship. Those seeking protection, maternal guidance, or healing turn to her vast and boundless waters.

Oshun, the radiant goddess of love, beauty, and abundance, is often compared to Aphrodite. She is the Orisha of sweetness and attraction, called upon for matters of love, desire, and prosperity. Oshun supports those undergoing personal transformation, guiding them with grace through times of change.

Chango, the Orisha of lightning, power, and passion, is a warrior king and a symbol of strength and charisma. Alongside Yemaya, Oshun, and Obatala, he stands as one of the four pillars of Santería. A beloved and fiery force, Chango inspires courage, leadership, and unshakable dignity.

Obatala, the eldest and wisest of the Orishas, is the divine creator of humanity. Known for his fairness and clarity, he is called upon in times of legal disputes and moral dilemmas. As the just and patient judge, he upholds righteousness, offering protection to the innocent and justice to the guilty.

Oya (or, in some traditions, Orunmila or Ochosi) the tempestuous guardian of winds and storms, governs the realm between the living and the dead. A fierce warrior and powerful sorceress, she commands the forces of transformation, summoning tornadoes and lightning to clear the path for renewal. As Chango’s favored consort, she embodies change, revolution, and raw, untamed energy.

Ogun, the relentless warrior and master of iron, is the Orisha of tools, weapons, and labor. A protector of those in battle, both physical and spiritual, he grants strength, endurance, and resilience. A wild and untamed force, Ogun walks the wilderness, carving paths for those who seek justice and victory.

Together, these Seven African Powers form an unbreakable force, guiding, protecting, and empowering those who call upon them in life’s trials and triumphs.

Approaching the Seven African Powers with Respect

Before calling upon the Seven African Powers, it is essential to honor and respect the cultures and people who have safeguarded these traditions for generations. You do not need to be of Yoruba descent to seek their aid, but reverence, understanding, and sincerity are required—for without respect, their favor will not be granted.

Each Orisha has their own likes, taboos, and rivalries, and not all should be invoked together unless you are calling upon them as a unified force. Some Orishas reject specific offerings, while others must never be placed side by side. Learning these nuances is vital to avoid missteps in ritual work.

The Blessings of the Seven African Powers

The Seven African Powers govern all aspects of human existence, including love, fertility, strength, justice, healing, and opportunity. Their collective power is especially useful when facing great challenges, seeking profound transformation, or when you wish to invite abundant blessings and divine protection into your life.

When you light a Seven African Powers candle, you are invoking the wisdom and might of these seven divine forces—opening the doors for their guidance, strength, and favor to manifest in your path.

All of our candles are fixed and blessed in accordance with tradition. 

Each candle has an area on the back where you can write your petition before use. If your petition is longer than the space allows, I suggest writing it on a piece of paper instead, then placing it under the candle before burning. This can be done with any type of paper, but I always suggest using a piece torn from a brown paper bag.

All artwork is original. Copyright Amy Hedrick, crookedstickapothecary.com, all rights reserved.

Candles Measure 8 inches tall x 2 3/8 inches wide. *Size may vary slightly depending on availability.

Estimated burn time is 120 hours.

Made of 100% paraffin wax with a clean burning lead-free cotton wick.

Warning:

•Burn within sight.

•Keep away from flammable materials.

•Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Trim wick to 1/4" before lighting. Keep candle free of any foreign materials including matches and wick trimmings. Only burn candle on a level, fire-resistant surface.