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The Great Seven African Powers

Who are they ?

Seven African Powers are powerful and worldwide appreciated Loas or Lwas ( spelling and pronunciation differ between New Orleans Voodoo and Vodun .They are also seven main deities of Youruba pantheon .
In Spanish/Latino sister tradition of Voodoo , Santeria they are called Orishas ( seites potencies , sometimes with an article ?les? before sietes ) , but include same entities with possible difference on single deity Ornula that is sometimes included instead Oya.
In my personal workings I use Oya.

Note no. 1 : Even though Orishas and Loas represent the same entities ( Loa and Orisha is a being capable of existence in more than one dimensions/planes simultaneously ), they come from different origins .Orishas are by origins Afriican , while Lwas or Loas are of Haitian origins.

Note no. 2 : Although sometimes referred as deities Loa are not Gods or Goddesses .
In Voodoo and Santeria there is only One God , and the conception of G?d is the conception of Christian God Father , or Jehovah in Qubbalah .

Note no 3. Wiccans and other Religions members shall probably try to criticize me here for trying to present religion as magickal systems. In small part they are right Vodun is a religion and requires initiation . However magickal systems based on it as New Orleans Voodoo , Creole , Santeria , require no initiation to work with mentioned spirits, and anyone that is willing to invest some knowledge and respect is welcome to petition the spirits .



Now I shall introduce You with the most basic correspondences of Loas and Orishas ,
And If You know how to set basic Voodoo altar , ancestral altar You will have no problems in petitioning Loas.
Alternatively You could pettition them on places considered Holy to them , example Papa Legba ( Ellegua ) ? Crossroads , or members of Guede Loaa family cemeteries etc.
Loas are represented by their veves or corresponding Saints .
I would add Saints here , but it is too compelling work for such article , as well as all the correspondences ( days , feast days, planets etc. ) , therefore You should do some research too , but for the general work, this shall represent a great base .


Papa Legba
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Invoked to remove obstacles , help contacting other spirits and Loas , open and close doors and portals , for matters of opportunities and communications with ones that are fare away . He is saidth to fluidly speak any language that humans speak or ever spoke .

COLORS : red and black , number 3 , Objects he likes 3 stones , keys , food and offerings: Corn , candy , Rum , OIL : palm oil , often mixed with coffee grinds and rum
PLACE : Crossroads


Obtala
_______

Rules minds , brings mind peace , cures terminal conditions . A very benevolent loa.

COLORS: White , Silver , Purple , Objects white bead necklace , owls feather and alike , Food and offerings : Silver , Black eyed Peas , coconuts
PLACE : Clouds , Earth , Nigeria


Oya
____


Mistress of the marketplace , Petition her for business success , changes and ancestral issues

COLORS all but black , orange and red in particular, Objects pennies , flowery prints , black horsehair, Food and offerings : Wine , Fish and rice , chocolate pudding and others
PLACE: Amazons , Hurricanes and winds , cemeteries and rainbows


Oshun
_____

Rules over love, intimacy , naughty things ( blushes lol ) and beauty, art and diplomacy . When ones have a writer block this is a great Loa to petition.

COLORS : Yellow , green , sea coral color , Objects : combs , Mirrors , gold jewelry , Food and offerings : Honey , pumpkins , cinnamon , spinach , almonds
PLACES: Rivers , Cuba , Nigeria


Chango
______

A War deity , associated with Mars planet , alleged to bring victory over enemies and execute fiery punishment upon them . He is called in all issues to do with victory and sensuality ( mostly for men , to be seductive to women )

COLORS: red and white , Favorite objects : double axe , wood , Food and offerings , apples , corn , peppers , red wine dry
PLACES : Trees m Trinidad


Ogun
____

A mysterious Loa , invoked for matters of employment, protection , prophecy . magickal work and teaching , blood magick , blood diseases and conditions cure.

COLORS : Green and black , Objects: Iron pieces , machetes, rooster feathers , Food and offerings : roots , nuts , meat , soda crackers and palm oil ( last two often combined )
PLACES : Deep woods , Americas


Yemmaya
_______


Mother of the seven seas , Allegedly when her water broke seven seas come to be . Inoked to remove the obstacles , protect the female , in all things to do with motherhood , meditation , clairvoyance , calm seas and alike .

COLORS: White , Light blue , Crystal , Silver , Objects: Any Shorebird feather , conch shells , shells , Food and Offerings : Cornmeal , Water Mellon , Papaya , White roses

PLACE : At sea or Ocean , Brazil and Nigeria




All of Loas have the place in home where preferably their altar should be set If You do not use Ancestral altar , or You are like me ( use this altar only for work with Ancestors )
PAPA LEGBA ? Behind front door
OBTALA ? Living Room
OYA ? Library , study room/office
OSHUN ? Kitchen , bedroom
CHANGO ? Fireplace business desk
OGUN ? Also behind front door
YEMAYA ? Living rooms

In Creole Voodoo which is practiced a lot in NO , Before petitioning Loas One should Say Our Father prayer , then 3 Hail Mary prayers and then Apostle?s Creed . After that We ask Papa Legba to open the doors for communication with other Loa , and ask for his interdiction unless We of course petition Legba himself .

Then You could say Prayer to 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.
(Make your petition).

For Loa veves , favorite animals , and other correspondences ( Saints , Planets etc. ) so some research , I warmly suggest sources I have listed bellow ( used for writing this article ):
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?A guide to serving the Seven African Powers? Denise Alvarado
?Encyclopedia of Spirits? Judika Illes
?Voodoo spellbook? Dr Snake

And various sites like : Mysticvoodoo , Wikipedia , Luckymojo , www.squidoo.com/voodooveves
And other . I don?t wanna chew it up all for ya