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Showing posts with label Lucumi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lucumi. Show all posts

Monday, May 4, 2026

May The Force Be With You: What The Yoruba Word "Àṣẹ" (Aché, Axé, Ashe) REALLY Means (complete reprint)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part I of a two part pancocojams series about the Yoruba (Nigerian) word "Àṣẹ" (also given as "aché", "axé", or "ashe").

Part I presents several online excerpts about the word "Àṣẹ".

This is a complete reprint with the addition of two YouTube videos of the March 2, 2020 pancocojams post with a similar title. That post is still available on this blog.

The Addendum to this post presents a reprint from the only two comments for that March 2020 post. The comment section for that post is still open and comments are welcome for this 2026 post.

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/03/videos-that-include-yoruba-word-ase.html for Part II of this pancocojams series. Part II presents several YouTube videos that include the Yoruba word "Àṣẹ".

The content of this post is provided for cultural and linguistic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.

May the Force be with you.

****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #1


AfrikCosmos, Nov 7, 2025

Unlock the ancient power of Àṣẹ and Ịse — the sacred science of vibration in Yoruba and Igbo thought. Discover how the spoken word creates worlds, and learn how to use these forces for manifestation, authority, and spiritual power.

****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 --  Àṣẹ àti Orí: What Do 'Ase' and 'Ori' Mean? | The Physical & Spiritual Aspects and Connections


Yorùbá Lessons with Adérónkẹ́, Jul 5, 2019

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEANING OF THE WORD "ÀSE" (ALSO GIVEN AS ACHE, AXE, AND ASHE)

(These excerpts are given in no particular order.)

Excerpt #1:
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orisha#Ashe
"Ashe is the life-force that runs through all things, living and inanimate. It is described as the power to make things happen. It is an affirmation that is used in greetings and prayers, as well as a concept of spiritual growth. Orìṣà devotees strive to obtain Ashe through iwa-pele, gentle and good character, and in turn they experience alignment with the ori, what others might call inner peace and satisfaction with life. Ashe is divine energy that comes from Olodumare, the creator deity, and is manifested through Olorun, who rules the heavens and is associated with the sun. Without the sun, no life could exist, just as life cannot exist without some degree of ashe. Ashe is sometimes associated with Eshu, the messenger òrìṣà.[6] For practitioners, ashe represents a link to the eternal presence of the supreme deity, the orishas, and the ancestors.[7]

The concept is regularly referenced in Brazilian capoeira. Axé in this context is used as a greeting or farewell, in songs and as a form of praise. Saying that someone "has axé" in capoeira is complimenting their energy, fighting spirit, and attitude.[1]"

****
Excerpt #2
From https://www.orishaimage.com/blog-gallery/ashe
" "Ashe" is a very central word and concept for Orisha-worship. On the one hand it is used often at the end of prayers. It means "may our prayers become reality, may we receive the blessing by the Orisha, short: may it manifest!"

On the other hand "Ashe" more generally also stands for the eternal energy that fills the cosmos. It is the abstract power and principle of Olodumare, God. Calling for "Ashe" is calling for what lies beyond our human reality, that God’s will manifests on earth, where we live at the moment, and that we can experience Olodumare’s power.

It is written in the four main languages of Orisha-worship worldwide, from Nigeria to the diaspora of slavery and from there to the rest of the world: Yoruba, Spanish/Lukumi, Portuguese/Nago and English."

****
Excerpt #3
From https://science.jrank.org/pages/11051/Religion-African-Diaspora-Spiritual-Assets-Ase-Konesans.html
"Religion
African Diaspora Spiritual Assets: Ase And Konesans

Two central concepts in some African-derived religions are ase (or axe) and konesans (connaissance). Ase is the divine force, energy, and power incarnate in the world. Olodumare gives ase to everything, including inanimate objects. Ashe is the power behind all things in the universe. It enables people to find balance in life. The orishas are bearers of asheSanteros (Santerían priests) use ase to provide blessing and healing to devotees. "Ashe is a current or flow, a groove that initiates can channel so that it carries them along their road in life. The prayers, rhythms, offerings, taboos of Santería tune initiates into this flow" (Murphy, 1993, p. 131). In Santería, herbs are impregnated with ashe. The color of the Obatala conducts ashe. Part of the Vodun initiation ceremonies gives the priest intuitive knowledge, or konesans, enabling him to understand people, diagnose problems, and perform healing."...

****
Excerpt #4
From http://capoeira-connection.com/capoeira/2011/10/what-is-axe/
"What is axé?

[...]

The term axé (also spelled aché or ashé – all pronounced ah-SHEH) comes from the Yoruba peoples of Western Africa. It is the name they gave to the life force; the concept is similar to the Eastern idea of qi.

In capoeira today, axé has come to mean something like “energy.” If a roda has a lot of axé, it means it has good vibes, powerful energy. Some groups use the word as a greeting.

Some references to axé in capoeira songs:
Axé, axé / Capoeira tem muito axé
Axé, axé / Capoeira has lots of axé

Dos velhos Mestres que viveram na Bahia,
Manda todo o seu axé e também sua magia
Bahia manda seu axé pra mim

From the old Mestres who lived in Bahia,
Send all your axé and also your magic
Bahia send your axé to me

Axé also refers to a style of popular music (not related to capoeira) that originated in Salvador, Bahia.

There is also a capoeira group called Axé Capoeira that was founded by Mestre Barrão."
-snip-
Click https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ax%C3%A9_(music) for information about the genre of Brazilian music called "Axé".

****
Excerpt #5
From http://capoeiraucainla.com/home-capoeira-losangeles/2010/12/13/capoeira-wiki-word-of-the-week-axe-updated.html
Excerpts from the website CANDOMBLE - Uma Religião sem Mistérios a Serviço do Povo.

Translated by yours truly Guatambu (any improvements to the translation contact me)
"O Axé

A magical energy, the universal sacred of the orixá. A powerful energy that is always neutral. Manipulated and directed by men through the orixás and their symbols and/or elements. "

The most precious of Ilê*, axé is the force that ensures dynamic existence.It is transmitted, should be maintained and developed, as all forces may increase or decrease; and this variation is related to the activity and conduct of the ritual.The conduct is determined by the scrupulous observance of the duties and obligations of each holder of axé, yourself, orixá, and Ilê.The development of individual and group axé affects the axé of the Ilê.

* - Ilê requires its own definition here. Ilê is basically synonymous with terreiro. A terreiro is a temple or house of candomblê. Think of it like you would your local church, synagogue, mosque, or buddhist temple. Each of these types of houses of worship have their unique characteristics in terms of symbols, architecture, look, and feel, and the same is true for a terreiro. - Guatambu

"The axé is connected to the initiated, and directly proportional to its ritual conduct - the relationship with his deity, his community, his duties and his babalorixá (priest of candomblé)."

The strength of the axé is contained and transmitted by certain elements and material substances, is transmitted to humans and objects, maintaining and renewing the powers of accomplishment.The axé is contained in a variety of representative elements of the kingdoms: animal, vegetable and mineral, water (fresh and salt), earth, and forest (untamed vegetation or urban space).It is contained in the natural and essential substances of each being whether simple or complex, living or dead, that make up the universe.

There are places, sounds, objects and body parts (especially animal) impregnated with axé. For example, the heart, liver, lungs, gizzard, kidney, feet, hands, tail, bones, teeth, ivory, genitals, roots, leaves , river water, sea, rain, lake, pool, waterfall, orô (prayer), Adja (sort of bell), illus (drums) ...

Every ritual act and offering involves the transmission and revitalization of axé.To be truly active, these ritual acts and offerings must come from the combination of those elements that allow for a specific result or achievement. To receive axé means to incorporate the symbolic elements that represent the vital and essential principles of all that exists.

Xerife pointed out Mestre Acordeon's song "Pedir o Axé", and added the lyrics with translation below...

Vamos pedir o axé

(Lets ask Axé)

Pressa roda começar

(So this round can begin)

De conforme os fundamentos

(Within the fundations)

Capoeira e candomblé

(Capoeira and candomblé)

Axé Babá

(Axé Babá)

Oh ie viva Meu Deus! AXÉ BABÁ

(Oh yea viva my god! Axé Babá)

Oh Ie viva Seu Bimba! MEU CAMARÁ

(Oh yea viva my Bimba! My friend)

Oh ie é mestre meu! SEMPRE SERÁ

(Oh yea you are my master! ALWAYS WILL BE)

Oh ie volta do mundo! QUE O MUNDO DÁ

(Oh yeaa the world spins! That the world does)

Vamos pedir o axé, meu pai! MEU PAI XANGô

(Lets ask axé, my father! My father Xangô)

Vamos pedir o axé, minha mãe! IEMANJÁ

(Lets ask axé, my mother! IEMANJA)

Vamos pedir o axé, meu rei! REI OXALÁ

(Lets ask Axé, my king! KING OXALÁ)

Vamos pedir o axé, meu pai MEU PAI XANGÔ

(Lets ask Axé, my father MY FATHER XANGÔ)

Reparado added from Mestre Acordeon's book...

"Aché (Axé, Asé) is the magic force that moves all things in the universe according to the African religions in Brazil. It exists in all realms of nature and can be transmitted through specific rituals. Although Capoeira has no direct connection with religion, the capoeiristas, as the majority of Brazilians, are related one way or another with Afro-Brazilian rituals. Aché in Capoeira means the connection with the roots, a special energy to be developed by any capoeirista. To wish aché to someone means to wish good luck. For those who believe, some special people transmit aché through their wishes."

p.6 Almeida, Bira(Mestre Acordeon). Capoeira: A Brazilian Art Form. Berkeley, California: North Atlantic Books, 1986. Print.

Espantalho added...

“At the heart of this Yoruba religion is the concept of àse, an individual’s personal spiritual power, which grows throughout life through a person’s diligent application to doing good deeds, coupled with appropriate and calm behavior and with service to the gods in the form of sacrifice. The reciprocity of service between gods and humans is essentially the giving of strength, the renewal of àse to the orisa through blood sacrifice of animals designated as belonging to a specific deity. Renewed and grateful deities in turn bless their supportive worshipers with added ase. The rules of this loving support between humans and gods are all known to that father-of-all-knowledge, the babalawo”

~The Way of the Orisa by Philip Neimark p. XII

Babalawo is a priest of Yoruba religion.

“The orisa are energy that, for the most part, represent aspects of nature. Osun (pronounced O-SHUN) represents sweet waters, love, money, conception; Sango (pronounced Zhan-GO) represents thunder and lightning, strategy, and he is the warrior; Esu (pronounced A-shew), messenger to Oludumare (the single God), owner of roads and opportunities, owner of ase (spiritual energy)"...

****
Excerpt #6
From http://www.orishanet.org/vocab.html
"Lucumí Vocabulary

Lucumí or Lacumí is the Yoruba language as it is spoken in Cuba and the United States. Yoruba is a tonal language like Chinese. The accents serve to approximate the tones for those of us who aren't familiar with tonal language. Also, some of the difficult sounds like the african "p" sound which is pronounced as kind of a "kp" sound is approximated using "kp" or "cu". This vocabulary follows the Spanish orthography with a few exceptions to help English speakers:

The "ch" in Spanish is used simply because there is no "sh" in Spanish. We use "sh" here.

The "y" in Spanish often has an edge to it that approximates the English (and Yoruba) "j" sound. I have taken the liberty of using "j" here where applicable.

The "ñ" sound is used very sparingly here and is usually substituted here with "y".

As in Spanish, the accent is on the second to last syllable unless there is an accent mark over another syllable.

I should note here that Lacumí is an oral tradition and that the written versions were meant to be more "cheat sheets" than anything else and should not be used as "proof" of the decomposition of the language. Lakumí speakers in Matanzas and other areas speak very much as any Yoruba speaker would. I have spoken with Nigerian born Yoruba speakers in Lacumí without any difficulty whatsoever. In fact, on one occasion I was greeted with a very surprised "you speak Yoruba!!!" from the astonished Yoruba man I was speaking with.

Here are a few words in Lucumí to get you started:

[...]

Ashé: So Be It, The Spiritual Power of the Universe, Talent”...

****
Excerpt #7
From https://www.spanishdict.com/answers/39/ritmo-con-ach Ritmo Con Aché

[...]

a) "Aché does not mean ache. Ache is dolor, or achaques. The letter H is hache in Spanish. According to the Diccionario de la lengua española, of the Real Academia Española, aché is not a word in the Spanish language. However, looking up the song, if found a page on the song stating that aché is an african word that means a divine life force (in the santeria religion). Aché is a word in the West African Yoruba language."

updated Apr 20, 2011
posted by manutd

**
b) "I suppose that you are talking about a brasilean music. It's pronounced "Aché" is Spanish but is written "Axé" in portuguese.

Please, look at this place*."
updated Dec 26, 2009
posted by Carlos-F
-snip-
*That commenter gives the link to the Wikipedia page for Axe music that is given after Excerpt #4.

****
ADDENDUM- COMMENTS FROM THE 2020 PANCOCOJAMS POST' DISCUSSION THREAD

Thank you very much for sharing!! I feel very related to this! I'm a Latina from Venezuela! And we Latinos from the Caribean and other Countries have a lot of African influence!! And we Love it! Most of our salsa songs have the word ache! We sing to chango, yemaya and so on! It is beautiful! It feels like home 🤗 Thank you 💖

ReplyDelete
Replies
  1. Your welcome,Keyla.

    I know so very little about Salsa. .

    I didn't know that the word "ache" was in most salsa songs.
    I also didn't know that people in Venezula sung to the orishas.

    There's so much that I don't know. :o(

    Best wishes. from your sister in the United States.

    Delete
****
This concludes Part I of this two part pancocojams series.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are w
elcome.

Sunday, February 28, 2021

More Information About The Yoruba (Nigeria) Word Àṣẹ" And Its Equivalent Terms Aché, Axé, and Ashe

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post provides some information and comments about the Yoruba (Nigeria) word Àṣẹ" and its Spanish spelling "Aché," its Portugese spelling "Axé", or its English spelling "Ashe".  

An explanation for the related term "orisha" and explanations for several other related terms are also included in this post. 

The content of this post is provided for cultural and linguistic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
For two previous pancocojams posts on this subjec, click 
https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/03/what-yoruba-word-ase-ache-axe-ashe.html "What The Yoruba Word "Àṣẹ" (Aché, Axé, Ashe) REALLY Means" 
and https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/03/videos-that-include-yoruba-word-ase.html "Videos That Include The Yoruba Word "Ase" (also given as Aché, Axé, Ashe)" .

****
WHAT THESE WORDS MEAN 
Excerpt #1
From 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orisha
'In the native religion of the Yoruba people, Orisha (spelled òrìṣà in the Yoruba language, orichá in Cuban practice and orixá in Brazilian practice of Latin America) are spirits sent by Olodumare[1] for the guidance of all creation and of humanity in particular, on how to live and be successful on Àiyé (Earth). Most Òrìṣà are said to have previously existed in the spirit world (òrún) as Irúnmọlẹ̀, and then become incarnated as human beings here on Earth. Others are said to be humans who are recognised as deities upon their death due to extraordinary feats accomplished in life.[2]

Many Òrìṣà have found their way to most of the New World as a result of the Atlantic slave trade and are now expressed in practices as varied as Santería, Candomblé, Trinidad Orisha, Umbanda, and Oyotunji, among others. The concept of orisha is similar to those of deities in the traditional religions of the Bini people of Edo State in southern Nigeria, the Ewe people of Benin, Ghana, and Togo, and the Fon people of Benin.[2][3]

[….]

Ashe is the life-force that runs through all things, living and inanimate. It is described as the power to make things happen. It is an affirmation that is used in greetings and prayers, as well as a concept of spiritual growth. Orìṣà devotees strive to obtain Ashe through iwa-pele, gentle and good character, and in turn they experience alignment with the ori, what others might call inner peace and satisfaction with life. Ashe is divine energy that comes from Olodumare, the creator deity, and is manifested through Olorun, who rules the heavens and is associated with the sun. Without the sun, no life could exist, just as life cannot exist without some degree of ashe"...
-snip-
The bold font or the italic font was given that way on that Wikipedia page.

****
Excerpt #2
From https://www.reddit.com/r/capoeira/comments/4gjjrf/what_does_ax%C3%A9ach%C3%A9_mean/ Posted byu/Chaos_Archangel, 2016
1. "What does axé(aché) mean?

In my class, I was taught that aché (which usually accompanied a handslap + fist-bump greeting) meant "love and respect" or "one love."

But something nagged at me today to go look up the official meaning of the word... and I couldn't really find one until I came across this:

"The term axé (also spelled aché or ashé – all pronounced ah-SHEH) comes from the Yoruba peoples of Western Africa. It is the name they gave to the life force; the concept is similar to the Eastern idea of qi. In capoeira today, axé has come to mean something like “energy.” If a roda has a lot of axé, it means it has good vibes, powerful energy. Some groups use the word as a greeting. Some references to axé in capoeira songs... Axé also refers to a style of popular music (not related to capoeira) that originated in Salvador, Bahia. There is also a capoeira group called Axé Capoeira that was founded by Mestre Barrão. - See more at: http://capoeira-connection.com/capoeira/2011/10/what-is-axe/#sthash.ahgnZmxv.dpuf "

 

Is this the true meaning of the word? What does it mean, then, when you say axé to someone as a greeting?

**
2. 
flamelisk, 2016
"The spirit or the energy of the roda is how we look at it, if a roda has no axé then there's no point of doing a roda. Similarly someone can have a good axé meaning their energy output is good and they are a positive contribution to the roda/class/event"
-snip-
Here's information about the Portuguese word "roda" from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roda_(formation)
"Roda (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈʁɔdɐ]), meaning "wheel" or, more appropriately in this case, "circle" in Portuguese, is the circular formation within which participants perform in any of several Afro-Brazilian dance art forms, such as capoeira, maculelê and samba de roda. By extension, the whole event may be called a roda (as in "We will have a roda next Saturday"). Likewise, sometimes a roda may not take the shape of a circle; it may be, for example, a half-circle if the event is a public performance, in order for the public to be able to see the performers easily."...

**
3. morto00x, 2016
"The term is used very loosely, but the Yoruba definition that your wrote is correct.

Axé is used to describe energy or good vibes coming from living beings or the Orixás (African gods). When you greet someone with the word axé, you are wishing them good fortune. When someone says the roda has lots of axé, it means that people were happy, music was good, games where intense, etc.

 

Funny enough, I haven't heard many capoeiristas use the word axé (except for songs or M Barrão's group) for many years."
-snip-
These numbers don't correspond to the number of comments in that discussion thread.
WARNING: This page includes one curse word.

****
Excerpt #3
From https://asheselah.wordpress.com/about/whats-an-asheselah/
..."Ashe ( ah-SHAY, also Ase) – A Yoruba word meaning power, command, and authority. The ability to make whatever one says happen. Often summarized as “so be it”, “so it is”, or “it definitely shall be so”.”…

****
SELECTED COMMENTS FROM TWO YOUTUBE DISCUSSION THREADS
These comments are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.

Discussion thread #1 
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMZMiyfTYFs&ab_channel=ProhustlersHaywood "Songs of the Orisha's Mixed By Dj Prohustlers", Sep 11, 2016

1. FLAWDA NAPPY HEAD, 2017
"Ase' to my baba and YeYe! Alafia...."
-snip-
Here's some information about the word "baba" and "yeye" from https://www.zikoko.com/life/oldies/8-yoruba-words-mean-thing-edo/ 8 Yoruba Words That Mean The Same Thing in Edo", Ronke Otega, June 7, 2017:
" "Baba" It means “Father” in both Yoruba and Edo."

"The Yoruba might use “Yeye” more but the words mean the same thing in Yoruba and Edo; “Mother”."
-snip-
"Yoruba" and "Edo" are traditional Nigerian languages.
-snip-
Here's some information about the word "Alafia" from
https://www.facebook.com/575706419187357/photos/pb.575706419187357.-2207520000.1468493353./1067659546658706/?type=3 IFA: Òrìṣa Scientific Spirituality, July 12, 2016 ·
"For many, the Yoruba term "alafia" (also spelled alaafia) is used to mean "inner-peace" and said as a greeting like the use of the Kemetic word "hotep" and the Arabic word "salaam."

In the past ten years, there has been much controversy about the term alafia and whether or not it is truly Yoruba or derived from Arabic.

It is noted that the Yoruba word alafia shares its meaning with the Hausa (Northern Nigerians) word "lafiya" which means good health. They derived the word from Arabic's al-afiyah which means "the good health." When said as "zaman lafiya" in Hausa, it comes to mean innerpeace."...
-snip-
Click 
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/02/excerpts-from-online-articles.html for more information about the word "Alafia".

**
2. 
Elemental Wisdom 72, 2018
"
Ase! Maferefun Ellegua/Eshu!"
-snip-
Here’s information about the word “Maferefun” from https://www.afrocubaweb.com/ccsmaferefun.htm
… [the word [Maferefún] "is Yorubá and has many meanings -- it is a greeting, it confers a blessing, it invokes the power of the spirit world)"...
-snip-
From 
https://www.facebook.com/ThirdEyeSpiritualConnection/posts/maferefun-obatala-maferefun-means-go-and-pray-to-since-it-is-a-word-that-is-adde/104918137864804/
"
Maferefun means go and Pray to ..., since it is a word that is added to the beginning of mentioning the name of the saint, this word has the power to give blessings, that is, Maferefun is an exclamation of praise to the saint and he has the power to grant us blessings."

**
3. line de oliveira costa, 2018
"
axé salve todos meus orixás"
-snip-
From Portuguese to English: “Axé, greetings all of my orishas.”
-snip-
Google translate incorrectly translates the word “salve” as “save”.

Here's a source for the correct Portuguese to English translation of the word "salve":
From 
https://rioandlearn.com/what-does-salve-mean-in-portuguese/ “What does Salve mean in Portuguese”
…”The expression Salve is used as a synonym to greetings such as Olá and Oi in Portuguese”

**
4. A BuTTeRfLy, 2018
"When you start swaying and tears start falling instantly...Ase' 😇🙏💗"

**
5. 
pat thompson, 2018
"yes this is my ancestral music i bow  to my ancestors asche"

**
6. 
Forbidden King, 2019
"
Asé iyin fun Orisha
-snip-
Google translate from Yoruba to English: "Asé praise to Orisha"

**
7. 
Frank X, 2019
"I love all  the Orishas deeply here and in the next life, ase eternally."

**
Reply
8. LUZ DIVINA YEMAYA, 2020
"
Ashe"

**
9. 
Practical Fitness, 2019
"
Asè 📿 to my Yeye. Orishas help her Transition with peace and completion of her task. Always in my heart 💜 the song of my soul. #VME"

**
Reply
10. Brianna Salter, 2020
"🙌🏾 asé"

**
11. 
Vera Allen, 2020
"
Ase thank you for this wonderful & beautiful music it's cleansing my spirit & healing my soul. My the ancestors continue to bless you.🎶💞🎶💓👑👑🌹🌹🌹"

**
12. 
Ahmad Melvin, 2020
"
💛💛🧡❤️Blessings to All Ase Ase Ase 🙌🌐📿🤍💚💙💜"

**
13. 
Shon G, 2021
"Gratitude for all those who came before us and paved the way. Your guidance and protection are greatly appreciated, Ase’

**
14. 
Amdh Walenda, 2021
"ASÈ to all💖💕🗽"

**
15. 
Victor Oluwatobi, 2021
"
Thank you for doing this for the love of the ancients, homage to the Orishas. Music is not music if it doesn't pay homage to it's root. Asé"

**
16. 
ishaw, 2021
"
Ase remember the ancestors always a call away 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿"

**
17. 
Peedi Green Yaddaimean, 2021
"
Blessings of our Ancestors,and doi Orishas be upon you all.......ASE'"

****
Discussion thread #2
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5pnjTY0GXI&ab_channel=Yor%C3%B9b%C3%A1LessonswithAd%C3%A9r%C3%B3nk%C3%A9%CC%A9  Yorùbá Lessons with Adérónké̩,  Jul 5, 2019

1. Romiah Armstrong, 2019
"Thank You for this video. With me newly being free from the programming of christianity, I simply replaced "Amen" with Ase. I was using it in the terms of "So will it be"."

**
2. claude reed, 2019
"thanks for the explanation. there maybe another confusion what are the tonal usage with asheh and the difference between ashay and asheh. some i fear don't know the difference."

**
Reply
3. Asabi Fatosin, 2019
"claude reed the diacritical marks give the correct pronunciation."

**
Reply
4. Trevor Prime, 2019
"Please explain what you mean?"

**
Reply
5. Beats Boy, 2019
"Ashay isn't a thing, it's a mispronunciation. It is pronounced 'Asheh'."

**
Reply
6. Yorùbá Lessons with Adérónké̩, 2019
"Like Beats Boy mentioned earlier, those are incorrect ways of pronouncing 'às̩e̩'. 😃 Everyone who pronounces the word incorrectly is trying their best, at least. God bless everyone. ❤"

*️*
7. 
Lilli L'amour, 2020
"Àse has been said in the US especially by the conscious community since the 60s. I'm glad to know from this video it's been used in the right text."
-snip-
"the 60s"= 1960s

****
Discussion thread #3 [added March 4, 2021]
The Gurunsi Origin Of Tap
Black Angel Media, May 2, 2018

Xeper and Remanifest Think Tank of the esoteric, 2018
"taping the algorithms into the earth! Ase'!"
-snip-
"Gurunsi" are an ethnic group in Ghana, West Africa and in Burkina Faso, West Africa.

****
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Visitor comments are welcome.


Monday, March 2, 2020

Videos That Include The Yoruba Word "Ase" (also given as Aché, Axé, Ashe)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part II of a two part pancocojams series about the Yoruba (Nigerian) word "Àṣẹ" (also given as "aché", "axé", or "ashe").

Part II presents several YouTube videos that include the Yoruba word "Àṣẹ".

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/03/what-yoruba-word-ase-ache-axe-ashe.html for Part I of this series. Part I presents several excerpts about the word "Àṣẹ".

The content of this post is provided for cultural and linguistic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.

****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Video #1: Às̩e̩ | What Does 'Ase' Mean? | The Physical and Spiritual Aspects



Yorùbá Lessons with Adérónké̩, Jul 5, 2019
-snip-
This video is given with captions. However, some of the captions are incorrect. For example, the Yoruba word “Às̩e̩” is incorrectly given as “a shake” or “share”. Those captions sometimes also uses the word “ashay” for “Às̩e̩” and that’s a closer transcription of that word.

Here's one comment exchange from that video's discussion thread (with numbers added for referencing purposes only)

1. claude reed, 2019
"thanks for the explanation. there maybe another confusion what are the tonal usage with asheh and the difference between ashay and asheh. some i fear don't know the difference."

**
REPLY
2. Asabi Fatosin, 2019
"claude reed the diacritical marks give the correct pronunciation."

**
REPLY
3. Beats Boy,2019
"Ashay isn't a thing, it's a mispronunciation. It is pronounced 'Asheh'."

**
REPLY
4. Yorùbá Lessons with Adérónké̩
"Like Beats Boy mentioned earlier, those are incorrect ways of pronouncing 'às̩e̩'. 😃 Everyone who pronounces the word incorrectly is trying their best, at least. God bless everyone. ❤️"

**
5. yaya centella, 2019
"thank you very much for sharing this with the world. many blessings and blessings of peace on earth. ase"
-snip-
Ase" (or "Axé'", "ashe") written at the end of a sentence, or the only word in a sentence is similar to or the same as the English use of the word "Amen" and/or the English saying "So be it" or "More power to you".

****
Video #2: Àdúrà àti Gbólóhùn Àṣẹ. Oração vinculado com ọfọ̀.



Ayokunle Omisakin Obalúfè, Apr 2, 2019

"Osun Itaguaí Festival", Rio de Janeiro 2019
-snip-
This video is an example of the call & response use of “Axé” (people saying "Axé" as the response to a “call” [other words].

Here's a comment from that video's discussion thread:
Fabio Sousa, 2019
"Axé!"

****
Video #3: Nana Malaya - "Funga Alafia"



The Kennedy Center, Oct 9, 2013

The Millennium Stage partners with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to present some of the best D.C. area street performers in a MetroPerforms! Showcase.

The Millennium Stage is a FREE performance series and part of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. It features a broad spectrum of national and international performing arts companies, from dance and jazz, to chamber music and folk, comedy, storytelling and theater, every day of the year. Performances always begin at 6pm.
-snip-
Here are some comments from that video's discussion thread (including two comments that I wrote)

1. Azizi Powell, 2016
"Alafia, Nana Malaya!

I'm glad that I happened upon this video of your and your drummers' performance of "Funga Alafia".

I'm proud to know you.

Here's some information about this multifaceted dancer, choreographer, speaker, teacher, and entrepreneur:

Nana Malaya is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. One of her children is movie and television actor Lamman Rucker.

The poem "I Am the Original Dance Machine" (3:20 in this video) was written by New York City dancer/choreographer Bob Johnson, who also lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and in 1969/1970 was the founder of the Pittsburgh Black Theater Dance Ensemble. Nana Malaya was a member of this esteemed dance company.

Ase, Nana Malaya!"

**
2. Stephan and Ashae Lyles, 2017
"My name... Same pronunciation but different spelling Ashae💙💜💚💛"
-snip-
Nigerians don't use "Ase" as a name. That said, this variant spelling of that word is a powerful name that Ashae Lyles (or anyone else with that name) can be proud of.

**
3. okallixti, 2017
"what's the origin of this song? is it in Yoruba? thank you"

**
REPLY
4. Angie, 2018
"okallixti Nigerian origin."

**
REPLY
5. Azizi Powell, 2020
"@Angie & @okallixti, The song that is known as "Funga Alafia" isn't a Nigerian song. Here's some basic information about the song "Funga Alafia":
1. The song "Funga Alafia" was composed by African American drummer and dancer LaRocque Bey in Harlem (New York City) in 1959 or 1960.

2. The word "funga" is a folk processed form of the Vai (Liberia, West Africa) word "fanga".

3. The words "alafia" and "ashe" are from the Yoruba (Nigeria, West Africa) language.

4. The tune for the song "Funga Alafia" is from the American folk song "Little Liza Jane".

Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELNIe_D79xs for a sound file of Nina Simone singing "Little Liza Jane"

Also, click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-real-origin-of-song-funga-alafia.html "The REAL Origin Of The Song "Funga Alafia" - Hint It Isn't A Liberian Song, Or A Nigerian Song, Or A Traditional African Song" for more information about this song.

****
This concludes Part II of this two part pancocojams series.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

What The Yoruba Word "Àṣẹ" (Aché, Axé, Ashe) REALLY Means

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part I of a two part pancocojams series about the Yoruba (Nigerian) word "Àṣẹ" (also given as "aché", "axé", or "ashe").

Part I presents several excerpts about the word "Àṣẹ".

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/03/videos-that-include-yoruba-word-ase.html for Part II of this pancocojams series. Part II presents several YouTube videos that include the Yoruba word "Àṣẹ".

The content of this post is provided for cultural and linguistic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.

****
INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEANING OF THE WORD "ÀSE" (ALSO GIVEN AS ACHE, AXE, AND ASHE)

(These excerpts are given in no particular order.)

Excerpt #1:
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orisha#Ashe
"Ashe is the life-force that runs through all things, living and inanimate. It is described as the power to make things happen. It is an affirmation that is used in greetings and prayers, as well as a concept of spiritual growth. Orìṣà devotees strive to obtain Ashe through iwa-pele, gentle and good character, and in turn they experience alignment with the ori, what others might call inner peace and satisfaction with life. Ashe is divine energy that comes from Olodumare, the creator deity, and is manifested through Olorun, who rules the heavens and is associated with the sun. Without the sun, no life could exist, just as life cannot exist without some degree of ashe. Ashe is sometimes associated with Eshu, the messenger òrìṣà.[6] For practitioners, ashe represents a link to the eternal presence of the supreme deity, the orishas, and the ancestors.[7]

The concept is regularly referenced in Brazilian capoeira. Axé in this context is used as a greeting or farewell, in songs and as a form of praise. Saying that someone "has axé" in capoeira is complimenting their energy, fighting spirit, and attitude.[1]"

****
Excerpt #2
From https://www.orishaimage.com/blog-gallery/ashe
" "Ashe" is a very central word and concept for Orisha-worship. On the one hand it is used often at the end of prayers. It means "may our prayers become reality, may we receive the blessing by the Orisha, short: may it manifest!"

On the other hand "Ashe" more generally also stands for the eternal energy that fills the cosmos. It is the abstract power and principle of Olodumare, God. Calling for "Ashe" is calling for what lies beyond our human reality, that God’s will manifests on earth, where we live at the moment, and that we can experience Olodumare’s power.

It is written in the four main languages of Orisha-worship worldwide, from Nigeria to the diaspora of slavery and from there to the rest of the world: Yoruba, Spanish/Lukumi, Portuguese/Nago and English."

****
Excerpt #3
From https://science.jrank.org/pages/11051/Religion-African-Diaspora-Spiritual-Assets-Ase-Konesans.html
"Religion
African Diaspora Spiritual Assets: Ase And Konesans

Two central concepts in some African-derived religions are ase (or axe) and konesans (connaissance). Ase is the divine force, energy, and power incarnate in the world. Olodumare gives ase to everything, including inanimate objects. Ashe is the power behind all things in the universe. It enables people to find balance in life. The orishas are bearers of ashe. Santeros (Santerían priests) use ase to provide blessing and healing to devotees. "Ashe is a current or flow, a groove that initiates can channel so that it carries them along their road in life. The prayers, rhythms, offerings, taboos of Santería tune initiates into this flow" (Murphy, 1993, p. 131). In Santería, herbs are impregnated with ashe. The color of the Obatala conducts ashe. Part of the Vodun initiation ceremonies gives the priest intuitive knowledge, or konesans, enabling him to understand people, diagnose problems, and perform healing."...

****
Excerpt #4
From http://capoeira-connection.com/capoeira/2011/10/what-is-axe/
"What is axé?

[...]

The term axé (also spelled aché or ashé – all pronounced ah-SHEH) comes from the Yoruba peoples of Western Africa. It is the name they gave to the life force; the concept is similar to the Eastern idea of qi.

In capoeira today, axé has come to mean something like “energy.” If a roda has a lot of axé, it means it has good vibes, powerful energy. Some groups use the word as a greeting.

Some references to axé in capoeira songs:
Axé, axé / Capoeira tem muito axé
Axé, axé / Capoeira has lots of axé

Dos velhos Mestres que viveram na Bahia,
Manda todo o seu axé e também sua magia
Bahia manda seu axé pra mim

From the old Mestres who lived in Bahia,
Send all your axé and also your magic
Bahia send your axé to me

Axé also refers to a style of popular music (not related to capoeira) that originated in Salvador, Bahia.

There is also a capoeira group called Axé Capoeira that was founded by Mestre Barrão."
-snip-
Click https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ax%C3%A9_(music) for information about the genre of Brazilian music called "Axé".

****
Excerpt #5
From http://capoeiraucainla.com/home-capoeira-losangeles/2010/12/13/capoeira-wiki-word-of-the-week-axe-updated.html
Excerpts from the website CANDOMBLE - Uma Religião sem Mistérios a Serviço do Povo.

Translated by yours truly Guatambu (any improvements to the translation contact me)
"O Axé

A magical energy, the universal sacred of the orixá. A powerful energy that is always neutral. Manipulated and directed by men through the orixás and their symbols and/or elements. "

The most precious of Ilê*, axé is the force that ensures dynamic existence.It is transmitted, should be maintained and developed, as all forces may increase or decrease; and this variation is related to the activity and conduct of the ritual.The conduct is determined by the scrupulous observance of the duties and obligations of each holder of axé, yourself, orixá, and Ilê.The development of individual and group axé affects the axé of the Ilê.

* - Ilê requires its own definition here. Ilê is basically synonymous with terreiro. A terreiro is a temple or house of candomblê. Think of it like you would your local church, synagogue, mosque, or buddhist temple. Each of these types of houses of worship have their unique characteristics in terms of symbols, architecture, look, and feel, and the same is true for a terreiro. - Guatambu

"The axé is connected to the initiated, and directly proportional to its ritual conduct - the relationship with his deity, his community, his duties and his babalorixá (priest of candomblé)."

The strength of the axé is contained and transmitted by certain elements and material substances, is transmitted to humans and objects, maintaining and renewing the powers of accomplishment.The axé is contained in a variety of representative elements of the kingdoms: animal, vegetable and mineral, water (fresh and salt), earth, and forest (untamed vegetation or urban space).It is contained in the natural and essential substances of each being whether simple or complex, living or dead, that make up the universe.

There are places, sounds, objects and body parts (especially animal) impregnated with axé. For example, the heart, liver, lungs, gizzard, kidney, feet, hands, tail, bones, teeth, ivory, genitals, roots, leaves , river water, sea, rain, lake, pool, waterfall, orô (prayer), Adja (sort of bell), illus (drums) ...

Every ritual act and offering involves the transmission and revitalization of axé.To be truly active, these ritual acts and offerings must come from the combination of those elements that allow for a specific result or achievement. To receive axé means to incorporate the symbolic elements that represent the vital and essential principles of all that exists.

Xerife pointed out Mestre Acordeon's song "Pedir o Axé", and added the lyrics with translation below...

Vamos pedir o axé

(Lets ask Axé)

Pressa roda começar

(So this round can begin)

De conforme os fundamentos

(Within the fundations)

Capoeira e candomblé

(Capoeira and candomblé)

Axé Babá

(Axé Babá)

Oh ie viva Meu Deus! AXÉ BABÁ

(Oh yea viva my god! Axé Babá)

Oh Ie viva Seu Bimba! MEU CAMARÁ

(Oh yea viva my Bimba! My friend)

Oh ie é mestre meu! SEMPRE SERÁ

(Oh yea you are my master! ALWAYS WILL BE)

Oh ie volta do mundo! QUE O MUNDO DÁ

(Oh yeaa the world spins! That the world does)

Vamos pedir o axé, meu pai! MEU PAI XANGô

(Lets ask axé, my father! My father Xangô)

Vamos pedir o axé, minha mãe! IEMANJÁ

(Lets ask axé, my mother! IEMANJA)

Vamos pedir o axé, meu rei! REI OXALÁ

(Lets ask Axé, my king! KING OXALÁ)

Vamos pedir o axé, meu pai MEU PAI XANGÔ

(Lets ask Axé, my father MY FATHER XANGÔ)

Reparado added from Mestre Acordeon's book...

"Aché (Axé, Asé) is the magic force that moves all things in the universe according to the African religions in Brazil. It exists in all realms of nature and can be transmitted through specific rituals. Although Capoeira has no direct connection with religion, the capoeiristas, as the majority of Brazilians, are related one way or another with Afro-Brazilian rituals. Aché in Capoeira means the connection with the roots, a special energy to be developed by any capoeirista. To wish aché to someone means to wish good luck. For those who believe, some special people transmit aché through their wishes."

p.6 Almeida, Bira(Mestre Acordeon). Capoeira: A Brazilian Art Form. Berkeley, California: North Atlantic Books, 1986. Print.

Espantalho added...

“At the heart of this Yoruba religion is the concept of àse, an individual’s personal spiritual power, which grows throughout life through a person’s diligent application to doing good deeds, coupled with appropriate and calm behavior and with service to the gods in the form of sacrifice. The reciprocity of service between gods and humans is essentially the giving of strength, the renewal of àse to the orisa through blood sacrifice of animals designated as belonging to a specific deity. Renewed and grateful deities in turn bless their supportive worshipers with added ase. The rules of this loving support between humans and gods are all known to that father-of-all-knowledge, the babalawo”

~The Way of the Orisa by Philip Neimark p. XII

Babalawo is a priest of Yoruba religion.

“The orisa are energy that, for the most part, represent aspects of nature. Osun (pronounced O-SHUN) represents sweet waters, love, money, conception; Sango (pronounced Zhan-GO) represents thunder and lightning, strategy, and he is the warrior; Esu (pronounced A-shew), messenger to Oludumare (the single God), owner of roads and opportunities, owner of ase (spiritual energy)"...

****
Excerpt #6
From http://www.orishanet.org/vocab.html
"Lucumí Vocabulary

Lucumí or Lacumí is the Yoruba language as it is spoken in Cuba and the United States. Yoruba is a tonal language like Chinese. The accents serve to approximate the tones for those of us who aren't familiar with tonal language. Also, some of the difficult sounds like the african "p" sound which is pronounced as kind of a "kp" sound is approximated using "kp" or "cu". This vocabulary follows the Spanish orthography with a few exceptions to help English speakers:

The "ch" in Spanish is used simply because there is no "sh" in Spanish. We use "sh" here.

The "y" in Spanish often has an edge to it that approximates the English (and Yoruba) "j" sound. I have taken the liberty of using "j" here where applicable.

The "ñ" sound is used very sparingly here and is usually substituted here with "y".

As in Spanish, the accent is on the second to last syllable unless there is an accent mark over another syllable.

I should note here that Lacumí is an oral tradition and that the written versions were meant to be more "cheat sheets" than anything else and should not be used as "proof" of the decomposition of the language. Lakumí speakers in Matanzas and other areas speak very much as any Yoruba speaker would. I have spoken with Nigerian born Yoruba speakers in Lacumí without any difficulty whatsoever. In fact, on one occasion I was greeted with a very surprised "you speak Yoruba!!!" from the astonished Yoruba man I was speaking with.

Here are a few words in Lucumí to get you started:

[...]

Ashé: So Be It, The Spiritual Power of the Universe, Talent”...

****
Excerpt #7
From https://www.spanishdict.com/answers/39/ritmo-con-ach Ritmo Con Aché

[...]

a) "Aché does not mean ache. Ache is dolor, or achaques. The letter H is hache in Spanish. According to the Diccionario de la lengua española, of the Real Academia Española, aché is not a word in the Spanish language. However, looking up the song, if found a page on the song stating that aché is an african word that means a divine life force (in the santeria religion). Aché is a word in the West African Yoruba language."

updated Apr 20, 2011
posted by manutd

**
b) "I suppose that you are talking about a brasilean music. It's pronounced "Aché" is Spanish but is written "Axé" in portuguese.

Please, look at this place*."
updated Dec 26, 2009
posted by Carlos-F
-snip-
*That commenter gives the link to the Wikipedia page for Axe music that is given after Excerpt #4.

****
This concludes Part I of this two part pancocojams series.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

The Orisha Shango (Chango, Xango) - Information & Video Examples

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post presents information about the Yoruba orisas (orishas) Shango and showcases eight videos of Shango (Chango, Xangô).

The content of this post is presented for religious, historical, folkloric, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to all those featured in these videos, and thanks to the publishers of these videos.
Maferefun Sango!
-snip-
(Maferefún means “praises to the spiritual energy of” in the Yoruba language.)

****
INFORMATION ABOUT YORUBA RELIGION
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoruba_religion
"The Yorùbá religion comprises the traditional religious and spiritual concepts and practices of the Yoruba people. Its homeland is in Southwestern Nigeria and the adjoining parts of Benin and Togo, a region that has come to be known as Yorubaland. Yorùbá religion is formed of diverse traditions and has no single founder. It has influenced or given birth to thriving ways of life such as Lucumí, Umbanda and Candomblé.[1] Yoruba religious beliefs are part of itan, the total complex of songs, histories, stories and other cultural concepts which make up the Yorùbá society.[1][2][3]...

An Orisha (Orisa or Orixa) is an entity that possesses the capability of reflecting some of the manifestations of Olódùmarè. Yòrùbá Orishas (translated "owners of heads") are often described as intermediaries between man and the supernatural. The term is often translated as "deities" or "divinities".[8]...
-snip-
Additional information about orishas is found in the summary statement for the video given as Example #8 below.

****
From http://agolaroye.com/Chango.php
"Chango is one of the most talked about and most favorable orisha of Santeria. Chango also know as Shango, Sango, Alufina, Xango in Brazil, was a great warrior. He is the orisha of the thunder and thunderbolt. He is the thunderbolt that falls from the sky upon the land. When you hear the loud sound of thunder roaring through the heavens, it is Chango that is riding his white horse looking to serve justice. Chango is seen as a tall handsome man with an extreme physique. He is always dressed in satin outfits with his tiger skin wrapped around him. His crown is always firm on his head and it is always shining. His colors are red and white and in the home of a priest, he lives in a wooden batea (vessel), where his secrets and implements are kept. Chango loves to dance and he knows how to hype up a party. When he arrives, the party has just begun as he will dance and impress everyone that is there. He is also the owner of the bátá drums (the double headed drums in Santeria). When he finishes his dance, he is quick to grab the drums to show his skills.

Chango is a womanizer. He loves to flirt with all women. His dance is very seductive in which he uses to seduce his woman onlookers. Chango had many relations with females from every village. Maybe out of all the orishas he had the most with all and any woman. He had 3 wives that he loved dearly, each for their own special characteristics. Ochun, Obba and Oya."...
-snip-
Notice the close similarities between the description of Shango and the description of Thor: "In Norse mythology, Thor (from Old Norse Þórr) is a hammer-wielding god associated with thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength, the protection of mankind, and also hallowing, healing and fertility" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thor

****
FEATURED EXAMPLES
(These examples are presented in chronological order with the oldest examples given first.)

Example #1: Shango Dance


Baba Abayomi• Uploaded on Jul 21, 2007
Song and Dance for Orisha Shango. Footage from the 17th annual African Street Festival.
-snip-
Here's information about this street festival from this video of that street festival which is posted by the same publisher: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiMCKuXhQHE “Orisha Dance Explanation”

aboshun, 2008
"this festival is annual in brooklyn (international african arts festival), but there are different performances every year. it doesn't seem like the egbe Obatala does this annually."
-snip-
I don't know if this festival is still held in New York City.

****
Example #2: Shango Dancing, Havana, Cuba



eguinkolade, Uploaded on Jun 6, 2009

Shango culminates presentation of Afro-Cuban dance at the Casa de Africa, Old Havana, 1992. Filmed by David H. Brown. Available as part of "Orisha Dance from Cuba". See http://www.folkcuba.com/stores/st_det.... (c) Folkcuba.com, LLC 2008. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

****
Example #3: shango



MrTharrison, Uploaded on Oct 7, 2009

music and dance for the orisha Shango, Santiago de Cuba. Original video filmed / edited by Tim Harrison, Santiago, Cuba

****
Example #4: Baile Shango Lasaro Ros



Marcelo Madan, Uploaded on Dec 25, 2010

*****
Example #5: Lucumí Onì: Changó



Mikala Hoff Skovgaard, Uploaded on Jan 28, 2012

The afrocuban folkloric group Lucumí Oñi from Havana, Cuba.

Musicians: Ignacio Guerra Acosta, Julio Guerra Acosta, Florentino Coco Acosta Mendoza, Noel Guerra. Vocal: Boris Venancio Reyes Montalvo Dance: Changó: Alberto Vidiau Moreno, Ochún: Miriam Izquierdo Mikala Hoff: manager, Denmark

****
Example #6: Oya och Changó från Festival del Caribe 2012 - Santiago de Cuba



xmalikkha, Published on Aug 18, 2012

****
Example #7: Cuban Bata Drumming for Santeria Ceremony – Chango



Tiffany Nicely, Published on Oct 29, 2012

Bata drummers play for a Santeria ceremony, praising Chango, an oricha

****
Example #8: SHANGO, OGUN; GODS IN JAM SESSION – FESTOUR



Wintv Microres, Published on Feb 19, 2013

An Orisha (also spelled Orisa or Orixa) is a spirit or deity that reflects one of the manifestations of God in the Yoruba spiritual or religious system. This religion has found its way throughout the world and is now expressed in practices as varied as Candomblé, Lucumí/Santería, Shango in Trinidad (Trinidad Orisha), Anago and Oyotunji, as well as in some aspects of Umbanda, Winti, Obeah, Vodun and a host of others. These varieties or spiritual lineages as they are called are practiced throughout areas of Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, Togo, Brazil, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States, Uruguay, Argentina and Venezuela among others. As interest in African indigenous religions (spiritual systems) grows, Orisha communities and lineages can be found in parts of Europe and Asia as well. While estimates may vary, some scholars believe that there could be more than 100 million adherents of this spiritual tradition worldwide

WIN, an acronym for "What Is New" is a comprehensive multimedia services package for maximum news distribution across several media channels via WIN TV,

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Thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Yoruba Orishas & Their Astrological Planetary Counterparts (Speculation)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post is my attempt to list the astrological planetary conterparts of some Yoruba orishas (divinities/gods/goddesses).

DISCLAIMER
I'm not an astrologer or a person initiated in traditional Yoruba religion (Ifa)** or any religion that is based upon Ifa such as Lucumi, Candomble, and Santeria. However, for some time I've read about astrology and for some time I've also read about traditional Yoruba religion. And I have noticed significant similarities between the attributes ascribed to Yoruba orishas and the attributes that Western astrologers have ascribed to specific planets & signs that they are said to govern.

Since astrological planets and signs are based on Greek & Roman gods and goddesses, this list can also be considered to provide information about specific Yoruba orishas and their counterparts among Greek/Roman divinities. Because I've not formally studied traditional Yoruba religion or astrology, some of these assigned counterparts may be incorrect. I'm very interested in receiving input about this list, including additions and corrections.

This post isn't meant to provide a comprehensive listing of Yoruba orishas, or an indepth look at the ways Yoruba orishas might represent specific astrological signs or houses. This list only includes the names of some of the major Yoruba orishas and only includes basic information about those orishas. Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoruba_mythology [Hereafter given as Wikipedia-Yoruba mythology] for more information about traditional Yoruba religion.

It's important to note that I've not given any astrological conterpart for the Yoruba supreme deity Olódùmarè (oh-loh-doo-MAH-ray) [also known as Olòrún (oh-loh-ROON)]. Olódùmarè is considered the divine creator and source of all energy/power (ashe) and is believed to have given specific ashe to certain orishas.

Also note that I've listed more than one orisha for certain astrological planets. In some cases I've also added a question mark after the name/s of the astrology planet or planets and the Yoruba orisha because I'm less certain of their perceived similarity/similarities. And I'm aware that some of these comparisons aren't exact fits. For instance, I've listed Obatala as being both Sun/Jupiter. However, one of the attributes for Obatala is humility, and humility doesn't fit either the astrological sign Leo which is ruled by the Sun or the astrological sign Sagittarius which is ruled by Jupiter.

I've included my approximation of how I think these Yoruba (your-ROO-bah) words are pronounced (based on how I've heard those words pronounced in the United States among American friends who are practicioners of that religion. I realize that my approximations may be incorrect for how these words are supposed to be pronounced in the USA or in Nigeria, and I am open to corrections of these pronunciations.

I do not intend any disrespect to any religion or its practitioners.

Maferefún to all orishas!
"Maferefún" means "praises to the spiritual energy of". (Praise be to ___")

* Orisha (English pronunciation: oh REE-shas) is more correctly spelled "orisas". However, these two spellings are pronounced the same.

**Ifa (English pronunciation: ee-fah); The name of this traditional Yoruba/Benin religion is also given as "vodun".

Click http://ileifa.org/ifa-an-african-spiritual-tradition/ for more information about this religion.

Also, click http://www.freehoroscopesastrology.com/planets-signs.aspx for information about the meanings that have been given to Western astrological planets.

A related online article is:
http://ileifa.org/west-africas-orisha-and-astrology/ Africa’s Orisha and Astrology[Hereafter given as article:Orisha and Astrology]. The Yoruba orishas and their astrological counterparts that I have listed below largely correspond with those found in that article.

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ORISHAS AND THEIR ASTROLOGICAL PLANETARY COUNTERPARTS
(The names of the astrological planets given first because they are more familiar to people in the USA and other Western nations).

Sun - Obatala (English pronunciation: oh-bah-tah-lah) and/or Oduduwa [English pronunciation: oh-doo-doo-wah] (See the entry for Jupiter below)

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Moon - Yemaja (English pronunciation: yeah-mah-yah)
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yemaja
"[Yemaja] is the ocean, the essence of motherhood, and a protector of children...

In Yorùbá mythology, Yemoja is a mother goddess; patron deity of women, especially pregnant women; and the Ogun river...

Her name is a contraction of Yoruba words: "Yeye emo eja" that mean "Mother whose children are like fish." This represents the vastness of her motherhood, her fecundity and her reign over all living things"
-snip-
From Wikipedia-Orisha
"Iemanja (Yemaja, Imanja, Yemayá, Jemanja, Yemalla, Yemana, Yemanja, Yemaya, Yemayah, Yemoja, Ymoja, Nanã, La Sirène, LaSiren, Mami Wata) - divine mother, divinity of the sea and loving mother of mankind, daughter of Obatala and wife of Aganju."

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Mercury - Elegba (English pronunciation: e-LEH-bah) [also known as Ẹlégbara (e-leh-BAH-rah); Eṣu (e-shoo); Elegua (e-leh-guah), Ellegua]
From http://www.ileorunmilaoshun.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=37&layout=blog&Itemid=65[Hereafter given as article: Orisha Worship]
"Esu the Divine Trickster
Esu is the Divine Spirit of Communication, the well-spoken orator who speaks all languages. Esu translates messages between humans and Orisha. Without Esu our prayers would not be understood in heaven and we would be unable to understand the language of Orisha or our ancestors (Egun). Esu is the guardian of the crossroads, as such he opens and closes all doors and ceremonies."
-snip-
Update: 12/3/2012
A comment was posted below by Fred suggesting a connection between Eleggua and the Greek goddess Hecate.

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Venus - Oshun (English pronunciation: Oh-shoon)
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oshun
"Oshun, or Ochun...in the Yoruba religion, is an Orisha who reigns over love, intimacy, beauty, wealth and diplomacy...

According to the Yoruba elders, Oshun is the "unseen mother present at every gathering", because Oshun is the Yoruba understanding of the cosmological forces of water, moisture, and attraction...

Oshun is the force of harmony. Harmony which we see as beauty, feel as love, and experience as ecstasy."
-snip-
From Wikipedia - Orisha
"Oshun (Oshún, Ọṣun, Oxum, Ochun, Osun, Oschun) - divinity of rivers, love, feminine beauty, fertility, and art, also one of Shango's lovers and beloved of Ogoun."

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Mars - Shango (English pronunciation: shan-go)
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orisha [Hereafter given as Wikipedia-Orisha]
"Shango (Shangó, Xango, Changó, Chango, Nago Shango) - warrior deity ; divinity of thunder, fire, sky father, represents male power and sexuality"
-snip-
From the article: Orisha Worship
"In Ifa, Divine Justice is symbolized by lightning, one of the primal fires of the Earth in existence since the beginning of time. Shango is the Orisha associated with the power of lightning and thunder, as well as the name of the Fourth Alafin (Chief) of Oyo. Oyo was a major Yoruba city and the name of a federation of city-states that existed during the 14th and 15th centuries in West Africa."
-snip-
Update: 12/3/2012
Sango in many ways is clearly associated with Thor, the Norse god of thunder & lightning. In http://www.mythicalrealm.com/legends/thor.html, the author indicates that the Romans associated Thor with Jupiter.

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Mars - Ogun (English pronunciation: oh-goon)
From article:Orisha and Astrology
"Ogun the warrior god possessing assertive and aggressive characteristics rules the first house. It is Ogun who is the patron of soldiers, police Officers, surgeons, railroad workers, welders, body builders, or anyone employed to work with iron and steel."
-snip-
Note: Ogun might also be considered to be a counterpart of Jupiter.

I think that Mars might also be represented by Oya. Information about Oya is given below in the entry for Pluto]
-snip-
From http://www.tribeofthesun.com/chango.htm
Shango - "Astrology: Leo, the planet Mars"
-snip-
Note: Those referents are contrary to astrological information as the sign "Leo" is ruled by the Sun and the planet Mars rules the sign "Aries".

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Jupiter - Obatala (English pronunciation: oh-bah-tah-lah)
From article: Orisha Worship
"Obatala, is the chief of the White Cloth, the Orisha who in Yoruba cosmology, first descended from heaven to earth with the tools for making the earth livable for humans. Obatala is considered the father of all orisa and is said to make the inner and outer heads of all humans.

Obatala is associated with purity, ethics and humility. Obatala is the Orisa of the elderly as well as the Orisa of those with physical disabilities."
-snip-
Jupiter - Ogun? [English pronunciation: oh-goon]
From Wikipedia-Orisha
"Ogoun (Ogun, Ogúm, Ogou) - warrior deity; divinity of iron, war, labour, sacrifice, politics, and technology (e.g. railroads)"
-snip-
Jupiter- Oduduwa (English pronunciation oh-doo-doo-wah)
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oduduwa
"Oduduwa is considered as the first of the contemporary dynasty of kings of Ife, a figure who sent his sons and daughters out with crowns to rule over all of the other Yoruba kingdoms, which is why all royal Yoruba lineages claim ambilineal descent from its line of kings and, through it, from Oduduwa...

Alternatively, the Benin believe that [Oduduwa] was a prince that was banished by his father, the "Ogiso" of Benin. His name, they claim, is derived from "Idoduwa", meaning "fortune's path", symbolizing the painful exile from his ancestral home...

A certain number of divinities were to accomplish the task of helping earth develop its crust. On one of these visits Obatala, the Great Spirit... Having made palm wine from the palm trees he caused to grow after shaping the planet, he began to drink ; soon falling into a drunken stupor, he was unable to accomplish the task he was originally given. Olodumare then sent Oduduwa to save what was left of the mission.

When Oduduwa found the Obatala in a "tipsy" state, he simply took over and completed the tasks. The place which he leaped onto from the heavens and which he redeemed from the water to become land was named Ile-Ife and is now considered the sacred and spiritual heart of Yorubaland."

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Jupiter/Neptune - Ochosi? (English pronunciation: oh-cho-see)
From Wikipedia-Orisha
"Ochosi (Oxósse, Ocshosi, Osoosi, Oxossi) -hunter and the scout of the orishas, deity of the accused and those seeking justice or searching for something."
**
From http://www.lordtiger.com/ochosi.html
"Ochosi is the patron of all wildlife and of hunters. His colors are blue and yellow and his numbers are three and seven. His symbol is a crossbow made of iron. In Santeria he is recognized as Saint Norbert. Ochosi is the son of Yemaya. He is the patron Saint of those who have problems with the law. Besides being a hunter and a warrior he is also a magician, a seer and a fisherman.* His children are men who are alert and full of initiative. They embrace change and are born entrepenuers. They are hospitable and love family, though sometimes their families suffer because of their nomadic tendencies."
-snip-
Editor's note:
I've updated this post to include that second quote about Ochosi. Initially I thought that Saturn might be an astrological planetary counterpart of Ochosi but that orisa is sounding more & more like Jupiter (Sagittarius/Pisces) to me. *See the sentence in asterisks and those sentences following it.

For what it's worth, my Sun, Mercury, and Jupiter are in Sagittarius. Also, Pisces is the ruler of my 7th house, and Neptune which rules Pisces is in my first house (in my natal chart). So I believe that I have a pretty good sense of those astrological planets/signs.

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Saturn/Pluto - Babalú-Ayé (English pronunciation: bah bah loo ah yeah)
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babalu_Aye
"In the religious system of Orisha worship, Babalú-Ayé is the praise name of the spirit of the Earth and strongly associated with infectious disease, and healing. He is an Orisha, representing the deity Olorun on Earth. The name Babalú-Ayé translates as “Father, lord of the Earth” and points to the authority this orisha exercises on all things earthly, including the body, wealth, and physical possessions. In West Africa, he was strongly associated with epidemics of smallpox, but in the contemporary Americas, he is more commonly thought of as the patron of leprosy, influenza, and AIDS . Although strongly associated with illness and disease, Babalú-Ayé is also the deity that cures these ailments. Both feared and loved, Babalú-Ayé is sometimes referred to as the “Wrath of the supreme god” because he punishes people for their transgressions . People hold Babalú-Ayé in great respect and avoid calling his actual name, because they do not wish to invoke epidemics."
-snip-
Some Americans may be more aware of this orisha than they know. The "Babalu" song that was sung by the fictitious character Cuban "Ricky Ricardo" of the "I Love Lucy" television show was a traditional song that was dedicted to the orisha Babalu Aye. Here's a link to a YouTube sound file of that song with photographs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyf1Kfg6nEo&feature=related

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Uranus -Aganju and/or Oya
I think that Uranas might be represented by Aganju and/or by Oya. Information about those two orishas is given below in the entry for Pluto.

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Neptune - Olokun (English pronunciation: oh-loh-koon)
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olokun
"Olokun is experienced in male and female personifications, depending on what region of West Africa He/She is worshipped. It is personified in several human characteristics; patience, endurance, sternness, observation, meditation, appreciation for history, future visions, and royalty personified. Its characteristics are found and displayed in the depths of the Ocean. Its name means Owner (Olo) of Oceans (Okun).

Olokun also signifies unfathomable wisdom. That is, the instinct that there is something worth knowing, perhaps more than can ever be learned, especially the spiritual sciences that most people spend a lifetime pondering. It also governs material wealth, psychic abilities, dreaming, meditation, mental health and water-based healing."

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Neptune - Orunmila (English pronunciation oh-ROON-me-lah)
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orunmila
"In Yoruba mythology, Orunmila is the spirit of wisdom ... and the divinity of destiny and prophecy... Orunmila is also referred to as Agbonniregun, the embodiment of knowledge and wisdom of Ifá."

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Pluto - Aganjú (English pronunciation: ah-gan-JOO)
From article: Orisha Worship
"Aganju is the Orisa of the Uncultivated Earth, Lord of the Volcano, Lord of Caves, The Divine Ferryman.

Aganjú is most often referred to as the Volcano.He is also the Orisa of untamed lands,from desert to mountains, the brother/husband of Yemoja. Like Olokun, is fabulously wealthy. As Lord of Caves he owns all the mineral wealth of the earth. Aganju is also the navigator, knowing the safe passages and fjords across the river...

Aganju is a force of life that overcomes obstacles and does the impossible.

Aganyú is the symbol of all earth forces, particularly the core of the earth, the desert, and the volcano. He represents a brute and regenerative force that is responsible for all cataclysmic upheavals that change the face of earth. Volcanic lava is seen as his fiery breath and his power makes the earth gyrate upon its axis. Aganyú is depicted as the father of Shangó in some patakin, and a younger brother of Shangó in others."

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Pluto - Oya (English pronunciation: oh-yah)
From http://www.7-angeles.com/oya.html
"Oya or Yansan (Santa Theresa de Jesus, Our Lady of Candelaria, Saint Catherine ). Her full name is Oya-Yansan, which means "mother of nine." In Brazil, in candomble she is generally saluted with the phrase "Èpa heyi!. while in Cuban-derived Yórùbá traditions, the faithful often salute her by saying "Hekua hey Yansa". All cemeteries belong to her. Powerful, volitile, she is not to be played with! Oya is the orisha of storms and the ruler of the dead. Tornados and whirlwinds accompanied by lightening are her element. She is a warrior orisha who rides to do battle at the side of Shango. She is a complex orisha and the only one that has power over the dead. Her colors are mooron [sic], flowery patterns and nine different colors. Her number is 9. Her symbols are: masks, and a horsetail fly-whisk. Her feast day is February 2."
-snip-
It's also possible that Uranus and/or Mars might be considered the counterpart/s of Oya.

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FEATURED VIDOES
Here are four videos of orishas who are featured in this post:

Toque para Elegguá



Uploaded by fideo62 on May 26, 2009

En una casa de Centro Habana se hace un fiesta y se toca y canta a todos los orichas, el video muestra cantos y toques para Elegguá.

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Yoruba Andabo - Yemayá



AyvaMusica, Published on Jan 8, 2014

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Santiago de Cuba: Changó y Obá


Uploaded by jisimon on May 11, 2011

Trailer del documental Changó y Obá. Fiesta y santería en Santiago de Cuba.
[Trailer of the documentary on Shango and Oba. Santeria feast in Santiago de Cuba]
-snip-
Editor:
The iron nails shown in the video are attributed to the orisha Ogun. The cowrie shell divination shown at 1:13 in the video is attributed to the orisha Orunmila.

*From http://santeria.tribe.net/thread/b3859a6f-93dc-48a6-b61c-187e63f25882 "Oba and Ocha"
Oba, or more accurately "Òbà," sometimes spelled "Obba" is an elder female Orisha. She is a warrior and the first wife of Shango. She is related to education, navigation, commerce, all kinds of exchange and growth.

"Oba" can also mean king or chief, when it is accented thusly: Obá. This is commonly used when referring to Shango or Obatala.
-snip-
Given that information on the female orisha Oba (spelled without the accent marks), I would consider her to be a very much like Sagittarius and thus her astrological counterpart is Jupiter.

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Oya och Changó från Festival del Caribe 2012 - Santiago de Cuba



xmalikkha, Published on Aug 18, 2012

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