Discover the meaning of Àṣẹ in Yoruba spirituality, its power in prayers, rituals, and daily life, and why it remains central to African traditional religion.
Yemi Olakitan
Discover the meaning of Àṣẹ in Yoruba spirituality —
its power in prayers, rituals, and daily life, and why it remains central to
African traditional religion.
If you have ever listened to Yoruba prayers or
traditional chants, you have probably heard the word Àṣẹ (pronounced ah-shay).
It is one of the most powerful and widely used terms in Yoruba spirituality,
yet it is often misunderstood. For practitioners and learners alike,
understanding Àṣẹ is key to appreciating the depth of Yoruba belief systems.
What Does Àṣẹ Mean?
In simple terms, Àṣẹ refers to the divine energy or
life force that makes things happen. It is the spiritual authority and creative
power given by Olódùmarè (the Supreme Being) to every living and non-living
thing.
It is what gives prayers their potency. It is the
force behind spoken words, rituals, and sacrifices. It is the power that
connects humans, ancestors, Orisha, and the Creator. Think of Àṣẹ as the breath
of existence, the energy that allows the universe to move, transform, and
manifest.
Àṣẹ in Yoruba
Spiritual Practice
1. In Prayers
and Rituals
Every Yoruba prayer ends with “Àṣẹ,” similar to how
Christians say “Amen.” It is both a seal and a command, affirming that the
words spoken will manifest.
2. Among the Orisha
Each Orisha (divinity) is believed to carry a unique
Àṣẹ that shapes their role in creation. For example:
Ogun has the Àṣẹ of iron, war, and innovation.
Oshun carries the Àṣẹ of love, fertility, and
rivers.
Sango embodies the Àṣẹ of thunder, justice, and
fire.
3. In Everyday Life
Àṣẹ is not only a ritual concept. Yoruba people
believe every person has Àṣẹ within them, guiding their destiny (Orí). It is
expressed through speech, creativity, and even daily decision-making.
The Power of the Spoken Word
Yoruba spirituality teaches that words have power.
When someone speaks with intention, their words carry Àṣẹ, which can build,
bless, or destroy. Proverbs, chants, and incantations (ofọ, àdúrà, oríkì) all
rely on this sacred force.
This is why elders often remind the young to “speak
good things,” because once released, words cannot be taken back, they manifest through Àṣẹ.
Àṣẹ in the Diaspora
Across the African diaspora, in Brazil, Cuba, the
Caribbean, and the Americas, Àṣẹ remains alive. In Candomblé and Santería, practitioners still invoke Àṣẹ
to empower rituals and honor the Orisha. The word itself has traveled globally,
symbolizing resilience and continuity of Yoruba culture.
Why Àṣẹ Matters Today
In a modern world full of distractions,
understanding Àṣẹ reminds us that:
Our words and thoughts matter.
We carry divine energy to shape our lives and
communities. Respecting Àṣẹ is respecting the balance between humans, nature,
and the divine.
Àṣẹ is not just history; it is a living principle
that guides Yoruba people and many across the world in faith, identity, and
creativity.
