Roots and Rooted

In the Yoruba Tradition, we have what we call “Ofo Ase” or Words of Power, in the Hindu tradition these are called Mantras. In other spiritual systems [words that carry spiritual and emotional weight] are called Incantations, and although the term is sometimes derogatory, you may even hear them called “spells”.

Ofo Ase are words that have been cultivated and perfected over many centuries to have the maximum effect up a person, event and period of time. While “thank you” may or may not have come spiritual shamans of various cultures, but more likely developed as a common community word, it has generated power over time because so many people use it and understand it as an honest expression of gratitude. All common phrases of courtesy generate positive forces around you, when used consistently. So now we know why the Kemetic (Egyptian) initiates said, “Speak Truth” and in the Yoruba tradition we say, “display Iwa-Pele” (Gentle Character, which begins with soft and careful speech). Watching what we say, think and do can and will affect not only you, but also other people and even the environment around you.

Below are common Ofo Ase that are associated with Orisa. These are literally alternative names for God.

Ofo Ase Esu

Atobayjaye-eleso- ogun
Spirit-who-is sufficient-to support life-who-has
powerful-medicine

Alagada-eye
Spirit-who-carries-a-sword-of-light

Tabirigbongboon-abonija-wa-kumo
Spirit-who-finds-a-big-club-for-those-who-argue

Alajiki
Spirit-who-is-addressed-first

Olofin-apkea-luu
Spirit-who-enforces-divine-law

Ofo Ase Osoosi

Ata -matase
Spirit-who-aims-with-accuracy

Olog-arare
Spirit-who-guides-us-to-self-mastery

Ofo Ase Ogun

Ogun-laka-aya-osinmole
Spirit-of-Iron-powerful-Spirit-of-Heaven-and-Earth

Olu-irin
Chief-of-Iron

Olona
Spirit-of-the-road

Olumaki
Spirit-of-Strength

Ofo Ase Obatala

A-ke-bi-ala
Spirit-who-brings-radiant-white-light

Alabalese
Spirit-who-knows-the-future

Oluorogbo
Spirit-of-the-medicine-of-truth

Oluwo-igbo
Spirit-of-the-mystery-of-the-forest

Obanla
Spirit-of-Purity

Ofo Ase Olokun

Ajibaaje
Spirit-who-discovers-abundance

Oba-Omi
King-of-the-Waters

Ofo Ase Yemoja

Olugbe-rere
Spirit-who-brings-goodness

Agbomo-obinrin-welewele
Spirit-who-protects-women-during-childbirth

Omi-aribu-sola
Spirit-of-water-makes-a-place-of-honor

Ofo Ase Oya

Afefe-jeje
Spirit-of-the-whirlwind

Efufu-lege-lege
Spirit-of-the-gentle-wind

Iyansa
Mother-of-nine

Ofo Ase Sango

Arira
Fast-as-lightning

Bambi
Spiritually-reborn

Oluoyo
Spirit-of-Oyo

Ato-ba-jaye-o
Spirit-who-is-sufficient-to-support-life

Ofo Ase Osun

Osun-oyeyeni-mo
Spirit-of-the-river-is-full-of-understanding

Amo-awoma-ro
Spirit-who-does-not-reveal-her-mysteries

Ore yeye
Most-gracious-mother

Yeye-onikii-Obalodo
Gracious-mother-Queen-of-the-River