The document discusses the concept of "ofo ase" in Yoruba religion, which are praise names used to invoke the orisa (spirits) during prayer. It provides examples of ofo ase for several major orisa, including Esu, Osoosi, Ogun, Obatala, Olokun, Yemoja, Oya, Sango, and Osun. Each praise name highlights an aspect of the orisa's character or abilities. Understanding the ofo ase can provide insight into the inner essence of the orisa being called upon for assistance or guidance during rituals.
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Stdy Ofoase PDF
The document discusses the concept of "ofo ase" in Yoruba religion, which are praise names used to invoke the orisa (spirits) during prayer. It provides examples of ofo ase for several major orisa, including Esu, Osoosi, Ogun, Obatala, Olokun, Yemoja, Oya, Sango, and Osun. Each praise name highlights an aspect of the orisa's character or abilities. Understanding the ofo ase can provide insight into the inner essence of the orisa being called upon for assistance or guidance during rituals.
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Ofo Ase
by Awo Fa'lokun Fatunmbi
The most fundamental ritual used in the worship of Ifa and Orisa is the process of praying to the sacred vessels in an Ifa or Orisa shrine. The traditional format for prayer is to say an oriki (invocation) followed by an offering and a petition for either assistance or guidance. Before a request is made it is important to feel the presence of Orisa following the process of invocation. If an oriki has failed to achieve the desired effect it is sometimes necessary to raise the level of ase by calling the Orisa by a praise name. Praise names are called ofo ase in Yoruba meaning "words of power".
For the student of Ifa and Orisa, an understanding of the praise names of Spirit can provide new insight into the inner essence of the Force of Nature being called during the process of prayer.
Various praise names have been presented below to assist with developing a basic understanding of the above concepts.
Ofo Ase Esu
Atobayjaye-eleso- ogun Spirit-who-is sufficient-to support life-who-has powerful-medicine
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