Aje

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Aje is a word used to describe the biological and spiritual power of African women. This includes powers of elemental, biological, artistic creation, healing, destruction, spiritual and physical development and fortification, political organization and empowerment.

Aje is primarily associated with women because of their role in conceiving and nurturing children. African men, and Gods also can be Aje because they are an essential piece in the creation process of childbirth. Their role in the protection of a town also possesses the power of Àjé. The male Orishas who possess the power of the Aje are Obatala, Babalu Aye, and Ogun to name a few. Because Aje represents the womb of existence, and biologically in conceiving, African women are the owners and controllers of Aje.
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The term Aje has been interpreted to mean witch as a derogatory term due to the fear people have around the mystic power women hold and their ability to be destructive and dangerous if needed. Just as the women in America, in particular the infamous stories of the hanging and burning of witches in Salem, were persecuted, so were women in Africa who were labeled Aje. Elderly women are revered as Aje because of their length of life which would imply a wealth of knowledge and power. in the third dimension, the power of the Aje is seen and represented through the eyes of the bird kingdom, it is for this reason that the Aje are also known as the elders of the knight, and bird of power because they see through the owls, but also the eagle, vulture, parrots, and many other birds. The power of the Aje is handed down from mother to daughter but can also be invoked during ceremony. The history of the Aje predates many traditions and ways of life and exists worldwide as secret societies for fear of persecution. Among some African tribes they are called Sande and Bundo, in Tibet and India they are known as Matrikas, in Mexico they are the Lechuzza, in Europe they are knows as Black Doves. The essence of the Aje exists on a cosmic level as well as on earth. They work together to govern the seasons and maintain balance on earth, in this aspect you can regard the Aje as mother earth. As you can see, the word Aje is a loaded word and can manifest in many ways. In my personal experience, the power of the Aje travels through my maternal and paternal grandmothers and through me to my daughter. It manifests in my daily life as guidance from the animal kingdom, specifically the birds and in particular, owls, raven, red tail hawk, dove, and white eagle. The power I possess through them is that of healing, and seeing/divination. The most important use of this power is through doing the work in one’s community, paying it forward.

Author: Rasia of Silfren Circle

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