The Sɛ, the Yɛ and Healthy Energy Flow in African Vodún
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Many people are familiar with the Yorùbá word ߊ߬ߛ߭ߍ àṣẹ. The Ajã people, found primarily in southern parts of Nigeria, Benin Republic and Ghana use the term ߊ߬ߗߍ àçɛ with the “c” pronounced like “tch” in the word “pitch”. Àṣẹ/Àçɛ is the animating force of life. That which allows us to receive, give, and use the essence of that energy given to us by Măwù (the Creator). Àṣẹ/Àcɛ is in our brains, bodies (blood, organs, bones, kwk), mind, and words. It is that which allows us to awaken in the morning and “do”. It is the engine of ߜߍ gbɛ (life).
Some may be familiar with the word sɛ in the Ajã language. It refers to the soul – that which connects us to spirit on all dimensions; that which makes us human. It is also connected to energy-force.
However, the ancient Ajã people referred to two primary energy forces flowing through the human system; the ߛߍ sɛ and ߦߍ yɛ. The concept of these two together explains, in part, the approach that Vodún healers/priests use to maintain or restore wholeness. As Vodúnvi (people who live Vodún. Lit. "child/offspring of Vodún"), we know that for organs to attain optimal functionality, these two forces must flow correctly through the body; otherwise, one would suffer from various forms illnesses and imbalances; ergo, the need to harmonize and balance this flow is vital for good health. Imbalances could result from spiritual, and/or mental/emotional issues. Through our various oracles and other methods, we identify any blockage and address it.
But what is the yɛ? The Ajã teach that one’s psychic reality and source of human life was metaphorically symbolized by the shadow of the body. The shadow is the Ajã word yɛ. There are two of these. The first is the inner, the internal part of the shadow, which is called the ߦߍ ߜ߭ߟߌ yɛ gli; that is, a short yɛ. The second, the external and light part of the same shadow, is called the ߦߍ ߜ߭ߊߣߜ߭ߊߣ yɛ gangan; that is, “the chief/big yɛ”. The yɛ gli is the principle of physical life, which vanishes at death. The second, yɛ gangan, is the principle of consciousness and psychic life. The yɛ gangan survives death and illustrates the principle of immortality. It has metaphysical mobility that allows human beings to travel far away at night (through dreams) or remain eternally alive after the “disappearance” of the yɛ gli. After death, the yɛ gangan goes to meet the community of ߞߎ߫ߟߌ߫ߕߐ߫ Kúlítɔ (Ancestors), which constitutes the ߤߍߣߣߎ hɛnnu (extended family) and the ߊߞߐ akɔ (clan) in their spiritual dimensions.
As we can see, that which is called the soul or soul-essence has multiple parts in African Vodún. Again, proper order and balance of the manner and degree of flow of yɛ and sɛ which come together as your manifested, dormant, or stagnated àçɛ.
By Ayìnɔ̀n Àgɛ̀lɔ̀gbàgàn Jǐsovì Azàsinkpontín Àgbɔ̀vì I
Pronunciation Guide
This is a small guide to help one get comfortable with the pronunciation of Ajã and Yọrùbá words you will encounter on this site and in my publications.
Vowels like “ɔ” (ọ) and “ɛ” (ẹ) are what are considered open vowels. They are often nasal. The “ɔ” (ọ in Yorùbá) is pronounced more like “aw” and the “ɛ” (ẹ in Yorùbá) is pronounced more like “eh” but from the back of the throat causing the open sound. It is like the “a” in the word “at”.
“e” is pronounced “eh” and not like “ee” in the word“ seen”. It is like the “e” in the word “ever”
“u” is pronounced like the “oo” in “food”.
“a” is pronounced like the “a” in “father”
“i” is pronounced like the “ee” in the word “seen”.
When you see “gb” in a word, a sound shared by both the Ajã and Yọrùbá, the "gb" is it’s own sound/letter. The “g” and “b” are pronounced together from the back of the throat.
The "ç" in Ajã is similar to the Yọrùbá "ṣ", but is pronounced more like the "ch" in "champ".
We pray this helps you in your journey of your return.