Afréketé
Afréketé
ALSO KNOWN AS:
Avléketé; Avréketé
ORIGIN:
Benin (Dahomey)
Afréketé is a sea deity of the Dahomean spiritual tradition, belonging to the sacred sea pantheon as the youngest child of Aghueh and Naéte, powerful spirits associated with the ocean’s depths and mysteries. Her presence is intimately connected with the coastal regions of Benin, particularly the town of Avléketé, located near a saltwater lagoon just east of the historic port city of Ouidah (Whydah). The town bears her name, serving as a living testament to her enduring influence and reverence.
Afréketé functions primarily as a guardian spirit, especially for those who travel over water. Sailors, fishermen, traders, and travelers crossing seas or lagoons invoke her protection to ensure safe passage. Beyond protection, she is also a bestower of abundance, fertility, and hidden knowledge, and is said to guard the treasures of the sea, both material and spiritual. These treasures may manifest as wealth, insight, or opportunity drawn from the ever-shifting, unpredictable nature of the ocean.
While Afréketé is described in her original West African context as a female spirit, African-Diaspora traditions in the Western Hemisphere sometimes regard her as male, reflecting the fluidity of spiritual identity across cultures and migrations. In these traditions, Afréketé may also assume a trickster aspect, playing a role comparable to Elegba/Eshu, acting as a mediator, opener of paths, and subtle tester of human intention.
Through Christian syncretism, Afréketé is often associated with Michael the Archangel, a figure of protection, guardianship, and divine authority. This pairing reinforces her role as a defender against danger and a protector of travelers, particularly those navigating perilous or liminal spaces.
Afréketé’s cult emphasizes luck, blessing, and embodied signs of favour, particularly those that visibly mark an individual as chosen or protected by her power.
FAVOURED PEOPLE:
The multidigited: those born with extra fingers and/or toes. Extra digits are considered marks of her favour and bring good luck and wealth.
MANIFESTATION:
Afréketé may appear as a woman or a mermaid.
ALTAR:
Decorate an altar with the motifs of the sea.
ELEMENT:
Saltwater
COLOURS:
Blue, white
Lucky Hand Root
Lucky Hand Root is the folk name given to the roots of certain orchids that resemble small human hands with extra fingers. These unusual roots are traditionally carried as amulets to attract wealth, good fortune, and gambler’s luck, their many “fingers” symbolizing grasping opportunity from multiple directions at once.
When working with Afréketé, a Lucky Hand Root may be placed upon her altar and formally presented to her. The practitioner should clearly and respectfully state their intention, asking Afréketé to bless and empower the root for a specific purpose, such as prosperity, safe travel, or success in ventures involving chance.
Under Afréketé’s dominion, the Lucky Hand Root also functions as a traveler’s charm. To prepare it, wrap the root in a blue cloth charm bag, tie it with a white ribbon, and carry it on journeys for protection and good fortune. It is customary and respectful to offer a portion of any winnings or money gained through the charm’s use in gratitude to Afréketé, thereby maintaining balance and reciprocity with the spirit.
SEE ALSO:
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes
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