ase

thumbnail|Yoruba veranda post, Brooklyn Museum

In Yoruba religion, aṣẹ, àṣẹ, aṣe, ase, or ashe is a postulated natural force or power that creates, catalyzes or facilitates change in the natural world depending on interpretation. It is believed to be given by Olódùmarè to everything — gods, ancestors, spirits, humans, animals, plants, rocks, rivers, and voiced words such as songs, prayers, praises, curses, or even everyday conversation. Existence, according to Yoruba thought, is dependent upon it.