There is a profound, quiet power in the rituals we perform daily, though we often forget the spiritual weight they carry. For many of us, a morning shower is a rushed necessity, a way to wake up the body before diving into the chaos of the world. But in the wisdom of our ancestors, and specifically within the rich tapestry of Yoruba cosmology, the act of washing is never just about the physical skin. It is a spiritual reset. It is an act of “The Remembering,” where we call back the parts of ourselves that have been scattered by the stresses of modern life.
In my work at Fematin958 Intl, I often speak about the heavy invisible backpacks we carry. These bags are filled with the remnants of difficult conversations, the weight of generational trauma, and the energetic “dust” we pick up from environments that do not serve our highest good.
To move forward with clarity, we must learn how to put that weight down. This is where the sacred tradition of Native Soap, or Ose, becomes a vital tool for our healing and reclamation.
Understanding the Medicine of Ose
Native Soap is not your average store-bought cleanser. It is a specialised medicinal preparation, a physical manifestation of ancient botanical knowledge. Crafted with intention, it typically combines palm oil, specific healing herbs, and ashes. Each ingredient serves a purpose that transcends the physical:
- Palm Oil: This represents the cooling and soothing element. In our traditions, palm oil is often used to calm “hot” energies and bring a sense of peace to a situation.
- Healing Herbs: These are the voices of the earth. Different herbs are selected based on the specific need, whether it is for attracting abundance, finding clarity, or protection.
- Ashes: Symbolising transformation and the cycle of life, ashes help to scrub away the old to make way for the new.
When these elements are combined through sacred ritual, the soap becomes a medium for washing away sickness, negative energy, or persistent misfortunes.
It is a bridge between the physical and the spiritual realms, designed to help us navigate the second phase of our journey: The Unveiling. By washing away the layers of negativity that have clung to us, we begin to see our true selves more clearly.
Why Spiritual Hygiene Matters
We live in a world that is increasingly disconnected from the rhythms of the earth and the whispers of our ancestors. This cultural disconnection manifests as a persistent sense of unease, fatigue, or a feeling of being “blocked.” You might find that no matter how hard you work, you remain stuck in the same negative patterns. This is often an energetic issue rather than a lack of effort.
Just as we wouldn’t dream of going weeks without washing our bodies, we cannot afford to go months or years without cleansing our spirits. Negative energy is real, and it is sticky.
It attaches itself to our thoughts and our auras, clouding our judgment and dampening our natural radiance. Using Ose is an invitation to take your power back. It is a way to say to the universe, “I no longer give permission for this heaviness to reside in my space.”
The Three Phases of Transformation
In our programme, we use these sacred tools to facilitate a deep, three-fold transformation. Understanding how Ose fits into these phases can help you approach your own healing with more intention.
1. The Remembering
Before we can heal, we must remember who we are. We must acknowledge the lineage we come from and the wisdom that is already encoded in our DNA. Using traditional soaps and rituals is a way of honouring those who came before us.
It is an act of reclaiming a heritage that was often suppressed or dismissed as “superstition.” When you use Ose, you are participating in a timeless practice, reconnecting with the ancestral line that once used these same earth-elements for their survival and thriving.
2. The Unveiling
As you wash with sacred soap, you are quite literally peeling back the layers. This is the Unveiling. It is the process of identifying the “sickness” (whether physical, emotional, or spiritual) and allowing it to be rinsed away. During this phase, many women find that suppressed emotions come to the surface. This is a good thing. It means the medicine is working. You are clearing the debris so that your authentic soul-purpose can finally shine through.
3. The Reclaiming
The final phase is about stepping into your authority. Once the negative energy is cleared, you have the space to plant new seeds. You are no longer reacting to the trauma of the past; you are responding to the call of your future.
Reclaiming your power means living with grace, clarity, and a deep-seated confidence that you are protected and guided.
Integrating Ritual into Modern Life
I know that for many professional Black women, the idea of “sacred ritual” can feel a bit far removed from the boardroom or the busy household. However, the beauty of our traditions is their practicality. You do not need to be in a forest to experience the benefits of Ose. You can bring this sacredness into your bathroom tonight.
When using Native Soap, I encourage you to set a clear intention. Don’t just scrub your skin; speak to your spirit. You might say:
“I wash away the words that were spoken against me today. I rinse off the anxiety that is not mine to carry. I am clean, I am protected, and I am whole.”
As the water runs down the drain, visualises the grey, heavy energy leaving your body and being neutralised by the earth. This simple shift in mindset turns a routine task into a powerful act of self-love and spiritual warfare against the things that seek to dim your light.
Healing the Intergenerational Wound
A significant part of my mission is addressing the generational trauma that many of us inherit. We often carry the “sickness” of our ancestors: their fears, their unhealed grief, and their experiences of lack. Sometimes, the misfortune we experience isn’t even ours; it is a pattern repeating itself through the bloodline.
Ose is particularly effective here because it works with the elements of the earth to break these cycles.
By consciously choosing to use medicinal preparations rooted in Yoruba wisdom, you are performing an act of ancestral healing. You are telling your lineage that the cycle of suffering stops with you. You are choosing the “medicine” of your people over the “malady” of the modern world.
A Sacred Invitation
If you have been feeling heavy, stuck, or disconnected from your purpose, I want you to know that there is a way back to yourself. You do not have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. There is ancient wisdom waiting to support you, and there are tools, like the sacred Ose, designed specifically to help you find your way home.
The journey of healing is not always easy, but it is always worth it. It requires us to be brave enough to look at our shadows and soft enough to allow ourselves to be washed clean. Whether you are dealing with a specific misfortune or simply feel a “lack of spirit,” I invite you to explore these traditional methods of purification.
Your ancestors did not just leave you their struggles; they left you their solutions. They left you the knowledge of the herbs, the power of the ash, and the soothing nature of the oil. It is time for us to pick up these tools again and use them to build the lives we were always meant to lead.
You are a divine being, and you deserve to walk through this world with a light heart and a clear spirit. Let the old ways guide you toward a new way of being.
Are you ready to clear the path?
If you feel called to explore these patterns more deeply or need guidance on how to begin your journey of Remembering, Unveiling, and Reclaiming, I am here to support you.
Book a 15-minute free Call with me
Learn to recognise and transform the negative patterns that may be holding you back and use them for your good. https://gloriaogunbadejo.com/15-minutes-call/
