THE ASONA ABERADE SHRINE, INC. (AAShrine)
The AAShrine is the first African Akan Shrine legally incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1977 through a collaboration between Afro Americans and indigenous Africans. The AAShrine represents the Akan Spiritual and Cultural Tradition of Ghana, while faithfully following the canons, ceremonies, and practices of its Mother Shrine: the Nene Akonedi Shrine of Larteh, Akuapem, Ghana. The AAShrine is located in Philadelphia and serves as home for the African divinity, and its members.
Guiding Principles of the AAShrine
- Preserving Authentic Heritage: To allow people of African descent in North America to gain awareness of, access to, and practice their rich, ancient, and authentic spiritual and cultural traditions, as preserved by the centuries-old Mother Shrine, the Nene Akonedi Shrine in Larteh, Akuapem, Ghana.
- Healing and Empowerment: To provide access to African Akan spiritual and cultural traditions as a means to heal wounds to identity, increase self-acceptance and confidence, foster empowerment, and create unity.
- Community Service and Values: To promote African Akan spiritual and cultural values that guide engagement in community service for the healing and empowerment of youth, women, and men.
- A Communal Treasure: To serve as a communal treasure chest for people from diverse backgrounds. All are welcome to gain awareness of, access to, and practice African Akan spiritual and cultural traditions.
Programs of the AAShrine
The AAShrine offers a variety of training and programs, including:
- Podcast: Open to the public.
- Leadership Training: Training of youth, adults, and Elders for positions of service to humanity and community leadership in accord with ancient African Akan spiritual values and cultural traditions. This includes the training of:
- Akomfo (Shamans): Nana Okomfohene Akua Oparbea, Nana Akomfohene Korantema Ayeboafo
- Queen Mothers (Ohemaa, Hemma, Ohemmea)
- Kings (Chiefs)
- Elders (Arthur Hall, The African Sisterhood, Traditional Council)
- Spiritual and Cultural Instruction: Training in Akan protocol, the communal spiritual ceremony of Akom, the pouring of libation, and rituals for maintaining balance and nurturing one’s spiritual life.
- Traditional Arts: Training in authentic cultural traditions such as drumming and dancing for the Akom ceremony, as well as beading and the traditional wearing of cloth.