Mission & Values
At the heart of our name lies a profound connection to ancestral wisdom. Yowa is inspired by the Bakongo cosmogram, a sacred symbol that represents the intricate design and natural order of the universe. This ancient symbol embodies the inter-connectedness of physical and spiritual worlds, the divine waters that separate realms, and the sacred roles of humans and ancestors. Brought to Turtle Island by enslaved Africans, the Yowa cosmogram speaks to resilience, continuity, and the unbreakable thread of cultural memory.
Our mission is to support individuals, communities, and organizations in re-establishing sacred connections with ancestral wisdom and the natural cycles of life. We believe true wellness emerges when we remember our place within the greater living systems—rooted in ancestors, nourished by earth, growing toward collective liberation.
While Yowa's mission is inclusive and our doors are open to all, we intentionally design our services, products, and experiences to serve and uplift Black, Indigenous, Femme, and Queer folk. We empower these communities, acknowledge their resilience, and provide tailored support to address their unique challenges. By centering the needs of those most affected by systemic inequities, we aim to catalyze healing and positive change that ripples outward, benefiting society as a whole.
Meet The Founder
Meet Aaliyah OyaSeeke, Founder and Facilitator of Yowa Institute
Born and raised in the Midwest, Aaliyah grew up surrounded by clay, soybeans, and sweet gum trees. Her interest in the occult started early, with days spent reading about distant cultures and deities or mixing twigs and leaves in impromptu spells. Her “official,” witch training began at age 11 when her mom gifted her the Manga Tarot by Selena Lin – a moment that became a portal to a lifelong path of spiritual exploration and healing.
As a Gemini Rising, Aaliyah is a perpetual student. Her curiosity about culture and human experience led her to pursue degrees in anthropology, health society, populations, and medical anthropology. During her studies, she dove deep into understanding how culture, environment, and systemic challenges profoundly impact the health and spiritual practices of marginalized communities.
Graduate school was a particularly transformative time where her academic experiences and spiritual practices organically converged. While researching Black food systems and community resilience, Aaliyah discovered Hoodoo and its profound role in the survival and prosperity of enslaved Africans and their descendants. Divinely inspired, she built her first ancestor altar – a sacred space that transcended mere objects, becoming a living testament to the wisdom, strength, and love of her ancestors. This moment, much like her 11th birthday, was another portal, aligning her more deeply with her soul's purpose.
Her spiritual studies expanded to include diverse holistic healing practices like Reiki, folk herbalism, and various African Traditional Religions. In 2021, she began offering spiritual services to the community. This calling grew and deepened, ultimately manifesting as Yowa in 2024 – the culmination of years of research, practice, and spiritual work.
As a Black, Queer, and neurodivergent descendant of the African Diaspora, Aaliyah's work is inherently personal and political. She is a conjure woman, healing artist, and mystic who believes in the transformative power of ancestral practices and holistic care. Whether leading workshops, consulting with organizations, or developing healing resources, her goal remains constant: to create collaborative spaces where people can reclaim their power, reconnect with their ancestors, and cultivate liberation for seven generations back and seven generations forward.
With love and gratitude, she welcomes you to Yowa.
