Yemayá

Mythology

In Yoruba mythology, Yemọja is the great maternal Oricha — mother of practically all the other major Orichas. Originally, in West Africa, she was river goddess (specifically of the Ogun river in Nigeria); after the transatlantic crossing of the slaves, the African river was transposed to the immense Atlantic ocean separating them from their land of origin — and Yemayá became Goddess of the salt sea in the New World. The transformation is itself profound: Yemayá metaphorically gathered the unimaginable suffering of the millions of Africans who crossed the Atlantic; she is the mother who holds the sorrows of the African children scattered.

Yemayá is described as maternal but not weak: she has the gentle protective sustaining aspect, but also can be terrible when her children are threatened (the sea is powerful in calm AND in storm — Yemayá embodies both). Her gentle aspects: deep maternal love, primary unconditional protection, sustained life through nourishing waters. Her shadow aspects: the rage of the woman wronged (especially mothers whose children have been hurt), the fierce defence of family at any cost, the indomitable storm.

Symbolism and worship

Symbols: deep blue colour (her ritual clothes are blue and white), silver, seven blue ribbons (representing her 7 traditional caminos / aspects). Sacred objects: cowrie shells, silver mirror, silver fan, silver bracelets in number of 7, blue beads. Sacred animal: fishes (especially Yemayá fishes — the goldfish-rainbow), ducks, peacocks (despite being terrestrial bird, the peacock was associated with Yemayá by its bright blue colour). Sacred plants: seaweeds, sea grass, watercress, basil.

Days of celebration: September 7 in Cuban tradition (festivity of the Virgin of Regla), February 2 in Brazilian tradition (special day at the beach in Bahia, with millions of devotees offering flowers and gifts to the sea — one of the largest religious manifestations of Latin America). Saturdays are her day of preferential weekly devotion.

Modern devotion to Yemayá: 1) Connection with the sea — even simple visits to the sea become devotional acts when consciously dedicated to Yemayá. 2) Maternal-protective work: pregnant mothers, anguished mothers, families in crisis frequently invoke Yemayá. 3) Healing of feminine-maternal wounds — Yemayá heals especially complex woman-mother relationships. 4) Cleansing: salt baths (especially of sea salt), salt baths with white flowers, all carry her energy. 5) Protection of travel by sea. 6) Recommended offerings: white and blue flowers (especially white roses, gladiolas, water lilies), watermelon, sweet rice with milk, candies of fresh coconut, pure water, white wine. Take to the sea or river and offer formally.