Yemanja...

Yemaya: Ocean Goddess, Orisha Mother of All >>> September 7, 2024... Today, we celebrate the feast day of Yemayá (also known as Yemọja, Yemaja, Yemanjá, Yemoyá, Iyemọja, Iemanjá, Janaína, Mãe da Água, Yemallá, La Sirène, Mère de L'Eau, and Mami Wata). Yemaya is the orisha of motherhood and the sea. She is the mother of all Orishas and the mother of humanity. Yemaya is one of the most powerful orishas in Santeria. Often depicted as a mermaid, Yemaya owns all the waters of the Earth, rules over motherhood, and represents Mother Earth, the life giver. A primordial deity, some perceive her to be at the root of numerous ancient goddesses, including Isis. Yemaya is a protector of women. She governs everything pertaining to women; parenting, child safety, love, and healing. According to myth, when her waters broke, it caused a great flood creating rivers and streams and the first mortal humans were created from her womb. Her character is that of a mature woman. Loved by many, Yemaya is one of the Seven African Powers (Las Siete Potencias Africanas). She is strongly protective and cares deeply for all her children, comforting them and cleansing them of sorrow. Yemaya has a fierce, nurturing, gentle energy often associated with the moon and sorcery. She fights against domestic violence and works to empower women. For practicing witches, regardless of tradition, Yemaya can be petitioned to help in matters of self-love, fertility, emotional wounds, trauma, and healing work. She does not easily lose her temper, but when angered she can be quite destructive and violent, as the flood waters of turbulent rivers. Some of the priests of Yemọja believe that she used her fresh water to help Ọbàtálá in the molding of human beings out of clay. In Lucmi and Espiritismo lineages, Yemaya is synchronized with Our Lady of Regla. Cowrie shells represent her wealth. Number: 7 Day of the week: Saturday Feast Day: September 7 Colors: light blue and crystal Ritual garment color: light blue Ritual jewelry or necklace: crystalline beads Ritual salutation: Odô-Iya, Erù-Iya, Odôfiaba Symbols: shells, sea stones, fish, fishnets, anchors, everything that pertains to the sea Her sacred objects include: Dishes and porcelain Earthen basins Fruits: obi (Cola acuminata) and the bitter kola nut (Garcinia kola) White jars or pitchers White medals or coins Ritual foods or adimús: Cane syrup, called melado in Spanish Watermelon Malarrabia, a Cuban dessert Gofio, flour made from roasted grains Pork rinds >>> Novena (prayer) to Yemaya> "Our sovereign Queen and Mother, Our Lady of the Rule, trusting in your motherly love for me, I humbly kneel before you, the fount of goodness and mercy. Be my advocate and protector against all ills and miseries, I implore your mercy never to ignore my afflictions that presently torment my soul. Show yourself as a tender mother. Make me your worthy child as I purified my sins through the veneration of your miraculous image of the rule. Refuse not my petition. You generously aid and protect those who take refuge from you. Help me to be humble and grateful child always as I walk along the part of perfection, following the steps of your Divine son. May I rejoice with you in His presence in the everlasting glory of heaven." --- From "The House Of Ashe".