Yemaya

by Wisteria

Painting by Sandra Stanton, copyright

Yemaya is the Yoruban Goddess of the oceans. Since all life is believed to have originated in the ocean, most consider Yemaya the Mother of All. Her name is a contraction of Yey Omo Eja, meaning mother whose children are the fish. According to Nigerian legends, the seven seas were created when her water broke during childbirth, and springs of fresh water flowed from her body each time she turned over in sleep.
 
 
Yemaya was brought to the Americas by African slaves and is now revered in Cuba, Brazil, and Haiti. She is known by various names including Yemalla, Yemana, Yemoja, and Iemanja. She is always depicted as a beautiful woman, sometimes with the tail of a mermaid. Because of her immense beauty, she is often referred to as Stella Maris; The Star of the Sea. The following link has a picture and musical chant honoring her as Stella Maris. http://www.angelfire.com/fl3/YEMAYA/page2.html
 
 
Yemaya is a kind, loving, and generous Mother. The ocean is her womb, and her waters sustain and protect all life on this planet. Like the oceans, however, she does have a destructive side. Most people feel that the harsher aspects of her personality are triggered when her beloved children are threatened.
 
 
Yemayas colors are blue, white, and silver. She loves pearl and crystal jewelry, as well as blue stones (turquoise and lapis lazuli). All sea shells are sacred to her, but cowrie shells are her favorite. She is often associated with the crescent moon. Since the number seven is sacred to her, she is said to honor offerings of seven coins. Her favorite foods are watermelon and sugar cane syrup.
 
 
I created an altar to honor Yemaya.
 
   
   
 

This ritual is to invoke Yemaya's assistance:
 
Drape altar with blue cloth. Use blue and white candles, and seashells if you have them.
You may also want to have a slice of watermelon as an offering.
 
Purify your sacred space and cast circle in the manner you wish.
 
Spend a few moments meditating on your blessings.
Focus on your area of need and sum it up in 1-3 words.
As you visualize Yemaya assisting you with your need, say this chant:
 
 
"Ymoja of the Great River
Yemaya of the Great Sea
My beautiful lady of the waters
Hear my wish addressed to thee
Yemaya make me (my life) fruitful
Yemaya bring my desires to me
Lady of the Magnificent Oceans
Hear my wish addressed to thee"
 
Give thanks for Yemaya's assistance as you open your circle.
 
(I created the ritual, but the chant was published by Frances Billinghurst, Dejavu, June/July 2003.)
 
  
 
Sources:
365 Goddess by Patricia Telesco
The Book of Goddesses by Kris Waldherr
http://www.goddessmyths.com/Samovila-Yemaya.html
The Church of the Seven African Powers web pages