Who is Yemaya?
Yemaya is the life-giving portion of the ocean. This is the area of water near the coasts and around coral reefs and such (most of the open and deep-water ocean is mostly barren and that belongs to a male Orisha, Olokun). In many stories, Yemaya gave birth to everything. Her name has multiple spellings (Yemoja, Yemonja, Yemanya, Iemonja, etc.).
When the slaves were transported across the ocean, it was Yemaya who protected them on their journey and kept them safe. She is many times seen as a double tailed mermaid. She is kind and giving. She takes a long time to anger but when she does, watch out, you have a hurricane on your hands. She is the wife of Obatala, chief and father figure of the Orishas. She is very devoted to him. She does get depressed occasionally, especially over her children (Oshun, Oya, Chango and others). She has excellent taste and does not like gaudy things. In Brazil, they hold a huge festival to her every year. On February 2nd, everyone dresses in white and goes down to the ocean. They put gifts into boats for her and then sail them out into the ocean.
Traditional Colors: Blue and white
Number: 7
Areas of Influence: Motherhood, the ocean, fishermen, family issues, pregnancy, women’s issues, children, healing (especially female plumbing issues)
Entities associated with: Our Lady of Regla
Symbols: Anything ocean related, especially dolphins, fish, shells, etc., 2 tailed mermaid, 7 silver bracelets, a necklace made with alternating 7 blue and 7 white beads.
Offerings: fish, fruits (watermelon, cantaloupe, berries, and coconut especially), white wine, all seafood, lettuce, coffee
Feast Days: September 7th (Santeria), February 2nd (Brazil), Mother’s day
Astrology: The sign of Cancer
Tarot: The Empress, 3 of cups
Chakra: Heart
Gemstones: Pearls, blue topaz, aquamarine, blue lace agate, mother of pearl, silver
Animals: Dolphins, fish of all kinds, Ducks, geese, swans and other water birds, blue butterflies, sea horses
Entities of Similar Energy: Isis, Frigga, Kuan Yin, Mothers everywhere and Ocean deities
Plants associated with: Watermelon, lettuce, berries.
Properly Showing Respect to Yemaya
Yemaya’s offerings should be laid out in a very tasteful setting. This is one classy gal. She prefers silver to gold. A plate of seafood, a bowl of fruit and a good white wine are an excellent offering. When you walk into the ocean, walk in sideways (left side pointing towards the ocean) and say hello to her. Also, throw seven pennies into the ocean or other large body of water as an offering.
Help out a charity devoted to families or children specifically or just help out that single mom who lives across the street. Volunteer to baby-sit your friend’s kids for no reason whatsoever! Call your mother (biological or other) and thank her. Remember Yemaya on Mother’s day. For those coffee fanatics out there, Starbuck’s? mascot is a double-tailed mermaid and Yemaya loves coffee (especially a really foamy latte).
Source:
Image:
http://santeria-orishas.blogspot.com/2009/02/yemaya.html
Info:
http://www.tribeofthesun.com/yemaya.htm
