Yemaya

Yemoja, Iemoja Yemonja, Yemayá are all alternate spellings of Yemaya: Goddess of the Ocean. She is one of the most powerful Orisha, or Gods, in Santeria. She can be found in all bodies of water and is sometimes depicted as a mermaid. Her themes are primarily of: fertility, love, protection, motherhood, and the household she is also fierce. Like the ocean, she can use her force to destroy, not only provide life.

Yemaya is fierce, direct, loving and nurturing. She influences the ocean, home life, motherhood, family issues, pregnancy, and fisherman. Goddesses with similar energy are Isis, Frigg and Kuan Yin.

In Nigeria, her origin began as a river goddess, and moved into the ocean as people started to adventure in boats. Today, she may also be known as or associated with: The Virgin Mary (Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception), Stella Maris (Star of the Sea), and Our Lady of Regla. Yemaya rules the life bearing-portions of the Ocean. You can read her story here.

More about Yemaya:

• Colors: blue and white
• Number: 7
• Symbols: the moon, ocean, mermaids, ocean life, shells
• Metal: silver
• Crystals: pearls, blue topaz, aquamarine, mother of pearl, cowrie shells
• Animals: Peacocks, ducks, dolphins, fish, other aquatic animals
• Feast Days: December 31, September 7,
• Tarot Cards: The Empress, The Three of Cups
• Offerings: Watermelon, white whine, silver, 7 shiny pennies, cowrie shells, fish, coconut

References:

1. “February 10.” 365 Goddess: a Daily Guide To the Magic and Inspiration of the Goddess, by Patricia Telesco, HarperCollins e-Books, 2010.
2. Kimberly, et al. “Attuning to the Mother of Oceans – Happy Yemaya Day!” The Motherhouse of the Goddess, 7 Sept. 2015, themotherhouseofthegoddess.com/2015/09/07/attuning-to-the-mother-of-oceans-happy-yemaya-day/.
3. “YEMAYA Infused with Aquamarine Crystal Aromatherapy Potion.” EVERYTHiNG SOULFuL, 30 Nov. 2017, everythingsoulful.com/yemaya-infused-with-aquamarine-crystal-aromatherapy-potion/.
4. “Yemaya.” Goddess Gift, goddessgift.com/goddess-info/meet-the-goddesses/yemaya/.
5. “Yemaya.” Santeria Church of the Orishas, Santeria Church of the Orishas., 2014, santeriachurch.org/the-orishas/yemaya/.