Yemaya, The Mother of Earth
There are thousands of stories, great myths, and legends about the African goddess. In Yoruba, she was known as the river goddess. However, she became the Yoruba deity of the ocean during the Mid Atlantic Slave Trade when millions of captives appealed to her for guidance and support. Slowly, she became the Orisha who presided over the oceans.
Yemaya can also be associated with Our Lady of Regla in Santeria. She can also be linked to the second chakra or swadhisthana chakra in Sanskrit. The 2nd chakra is located in the womb area and is a vessel for creativity. Yemaya presides over the womb and is called upon for maternity purposes, or to help aid mothers while giving birth. However, Yemaya is much more, she is the divinity of creation. She helps mothers give birth, not only to children, but also to new ideas, opportunities, and beliefs.
Yemaya is the deity of the ocean. The ocean in itself represents the collective consciousness of the human race. The waves rising and falling are symbols of the chaotic states that we all emerge from. The rise and fall of the tides represents our emotions, both negative and positive. The ocean also represents the strength of unity and oneness. It can also be a symbol of reconnecting with a primal Source of energy or ashe that fuels us all.
Yemaya’s number is seven. It is the number of completeness. There are the seven chakras, the seven African powers, seven primary colors, and the seven rays of light. The number seven also deals with magical forces. It also has esoteric and scholarly aspects associated with it. Yemaya is known to be very skilled in magic and other crafts, and will not hesitate to use her magic to protect her children.
Yemaya’s colors are blue and crystal. Yemaya’s physical correspondences are the breasts, liver, and buttocks. Objects associated with Yemaya include strong matriarchal statues, mermaids and creatures of the sea, shells, and images of the ocean. Offerings made to Yemaya include molasses, seafood, ducks, hens, or roosters.