SANTERIA HISTORY

YEMAYA – HER MYSTERIES AND ATTRIBUTES

Anyone that has ever contemplated the ocean has at some point been owed by its beauty and power.  The ocean, giver of life and fountain of nourishment, can also be extremely frightening and dangerous.  It is the same with Yemaya, Goddess of the sea and Mother of all the Orichas.  Like all Mothers she is loving and protector of her children but she can also be sever and frightful.

There are many stories or Patakis about Yemaya and just as many paths.  One thing that most of the stories agree with is that Yemaya is the Mother of the Orichas and the giver of life.  In some of the stories she was married to Obatala while in others she was the wife of Babalu Aye.  She lives in the bottom of the Sea and is considered one of the most powerful goddesses in the Yoruba religion.

The ATTRIBUTES of Yemaya go with the characteristics of the Goddess.  Each of her tools has a special symbolism:

The Anchor and Life Saver -  The Children of Yemaya enjoy the protection of their mother throughout their lives.  These attributes represent the security and support that she offers them in their life path.

The Key – This attribute reminds her followers that Yemaya possesses the Key to the Secrets of the Oceans.  She holds the key to the Origin of life.  She is willing to share her knowledge and wisdom with her children as they earn it.  But she can also take it away.

The Oars and Wheel – A symbol of the control that Yemaya offers her children to overcome life circumstances. Also, a reminder that with her help, her children will be capable of steering their way through life.

The Bangles – Represent the Riches of the Ocean that Yemaya is capable of sharing with her Children and followers.

The Mermaid – Symbolizes the feminine power of the Ocean to give life and guard the secret of its origins.  Most Yoruba traditions symbolize Yemaya as a beautiful and enchanting Mermaid.

This attributes are kept in the Sopera that can be any shade of blue and white and can be adorned with silver or gold.  Her necklace is made up of clear and blue beads and the image of Yemaya is represented by a mermaid.

A fierce protector of her children she is a powerful witch.  Yemaya can be generous and noble but her children take great care not to offend her because, like the ocean she represents, her strong temperament knows no boundaries. 

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