09/02/2023
Feb 9- 10 Day of Yemoya
Yemoya is the creative force of the unconscious, the secret depths that brings the unseen into the physical realm. Yemoja gave birth to all the waters and is known as the “mama watta”. She is the mother of the Orishas, and her name is a contraction of Yoruba words,”Yeye emo eja” which means “Mother whose children are like fishes.” She is worshipped at the ocean, or in any flowing body of water. She is considered to be a mermaid, whose energy, blessings, and power flows through all forms of water. Cleansing, renewing, inspiring, and reminding us of the limitless love we are.
Yemoja is considered the ocean’s spirit. Every drop of saltwater bears her imprint and calls us back to Iemanja, our ancient mother and home. As a water elemental, she gives her followers vision, inspiration, and the ability to flow smoothly through life’s torrential times.
At daybreak on this day, women begin singing and dancing to summon the spirit of Yemoja, who provides glimpses of the year ahead. Worshipers take offerings carved with wishes to rivers or to the ocean. Here, Her spirit accepts the gifts, and the magic begins. To follow this custom, take any small natural token and toss it in moving water with your wish; the water should be flowing toward you if you wish to bring energy and flowing away from you if you want it to carry away problems.
In keeping with today’s theme, soak in a mild saltwater bath to cleanse away any unwanted energy and heighten your senses. Petition Yemoja beforehand to bless your efforts. See what messages she has for you, especially on emotionally charged matters (water equates with emotions in metaphysical traditions).
To bring her energies closer to you, carry a blue-toned stone (like lace agate or lapis), put a seashell in your pocket, dance in the rain (if the weather cooperates), or place a bowl of salt water on your altar.
-Excerpts from “The Divine Feminine Oracle” by Meggan Watterson and “365 Goddess” by Patricia Telesco
Prints available in celebration of her day:
8X10 signed and matted gallery print - https://etsy.me/3IatCXW
4X6 matted mini altar art print - https://etsy.me/3x6RMft
