Yoruba Orisha Yemoja: The Mother of us All

Yemoja is a Yoruba (African) Orisha Goddess that originated from Yorubaland (present-day Southwest Nigeria, a smaller part of Benin Republic, and still a smaller part of Togo Republic). Yemoja for the Yoruba is the Mother Goddess of the world, and she is considered “Lady and Queen of the Waters” and the mother of all the Orishas. She is one of the most powerful Orishas because Yemoja is the mother of all things, rules over motherhood and owns all the waters on Earth.

She resides principally among the rivers and streams of Southwest Nigeria, particularly the Ogun River. The heavens feed the rivers, which then feed the oceans. The rivers express love and beauty. The curves of the rivers represent feminine beauty. The river is the sister of the oceans, like Yoruba Orisha Goddess Oshun is the sister of Yemoja. Legend has it that when Yemoja’s water broke, it flooded the Earth, giving rise to the oceans, rivers, and lakes. The first mortal human beings are also said to have been created in her womb.

It is said that every time Yemoja turns in her sleep, she gives rise to a new spring, which then turns into a river wherever she goes. During the Transatlantic slave trade era, it was Yemoja who protected the enslaved Africans as they were forcibly transported from Africa to the American continent. Many African people were marched to sea to be taken away as slaves on slave ships, and devotees of Yemoja cried out to her because she is the mother of all waters.

To console the enslaved Africans of their loss, Yemoja gave them strength and courage during that strange and turbulent time at sea. Yemoja responded by bringing calm to the waves of the ocean, keeping the hearts and minds of the enslaved Africans at peace during their force relocation. While the captive Africans were forced onto the slave ships, they prayed for Yemoja’s protection on their long journey crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Queen mother Yemoja gave birth to the stars, the moon, the sun, and most of the Orishas. Her residence is in the life-giving portion of the ocean. Aside from being a mother to all, Yemoja has a soft spot for her female children (women) and offers them the cure to infertility. She takes charge of all things that pertain to women, including childbirth, nurturing, love, and healing. Yemoja is nurturing, protective and fruitful, because she is a loving Orisha, but she is also a fierce warrior and kills anyone who threatens her children.

Although Yemoja is motherly, she could also be brutal. For instance, when angered, she can lash out with ferocity, but if the person shows sincere remorse for their actions, she can be forgiving if warranted. She is called upon to in difficulties of fruitfulness and mystic growth, and Yemoja is the foundation of well-being and strength in times of emotional crisis. Yemoja also gives healing to rape survivors.

Yemoja’s love for her children is as fathomless as the seven oceans: The Artic, North Atlantic, South Atlantic, North Pacific, South Pacific, Indian, and Southern Oceans give human eyes a glimpse into the world of Yemoja. The seven oceans combine to reflect the glory of God. Devotees of Yemoja know the number seven is attributed to her, the queen mother of all waters of the world. Yemoja protects her human children, and in return, her children (humankind) must protect the ocean, because the ocean is the mother of life on Earth. Who pollutes their mother? Who exploits their mother for profit? Polluting the oceans is a sin against Yemoja. Humans need the oceans, like they need guidance from their queen mother, Yemoja, because humans need Yemoja more than Yemoja needs humans. The study of oceanography honors Yemoja.

People are given strength to overcome struggles and adversity when they contemplate Yemoja. There are limitless opportunities once they believe. Events in the lives of humans will rise and Yemoja allows the oceans and the tides to rise and fall. Children of Yemoja are said to be women who value their independence and who are strong-willed. They are easy-going and are not quick to get angry or lose their temper. They may seem arrogant at times but place great importance on being a mother or part of their community.

The feasts of Yoruba Orisha Goddess Yemoja are February 2nd, September 7th, and December 8th.

“God created Yemanja (Yemoja), and it was a miracle. Thank you, Yemanja (Yemoja), for the things you provide us, and the many more things we are yet to discover that you provide.” – Oxala Aye

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