YEMANJA

Painting by Seaspell

Bewildered by the eternal sky nailed with stars,

Yemanja hummed to herself another sea song,

watching Venus gliding across the face of Mars

as the fishermen dreamt and the ships went along.

With offerings of blue in one of my trembling hands,

I cast white roses and lilies into the passionate sea,

telling my Mother about all my muffled plans,

begging her to cleanse my sorrows and protect me.

She wrapped me up in her long thick dark hair,

tattooing a crescent Moon on my forehead,

healing me again, listening my silent prayer

saying love is a shell of silence and should be spread.

Great Mother, your waters carry my wounded heart.

Let my spirit soar and be mixed forever with You

for today life does bless me with a fresh start

and your oceans are a chalcedony bluer than blue.

Yemanja, giver of life, I look inside and find your love

Here is your daughter swimming in your womb of compassion.

Teach me to nurture the sacredness of life below and above,

touch my soul with your words of peace and passion.

When she dived into her waters, it was January 1st.

I saw her eyes dissolving gently The Milky Way

as The Oceanids did sigh and disperse

and again, in awe I kneeled down just to pray.

Karla Bardanza

Yemaya is a West African creation goddess, often depicted as a mermaid. She is associated with the moon, the ocean and female mysteries. Typically portrayed as a beautiful woman, Yemaya governs the household and intervenes in women's affairs. She is a merciful goddess, invoked by women for aid in childbirth, love and healing. She rules over the conception and birth of children and ensures their safety during childhood. As a creation goddess, Yemaya's womb spilled forth the fourteen Yoruba goddesses and gods, and the breaking of her uterine waters caused a great flood, which created the oceans. From her body the first human woman and man, who became the parents of all mortal beings on earth, were born.

Yemaya is celebrated on February 2 and December 31, when offerings are made to her. She is also honored on September 7, September 9, and on the eve of Summer Solstice, by casting flowers and votive boats into water. There is a Brazilian tradition of the candelaria on December 31, lighting candles on the beach at midnight for Yemanje. Votive boats made from flowers are cast into the sea. It is a good omen for the coming year if she accepts your boat, and carries it out to sea. It is a bad omen if your offering is refused, and your boat is washed back upon the shore.

Copyright©Karla Bardanza 2012