Yemaya, or Ymoja as she was known to the Yoruban people of West Africa, was the Mother of the Ogun River. This is because she was said to have given birth to the world's waters ... and that new springs would appear whenever she turned over in her sleep, and springs would gush forth whenever she walked.
In Brazil, Yemaya is known as Iemanja, in Haiti La Sirene, and in the Dominican Republic Yemalla or La Diosa del mar ("Sea Goddess"). Yemaya is also known as Our Lady of Regla and Stella Maris ("Star of the Sea").
The "Queen of the Ocean" Yemaya is the patron deity of fisherman as well as survivors of shipwrecks. She is also the feminine principle of creation and the spirit of the moonlight. Therefore it is appropriate that we honour her during the first Full Moon of the year so that her blessings can be carried with us.
On Monday, 17 January 2022, you are invited to join us for this open rite at Grange Beach. We will meet on the grassed area near the public conveniences just prior to 8.00pm before moving down to the sands. The ritual will take place around dusk, with the sun setting in the west over the Gulf.
While this is a free event, participants are asked to keep in mind that although we are honouring Yemaya, we will also be asking favours of her; therefore, it is considered polite that we bring her a gift in the form of an offering. These offerings can include seashells, flowers, or even a stone with perhaps a message or symbol representing your desire drawn upon it. She is known to like champagne, blue chalcedony is considered to be a crystal connected with her, and the star is one of her symbols.
Her favourite colours are those reflected by her beloved waters so you may wish to wear clothing that contain blues, silvers and white. A white head scarf (if you have one) should also be worn during this devotional rite.
Children are welcome however they are the sole responsibility of their parents/guardians who should be mindful that as this rite is one of devotion. Instigators of disruptive or unruly behaviour will be asked to leave.
More information can be found here together.
While this is a free event, participants are asked to keep in mind that although we are honouring Yemaya, we will also be asking favours of her; therefore, it is considered polite that we bring her a gift in the form of an offering. These offerings can include seashells, flowers, or even a stone with perhaps a message or symbol representing your desire drawn upon it. She is known to like champagne, blue chalcedony is considered to be a crystal connected with her, and the star is one of her symbols.
Her favourite colours are those reflected by her beloved waters so you may wish to wear clothing that contain blues, silvers and white. A white head scarf (if you have one) should also be worn during this devotional rite.
Children are welcome however they are the sole responsibility of their parents/guardians who should be mindful that as this rite is one of devotion. Instigators of disruptive or unruly behaviour will be asked to leave.
More information can be found here together.
