The Mythology
Yemaya (pronounced ee'mah-zha) is a Santeria African-Caribbean Goddess of the sea, who gave birth to fourteen orishas, or spirits. Originally know as Ymoja, the West African Yoruban river mother, she also came to Brazil where she is known as Iamanja. At her celebration on the Summer Solstice, her worshippers arrive at her shorelines dressed in white and launch little boats loaded with flowers, candles, and gifts. Sometimes she accepts the offerings and prayer and sometimes she sends them back. It is said that those who come to Mother Yemaya and surrender to her find that their troubles dissolve in the waters of her embrace.
The lessons of this Goddess
Yemaya swimming into your life signals a time for surrender. Are you carrying moe than you can handle comfortably? Do you think you must do it all by yourself? Have you come up against a wall and feel the only way to get to the other side is by breaking through? Surrender doesn't mean giving up; rather you are giving over, asking assistance so you can do what you want to do. Wholeness is nurtured when you realize that the only way through some situations is to surrender and open to something greater. The act of surrendering is one of opening and trust. When we open and trust, we allow Goddess energy to work with us to achieve what we need.