Yemoja, is a female Orisha of the Yoruba Pantheon of Dieties. Her name means "Mother of Fish". She is the Creator's manifestation in the salt waters.

She is the offspring of the union of Heaven and Earth. According to yoruba oral tradition, Yemoja is as old as the Orisha Obatala and so powerful, she was considered the most powerful Orisha of all; but because of her repeated anger raptures, she lost the World's hegemony and was given the superficial part of the Oceans as her only dominium, which by moving from right to left, represent the ocean waves' movements, her character and personality.

The cult to Yemoja is originally from Abeokuta, although the largest number of her devotees are from Egbado. It is said in Nigeria that Yemoja was born in the city of Bida, from the land of Nupe in the Takua region, where the Ogun river springs. Yemoja was the wife of Oranmiyan (grandson of Oduduwa, first King of Ife) and by him he bore Shango; she ruled in Oyo where she became as popular as many Obas (kings). This popularity earned her the titles of "The Nation's Mother" and "Yemoja, Awa Oyo" which means "The Eldest of Oyo". Yemoja was of a heroic character like her husband Oranmiyan and therefore became an Orisha.

The myth of Yemaya also accounts for the origin of other Orishas and the founding of the Holy city of Ife (name that means distention, enlargement or swelling up). It is said that Ile Ife was built at the place where Yemoja once fell on the ground. Due to this fall, her abdomen became swollen and two streams of water gushed from her breasts. The streams joined and formed a lagoon and from her gaping body came Dada (deity of the vegetables), Shango (diety of lightening) , Ogun (diety of iron and war), Olokun (diety of the deep seas), Olosa (diety of the lagoon), Oya (diety of the Niger river), Oshun (diety of the Oshun river), Oba (diety of the Oba river), Orisha Oko (diety of agriculture), Oshosi (diety of hunters), Oke (diety of the mountains), Aje Shaluga (diety of wealth) , Shoponna (diety of small-pox), Orun (the Sun) and Oshukua (the Moon).

Yemoja's anthropomorphism is that of a regal, beautiful woman with big breasts. She is very maternal, protective yet rigorous; virtuous, wise, gentle and oftentimes fearce, her rage is indomitable; astute, fair, an excellent trader and provider, Yemoja symbolizes the matriarchate. She appreciates rich, sumptuous things, enjoys good company, music and dance.

Each avatar of Yemoja describes a specific place within her dominium and a different facet of this magnificent Orisha:


Yemoja Ashagba

"The chain". The oldest of the Yemojas; Olokun's first born. Owner of the anchors. Her color is light blue.


Yemoja Ogunte

"Fearless". Fights next to Ogun. Her color is dark blue.


Yemoja Asesu

"Forgetfull". Owner of the ducks, geese and swans. Her color is light blue.


Yemoja Mayelewo

"The one who tends to commerce and trade" Lives at the entrance of the Bay. Her color is light blue.


Yemoja Ibu Okoto

"The one who lives among the sea shells". Her color is navy blue.


Yemoja Ibu Agana

"Enraged, demented". Beautiful. Lives in the depth of the Ocean. Her color is deep blue.


Yemoja Ataremawa

"The ever so important". She owns the treasures of the Sea. Her color is light blue.


All marine flora and fauna belong to Yemoja. She looks after the unborn child that "swims" in the mother's womb. Yemoja watches over those who sail at Sea taking them to a safe port. Yemoja is life, for without water, there is none.