Oya is the powerful Yoruban Orisha of the winds and tempests.
She is considered either the sister of the storm-god Shango,
or one of His three wives, with Oshun
and Oba. She can manifest as winds ranging from the gentlest
breeze to the raging hurricane or cyclone. She goes forth
with Her husband during His thunderstorms, destroying buildings,
ripping up trees, and blowing things down. Oya is known
as a fierce warrior and strong protectress of women, who
call on Her to settle disputes in their favor.
As the goddess of change, She brings down the dead wood
to make room for the new, and She uses Her machete or sword
to clear a path for new growth. She is believed to watch
over the newly dead and assist them as they make the transition
from life. She is equated with the Vodoun lwa Maman
Brijit, who, like Oya, guards graveyards.
Oya is the goddess of the Niger River, and Her violent
rainstorms are said to be its source. Like Oshun, She is
worshipped not only in Africa but in Brazil, where the Amazon
is said to be Her river, and where She is equated with the
Virgin Mary
as Our Lady of La Candelaria. Oya, who is a goddess of a
very fiery demeanor, also seems to have a far-flung connection
with the Celtic Bride
or Bridgit, both in Her Vodoun counterpart Maman Brijit,
and in Her associated Catholic saint, Our Lady of La Candelaria,
whose feast day, February 2nd, is shared with Bride.
Oya's attributes are the sword or machete and the flywhisk,
and Her animal is the water buffalo, in whom She sometimes
manifests. Her mother is said to be Yemaya,
the Great Sea Mother. Oya Herself is said to be the mother
of nine children--Egungun and four sets of twins.
Her number is nine, Her color is burgundy or purple, and
Her metal is copper. Offerings to Oya include eggplants,
coins, red wine, and cloth.
This card in a reading indicates a time of upheavel or
sudden change, of a destructive and chaotic but necessary
nature. This destructive clearing makes room for vibrant
new growth. Stormy emotions and tempestuous circumstances
may whirl around you: hang on!
Alternate names: Oya-ajere "Carrier of the Container
of Fire", Ayaba Nikua "Queen of Death", Iya
Yansan "Mother of Nine", Ayi Lo Da "She Who
Turns and Changes", Oia, Yansa, Yansan.
