Oya: Great Orisha goddess of Wind, Storms and Guardian Between Worlds
Oya is a Great Yoruba Orisha. She is the goddess of Storms and Winds, and Her realm ranges from rainbows to thunder. Her name means "She Who Tore" in Yoruba. She can manifest as winds ranging from the gentlest breeze to the raging hurricane or cyclone. Oya is known as a fierce Warrior goddess and a strong Protectress of women, who call upon Her. It is She who assists us with rapid inner and outer transformation. Oya, is about absolute change (especially for the good) and is not a slow or very patient energy.
According to Luisah Teish in her book, Jambalaya:
"Oya-Yansa is the Queen of the Winds of change. She is feared by many people because She brings about sudden structural change in people and things. Oya does not just rearrange the furniture in the house -- She knocks the building to the ground and blows away the floor tiles."
Dark Goddess
Oya is the Orisha of rebirth and new life. Goddesses such as She are referred to as Dark goddesses because they not only pull you into the darkness but they guide you through the dark and turmoil and they point you to the light of hope.
Oya is the sentinel between the realm life and death. She gives assistance and guidance to those when they make their final transition into the veils. She can either hold back the spirit of death or call it forth. Hence, She is the last breath taken. Oya also governs over the cemetery and the realm of the dead, and it is said that
She entered into the lower world, upon hearing that Shango (Her Husband) had died.
Oya is the sentinel between the realm life and death. She gives assistance and guidance to those when they make their final transition into the veils. She can either hold back the spirit of death or call it forth. Hence, She is the last breath taken. Oya also governs over the cemetery and the realm of the dead, and it is said that
She entered into the lower world, upon hearing that Shango (Her Husband) had died.
Elder of the Night Witches
She is known for using charms and magick and is known as one of the Primeval Mothers of the "Elders of the Night Witches." Oya is also a Water goddess, for She is the goddess of the Niger River in Africa.
Oya is the elder sister to the goddesses Yemaya and Oshun. She is considered the Crone aspect of this Triple goddess trilogy. As a Crone Goddess She is a teacher of truth and a bringer of justice. Do meditate and take in Oya's power during the wind, rain, snow and thunder storms, for She speak to those who listen. She cleanses that which is sullied with Her mighty broom. Oya has nine children and Her favorite number is 9.
Oya is the elder sister to the goddesses Yemaya and Oshun. She is considered the Crone aspect of this Triple goddess trilogy. As a Crone Goddess She is a teacher of truth and a bringer of justice. Do meditate and take in Oya's power during the wind, rain, snow and thunder storms, for She speak to those who listen. She cleanses that which is sullied with Her mighty broom. Oya has nine children and Her favorite number is 9.
Altar
For Her Altar Now, We Offer Eggplant and Appreciation.