Yemoja-Oboto

Yemoja, angered water that smashes down the metal bridge. In Nigeria they are three: Olókun the primal sea sovereign, Yemoja the Ògùn River goddess, and Yemòó the wife of Obàtálá. In the Americas they share the ocean mother’s Mantle; just as all life began and emerged from the sea, so most of the Òrìshà and, ultimately, all life are Yemoja’s children. Yemoja takes to leadership more readily than her spouse Obàtálá. Her wrath is the crashing wave and undertow. Her magnetism is the moon commanding the tides. Her intellect is deep and unfathomable as the abyss. No Òrìshà is brave enough to gainsay her, save Oya.

Yemoja wears blue and white, the colors of the sea and spray. She might Incarnate herself as a sailor or naval officer, but terrestrial avatars aren’t really her style. She prefers to manifest as a mermaid — or better yet, a mighty whale. Her symbols are seashells, anchors, and violets.

Yemoja’s Scions may or may not have actual positions of authority, but are usually authorities nonetheless. Yemoja is nothing if not a good mom, so she tends to Visit them early and take an active role in their upbringing and development as Scions — including fussing over their homework, resumes, and significant others. This habit sometimes confuses their regular parents, who wonder why their kid heads down to the docks after school to get advice on extracurricular activities from a vaquita.