Oya

[Ganga]

Does anyone know about this Yoruban goddess? Last full moon I did a ritual, and suddenly felt really compelled to call upon her. Later, I checked from a book on Goddesses who she is, and found out that she is the goddess of war, change, justice and memory. Anything else? I've never had such a compulsion to call on any goddess/god during a ritual. Perhaps her presence is needed in my life at the moment? I can't seem to remember where I even heard of her in the first place.

[Mnemosyne]

I don't know too much about Oya. All I know is that she is a fierce African goddess. From what I heard, she doesn't put up with any nonsense. She's a goddess to turn to if you are being bullied. Also, I heard that she is the goddess of lightening and storms. When I have time, I will look her up on a search engine. Try looking her up on the internet. I am sure that there are some good sources for Oya.

[Ganga]

I'll do that, thanks. I understood she's basically Devi Kali. It's weird. I've always turned to more peaceful goddesses, such as the goddess of abundance (Lakshmi), goddess of learning (Sarasvati) and Mother Earth (Bhumi). But for some time now, I've got all kinds of "messages" (through Tarot, books, dreams etc.) that I need to learn about justice. Well, I hope I'm not getting all confused here.

[jareth]

I wondered if you had worked with Oya yet, and what you thought of her...I know a little about Oya, so if you wanted some more info, I'd be more than happy to share :).

Thanks!


Kelly

[Ganga]

Yes, I've done some workings with her, and feel that she is protecting my front door now (both symbolically and actually). I'm going through many changes in my life at the moment, and she is a goddes of change, as well as justice.

We'll be doing a full moon ritual next month with the Dark Goddess theme with a group I've joined recently.

Would be nice to hear about your experiences before that. Thanks!

[Flar's Freyja]

She was here last night with her beautiful wind, which always seems to herald the new moon. I love her energy and feel that she's blowing away negativity.

[Derry]

Wow, I had never heard of that Godess, but I'm also new. She sounds like a woman who is powerful and mighty...a good one to have on your side. How wonderful that she called to you!!!!! Keep us updated on how it goes for you.

[jareth]

Just a little myth and and stuff that may be interesting - if you know it already, no worries.

This is only what I remember about Oya - I hope it helps.

Oya is mother of the Egungun or the dead spirits. She keeps her face hidden because to view it would kill anyone because it's frightening. Her lover is Shango ( who was historically the 4th king of Yoruba), and she rides into battle with him - at one point she sacrificed her hair braids and dress to give to Shango so he could escape from enemies and recouperate before they attacked together. Because Shango rules over lightening, and Oya the winds, it is said that when a bad storm rises it is Oya and Shango fighting :).
There are many things which Oya prefers to be honoured with, and she does not tolerate fools gladly :). She also has a beautiful shy sister called Yewa who lives in the cemetary and eats the bodies there, but that's a different story.
If I remember rightly, Oya's children (those whom she 'owns' - a term meaning someone who exhibits the specific personality traits of the Orisha or Lwa) are often academic and informed, and do not tolerate crap. She ican be ind to her children and will help them, but not if they haven't helped themselves - harsh but fair.

She owns a black handled iroko (a horshair whip/whisk) - Obatala the orisha of pirifcation and blessings owns a white one to bless while Oya's blows the bad stuff out of your life, but it may not be fun to endure.

Hope it was interesting!

[Ganga]

"blows the bad stuff out of your life (with her black whip) but it may not be fun to endure" Oh, I can definitely relate to that!

I don't see myself as "her child"; I just feel she's been around in one form or another during these past few months. And yes, she's one awesome goddess!

[Flar's Freyja]

There's a great story in Phyllis Curott's book, Book of Shadows about her experience with Oya, which is actually where I first heard of this goddess. She and a friend did a working against an abusive and stalking ex-husband, and Oya showed up a few days later with a little surprise for him...........