Yemaya : Orisha, Goddess, and Queen of the Sea

**A celebration and practical guide to the renowned and beloved goddess and orisha.** Yemaya, queen of the sea, first emerged in Yorubaland (now in modern Nigeria). A primordial deity, considered the mother of all, some perceive her to be at the root of numerous ancient goddesses, including Isis. During the Middle Passage, Yemaya accompanied her enslaved devotees to the Western Hemisphere, where her veneration took root and flourished. She is among the most beloved and prominent spirits of Candomblé, Santeria, and other African diaspora traditions. Through her associations with the Virgin Mary, devotion to Yemaya spread throughout Latin America. Cuban immigrants brought Yemaya with them to the US, where her veneration expanded exponentially. No longer a local water spirit, she became an internationally beloved goddess whose devotees derive from numerous traditions and who worship her in her many fluid forms. Yemaya currently ranks among the most beloved goddesses worldwide. Raven Morgaine, a priest of Yemaya for over three decades, shares his expertise and knowledge in **__Yemaya: Orisha, Goddess, and Queen of the Sea__**, the first full-length English language book accessible to general readers. Morgaine explores Yemaya’s history and her many forms, including her roles as mother, lover, witch, warrior, and mermaid. He describes her many paths, aspects, and incarnations. Simultaneously a celebration of Yemaya and a practical, hands-on guide to working with her, **__Yemaya__** explores her mythology in depth, as well as her special role in the LGBQT community. The book features: * Spells and rituals associated with Yemaya appropriate for the uninitiated * Instructions for building altars and shrines for Yemaya, as well as other methods for working with her, including correct, respectful ways to make appropriate offerings * Recipes that will please Yemaya * A detailed list of flowers, herbs, and other botanicals that radiate the power of Yemaya "A celebration and practical guide to the renowned and beloved goddess and orisha. Yemaya, queen of the sea, first emerged in Yorubaland (now in modern Nigeria). A primordial deity, considered the mother of all, some perceive her to be at the root of numerous ancient goddesses, including Isis. During the Middle Passage, Yemaya accompanied her enslaved devotees to the Western Hemisphere, where her veneration took root and flourished. She is among the most beloved and prominent spirits of Candomblé, Santeria, and other African diaspora traditions. Through her associations with the Virgin Mary, devotion to Yemaya spread throughout Latin America. Cuban immigrants brought Yemaya with them to the US, where her veneration expanded exponentially. No longer a local water spirit, she became an internationally beloved goddess whose devotees derive from numerous traditions and who worship her in her many fluid forms. Yemaya currently ranks among the most beloved goddesses worldwide. Raven Morgaine, a priest of Yemaya for over three decades, shares his expertise and knowledge in Yemaya: Orisha, Goddess, and Queen of the Sea, the first full-length English language book accessible to general readers. Morgaine explores Yemaya's history and her many forms, including her roles as mother, lover, witch, warrior, and mermaid. He describes her many paths, aspects, and incarnations. Simultaneously a celebration of Yemaya and a practical, hands-on guide to working with her, Yemaya explores her mythology in depth, as well as her special role in the LGBQT community. The book features: Spells and rituals associated with Yemaya appropriate for the uninitiatedInstructions for building altars and shrines for Yemaya, as well as other methods for working with her, including correct, respectful ways to make appropriate offeringsRecipes that will please YemayaA detailed list of flowers, herbs, and other botanicals that radiate the power of Yemaya."-- Provided by publisher Front Cover Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents Prolog: In the Beginning Part I: Yemaya—Mother of All Life Chapter 1: The Power of the Goddess Chapter 2: The Many Faces of Yemaya Chapter 3: Mother and Lover Chapter 4: Magician and Healer Chapter 5: Warrior and Scourge Part II: Yemaya in Myth and Legend Chapter 6: Story Time with Uncle Raven Chapter 7: Eleggua—Trickster, Warrior, Sage Part III: Yemaya in Spiritual Practice Chapter 8: Altars for Yemaya Chapter 9: Yemaya’s Apothecary Chapter 10: Offerings to Yemaya Chapter 11: Invoking Yemaya Epilog: Journey Home Appendix: Index of Aspects and Spirits Acknowledgments About the Author Back Cover