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 Candomble, 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
Industry Reviews
"Yemaya is a dedicated mother, powerful goddess, ruthless warrior, possessive lover, wise healer, and among the oldest deities in Africa. Venerated in numerous magical traditions and religions around the globe, her origin is so uncertain that it is quite easy to think of Yemaya as the first Mother Goddess of Africa, even perhaps as the first Mother Goddess of humanity, as, in the end, we all come from Africa, and in one way or another we all descend from her. In his book Yemaya: Orisha, Goddess, and Queen of the Sea, Raven Morgaine guides you through her myths and pataki and evokes her in her highest splendor. For followers of the Yoruba religion, Lucumi, Umbanda, Candomble, and Santeria, as well as the many paths of modern Vodou, this book is a pivotal tool."
Elhoim Leafar author of The Magical Art of Crafting Charm Bags and Manifestation Magic
"What an amazing tribute to the goddess that I have been crowned for so many years. This homage to Yemaya will resonate with and enlighten any reader. Raven Morgaine delivers authenticity to the pataki or parables that represents the African diaspora in its truest form. Yemaya: Orisha, Goddess and Queen of the Sea is stellar literature."
Alexander Cabot santero, high priest, and author of Touched by the Goddess: Memoirs of a High Priest
"Yemaya: Orisha, Goddess and Queen of the Sea is a supremely well-written, engaging, and all-encompassing account of the goddess and her many attributes and paths. It includes real life stories depicting the love that Yemaya has for humanity and the many miracles she has performed. Raven Morgaine has the grasp of Santeria, as did my Cuban elders, and his stunning artwork dedicated to Yemaya is breathtaking! Written for neophytes as well as seasoned santeros, this is a captivating tribute to Yemaya and destined to become a classic."
Miss Aida santera and author of Hoodoo Cleansing and Protection Magic and Hoodoo Justice Magic
