Yemaya (Yemoja, Iemanja) is associated with the Virgin Mary and Isis, and the most beloved Orisha. She is the Goddess of the Ocean and the moon, guardian of women, childbirth, fertility, and witchcraft. She rules the subconscious and creative endeavors. Yemaya’s counterpart in Vodoun is called Lasiren, the mermaid. She is related to Mamiwata (Mamma Water), the African water-spirit. Lasiren’s symbols are a mirror and comb, giving her an odd connection to the Pictish sea goddess.

There is a common legend about Yemaya choosing her own students; occasionally someone will disappear, sometimes for seven years, and return with tales of having learned the ways of magick and healing in her undersea abode. In Lukumi, Yemaya’s colors are blue and white; in Vodou, blue and green. Her offerings are often doves, but never fish.
Her number is 7.