In the Santeria/Lukumi pantheon, Yemaya is the Goddess of the Ocean and the moon, guardian of women, childbirth, fertility, and witchcraft. Yemaya is associated with the Virgin Mary, and Isis. She is the most beloved of the Orishas. 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. Her offerings are often doves, but never fish.

Symbols:

Colors: Blue and white

Saint: La Caridad de Cobra, Our ladey of Charity, an aspect of the Virgin Mary

La Siren, an aspect of Erzulie, a loa of Voudon.

Other emblems of Yemaya include cowrie shells, oars and other nautical symbols, and the mermaid.

Pronunciation: Yem-aye-yah • (noun)

Afro-Caribbean syncretic religions
Santeria, Vodoun, and more at Alternative Religions.