ORACLE TIME

Briefly, and with much information left out, whether intentionally or not, today’s Oracle card draw came up with Oya, the Orisha of storms, wind, lightning, and cemetery gates. Oya carries a machete and a fly whisk. She uses the machete to clear paths to allow people to confront and change what no longer serves them. Often, people are left bewildered until after the path has been cleared, and a new one opens up, and, usually, for the better.

She is a volatile Orisha, equaling the mighty Shango, the Orisha of fire, thunder, and lightning. Usually wherever Shango is, Oya is nearby. So, when natural forces occur, both Shango and Oya are present in the winds and storms, hurricanes, and others of the like.

Oya’s colors are red and purple. Offerings left for her are things like eggplant, red wine, plums, dark chocolate, and other sweet and dark foods, pennies, and other things. Think purple and lush - dark grapes, figs, pomegranates. Her number is 9, as she was infertile, and had 9 stillborn children. Oya commands the Niger river. There are 9 tributaries that run into the Niger river, which is known in Yourba Land (Southern Nigeria and Benin, and I think, Togo) as Odo Oya, in her name.

Oya brings about change, whether wanted or not. Be prepared.

As one of the Orisha who claims the cemetery gates, she also has the power to control those that have passed. As she is one of the keepers of the cemetery gates, she is close to the veil between the living and the passed , and the veil is thinner and thinner. The ancestors have deep connections with Oya, and the (hopefully) peaceful transition and protection while moving from the living to the dead, called in Ifa (religious system in Yoruba land) the Egungun.

There is so much more I could write, but, honestly, I am tired, so I am going to sign off. I will attach a pic of the card I drew today. I have been drawing Oya a lot recently.

Below, I will drop a prayer or petition to Oya, as well. Have a great night, friends!