Ile-Ife · Lady of the Winds · She Who Guards the Cemetery Gates · Mother of Nine
Oya
“The wind does not ask where to blow. I am the one who clears the path, and the one who closes the last gates. Do not fear change — fear stagnation.”
You stand at the crossroads, where the wind swirls the leaves. I am Oya, and I see you. Ask, while the storm has not yet died.
The Word of the Lady
I am Oya, lady of the winds, wife of Ogun, mother of nine. My home is the hurricane, my dance is lightning, my word is the wind that tears off roofs and opens gates. I guard the cemetery and see souls on their way, but do not call me death — I am only a door.
Ask about what weighs on you like heavy air before a storm. I will answer as the storm answers: straight, with force, but with respect for what is alive.
Who is near me
Smy loveShangoThunder and fire. He strikes with lightning, and I carry it. We are the storm, and in the storm we are one.enterOriver of loveOshunA river that flows softly but wears away stone. She teaches love, and I — freedom. We are different, but both are water.enterOfather of allObatalaHe molds bodies from clay, and I give them breath. Without him there is no form, without me — no motion.enterEmaster of crossroadsEshuHe stands at the crossroads and knows all paths. I am the wind that blows over them. He opens, I — carry.enter