About ORISHÀ YEWÁ

Yewá, known also as Ewa, Yeguá, Yegba, or Euá, is an orisha in Yoruba, Santeria, and other Afro-Caribbean religions. Her roles and symbolism are deeply intertwined with themes of purity, mystery, and the transition between life and death.

Yewá’s influence in a person’s life is marked by her association with purity, modesty, and the mysterious transition between life and death. As a guardian of the cemetery and protector of virgins, she symbolizes the importance of moral integrity and respect for the sacred and the unknown. Her role as an orisha of the river connects her to the life-sustaining aspects of nature, emphasizing the nurturing and life-giving properties of water.

Yewá’s presence in a person's life brings a deep connection to the spiritual realm, particularly concerning the afterlife and ancestral reverence. She encourages introspection, self-awareness, and a respect for the natural and mystical aspects of existence. Her embodiment of inner beauty and moral values serves as a guiding principle for personal conduct and relationships.

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About the ORISHÁ

Roles and
Influence

Guardian of the Cemetery: Yewá is associated with cemeteries, guarding the spirits of the dead and overseeing their journey from the living world to the spirit realm.
Protector of Virgins: She embodies purity and virginity, serving as a protector of virgins and symbolizing moral integrity.
Orisha of the River: Like Oshun and Yemaya, Yewá is also considered an orisha of the river, embodying the life-giving and sustaining properties of water.
Goddess of Modesty and Decency: Yewá sets standards for moral conduct, particularly among women, and is revered as a goddess of modesty and decency.
Embodiment of Mystery and Secrecy: She symbolizes the hidden, secret, and mystical aspects of life and death, embodying the enigmatic qualities of the universe.
Guide to the Afterlife: Yewá plays a crucial role in guiding the spirits of the deceased, representing the transition from life to the afterlife.
Enforcer of Divine Justice: She is seen as a figure who enforces divine justice, especially in matters of purity, modesty, and respect for the dead.
Symbol of Inner Beauty: Yewá is associated with inner beauty, embodying qualities such as purity and moral integrity.
Patroness of Women: As a protector of women, Yewá guides them in matters of purity and moral conduct.
Caretaker of Ancestors: In her role as guardian of the cemetery, Yewá ensures that ancestors are respected and remembered.

Characteristics and Symbolism

Symbols: Ofá (spear or harpoon), arrow and bow, scepter with tail hair of a bull or buffalo, curved dagger, palm leaf fan.
Colors: Crystal, coral, red, yellow, pink.
Natural Places: Horizon, rivers, and lakes.
Flowers: White and red flowers.
Stones, Metals, Health Issues: Ruby, pink quartz, gold, silver, copper, breathing difficulties, and digestive problems.
Weekday, Element: Saturday, elements include the forest, reddish sky, stars, and appearances.
Offerings: Goat, duck, fish, guineafowl, plantain fried in palm oil, roasted cassava flour, cowpeas.
Commemoration Day: December 13th.

Key Manifestations (Aspects)

Yewá manifests in a few forms, including

Yewá Awô - The mistress of everything mysterious and hidden (occult). This is the Ewá from the Jogo de Búzios oracle. She wears pink and ornaments made of raffia straw with cowries. Related/Associated Orishás: Oyá, Odé, and Ossaim.
Yewá Bamiô - Associated with gemstones and precious stones. She owns the colors. Related/Associated Orishá: Ossaim.
Yewá Fagemy - Ewá connected to crystalline and enchanted rivers. She is associated with the rainbow that forms in waterfalls. Related/Associated Orishás: Oshumarê, Oshum, Ayrá, and Oshalá.
Yewá Gebeuyin - This is the original Ewá. She is associated with rain and mist. Mistress of the hidden, occult, and transformation. She is the mythical wife of Omolu. She wears wonderful red and yellow beads. Related/Associated Orishás: Oshumarê, Omolu, Oyá, Oshum, Nanã.
Yewá Gyran - She is the mistress of sun rays. She is associated with the outlines of the rainbow and the double rainbow. Related/Associated Orishás: Oshum, Omolu, and Oshalá.
Yewá Salamim - She is the youngest and most agile Ewá; she is a huntress. She is associated with virgin and untouched forests. She is also one of the mistresses of the moon and its phases. She wears clothing with hunting motifs, carries an Ofá (arrow and bow), and silver accessories. Associated Orishás: Odé (Hunter, Oshóssi, and others) and Yemanjá.