Happy Black History Month, Rosettes! This BHM we’re celebrating the power of Black beauty in all of its aspects. Ancient Black goddesses are original legends, revered for their strength, mystique, and often incomparable features. Here are five Black goddesses, whose legacies are awe-inspiring and important.
AlaAla was the Earth mother goddess, also known as “the mother of all things”. She is often depicted holding a small child, a symbol of her maternal nature and love for all creatures of the earth.
Also a ruler of the underworld and judge of human behavior, Ala reminds us of our mortality and the importance of our earthly actions. In many artworks, Ala is shown as a majestic figure seated atop a throne and surrounded by family, representing the connection of the African diaspora.
Oshun
Perhaps the most well-known and one of the most popular, Oshun was the goddess of fertility, love, and freedom. With her golden dress and jewelry that makes her dark skin glow, Oshun represented divine feminine energy and power.
Oshun was believed to be the keeper of spiritual balance, meaning that while she could also give and nourish, she could also destroy and punish. Imagery of Oshun is still prevalent today, even making its way into pop culture like in Beyonce’s “Lemonade” video and “Black is King” visual album.
Oya
Thought of as one of the most powerful goddesses, Oya is known as the goddess of the weather with the power to bring on thunder, lightning, storms, and more. A barren deity, she is associated with the afterlife and funerals. It is Oya who is believed to escort the souls of the dead to the underworld.
Oya is a symbol of the harsh realities of life and the necessity of transmuting pain and sadness. In today’s world, she can remind us to live in the moment and to treasure life.
Yemoja
Yemoja was known as the giver of life and the metaphysical mother of all deities. She is also a fertility goddess who rules over bodies of water. One of the most mysterious goddesses in existence, beliefs about Yemoja are vast and varied.
Sometimes depicted as a mermaid, Yemoja represents the mysterious beauty of the world and the gift of life. She is said to aid in healing and self-love journeys, her waters commonly linked to the amniotic fluid that protects children in the womb.
Aja
Known as the spirit of the forest, Aja is a woodland goddess associated with the forest and the creatures who dwell there. A healer goddess, Aja was known for mixing potions to aid the ill.
Out of all of the goddesses, Aja was considered one of the most unique goddesses because she worked closely with humans. On an ailing planet, Aja’s energy is more important now than ever, for healing and growth.
Celebrating our roots is a must, during BHM and every day. What aspects of these Black goddesses resonate with you?
Comments
8 comments
Yemoja
I see mermaids alot in my visions and always see waters
Beautiful description of the Goddesses!🙏😊 Thanks so much for sharing this info on a few of them. Peace & Blessings!🙏😊💕
Beautiful description of the Goddesses!🙏😊 Thanks so much for sharing this info on a few of them. Peace & Blessings!🙏😊💕
Aja most resonates with me. I’ll make a point to incorporate those characteristics into my daily life. Thanks for the article!
Beautifully and passionately written! Thank you