Oya is one of the most powerful African Goddesses. Much of Oya's power is rooted in the natural world as she is the goddess of thunder lightning tornadoes winds rainstorms and hurricanes. She brings rapid change and aids us in both inner and outer transformation.
Oya is the guardian of the realm between life and death. Not only is she the goddess of spirit communication but also that of clairvoyance psychic abilities intuition and rebirth. Because of Her affiliation to the dead and her intense knowledge of the magick arts Oya is also known as "the Great Mother of the Elders of the Night (Witches)".
Oya can be invoked for change strength leadership authority courage justice weather spells ancestor-worship grief truth power magick protection etc.
Oya is both loved and feared. She is the savage warrior the protective mother. Her power sweeps all injustice deceit and dishonesty from her path. Oya is the protectress of women and patron of feminine leadership.
Fiercely loving she is wildly unpredictable and can change from benevolent caring Mother to destructive Warrior in the blink of an eye. Passionate fearless sensual and independent Oya is not a goddess to be invoked lightly and must be treated with respect and care. While she will toss you in her storms of change and shelter you in her caring embrace she will also strike you down with her lightning should the need arise. However do not let that dissuade you from working with Oya for she is the strong woman the bringer of change and seeker of truth who can be a most powerful ally.
"I work in ways deep
ever present
always moving.
I work in ways dramatic
with thunder and lightning
sweeping and uprooting.
I work in ways subtle
pushing and prodding
wearing and tearing.
I swirl you and twirl you
I splatter you and scatter you.
I shock you and rock you
I clear the way for what is to come.
I can be slight or stupendous
brief or long lasting
uproaring or uprising.
What I can't be is ignored"
- from The Goddess Oracle by Amy Sophia Marashinsky