Check out my #Februllage Day #3 collage (Prompt: BALLET) that celebrates my connection to Yemanya/Iemanja and Oshun/Oxum, the West African Yoruba Orishas/Orixas that embody aspects of water and feminine power. Oshun is the goddess of sweet waters, love, beauty, and fertility. She is often associated with the colors gold and yellow. Yemanya is the goddess of the ocean, motherhood, and family. She is often represented by the colors blue and white. They guided my womanline ancestors and introduced themselves to me in my creativity (poetry, creative writing, and wire sculptures) in 1992.
In 2023 and 2025, I traveled to Salvador da Bahia, Brasil to celebrate Festa de Iemanjá (Yemanya’s Festival on February 2) with Ronnell Perry’s AfroBuenaventura Transformative Travel experience called Ancestral Spirits. During both trips, I went to see Balé Folclórico da Bahia‘s performances which celebrates the Orishas/Orixas. The Portuguese word Balé means ballet.
I took several photos of the dancers that portrayed Iemanjá/Yemanja and Oxum/Oshun. I added their photos to the collage below. I also included a photo of an Afro Brazilian woman who was standing near me on the beach during Festa de Iemanjá in Salvador last year.
YOUR INVITATION
Click on the video below and listen to my song, “Ancestral Medicine” that is featured on my debut album, Thriving Mindfully As Theresa’s Daughter. Use the reflection questions below.
1) Are their special places in your country or the world where you feel most connected to your loving + wise + well ancestors?
2) What lessons have you learned from your loving + wise + well ancestors?
3) Identify one way to express gratitude for the wisdom of your loving + wise + well ancestors.
Ananda Leeke 