Oya, Iansa, Ayi Lo Da
Oya, Iansa, Ayi Lo Da
“As fall ends and it is the morning of the winter solstice, Oya prepares us for
the inevitable death that lies before us and within us.” Deanna Oloyade Lowman
Seasons happen like clockwork. So do the workings that occur within them.
When winter comes, the emotional state of people changes. The diminishing
sunlight affects moods, health, and sleeping habits. There are aspects of
living that will begin to resemble death and those situations surrounding it.
Oya is the initiator of change. She is the tornado that destroys, so that a new
foundation can be built. She is the healing/transformative fire from which the
Phoenix rises. She resides in the cemetery, helping those who transition from
the living world, to the ancestral realm.
Winter is the time to ask Oya for assistance with letting go. Letting go of
thoughts that no longer serve us. Letting go of people who no longer serve
us. Letting go of jobs, situations, habits, and actions that no longer serve us.
She can help us realize what those things are, and then show us the way to
clear our spaces and transform our lives.For some, this may be challenging
For others it’s a breeze. (Pun intended,
since the wind is another aspect of Oya.)
When the season shifts, it time to move into silent reflection, and think about
the positive and negative aspects of our lives for this last year. In this case
it’s the last nine years since were moving into a new nine-year cycle when
2010 comes. We can sort through and decide to keep that which is needed,
and then gently discard that which is no longer needed.
In this cold and dark period we can also gather our spiritual seeds together to
start planting dreams, hopes, wishes, and ideas so that they may bud in the
spring. After all, once the solstice occurs the days begin to grow longer, with
more sun shining on the land.
Oya has her hand in all of this, bringing change about swiftly yet gently for
some; for others change can be a rough ride. Either way, believe that a
change is going to come.
Oya, Iansa, Ayi Lo Da
Oya, Iansa, Ayi Lo Da
Deanna Oloyade Lowman
Guest Contributor
