Yemaya’s Release

You are walking alone along a secluded stretch of beach. Waves rhythmically caress the white sand, removing all traces of previous visitors and leaving ocean treasures in its wake. Sand dollars and shells dot the beach along with an occasional piece of driftwood. Sandpipers fun along the waters edge looking for food and crabs scramble for cover. Delicate tendrils of hair tickle your cheeks in the gentle breeze. Barefoot, and dressed in a sheer gossamer sarong wrapped and tied about your neck, you stop to watch the sun and moon embrace each other as day and night meet amidst a veil of twinkling stars.

You have come here in hopes of freeing yourself from the burdens that enslave your very thoughts, brought on by hard times and the negativity that tried to engulf your daily life. Unfortunately, even surrounded by beauty, our troubles do not leave us and you find that tears stream familiarly down your face, falling into the salty water that laps at your feet.

Suddenly, there appears before you a beautiful women, radiant light surrounds her graceful and lithe, ebony form. She has a necklace of pearls, crystals, and cowrie shells about her neck and shells decorate her hair which barely covers her ample bosom. She tells you, “Do not be afraid, you are safe.�?Yemaya, the Goddess of the Sea knows the painful secrets that you carry in your heart and looks at you with love and compassion. She stretches her graceful hand toward you and as you grasp it all the emotions you have kept locked within surge. She places her other hand on your heart and releases you from the old beliefs, thoughts, and feelings that have kept you enslaved. You hear her words in your head. “The tears of sorrow and joy flow from the same tide. Water has the power to smooth the sharpest stone, flood the driest plain.�?Gently she pulls you into the water with Her. The waves break against your bodies sending the salty sea spray raining all about as you wade deeper and deeper. The cool blue water is clear and you see the occasional fish darting about the ocean floor. In the distance dolphins leap playfully in and out of the breaking waves. You dive into the cresting waves and delight in the refreshing water. Diving deep you see delicate living reefs of pink coral, brightly colored fish, and anemones live and feed there. Yemaya swims with you, showing you the rapturous beauty of Her world. You find that you are able to breathe under water, and swim easily amongst the sea creatures and reef. Feeling truly alive and free, you take time to explore and even swim amongst the dolphins, seahorses, and manta rays.

Too soon, it is time to return to the shore. Yemaya again takes you hand and in an instant you find yourself on the beach. She reminds you that you do deserve to be happy. You know that if ever you again have need, the healing waters of this most beloved Goddess can take you to the Sun and Moon drenched shores of forever becoming free. Again she touches your heart and smiling with love and compassion turns back to the sea and dives in becoming one with the sea. As you turn to leave, you find before you a cowrie shell, and bend to pick it up. This treasure from the sea is a gift from Yemaya as it is one of her symbols. Feeling loved, blessed and cleansed, you are ready to face tomorrow with hope, faith, joy, and trust.

Crystal Dragon Bard