Ayao is the orisha of the whirlwind, Oya’s younger sister. Like her sister, Ayao is a powerful, fierce, smart spirit. They are venerated together. Beyond wind phenomenon, whirlwinds are emblems of witchcraft and magic power. Ayao’s ally is Osanyin, orisha of plants. She is a font of botanical and magical knowledge, learned directly from Osain, which she may be petitioned to share with devotees.
ORIGIN:
Yoruba
CLASSIFICATION:
Orisha
ATTRIBUTE:
Crossbow
Realms:
She lives in the forest and travels in the form of a whirlwind or cyclone.
COLOURS:
Brown, green (the colors of bark and leaves)
Animal:
Snake
Number:
9 (shared with Oya)
SEE ALSO:
Osain; Oya
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.