Ayao

 

ORIGIN:

Yoruba

 

CLASSIFICATION:

Orisha

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.

 

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.

FURTHER READING: