Yemanjá has been vying for my attention for some time.  Bringing me back to my Uruguayan roots.  Bringing me back to my need and love of the ocean.   This is how I see her. 
 
Yemanjá is a major water spirit from the Yoruba religion.  She is the mother of all Orishasis.  She is said to be motherly and strongly protective, and to care deeply for all her children, comforting them and cleansing them of sorrow. She is said to be able to cure infertility in women, and cowrie shells represent her wealth. She does not easily lose her temper, but when angered she can be quite destructive and violent, as the flood waters of turbulent rivers. 
 
Yemanjá is often depicted as a mermaid, and is associated with the moon (in some diaspora communities), water, and feminine mysteries. She is the protector of women. She governs everything pertaining to women; parenting, child safety, love, and healing. According to myth, when her water broke, it caused a great flood creating rivers and streams and the first mortal humans were created from her womb.