A Journey Through Ancestral Waters

Dreams have always been a powerful part of our lives, providing us with glimpses into our subconscious mind, our fears, and our deepest desires. But what if our dreams go beyond just the mind’s wandering during sleep? What if they are a bridge—connecting us to ancient wisdom and traditions?

In many cultures, particularly in the African Diaspora, fish dreams are a phenomenon many associate with a very specific event: pregnancy. The belief that dreaming of fish could mean that someone around you is expecting is as old as time. You might hear your grandmother say, “Someone’s pregnant. I dreamt of fish last night.” But where does this belief come from? Could there be a deeper connection, one that ties back to ancient spiritual practices, specifically those linked to the Orisha, Yemaya?

Who Is Yemaya?

Yemaya, also spelled Yemoja or Yemanjá, is a revered Orisha—a divine deity—within the Ifá religion and other African spiritual traditions, including Santería, Candomblé, and Vodun. She is often known as the “Mother of All,” the nurturer, protector of women and children, and goddess of the oceans and seas.

Yemaya’s very essence is tied to the water, and through her connection with the sea, she represents fertility, childbirth, and life itself. Her flowing, nurturing waters are said to be a source of healing, comfort, and protection, and she has been seen as the spiritual mother who looks after humanity, guiding those who seek her through turbulent times.

So, where do fish dreams come in? Yemaya is often depicted with fish, or in the form of a mermaid, as fish represent abundance, fertility, and the mystery of the ocean depths. Is it possible, then, that the fish dreams we’ve come to know as pregnancy omens could be remnants of this ancient reverence for Yemaya’s power over fertility and life?

Fish Dreams and Pregnancy: A Universal Symbol?

It’s not uncommon to hear women, particularly in Black communities, talking about fish dreams as a sign of an impending pregnancy. This cultural wisdom has been passed down through generations, with many stories of dreams of fish, and then shortly afterward, someone discovering they’re expecting. For those who have grown up with this belief, it’s taken as fact—a subtle but powerful indicator of new life. But where did this belief originate? Could it be connected to the symbolism of Yemaya, the Great Mother?

Yemaya’s relationship to water, fertility, and abundance is well-documented in the stories and practices of the Yoruba and other African diasporic faiths. Water has always been seen as a symbol of life and renewal. In dreams, fish could be seen as messengers from the spirit world, indicators of Yemaya’s blessings and her nurturing energy.

But for those of us today, who may no longer practice these traditional beliefs, the connection between fish dreams and pregnancy seems like a mysterious relic. Could it be that even though many have become disconnected from these spiritual practices, the beliefs still find their way into our lives, and perhaps our dreams?

Questioning the Connection: Is It Cultural, Spiritual, or Both?

As I explore this subject, I can’t help but wonder: Is there a spiritual connection between the fish dreams of today and the ancient reverence for Yemaya’s power? Or is it simply a cultural belief passed down without deeper spiritual significance?

Some people may view fish dreams as mere superstitions, remnants of old wives’ tales. Others may see them as spiritual signs, a subtle reminder of the divine, a nudge from the Orishas, like Yemaya herself, guiding us from the other side. Perhaps for some, the dreams could be a blend of the two—cultural stories that hold onto a spiritual thread that’s never truly been severed.

Yet, I can’t help but ask myself: How much of what I believe, what I see, what I feel, is rooted in my ancestral lineage, even if I don’t consciously recognize it? If you were to ask yourself the same question, what might you discover? Is it possible that the ancient practices and beliefs of our ancestors have survived in ways we don’t always understand or acknowledge?

Modern Practice, Ancient Roots

As I continue to explore the spiritual practices of the African Diaspora, I’m left questioning the mysteries of my own dreams, my own spiritual intuition. If Yemaya’s energy is present in the waters of life, guiding and nurturing, then perhaps there is something more to these dreams than I once thought.

For the Black women who feel that deep, spiritual pull—who are trying to find their footing between the worlds of modern faith and ancestral spirituality—could it be that these dreams are calling us back to a place we’ve always known, but have forgotten? Could it be that when we dream of fish, we are tapping into an ancient wisdom that flows through our blood, that calls us back to Yemaya’s waters?

And maybe, just maybe, these fish dreams are more than just dreams. Maybe they are an invitation to dive deeper into the waters of our own spiritual journey, to embrace the mystery and magic of the unseen, and to reconnect with a lineage that whispers to us through the waves.

An Invitation to Explore

As I write this, I don’t claim to have all the answers. I’m just a seeker, a black woman trying to reconnect the dots of the past with the questions of the present. But perhaps you’ve had fish dreams of your own, or you’ve felt the tug of something spiritual that you can’t quite explain. I invite you to sit with these questions, to reflect on what they might mean for you.

Could it be that the dreams we have, the signs we see, and the spiritual practices that tug at our hearts are all part of a deeper story—one that connects us to Yemaya, to the waters, and to the power of our own divine feminine?

Whatever your journey may be, I hope this post encourages you to explore the depths of your spiritual waters, and to ask questions that may have been silenced for far too long.

Final Thoughts

As you finish reading this post, consider your own dreams, your own stories. Have you ever had a fish dream? What did it mean to you? Have you ever felt the presence of something ancient guiding you, even when you didn’t fully understand it? Could the fish in our dreams be a reminder of the power of water, life, and the mother of all things—Yemaya?

Maybe the answers aren’t clear-cut. But then again, maybe they don’t need to be.