Orisha Abata, Intertwined Serpent that complements Inle

abata She is a very powerful Orisha belonging to the Yoruba pantheon, she is the sister of Inle, Osha's doctor, although other literatures regard her as his wife, the truth is that she is her counterpart since they can merge into a single being.

Who is the Orisha Abata?

She identifies with the industrious woman, responsible for the home, dedicated to carrying out the housework and the elements that are needed to live in it.

Because bibliographic sources relate this Orisha with nursing, they link her with the oil lamp, symbol of this profession, which represents knowledge, the illumination that knowledge provides and the light that with its presence irrevocably banishes the darkness.

It is a deity that provides health, peace and emotional balance to all who receive it. It is believed that it lives in lagoons and is composed mainly of elements related to the sea.

How is Abbata represented?

Its symbol is the serpent, which is wound on the crook, being the support and main complement of Inle, a staff that is identified with healing because in ancient Greek mythology the gift of providing health belonged to Aesculapius, an action that this led to carried out through the cane, current symbol of medicine.

Attributes of the Orisha:

The entwined serpent is the representation of the balance of antagonistic forces, it identifies with the feminine nature and represents the eternal cosmic movement that is the basis of regeneration and infinity.

The apron is another attribute that identifies abata, this has drawn the avatars that the Orisha lived throughout her earthly existence.

In the same way, the use of a malangueta hat by this African deity is proposed because this is one of its main herbs.

The colors that identify her are Prussian blue, yellow and green, the same shades of which the beads on her necklace are made.

What are your favorite offerings?

The sweet potato, the snapper and the roasted yam are among the Orisha's preference, likewise the drunken panetela, the ekó (flour tamale), the pumpkin balls, the guava sweet and almond oil.

They are offered preferably white animal sacrifices, flower arrangements and fruits, with grapes, guava and melon being among their favorites.

The various varieties of white wines are her favorite drink, so content her by providing it is present is considered ideal.