Dreaming of fish in Santería: meaning
In Santería the sea and its fish belong to Yemayá, the orisha of the sea and motherhood. Her name is often explained as mother whose children are the fish. A fish in a dream is therefore often connected with Yemayá, motherhood and abundance in Santería readings.
Within this tradition
Yemayá is in Santería the mother of the sea and of life. Her colours are blue and white, her number seven, and in Cuba she is connected with the Virgen de Regla, patron saint of the harbour of Havana. Her name goes back to the Yoruba Yemoja, often explained as mother whose children are the fish. The sea with all its fish is thus an image of her fertility and care.
In the depths of the sea, according to tradition, lives Olokun, an old and mysterious orisha of the ocean floor, connected with wealth and deep mysteries. Together Yemayá and Olokun stand for the sea as source of life and as the unknown.
Along those lines a dream about fish is often read in Santería readings as abundance, fertility or motherly care. Many fish in clear water, as blessing and a growing family. Catching a fish, as something you bring up from the depths: an insight, an opportunity or a new beginning. A fish on dry land, as something out of its element.
Many practitioners do not eat everything from the sea, because certain animals belong to Yemayá; that differs per person and is determined at initiation. Whoever finds a dream weighs heavily discusses it with a padrino or madrina.
Common variations
Many fish in clear water
Abundance, blessing or a growing family.
Catching a fish
Bringing something up from the depths: an insight or opportunity.
A fish on dry land
Something out of its element.
The deep sea
Recalls Olokun: wealth and mystery.
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Write your dream in the appFrequently asked questions
Why do fish belong to Yemayá?
Her name is often explained as mother whose children are the fish; the sea is her domain.
Who is Olokun?
An old orisha of the ocean floor, connected with wealth and deep mysteries.
Does such a dream mean this orisha belongs to me?
No. Which orisha belongs to someone is established within the tradition through divination and initiation, never derived from a dream. Discuss a vivid dream with your padrino or madrina.