Osumare: Spirit of the Sacred Rainbow

Also known as Ochumaré, Oxumaré, or Oshunmare, meaning rainbow in the Yoruba language. Osumare is the spirit of the rainbow. The “mare” in the name has several meanings, including serpent, depth, and the essence and immensity of power. This rainbow serpent deity is possible when two elements are present: water and sunlight, translating to the union of feminine (water, often associated with the colour blue) and masculine (solar, often associated with the colour red) energies. Hence, Osumare is an androgynous and dual-spirited essence. The colours of the rainbow mirror the colors of the ch...