2023 Common Work of Art

Change is a fundamental aspect of life, an ever-present force that shapes our existence and propels us forward. In Ifá cosmology, the orisha Oya serves as a powerful symbol of this transformative energy. Represented by the storm, with its fierce winds and destructive power, Oya signals the need for change and the potential for growth that lies within it.

In Octavia Butler's Parable novels, the character of Lauren, whose middle name is Oya, embodies the essence of this warrior spirit. From a young age, Lauren senses the approaching storm, both literally and metaphorically, and recognizes the necessity of preparing for it. She understands that change is not something to be feared, but rather something to be embraced and harnessed for personal and collective evolution.

Mentally and spiritually, Lauren cultivates the seeds of possibility, nurturing her thoughts and beliefs in anticipation of the storm. She understands that in order to fully embrace the transformative power of change, one must first be open to it on an internal level. By aligning her mindset with the inevitability of change, Lauren sets herself on a path of growth and adaptation.

But it is not enough to simply prepare mentally and spiritually; physical action is also required. As the storm approaches, Lauren takes tangible steps to ensure her survival and the survival of those around her. She gathers resources, forms alliances, and creates a community that can weather the storm together. In doing so, she exemplifies the necessity of taking action in the face of change, of actively shaping one's own destiny rather than passively accepting whatever may come.

The reclining woman, pregnant and waiting, depicted in the artwork associated with Oya, symbolizes the potential and promise of what lies ahead. Her resting body represents the calm before the storm, a moment of stillness and reflection that precedes the inevitable chaos and upheaval. She carries within her the seeds of possibility, the potential for new beginnings that emerge when one embraces the inevitability of change.

Just as a caterpillar must undergo a process of metamorphosis to become a butterfly, so too must we undergo our own transformations in order to reach new realms of consciousness and being. Oya reminds us that growth often necessitates destruction, that we must let go of the familiar and comfortable in order to embrace the unknown and uncertain. It is through this process of shedding old layers and embracing new possibilities that we truly come alive and discover our fullest potential.

Oya, the orisha of change and transformation, serves as a powerful symbol in Ifá cosmology. Through the character of Lauren in Octavia Butler's Parable novels, we witness the importance of mentally, spiritually, and physically preparing for the storms of life. By embracing the inevitability of change and cultivating the seeds of possibility within us, we can navigate the tumultuous waters of transformation and emerge stronger, wiser, and more aligned with our true selves. Oya teaches us that change is not something to be feared, but rather a catalyst for growth and evolution.