Snakes play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. They regulate populations of small mammals and other animals, while also serving as essential prey in the food chain for various predators. In addition, snakes possess impressive natural technology: their forked tongue, for instance, performs multiple functions\u2014such as smelling, navigating, locating prey, and detecting other snakes. They are independent, swift, and shed their skin to grow.<\/p>\n
These animals have long fascinated different cultures, symbolizing deities in various mythologies. I remember visiting Mexico City two years ago and exploring the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon\u2014magnificent structures built by the Mesoamerican peoples. These pyramids were erected in honor of the feathered serpent Quetzalcoatl<\/strong>, one of the most important deities of the Mayan and Aztec civilizations.<\/p>\n In Egyptian mythology, Wadjet<\/strong>, the cobra goddess, was the protector of the pharaohs. In Greek mythology, snakes are associated with the god of healing and medicine, Asclepius<\/strong>, and with the figure of Medusa<\/strong>, whose snake-covered head symbolizes feminine power. The legend of Shahmaran<\/strong> tells of a mythical being\u2014half serpent, half woman\u2014represented across various Middle Eastern cultures, especially in the Anatolia region of Turkey. And how could we forget Brazilian folklore and its tales of Boitat\u00e1<\/strong>, the fiery serpent that protects the forests?<\/p>\n However, Christian tradition contributed to shaping the negative reputation of this complex animal, especially through the Genesis narrative, in which the serpent is portrayed as a symbol of temptation and betrayal for convincing Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit and bring sin into the world.<\/p>\n This stigma is so deeply rooted that snakes have entered everyday language with negative connotations. I grew up hearing expressions like \u201che\u2019s a snake,\u201d \u201cshe\u2019s a viper,\u201d or \u201cshe\u2019s a jararaca\u201d (a venomous snake). For some time now, I\u2019ve been making a conscious effort to avoid such phrases, recognizing the true value of snakes\u2014especially considering their symbolic importance in many cultures.<\/p>\n This recognition is essential because, in Candombl\u00e9<\/strong>, the snake is revered and associated with two sibling Orix\u00e1s: Oxumar\u00ea<\/strong> and Ew\u00e1<\/strong>. In this column, we\u2019ll focus on Ew\u00e1<\/strong>, an Orix\u00e1 associated with purity, mystery, and clairvoyance<\/strong>\u2014what we might call the sixth sense.<\/p>\n Often described as a chaste huntress, Ew\u00e1 maintains an intimate relationship with natural elements\u2014especially the horizon<\/strong> and the mist<\/strong>, both symbols of her enigmatic power. The mist conceals the visible and unveils the hidden according to Ew\u00e1\u2019s will, reinforcing her dominion over secrecy and truth.<\/p>\n Ew\u00e1 is a skilled hunter, a master of the bow and arrow. She also lends her name to the Yew\u00e1 River<\/strong>, which flows through Benin and Nigeria and is home to many snakes. Her ability to \u201chunt\u201d transcends the literal and is tied to seeing beyond\u2014the capacity to be a silent, unfathomable predator, just like the mist. Just like the snake.<\/p>\n One of Ew\u00e1\u2019s domains is the cemetery<\/strong>, where many secrets lie buried. One of her it\u00e3s<\/strong> (sacred narratives) recounts her encounter with Xang\u00f4<\/strong>, the powerful Orix\u00e1 of thunder and fire. Known for his imposing presence and hunger for power, Xang\u00f4 was determined to conquer her, but she always evaded his advances.<\/p>\n One day, he was dancing in one of Ew\u00e1\u2019s domains, where a thick fog enveloped the entire space. Ew\u00e1 mocked the way he danced to impress her and asked if he had noticed where he was dancing. Xang\u00f4, full of bravado, replied that he would dance however and wherever he pleased.<\/p>\n Ew\u00e1 then made it very clear that she<\/strong> ruled that place and walked away, taking the mist with her. Only then did Xang\u00f4 realize he was in a cemetery<\/strong>. All his energy and bravado drained in an instant, for the one thing he truly fears is death<\/strong>\u2014cemeteries terrify him. He fled at once, to the laughter of the Lady of the Hidden.<\/p>\n Ew\u00e1\u2019s chastity<\/strong> goes beyond sexual purity\u2014it speaks to her clarity of mind and her ability to remain untouched by negative influences. Her chastity is less about innocence or virginity and more about a spiritual focus<\/strong> on guarding the sacred.<\/p>\n