Literally meaning "rainbow," Oshunmare is representative of the coming together of heaven and Earth. This deity is known to have both feminine and masculine qualities, living half the year as a "woman" and the other half as a "man"--making this deity unisex, gender non-conforming, or androgynous. Oshunmare is represented by a snake biting its tail, establishing a circular ring, and represents adbundance and intellect.
A snake biting its tail is known as Ouroboros. Ouroboros is a gnostic and alchemical symbol that expresses the unity of all things, material and spiritual, which never disappear but perpetually change form in an eternal cycle of destruction and recreation (left image). This symbol is often reinterpreted to "end the cycle" oneself. This could represent how Oyá cuts off her ear at the end of the play (right image).
Oshunmare is deeply connected to another Orisha, Oyá, through their connection to the skies/heavens and rain. Particularly in the world of Red and Brown Water, their connection is almost like two sides of the same coin. Oshunmare is everything that Oyá wants or is trying to be. In contrast, Oshunmare could be the representation of or guide for Oyá as she experiences these changes and transitions from the life she thought she was going to live.
Oshunmare is responsible for a lot of impactful influences on both the human world and the Orisha. They direct energies that cause moement; embody change, stability, and longevity; governs transitions and cycles; the deity of metamorphosis.
Lastly, when this Orisha dances, they point up and down, establishing the connection they embody between heaven and earth.
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