Inspiration for “Mermaid Dreams”

My first book, Moon Mother, Moon Daughter ~ Myths and Rituals that Celebrate a Girl’s Coming of Age, illuminated the worldwide moon goddess culture. Since its publication in 2002, the ancient Black Madonnas have been whispering to me, inspiring a new quest— to contribute to the remembering and honoring of the dark mother goddesses and share their love and wisdom.

It’s been my dream to author a children’s book about a mermaid and goddess of color, to help expand the mosaic of mermaid imagery, so that more children can recognize themselves in this magical archetype.

The inspiration for Mermaid Dreams came first from my muse, the real life “Maya,” who offered the initial ideas for the book—a little girl who loves to swim, dreams of being a mermaid, and had frightening dreams at night. These concepts are universal—dreams and fears of children and adults alike.

Watercolor illustration by Colleen McCarthy-Evans

Yemaya slipped into my reverie early one winter morning as I sat in the pre-dawn darkness, facing the horizon, awaiting the first light. I am grateful and honored that Yemaya, the Goddess of the Ocean, offered her luminous myth to weave into Maya’s dream. I feel strongly that we all have divine assistants and protectors available, sometimes simply waiting for the invitation to enter our daily lives and nighttime dreams, just as Yemaya does for Maya in Mermaid Dreams.

The watercolor illustrations by Colleen McCarthy-Evans give this book the magic only her heart and hands could divine. I’m grateful for our continuous collaboration, as well as that of Erika Römer, who has also generously offered inspiration and wisdom throughout the retelling of the stories of Maya and Yemaya.

I share them with the deepest respect.

Also available in Spanish-English version, Sueños de Sirena / Mermaid Dreams