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The Feast of Epona
by W.Holidays
Known as Rhiannon in Wales, Macha in Ireland, and Epona to the Gauls
this ancient horse goddess is one of the most well-known of all the
Celtic gods and goddesses. Horses played an important role in Celtic
society. Naturally, the protector of horses would play an equally
important role. Epona has been revered since the Iron Age. She is the
protector of horses, stables, and horse owners. She is the
guardian of agriculture and transportation. In addition, Epona has been
associated with birds. Her birds were said to have the
ability to put the living to sleep and to rouse the dead. She has also
been pictured with cornucopias and baskets filled with fruits,
especially apples and thus she has been linked to fertility.
She is often portrayed riding a horse, next to a horse, or surrounded
by several horses and feeding foals. In parts of central Europe she was
believed to be a magical white horse that brought shamans to the spirit
world.
Epona translates as "divine mare" or "mare goddess". Small shrines,
known as aediculae, were built in her honor by horse owners and often
decorated with roses. More inscriptions, statues, and shrines dedicated
to Epona have been found than for any other Celtic god or goddess. Even
the Romans adopted this Celtic goddess. Her statues can be found
alongside other Roman gods and goddesses. Greek author, Agesilaos,
tells the story of Epona's birth. A women-hating man named Furius
Stellus had relations with a mare, who in turn gave birth to Epona, who
had the ability to take human or horse form.
As with most gods and goddess in history, at least one day is set aside
just to honor them. Epona's feast day is held on June 13th, while The
Festival of Epona is on December 18th. The festival is a Roman
celebration, the only celebration by the Romans that honored a Celtic
deity.
-Prayer to Epona-
by arisaema
Lady of the fields bless the
beasts
that go on hoofed turned paths
brown and white, dun and grey
sides
dappled and brindled, spotted and splashed liquid eyed and sweet
grass
breath
keep them from the bone breaking death
roses I give thee,
like the Romans of old
no more than dust now, no matter how bold You who can
sing the living
to sleep
and make the dead breathe
I ask you to
keep
the mare and the foal,
the cow and her calf
from all that would
harm
or hinder their path
Arisaema is an artist in Southern
California. Visit arisaema at http://expage.com/spellgarden
Don't forget to
take a look at the food and crafts sections for more ways to
celebrated. Then look through the Celtic section of our Amazon store!
modified April 25, 2008
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