Impressions on meeting the Celtic Goddesses (so far)
I've been mostly drawn to the Welsh and Brythonic deities, with a few exceptions from Irish mythology. These are the Ladies I've connected with so far and my informal impressions of them.
The first I wanted to look into for a while after having visited Her temple in Bath a while back. There is something about her radiance that reminds me of Mother Sophia, which struck me even more when I learned the Romans connected Her to Minerva. Being both a Solar and Water Goddess, She has big mama energy to me. I look to Her for healing and purifying as well as motherly wisdom, similar to Mother Sophia Herself.
I've heard it said many times that She's the Welsh equivalent to Hekate and while there's obviously differences between the two, I understand it in the sense She feels like the one to go to as a goddess of 'Witches' in particular. As one of Her main symbols is a cauldren, as well as the ability to shape-shift and Her womb itself implied to birth divine inspiration- in the form of the mythical bard Talisen but also Her beautiful daughter Creirwy. I love how complex She is, She is ruthless and cold enough to pursue a child to punish him for stealing but She is also capable of great love, as what Her story leads to in the end. Side note but I hc that, as we do not hear of Her brewing anymore potion for Morfan, She comes to accept his 'ugliness' and love all Her children for each of their distinctive gifts. I look to Her for inspiration, determination, transformation and creativity.
Literal Queen. I love that She's connected to the Goddess Epona; having grown up a huge Legend of Zelda fan, I always adored that name. I love the agency that She has in the Mabinogi, Her role is clearly that of a Sovereignty Goddess, but with making it abundantly clear that She chooses who is worthy of Her. She does not hold back in calling out either of Her husbands for their stupidity, and She is skilled with tricking others. She is ethereal and strong and graceful, I can't help but picture Arwen from Jackson's LOTR when I imagine Her. But She also descends to the lowest parts and, much like the archetypal Daughter Goddess, She suffers and serves before being raised back to Her true station as Queen. I look to Her for freedom, courage, cunnning and justice.
At first I wasn't sure how to connect to Branwen, as so much of Her story is being moved around by the men in Her life, married off to secure an alliance and then mistreated before dying of a broken heart. Her story is pure angst with no relief, unlike Rhiannon who gets to restored as Queen after Her punishment. But what She endures is what makes Her good to connect to, She is the Daughter in the deepest and darkest level of the pit. She is one to go to for those grieving or abused or trapped. For She still finds the will and hope to train a starling to seek help. She is greatly loved by her brother and Her people, She is a symbol of peace and reconnection. Very big classic Disney Princess energy. I go to Her for when I need a candle in the most miserable times.
One I'm still getting to know as I make my way through the Mabinogi proper, but She really intrigues me. There's something about Her which almost makes Her seem like an inversion of Rhiannon (even their names sound similar but twisted). They are both, for valid reasons or no, identified with the moon. But Arianrhod seems more connected to fate. Like Cerridwen, She is a sorceress, but a lot darker and mysterious. But as much as She is villanised in Her story, Her actions are born out of what She felt was a wrong against Her, and I can't see Her as evil. I've never felt much of a pull to 'Dark Goddesses' like the Morrighan or Lilith, but Arianhrod is someone I feel I would go to if I needed help with baneful magic.
One I'm still getting to know but, much like Sulis, I connect to Her as the archetype of the Great Mother. Also connected to water but, unlike Sulis who is Solar and I look to for 'Bright Wisdom' to use Sophianic terms, Modron has a more mysterious energy to Her. I've read there is a possible connection between Her and Morgan Le Fay - the only character from Arthurian legend who has ever been interesting to me. 'Dark Wisdom' is not wicked by any means, simply goes deeper and can be harder to grapple with than Bright Wisdom which is often compassionate and enlightening/uplifting. I believe Modron can offer both. I look to Her for grounding and introspection and renewal.
A warrior goddess, we no very little about Her outside of the Romans writing about how Boudicca was said to have invoked Her for strength before leading Her armies into battle. I've heard it theorised Her name could possibly be that Her name was a Roman invention as part of a propaganda piece. But I feel it most likely Boudicca's people had a warrior goddess. Though little is known of Her, I feel a connection based on living so close to Colchester and having grown up fascinated by the stories of Queen Boudicca. Obviously, I call upon Her for strength and protection.
Cool Grandma. Literally, I see Her as like Old Lady Winter. She is the archetypal Crone but also when I envision Her, She is always smiling. Old as time itself but also larger than life. Much like Arianrhod, She is connected to fate, particularly the inevitability of death, but always with a tenderness and humor. Think the grandmother from Moana, or the willow tree from Pocahontas.
One I'm still getting to know as I finish the Mabinogi but what I've looked into so far, girl did nothing wrong. Her connection to flowers and seasons reminds me a lot of Persephone. She has big Sai Sushuri / Kyria Tethys / Aprhodite energy. Looking forward to getting to know Her more and connecting with Her for spells centred on love, agency, intuition, beauty and growth.
The only Irish goddess who I feel a pull to, though in fairness She seems to have been incorporated into most pagan pantheons in Celtic Britain in one form or another. Brigid for me has big Magdalene energy. The fact both are often drawn with flaming red hair and span a variety of archetypes. She is a healer, a muse, a protector, a blacksmith, a daughter and a mother. In England She may have been Briganti, who like Sulis the Romans connected with Minerva. When I think Celtic goddesses, She is always the first face that comes to mind.