I recently started exploring deities from history to find my personal deities. I’ve always had an affinity for the Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses, but I am now digging in to learn more about my ancestors’ divinities. This includes Celtic, Gaelic, Norse, Welsh, Finnish, Germanic, Baltic, and a touch of Druidism. As I explore, I plan to share some of my journeys here. Today, I am learning about Áine.
1) What Does She Represent
The name Áine (ON-ya) comes from a Gaelic word meaning bright, clear, or radiant. Áine was the Gaelic (Irish) Goddess of Summer, Wealth, and Sovereignty. Her followers summoned her for aid in war and peace. She was affiliated with midsummer and the Sun. Known as a Faery Queen and Love Goddess, she was known by other names such as the Lady of the Lake, the Goddess of Luck and Magick, the Goddess of the Earth and Nature, and Leanan Sidhe (“Sweetheart of the Sidhe”). Áine was thought to be the daughter of King Eógabail (Eoghanach), a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, and the foster son of the sea god Manannan Mac Lir. However, other legends claim that she was married to Manannan Mac Lir. Other sources state that she is the daughter of the Dagda and sister to Brigid. She is widely accepted as Aillen and/or Finnen (Fennen/Fenne/Fennel) ‘s Sister. She was also considered the sister of Grian (Grainne), with Áine ruling over the light half of the year and Grian ruling over the dark. However, Grian could also be another viewpoint of Áine.
2.) How Was She Worshipped
Áine was one of Ireland’s many pagan deities, whom Irish pagans worshiped in early times. While not much remains of Irish mythology today, old tales and poems still exist—like The Fate of the Children of Lir and Cath Maige Tuired: The Second Battle of Mag Tuired—that describe different aspects of her powers and personality. She was celebrated during Beltane, which means the fires of Bel. This tradition is based on an ancient Celtic celebration of life and a belief in rebirth, which is symbolized by fire. It is one of four annual festivals still celebrated by some pagan cultures in Ireland and Scotland. It was customary to light bonfires around fields during these celebrations to encourage healthy crops and give thanks for a bountiful harvest. Áine was also known as a Love Goddess, and people would worship her, hoping that she might bestow sexuality, abundance, fertility, and prosperity upon them.
3.) Legends about Áine
Through her many relationships with mortal men, she was thought to have given birth to a magical Faerie-Human race, which is how she gained her name as Queen of the Faeries.
One of the myths surrounding Áine describes how she sat in her birthing chair on Lughnasadh and birthed a sheave of grainthus giving the gift of grain to the people of Ireland.
Many stories exist around Áine and her mortal lovers. One such story is that Gerald, Earl of Desmond, once stole Áine’s cloak while she swam in a river and would not return it to her until she agreed to marry him.
Their son was Gearóid Iarla, known as The Magician. Áine made a contract with the Earl that he would never be surprised by anything her son did, however after performing a magical act, the Earl was surprised, and Áine was free to return to the faeries (sidhe).
In other stories, Áine is the reluctant wife of Gearoid Iarla and ends up turning him into a goose or killing him (or both).
Another myth describes how Áine was raped by the King of Munster, Ailill Aulom, which led to Áine biting off his ear. By consuming his ear, Áine deemed Ailill unfit to be king due to his disfigurement.
From all her appearances, it is clear that Áine was not a deity to offend; if crossed, she could have coined the phrase “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”
You can read a story about Aine written for Ireland Information.
4.) Her Symbols and Associations
While her symbol was a spear (which can be a reference to her father Lugh), she also seems to have been associated with cairns—small stone structures in Ireland and Scotland that were built for numerous reasons in early times. Some suggest they could have marked boundaries or sacred places, while others think they could have served as signs along roads designating stops for travelers and traders (similar to mile markers). Though there are many variations of tales about why cairns were built, it’s believed that they helped connect past and present generations. Modern pagans often build stone cairns as focal points for rituals.
A red mare, known as “Lair Derg”, who no one could outrun, often represents her. It is said she would transform to be able to walk amongst her people.
Both the Moon and the Sun represent her.
5.) Ways to Worship Aine
Bite off a man’s ear and steal his kingdom. I kid, I kid. Since reputable sources cataloging Áine are few and far between, I’d begin by reaching out to her directly to see how you can serve her or win her favor. Though she is ancient and seemingly silent, perhaps she can be coaxed forward for a wild ride amongst the hills.
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