The horse goddess Epona carries the dead across the chasm of death into another realm of life. She carries and accompanies us across the chasms of transition and change. Her qualities bring guidance, protection, and safety in transitions.
Invoking the Qualities of Guidance and Safety.
Epona the Horse Goddess brings the virility and power of the horse to the birth-giving and otherworldly powers of the mother goddesses. As the designated guardian of the dead and those in danger, she transports the dead across ocean chasms and opens the entrance to the Otherworld. Her presence lends companionship and safety during times of danger, insecurity, and challenges to health and well-being. Equally at ease on land, at sea, and in the Otherworld, Epona's guardianship is honoured by the living and the dead.
Epona is always accompanied by a horse, often several horses, or foals suckling from her nipples. Appearing as a woman splendidly arrayed and riding sidesaddle on a mare, or as having the head of a woman and the body of a horse, Epona reigned as guardian of the beginnings and ends of life on earth and as local sovereign. In the Celtic world, she was revered throughout central Europe, extending in influence east to Bulgaria and west to Britain. Identified with local sovereignty to lend protection and associated with the power of horses, she was worshiped by Celts and Romans alike - especially by occupying Roman soldiers and cavalry, perhaps wanting to make some sort of propitiation to the powers of the local goddess.
Aside from the mare, Epona's most distinctive imagery associates her with guarding and leading the dead to the Otherworld. Most distinctive, she carries keys, sometimes only the keys to the stables, but more likely keys to the entrance of the Otherworld.
Common in mythological history, Epona is known as Macha in Ireland and Rhiannon in Wales. In the Irish Táin Bó Cuailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley) she is forced by the king to race against the king's horses. She wins, giving birth to twins as she dies at the finish, cursing the Ulster men for nine generations as her divine salvo for their cruelty. In the First Branch of the Welsh Mabinogion, Pwyll, Lord of Dyfed, sees Rhiannon's otherworldly horse and appearance in their first encounter. As the horsewoman approaches, Pwyll sees
"A woman dressed in shining gold brocade and riding a great pale horse.... And anyone who saw the horse would have said it was moving at a slow steady pace.... Pwyll climbed into the saddle, but no sooner had he done so than the lady rode past him. giving his spirited prancing mount its head he turned to follow, supposing he would overtake her at the second or third bound; yet he drew no closer than before.... Pwyll then called out, "Lady, for the sake of the man you love best, stop for me! " "I will, gladly," said she, "and it would have been better for your horse had you asked me that earlier."
Epona is always seen in the company of her mare. During transition and change, you are urged to seek out the company of friends and others you trust and avoid the company of malevolent speakers or nay-sayers. Amid transition, you are unusually sensitive to others - even if you are not consciously aware of it, you can absorb their negative feelings and thoughts. On the other hand, sensitive times are excellent times to listen to the counsel and cautions of others, if they come from a generous heart. Trust your inner knowing to guide you amid choices, but avoid overtaxing yourself by taking in the thoughts of those you don't trust anyway. Be vigilant about the company you keep and you will receive the right guidance and kindly support.
Epona's authority to guide the otherworldly aspects of transition can assist you to stay connected to the spirit at work in your life, especially during times of great change and opportunity. Ask for guidance. Watch for shifting feelings, yearnings, or perceptions, notably things that seem especially alive or dead to you now. Look for emerging patterns seeking to be woven into your life. Trust that transitions can be times of great opportunity.
No comments:
Post a Comment