Áine: An Introduction to this Shining Celtic Summer Goddess

Meet Áine, one of the Celtic goddesses, is associated with love, the summertime, wealth, sovereignty, and joy.  According to legend, Áine was a member of the Irish gods, or faery-folk, the Tuatha Dé Danann, and is often described as being a goddess of earth, water, and nature. It was believed she brought good luck and prosperity to those who revered her, and she was an especially important figure for Celtic warriors. Creativity and fertility are powerfully linked to this deity, too.

Today, many people are once again discovering Áine, keen to explore and welcome her bright, gentle, and nurturing energy into their lives. If you’re interested in approaching Áine, or would simply like to know more about this deity, I’m going to guide you through getting started below. 

Áine’s Symbols and Sacred Sites

Áine is strongly associated with water and healing. Given that she is also widely regarded as a deity of love, it’s therefore not surprising that one of her symbols is the white swan. Legend says that this goddess carries a harp and this instrument, too, is one of her totems. If the person who hears the beautiful melodies she plays is worthy, they will be struck with divine inspiration. And if they’re unworthy? The music will drive them mad.

In ancient times, worshipers would climb the hill of Knockainy in County Limerick, Ireland to welcome the dawn with chanting and dancing. Nearby, too, is Lough Gur, a lake sacred to Áine, and where it is said she dwells. In the olden days, it was traditional for those who were sick to be brought to the shores of the lake on the full moon, so that its healing, magical light could shine brightly upon them.

As well as the swan, symbols of Áine include the sun, moon, horses, torches, and candles (particularly in shades of yellow, green, red, and gold). Any of these things would make perfect additions to your altar if you would like to begin a practice of revering this goddess. Although – of course! – take care when lighting candles, torches, etc, and never leave them unattended. Wildflowers, oak leaves, colorful ribbons, and, when in season, bowls of strawberries, are also great for your altar to Áine.

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Áine

There’s no better time of the year to celebrate Áine than the summer solstice. Personally, I relish this joyous celebration of the light, and the opportunities to feast and spend time outdoors with family and friends. This year, the summer solstice falls on June 20th, so why not kick off your solstice at dusk on the 19th, Midsummer’s Eve? Once a fire festival, the solstice invites us to give thanks for the sun and the part it plays in the harvest bounty to come. Keep Áine in mind as you light your Midsummer’s Eve candles, and hold a feeling of gratitude and hope in your heart.

In times gone by it was traditional to decorate windows and doorways with flowers at midsummer, so why not have a go hanging wreaths of either fresh or dried blooms and leaves in your home? As well as honoring Áine and the summer solstice, they also look stunning!

Other Ways to Begin a Devotional Practice to Áine

The term “devotional practice” may bring to mind a formal approach to worship, but this needn’t be the case. You are free to honor Áine in the way you see fit; and as the goddess associated with summer, love, and joy it makes sense to bring this spirit to your devotion. Áine will surely approve! Feel free to adapt any of these ideas so that they feel right for you.

Under the Sun, Under the Moon

With her powerful associations with both the sun and the moon, simply spending time outside beneath either celestial body is a great way to honor Áine. Be intentional about this, and embrace mindfulness. Feel the sun on your skin as you stand outdoors, be it in your backyard or in the middle of a spring meadow, and give thanks to the deity for the blessings she has bestowed. 

Similarly, stand beneath the light of the moon, and listen carefully to the sounds of the outdoor world. Pay attention to the sweep of the wind through the trees, the calls of night animals and birds, and the wonderful nighttime smells. Contemplate Áine’s divine aspect, as gentle as the moonlight, and invite her into your heart.

Nurturing Your Inner Flame

Fire is sacred to the goddess Áine, so nurturing your own inner flame is the perfect way to honor her. This could be by spending time enjoying a hobby or talent you already have, such as painting, writing, cooking, or dancing, or by taking up something you’ve always wanted to do.

Before you begin, you may like to light a candle to Áine, keeping in mind your intention to nurture your own inner flame as you watch the wick catch and burn. Your activity doesn’t need to be one of the traditional creative arts but can be anything you are passionate about. Perhaps you’ve got a drive to learn more about computer programming, divination, or conservation – allow Áine to support you in your quest to embrace your interests, whatever these may be.

Manifesting Blessings

I have long followed a practice of manifestation, and believe wholeheartedly that the positive energy you put out into the world will come back to you threefold. The idea behind manifestation is simple: believing is seeing, rather than the other way around. If you try to maintain a consistently optimistic, grateful mindset, you will attract into your life the things you want. If you’re interested in manifestation, Áine is the perfect partner for your work. As the deity of plenty and abundance, she is pretty much manifestation incarnate.

Get started with a simple manifestation ritual either before your altar to Áine or in a quiet space. All the time keeping this goddess at the front of your mind. Before beginning, light a candle, and ask for her help to manifest your dreams and desires. Now, follow these steps:

Manifestation Step by Step

The key to successful manifestation is believing profoundly with your whole being. Not just that you will receive your desires, but that you are worthy of them. Doing some work around self-esteem and self-worth can be an effective means of manifesting more effectively.

Get into Garden Magic

Invoking Áine to help with some garden magic is a great idea! You could start by learning about the healing and magical properties of various herbs and plants. Then move on to planning out your own herb garden, or area of your garden to dedicate to the goddess. It doesn’t matter how small the space you have available is. You can even create a miniature magical herb garden in pots or containers on a window sill or balcony. As well as being wonderful to add to your cooking, herbs (as well as petals, and leaves) have many uses in magical spells and rituals, too.

If you love the idea of connecting to Áine via a moon ritual, why not plant some flowers that bloom at night, to add to the enchantment? Such night-blooming flowers include Queen of the Night, Evening Primrose, Moonflower, Datura, and the Casa Blanca lily.

Approaching Áine: Allow the Light to Guide You Home

Áine is a beautiful goddess to honor in so many ways. She offers profound comfort to those in pain, inspiration for those who are struggling, and hope to those who find themselves in dark times. She is a deity of love and joy, and there’s no better way to celebrate her than at a gathering. Or more simply, by lighting a candle and thanking her for the richness of our lives.

If you’d like to get to know Áine better, use the guide above to get started. Allow her to walk with you as nurture your inner flame. Who knows, you may discover a latent talent that surprises you!

Featured Image Credit: Tomás O’Maoldomhnaigh, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons