Áine: Radiant Goddess of Summer

This episode of the podcast explores the realms of the Fae (fairy or fair folk) of Ireland through the stories of Áine, radiant goddess of summer, of sovereignty and of love. We hear the stories of Áine as she protects the land and dethrones those kings unable to respect it. We hear of her duties as a goddess of the Summer solstice, celebrated on Knockaine in Ireland and of her role as one of the ban sidhe, singing souls along the river of death to new life again. We learn of her historical and mythological contexts (with a little excerpt included from Sharon Blackie's book "If Women Rose Rooted" about Irish sovereignty goddesses), and we also learn how we can honour Áine in our own lives as she encourages us to shine our own light boldly and brightly,

We then journey into a guided meditation beginning in a forest clearing to connect with the spirits and healing energies of the trees, which are often portals to messages from the Otherworld. We then end with an original song written and performed by Bronwyn on vocals, handpan and synths called “Fae Fairy Fair Folk.”

Further reading:

If Women Rose Rooted by Sharon Blackie

Pagan Portals: Fairy Queens by Morgan Daimler

Fairy Faith in Ireland by Lora O’Brien

Gods and Fighting Men by Lady Gregory (1904)

Journal Prompts:

What parts of me are seen easily by the world that I am proud of and happy to shine in?What parts of myself do I not give myself permission to express fully or be seen in?What do I admire in others (are likewise, find myself deeply jealous of) that might be a mirror of my own gifts that are not being shared in the world?What’s one small step today I might take towards shining my light more brightly and taking up space more boldly in the world?How could I find some time in my life to connect with the more-than-human beings (trees, animals, plants, insects. fairies, dryads. elements..) and what healing might occur if I could do so?Connect with Bronwyn:

Website: www.bronwynclaireasha.com

Instagram: @bronwynclaireasha_

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bronwynclaireashamusic