Celtic Goddess: Rhiannon

The Welsh Goddess of the moon and inspiration. Her name means is either "Maid of Annwn" or a variant of Rigatona, "Great Queen". Her name comes from the Welsh word Rhiain, which means "maiden."

She is Queen of the Faeries, the Goddess of fertility and rebirth, transformation, wisdom, and magic. Goddess of ethereal beauty, she was born with the first moonrise. She is the Muse of poets, source of artistic inspiration, she was worshiped outside amidst the trees at woodland alters and underneath the Moonlight.

She continues to inspire artists like Fleetwood Mac. Here is a link to their song Rhiannon

Rhiannon is said to possess three magical marvelous birds that can wake the dead, or lull the living to sleep. These birds can heal the sick and wounded with their sweet songs. Often three birds appear together in Celtic legends, as a symbol of the triple Goddess. Here is the song Three Birds of Rhiannon by Stevie Nicks.

Harvest Moon

The Harvest Moon occurs in late summer or early fall, at or after the autumnal equinox, Sept 21st. Farmers and farm workers in the Northern Hemisphere would take advantage of the additional hours of light and work through the night in order to complete the harvest.

An old Celtic harvest Moon ritual was to gather a key, a ring, a flower, a sprig of willow, a small piece of cake, a crust of bread, and 4 cards (the 10 of clubs, 9 of hearts, ace of spades, and ace of diamonds). Wrap these items in a handkerchief and place it under your pillow.

As you lay in your bed, say
"Luna, luna, every girl's friend,
to me your clarity you will lend.
Let me this night in visions see,
Emblems of my destiny."

If you dream of storms, it means coming trouble
if the storms end, a calm fate after strife.
a ring or the ace of diamonds = marriage
bread = a good job
cake= prosperity
flowers = joy
willow = treachery in love
spades = death
clubs, = living in a foreign land
diamonds = money
keys = great power
birds = many children
geese = more than one marriage.

Lunar Botanicals

The following is a helpful list of plants associated with the moon:
Adders Tongue, Aloe, Lemon Balm, Bladderwrack, Buchu, Cabbage, Calamus, Camelia, Camphor Resin, Chickweed, Club Moss, Coconut, Cotton, Cucumber, Dulse, Eucalyptus, Gardenia, Gourd, Grapes, Honesty, Irish Moss, Jasmine, Lemon, Lettuce, Lily, Loosestrife, Lotus, Mallow, Mesquite, Moonwort, Myrrh, Papaya, Poppy, Potato, Sandalwood, Purslane, Turnip, Willow, Wintergreen

Mabon Rowan Ale

Note: This is to be made a year in advance in preparation for next year's feast.
Ingredients:
1 pound of Rowan Berries
4 Cups Sugar
3 Quarts Strong Ale

Partially crush the Rowan Berries
Place in a 4 Quart container with a lid
Sprinkle the sugar over the fruit
Fill the container with the ale
Cover loosely
Fermentation should begin within 48 hours
When rapid bubbling has ceased, strain, cork and store for 1 years time.

This should bring the joy of the sun to your feast and protect all who drink it.

Rowan Jelly

A delightful accompaniment to rich game for your Mabon feast.
Ingredients:
4 Cups Rowan Berries
2 or 3 apples, peeled and quartered
4 Cups sugar (approximately)
4 Cups Water (approximately)

Cover the washed berries and apples with water.
Simmer about 40 minutes, until water is red and berries are soft.
Strain off the juice, but do not press the fruit or the jelly will become clouded.
Measure the juice and return it to the pan.
Add equivalent amounts of sugar (1:1, water:sugar)
Boil rapidly for 1/2 hour.
Pour into sterilized jars and seal

Magical Properties of Rowan

Valued throughout the Celtic countries for it's powerful magic, the Rowan in called "The Wizards' Tree."

• It's ruler is the Sun.
• Branches, leaves and berries are all magical.
• Leaves and berries can be placed along window ledges to protect your home.
• For serious protection, take two twigs and tie together with red string in the shape of a cross. Hang the cross over doors and windows.
• A rowan wand or walking staff will protect you from harm on a journey and bring spiritual enlightenment on your path.

Making Moon Water

On a full moon night, gather water in a glass bowl from a fresh spring. In the bowl add a quartz crystal, a piece of silver, and a moonstone. Place it in full view of the full moon with two white candles burning, one on each side. Dress the candles in oil of:

• Citronella, if water is for protection spell
• Coconut, if water is for purification
• Lemon, if water is for love healing

Chant: nine times over the water-
"Lady of the Moon, Lady of the Moon
Come to us, be with us, Lady of the Moon
Lady of the Moon, Lady of the Moon
Come to us, be with us, Lady of the Moon
Hecate
Demeter
Cerridwen
Venus
Epona
Netaxs
Lady of the Moon, Lady of the Moon
Come to us, be with us, Lady of the Moon
Diana
Rhiannon
Morrigan
Aradia
Hathor
Arachne
Lady of the Moon, Lady of the Moon
Come to us, be with us, Lady of the Moon
Lady of the Moon, Lady of the Moon
Come to us, be with us, Lady of the Moon"

Leave the water in the moonlight for at least 3 hours.

Keep it covered in a white cotton cloth. Now you may add it to your spell-working. Moon water may be used for divination when Mugwort is added. Bottle and keep refrigerated if you are not going to use it right away. Only make small batches.