☀️ Aine’s Backstory: (pronounced Aw-nyah ) Aine is often associated with the sun, as her name means “brightness” or “splendor.” Celtic legends say that Aine was the daughter of Eogabail, who was a member of the legendary Tuatha Dé Danann. In folklore, she was also recognized as the wife of the sea god Manannan Mac Lir – a deity who was very important for Celtic warriors. In ancient Irish myths and legends, Aine is described as a Faery Queen, a goddess of the earth and nature, and a lady of the lake. It was believed she brought luck and good magic to her worshippers. Some identify her as a brighter side of the famous goddess Morrigan. Aine is also known as the goddess who taught humans the meaning of love. She had many human men as lovers and bore many Faerie-Human children. There are several Irish families today that claim to be descended from her. In early tales she is associated with the semi-mythological King of Munster, Ailill Aulom, who is said to have raped her, an assault ending in Áine biting off his ear, hence the name Aulom “one-eared”. By Old Irish law, only an “unblemished” person can rule; by maiming him this way, Áine rendered him unfit to be king. As an embodiment of sovereignty, she can both grant and remove a man’s power to rule. The descendants of Aulom, the Eóganachta, claim Áine as an ancestor. In other tales Aine is the wife of Gerald FitzGerald, 3rd Earl of Desmond, known popularly as “Iarl Gearóid”. Rather than having a consensual marriage, he rapes her (thought to be based on the story of Ailill Aulom), and she exacts her revenge by either changing him into a goose, killing him or both. The FitzGeralds thus claim an association with Aine; despite the Norman origins of the clan, the FitzGeralds would become known for being “More Irish than the Irish themselves.” The feast of Midsummer Night was held in her honor.
☀️ Important Possesions/Symbols: Aine is associated with the sun and it is often said she may take the shape of a red mare when she pleases. She is also associated with animals and agriculture.
☀️ Connection to Modern Witchcraft: Aine is looked to as a Goddess of love, fertility, abundance, and sovereignty. Colors associated with her include orange, green, yellow, and red. Crystals associated with Aine are moonstone, sunstone, pearl, gold, silver, garnet, quartz. Her elements are Earth and Fire. Incense associated with Aine include lavender and orchid. Her planet is the sun. Offerings may include produce (especially home grown), milk, cream, or baked goods.
(also the photo used is NOT a depiction of Aine. I could not find one that was free for my usage. This photo is close to what she is depicted as though!)
SugarFreePeach 