Overview: Áine is a popular goddess known for her associations with love, fertility and the sun, celebrated at the height of summer and at the first harvests. A fairy queen of the Tuatha de Danaan, she is beloved both by the Irish people whose land she is entwined with and by neopagans across the world. Even her name means bright. But she also has a dark side.

Verdict: Yes, you read that correct: Caution may be advised. For Áine is also known as a dark muse in Victorian fairytales, a neopagan goddess who seeks justice and revenge for trauma survivors, and a powerful queen of the hollow hills in native Irish folklore.

As my sister was heavily into Áine growing up, even had her symbolism on her walls where boy band posters should have been, allow me to draw a picture for you of who it is we are talking about (accordingly to my sister and her many drawings and such).

In mythology, Áine is depicted as a figure with long red hair, often wearing a yellow gown reminiscent of sunlight. Various legends illustrate her relationships with human figures, including a king who sought to dominate her and her eventual marriage to Maurice Fitzgerald, the Earl of Desmond.

Áine’s son, Geróid Iarla, possessed supernatural powers and was known for his magical abilities. The stories surrounding Áine incorporate themes of transformation and healing, with Lough Gur, near her home, serving as a site for healing rituals.

Furthermore, Áine was invoked by farmers seeking to enhance their crops and protect their livestock. She was known to shapeshift into animals, particularly a swan and a red horse named Lair Derg, which were considered sacred to her.

Áine is also linked to the Eóghanacta, an ancient people of Munster, Ireland, where she is said to have resided in a fairy mound known as Cnoc Áine. Indeed, celebrations in her honor, such as torchlight processions during the summer solstice, continue to reflect her enduring cultural significance.

And so what we have here in Pagan Portals - Áine by author Kelle BanDea is a dutifully written, and educational sculpted prose on the most fascinating Goddess known as Áine. You are also provided a wealth of instructional ideas and meditations to formulate your very own connection to her.

For there has never been too much recorded history brought forth down the centuries about Áine, the Fairy Queen of Ireland, and so what Kelle proceeds to quite masterfully do is delve into the known folklore and surrounding mysticism of her, which then allows her to further explore all the known/perceived characteristics, to therein gain a better, deeper understanding of her.

Simply put, Pagan Portals - Áine will introduce you to Áine and suggest ways to honor her in your practice, as well as exploring her deep and complex history.

About the Author - Kelle BanDea is a neurodivergent mother of three with Traveller heritage. She currently lives in Warwickshire in the UK with her partner, children and a varied assortment of animals. She also has postgraduate degrees in Feminist Theology and Creative Writing.

www.kellebandea@substack.com

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