Known as Rhiannon in Wales, Macha in Ireland, and Epona to the Gauls, this ancient horse goddess is one of the most well-known of the Celtic gods and goddesses. Horses played an important role in Celtic society. Naturally, the protector of horses would play an equally important role. Epona has been revered since the Iron Age. She is the protector of horses, stables, and horse owners. She is the guardian of agriculture and transportation. In addition, Epona has been associated with birds. Her birds were said to have the ability to put the living to sleep and to rouse the dead. She has also been pictured with cornucopias and baskets filled with fruits, especially apples and thus she has been linked to fertility.

She is often portrayed riding a horse, next to a horse, or surrounded by several horses and feeding foals. In parts of central Europe, she was believed to be a magical white horse that brought shamans to the spirit world.

Epona translates as “divine mare” or “mare goddess.” Small shrines, known as aediculae, were built in her honor by horse owners and often decorated with roses. More inscriptions, statues, and shrines dedicated to Epona have been found than for any other Celtic deity. Even the Romans adopted this Celtic goddess. Her statues can be found alongside other Roman gods and goddesses. Greek author, Agesilaos, tells the story of Epona’s birth. A women-hating man named Furius Stellus had relations with a mare, who in turn gave birth to Epona, who had the ability to take human or horse form.

As with most gods and goddess in history, at least one day is set aside just to honor them. Epona’s feast day is held on June 13, while The Festival of Epona is on December 18. The festival is a Roman celebration, the only celebration by the Romans that honored a Celtic deity.

On Mackinac Island, Michigan, celebrates the Feast of Epona as part of their Lilac Festival. They have stable tours, a blessing of the animals, and the Epona and Barkus Parade. Transport on Mackinac Island is by horse, as care are prohibited.

Prayer to Epona

Lady of the fields bless the beasts

that go on hoofed turned paths

brown and white, dun and grey sides

dappled and brindled, spotted and splashed liquid eyed and sweet grass

breath

keep them from the bone breaking death

roses I give thee, like the Romans of old

no more than dust now, no matter how bold You who can sing the living

to sleep

and make the dead breathe

I ask you to keep

the mare and the foal,

the cow and her calf

from all that would harm

or hinder their path by arisaema, an artist in Southern California

⇴ image from Pixabay.com