“Painting by Wyn Abbot showing a seasonal landscape divided between winter and spring: the Cailleach on a snowy hillside, Brigid in green on the spring side, a bare tree with spiralled roots, animals, lanterns, snowdrops, and a swan flying overhead.”

The Cailleach and Brigid: Seasonal Powers in Gaelic Tradition

Artwork © Wyn Abbot. All rights belong to the artist. Introduction: Divine Figures in the Turning of the Year The figures of the Cailleach and Brigid occupy a central place in Gaelic seasonal lore, representing the shifting forces of winter and spring in the landscapes of Ireland and Scotland. Although they emerge from different strands … Continue reading The Cailleach and Brigid: Seasonal Powers in Gaelic Tradition

Andraste — The “Invincible” Goddess of British War and Sovereignty

Introduction Andraste occupies a fascinating yet elusive place in the mythology of ancient Britain. She is primarily known from a single classical account, yet modern scholarship and devotion have drawn out her themes of war, victory, sovereignty, and feminine power. This article explores her origins, historical attestation, iconography and symbolism, and modern reception, with attention … Continue reading Andraste — The “Invincible” Goddess of British War and Sovereignty

Azazel: The Scapegoat and the Fallen Watcher

1. Introduction The figure of Azazel is one of the most enigmatic in ancient religious literature. Appearing briefly in the Hebrew Bible, yet expanded dramatically in apocryphal and mystical writings, Azazel evolves from a ritual term in priestly law into a cosmic being symbolising rebellion, sin, and exile. His story bridges the realms of theology, … Continue reading Azazel: The Scapegoat and the Fallen Watcher

Who Is the Mórrígan?

Understanding the Irish Goddess Through Lore, Land, and Living Practice The Mórrígan is one of the most powerful and multifaceted deities in Irish mythology. She’s often called a war goddess, yet that title barely captures her depth. Scholar Máire Herbert reminds us that her role “cannot be confined to war”; she is also a guardian … Continue reading Who Is the Mórrígan?

The Cailleach and the Wild Wisdom of Winter

In Celtic mythology, the Cailleach is a powerful and ancient figure known as the old woman of winter. Her name comes from a Gaelic word meaning “old woman” or “hag,”. She appears in many traditional stories from Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Man and is said to control winter, shape the landscape, and command … Continue reading The Cailleach and the Wild Wisdom of Winter

Hecate: Guardian of Thresholds, Ancient and Modern

 Hecate is one of those goddesses who continues to capture imaginations across centuries. She stands at the crossroads of history, myth, and spirituality—an enigmatic figure who refuses to be confined to any single role. To explore Hecate is to journey through ancient Greece and Asia Minor (present day Turkey), down shadowed paths lit only by … Continue reading Hecate: Guardian of Thresholds, Ancient and Modern

Debunking the Term “Dark Goddess”: A Critical Examination

Introduction The expression “Dark Goddess” has gained traction in modern esotericism, neopaganism, and popular spirituality. It is frequently applied to deities associated with war, death, the underworld, or transformation, such as the Mórrígan in Irish tradition, Hecate in Greek religion, Kali in Hinduism, or Ereshkigal in Mesopotamian mythology. Advocates of the term often intend to … Continue reading Debunking the Term “Dark Goddess”: A Critical Examination