| Boann by Damiana Blume As some of us prepare to seek the source of our local water this summer, it is fitting that Boann, the Goddess of the great Boyne River in Ireland is the deity we honor at midsummer. Boann is considered a minor deity but she is linked to the great river in the most important area of that country. She was the wife of the water God , Nechtan. However, it is with The Dagda that she fathered a son, Angus Mac Og. It is their love child who became the God of Love. To hide their tryst, the Dagda sent Nechtan on an errand that would last nine months but that he perceived to only last a day. So it is said that Boann conceived and gave birth to Angus Mac Og in one grand night. Boann is considered a fertility Goddess and her placement in our Mid-summer ritual is appropriate, as at this time of year the Earth herself seems to conceive and give birth almost overnight. As river Goddess she was instrumental in the creation of the Boyne River. There was in Co. Kildare a well, known as Connla's well or the Well of Knowlege. The well it is said was a place of shining knowlege full of sacred Salmon and surrounded by nine Hazelnut trees. There are said to have been five streams emanating from the fountain which bore the five senses. Only Nechtan and his cupbearers were allowed to draw from this well to know the great knowledge to be had there. Boann approached the well and boasted that none could do her harm. To increase the insult she is said to have walked around the well counterclockwise three times, in a taunting gesture. In anger the waters gushed forth chasing her to the sea. However, she as a Sidhe knew immortality and could not be drowned. Her death was symbolic. As the water gushed forth from the well it maimed her, ripping limb and eye. The senses of touch and sight, hearing and smell, and taste poured forth from the well and its waters flow today in the Boyne River. Boann is also one of the three Goddesses of inspiration. Along with Brig and Ceridwen, she fosters and preserves the inspiration of the poet. Boann is also known as the white cow mother. The ancient Celts were herdsmen and the white cow was considered a positive omen. Many pagan cultures honor the cow. The Hinhu today have their sacred cow and the ancient Egyptians had their cow goddess in Hathor who like Boann is considered a fertility Goddess. Information taken from" "Encyclopedia of Celtic Wisdom," by Caitlin and John Matthews back to table of contents |
 |