A wild majestic, woman in folklore was the Celtic Goddess, Epona who was a guardian of horses and fertility.
She was also known as “Lady of The Stables.” Epona’s role was a psychopomp that lead the dead horseback riders’ souls into the afterlife. She was an Oracle in her own right.
Epona was a matriarch of soldiers, horse breeders, horse whisperers, horse Veterinarians, Folks that cared about horses in general.
Epona represents prosperity. She was a peaceful healer and her Sacred sanctuaries offered healing springs to her followers, many were Roman and Celtic soldiers during the first to fourth century CE.
Her engraved image is on ancient pagan gravestones in Metz, France which displays her riding on horseback.
Ancient Celts revered horses as prophetic animals. Horses were considered wise guides of the spirit world.
There were many rituals involving horses to reveal messages from their celestial beings involving future events.
The Cult of Epona was spread throughout the Roman Empire and Europe.
Present day Epona is still revered on Mackinac Island, Michingan, United States.
Epona is celebrated in June with a blessing for the horses, foals, donkeys and ponies, stable tours Barkus Parade and the Feast of Epona. No automobiles are allowed on the island only Equidae for transportation.
Source and References:
Green M. J. 1986, The Gods of the Celts, Stroud, Gloucestershire
Speidel, M. P. 1994
Riding for Caesar: the Roman Emperors’ Horse Guards. Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University Press.
Val is a writer of enchanted tales, folklore and magic. Once chased by Vampire Pumpkins! 