Place of Origin: Wales
Origin Date: Ancient times, exact dates unknown
Domain: Fate, reincarnation, cosmic cycles.
Symbols: The silver wheel, moon, weaving tools.
Attributes: Control over fate, reincarnation, cosmic cycles.
Epithets: "The Silver Wheel," "Mistress of the Moon"
Equivalents: Similar to the Greek goddess Ariadne.
Religion: Celtic Paganism
Sacred Texts: The Mabinogion.
Iconography: Often depicted with a silver wheel or weaving tools, sometimes riding a celestial chariot.
Religion: Celtic Paganism
Description
Arianrhod is a prominent figure in Welsh mythology, known as the Goddess of the Moon, Fate, and Reincarnation. Her name means "the silver wheel," symbolizing her connection to cosmic cycles and destiny. She is often depicted as a beautiful, ethereal figure associated with weaving the fabric of fate. Arianrhod is also linked to the constellation Corona Borealis.
Narratives
The Mabinogion:
Arianrhod's story is found in the fourth branch of the Mabinogion. She is the daughter of the mother goddess Dôn and is known for her magical abilities. Her tale involves a test of virginity and the birth of her sons, Dylan and Llew.
The Birth of Dylan and Lleu Llaw Gyffes
Original Title: "Math fab Mathonwy"
This story is part of the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogion. Arianrhod's uncle, King Math of Gwynedd, must keep his feet in the lap of a virgin to avoid death. When her brothers, Gwydion and Gilfaethwy, trick Math and rape Goewin, Math needs a new virgin to hold his feet. Gwydion suggests Arianrhod, but to test her virginity, Math asks her to step over his magician's rod. She gives birth to Dylan ail Don, a sea spirit, and Lleu Llaw Gyffes, who is initially a shapeless form.
The Naming of Lleu Llaw Gyffes
Original Title: "Math fab Mathonwy"
Arianrhod places a curse on Lleu, stating he will not have a name unless she gives it to him. Gwydion disguises Lleu as a shoemaker, and when Arianrhod sees him kill a wren with a single stone, she remarks that the fair-haired one ("lleu") has a skillful hand ("llaw gyffes"), inadvertently naming him.
The Arming of Lleu Llaw Gyffes
Original Title: "Math fab Mathonwy"
Arianrhod places a second curse on Lleu, stating he will not take arms unless she arms him. Gwydion and Lleu disguise themselves as bards and entertain Arianrhod's court. Gwydion conjures a fleet of warships, and Arianrhod gives weapons and armor to her guests, thereby dispelling the curse.
The Marriage of Lleu Llaw Gyffes
Original Title: "Math fab Mathonwy"
Arianrhod places a final curse on Lleu, stating he will not have a wife from any race that is on this earth now. This story involves Gwydion's efforts to find a wife for Lleu who meets the criteria set by Arianrhod.
Worship Beliefs and Practices
Core Beliefs
Arianrhod is a prominent figure in Welsh mythology, revered as a goddess of the stars, reincarnation, fertility, and magic. She is often associated with the Milky Way, symbolizing the cosmic wheel and the cyclical nature of life. Followers believe that Arianrhod embodies the power of transformation, feminine strength, and cosmic destiny.
Attributes and Significance
Reincarnation: Arianrhod is seen as a goddess who guides souls through their cycles of birth, death, and rebirth.
Fertility and Birth: She is associated with fertility, childbirth, and the nurturing aspects of motherhood.
Magic and Transformation: Arianrhod is known for her powerful magic and her ability to transform and weave fate.
Celestial Connections: Her celestial castle, Caer Arianrhod, is believed to be a place of profound magic and cosmic energy.
Worship Practices
Rituals and Ceremonies: Devotees perform rituals to honor Arianrhod, often involving offerings of silver, wheels, and symbols of fertility such as sheaves of wheat and nets.
Festivals: Arianrhod's feast day is celebrated on the second day of December. This festival includes ceremonies that honor her role as a goddess of the stars and reincarnation.
Prayers and Invocations: Followers may offer prayers and invocations to Arianrhod, seeking her guidance in matters of fertility, transformation, and cosmic wisdom.
Symbolic Representations: Symbols associated with Arianrhod, such as the silver wheel and the celestial castle, are often used in rituals and decorations.
Traditions
Caer Arianrhod: This mythical castle is a central symbol in Arianrhod's worship, representing her celestial nature and her role as a weaver of fate.
Storytelling and Mythology: The tales of Arianrhod, including her interactions with her son Lleu Llaw Gyffes and her role in the Mabinogion, are often recounted during worship ceremonies.