Fae Friday: Mother Goddess Modron

As I write this, an owl hoots in the distance, probably from the vicinity of the graveyard up the hill.  Totally fitting. The approach of autumn brings renewed brisk energy and ambition, plus a desire to be better organized and to make use of the many collected and, even created, organizational tools. How ironic that it also brings a renewed sadness and appreciation for the fleeting aspect of life. Autumn is about shedding the old, removing the cloak of burdens, and paying homage to the fierce natural spirit within our souls.

Modron is a goddess I am not overly familiar with, but — my goodness – her name alone speaks volumes. Is hers the lovely countenance appearing to us through the baring branches of the restless oaks? Is it her cloak of burdens she is shedding that rustles with each cascade of falling leaves?

Name: Modron

Name meaning: Divine Mother

Home: Wales, Cotswolds, Cirencester, region of Hadrian’s Wall

Power: Harvest goddess, mother goddess, fertility deity, abundance, healing

Meaning: fruition of the harvest, the autumn equinox, equality of day and night / light and dark

Symbols: grain, nuts, leaves, acorns, wreaths, apples, grapes, wine, gourds, cornucopia, marigolds

Folk customs: harvest celebrations, forest rituals, making burial offerings of apples, wine making, baking pumpkin pies, bundling stalks and rushes into brooms and figures

Color correspondences: yellow, gold, orange

Elements: water, earth

Crystals: citrine, yellow jasper, orange calcite, yellow jade, yellow topaz

Incense: myrrh, jasmine, patchouli, cinnamon

Astrological sign: Libra

Tarot: The Empress

Sources: Arthurian tales such as Culhwch & Olwen

Family: son Madon was stolen from her, son and daughter Owain and Morfudd by Urien Rheged, father Afallach god of the underworld or otherworld

Affinity goddesses: Rhiannon, Epona, Matrona a mother goddess from Gaul, Morgan le Fay, Modron was also part of a trinity of goddesses called the Deae Matres.

How is your renewed sense of excitement as we approach the autumn?

Cheers & Happy Reading!

Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic in Romance