The Twelve Faces of the Goddess by Danielle Blackwood

Author:Danielle Blackwood
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: CVR09122017;twelve faces of the goddess;danielle blackwood;pagan;paganism;astrology;astrology and paganism;astrology and magic;magic and astrology;sacred feminine;sun signs;moon signs;sacred feminine;signs of the zodiac
Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD.
Published: 2018-03-26T13:17:40+00:00

Guiding Goddess Archetype: Rhiannon

Of the many goddesses across the mythological traditions around the world that exemplify Leo’s characteristics, Rhiannon from the Welsh Mabinogion came to me in meditation as I was writing this chapter. Not only is Rhiannon a sovereignty goddess whose name means “great queen,” but she is also closely associated with horses (a solar animal) and inextricably connected to Sun symbolism, which is woven throughout her stories. As we will see, she also demonstrates an array of other Leo correspondences: she is strategic, creative, confident, and lives from her heart.

The great Lord Pwyll of Dyfed rides out one summer morning and comes to the faery mound Gorsedd Arberth, where legend had it that one would either be attacked or witness a marvel. Pwyll, being a great hero and warrior, is unafraid and thinks to himself that he would quite like to witness a marvel. He waters his horse and hounds, sits down in the soft green grass, and waits.

Presently, the most beautiful woman he has ever seen rides slowly by him on a pale horse. She is bathed in golden light and dressed in sumptuous silk the color of the sun, and her long flaxen tresses shimmer with an otherworldly incandescence. Birds fly about her singing the sweetest of songs. Pwyll leaps on his horse and canters after her. Although her horse is walking slowly, no matter how hard Pwyll rides after her, she keeps a maddening few paces ahead, and he cannot reach her. Finally, after three days of pursuing her, Pwyll implores her to stop so that he may speak to her. She turns to him, smiling, and answers that if only he would have asked earlier, she would have gladly stopped, and he might have spared his horse.

She introduces herself to him as Rhiannon, daughter of Heveydd Hen, King of the Otherworld. She informs Pwyll that she has come seeking him, as she has heard of his exploits and has decided that he is the man of her heart. Although she is betrothed to another, she will marry no one else unless Pwyll rejects her, and she has come for his answer. Pwyll can scarcely believe his good fortune and declares that if he had his choice of any maiden in the world, he would choose only her as his queen. Satisfied, Rhiannon states that if this is what he truly feels, he is to meet her at her father’s palace in one year’s time and they would be wed.

The two part and Rhiannon returns to her otherworldly realm. And to be sure, they long for each other more with each passing day. Finally, the time comes and Pwyll enters the world of Faery to claim his bride. There is great rejoicing. A magnificent feast is prepared, and Pwyll is heartily welcomed. After the feast, a tall young man in royal garb enters the hall. The youth addresses Pwyll, announcing that he has come to ask a favor. Pwyll, feeling giddy with joy on his wedding day, answers that whatever is in his power to grant, he will gladly give.

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