I am profoundly moved by the way Rhiannon shows up for us! This Goddess spent time showing us patterns of interdependence in balance with agency and the cycles of death and of life. This is a true collaborative piece by many and I am in awe by the magic it contains. There are so many paths and places to explore within the rich history, meaning making, and the unadulterated sacredness of it all woven with Rhiannon.
Correspondences
The 4 Ways
Crafted and curated by Hollie E. of Dark Goddess Collective
“The Mabinogi”, a collection of Welsh tales dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, is a rich tapestry of mythology and folklore that offers insight into the culture and beliefs of medieval Wales. The four branches of Mabinogi are Pwyll, Branwen, Manawydan, and Math. They are interconnected stories that explore themes of power, love, betrayal, magic, and destiny.
One intriguing aspect of the Mabinogi is the prominent role that females play in each branch. From powerful queens like Rhiannon to tragic heroines like Branwen, these goddesses wield significant influence over the events that unfold. Their actions shape the course of history and challenge traditional gender roles in Welsh society.
Furthermore, the women in the Mabinogi embody a wide range of archetypes, from nurturing mothers like Arianrhod to fierce warriors like Blodeuwedd. Each character represents a different facet of womanhood, showcasing the complexity and diversity of female experiences. Whether they are acting as catalysts for change or as symbols of wisdom and guidance, these goddesses leave a lasting impact on both their own stories and on those around them.
Through a close examination of the four branches of “The Mabinogi”, we can gain a deeper appreciation of timeless themes related to women’s roles and the cycle of life.
The First Branch
The first branch, Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed, follows the story of a young prince who switches places with Arawn, the king of Annwn (the Otherworld), for a year. This branch explores themes of identity and transformation as Pwyll learns important lessons about leadership and responsibility. Highlighting his adventures of shapeshifting, maintaining chastity, and engaging in a duel, all of which culminate in the formation of a formidable alliance. It unfolds to reveal the pursuit of Pwyll by the eminent Rhiannon, leading to Pwyll’s aid in liberating her to secure their marriage. Subsequently, it delves into the peculiar disappearance of their newborn son and his eventual rescue, fostering, and reclamation by the benevolent lord Teyrnon from the Kingdom of Gwent, who names the child Pryderi.
Rhiannon is powerfully shown in the first branch. She is depicted as a strong and independent woman who defies societal expectations and challenges traditional gender roles. Rhiannon is portrayed as a skilled horsewoman and a fearless warrior, traits that were typically associated with men during this time period.
Despite her strength and independence, Rhiannon also embodies qualities traditionally associated with femininity, such as compassion and nurturing. She is depicted as a loving mother who cares deeply for her son Pryderi, even going so far as to sacrifice her own freedom to protect him from harm.
This duality in Rhiannon serves to challenge stereotypes about women and their roles in society.
Also in the first branch Rhiannon, a stunning horse goddess, is wrongly accused of murdering her own child. In reality, her son was abducted from his cradle when a nurse fell asleep. She smeared blood on her hands and accused Rhiannon of his murder. As a consequence of this offense, Rhiannon is forced to stand outside the castle gates where she must recount her story to all who pass by where wearing a horse collar and carrying them on her back to the castle for seven years.
Despite her innocence, Rhiannon endures this penalty with poise and dignity. Her steadfast belief in justice ultimately results in the truth coming to light and her son being returned to her unscathed. As a goddess it illustrates the strength of forgiveness and perseverance in the face of challenges. Rhiannon’s fortitude and resilience serve as a reminder that even in times of immense difficulty, there is always hope for redemption.
The Second Branch
The second branch, Branwen ferch Llŷr, tells the tragic tale of Branwen’s marriage to Matholwch of Ireland and the ensuing war between Wales and Ireland. A marriage marred by abuse attributed to an affront by her half-brother, Efnysien. This offense precipitates a cataclysmic war, incited by Efnysien, notable for featuring a Cauldron with the power to resurrect the deceased. Amidst this turmoil, the narrative highlights the giant king Bran’s survival of his demise in a mystical This branch delves into themes of love and loyalty as Branwen becomes a symbol of suffering and sacrifice. Pryderi’s mention is confined to his survival of the conflict, while Branwen succumbs to desolation, culminating in her death.
The Third Branch
The third branch, Manawydan fab Llŷr, continues with Manawydan’s struggle to rebuild his life after witnessing the destruction caused by magic. Pryderi befriends Manawydan, the brother of Branwen and rightful heir to the throne of Britain. This friendship leads to Pryderi orchestrating the marriage between Manawydan and Rhiannon.
After these events, the land of Dyfed faces devastation.
It shifts to their ventures in England, establishing craft businesses, followed by the mysterious disappearance of Pryderi and Rhiannon due to an enchanted snare. Manawydan’s transition to agriculture is portrayed, alongside his astute negotiation for the release of Pryderi and Rhiannon and the restoration of the land, achieved by confronting the antagonist. This branch explores themes of resilience and renewal as Manawydan navigates through loss and adversity.
The Fourth Branch
Lastly, the fourth branch focuses on Math fab Mathonwy’s rule over Gwynedd as he faces challenges from his nephew Lleu Llaw Gyffes. It unfolds as a somber sequence laden with deceit and betrayal, encompassing a confrontation with Dyfed, the demise of Pryderi, the egregious violation of a maiden, and the disavowal of an unwanted heroic offspring by the haughty Arianrhod.
Gwydion, her sorcerer brother, emerges as the mastermind behind these fateful events.
He manipulates destiny through the creation of an artificial pregnancy and the formation of a synthetic woman named Blodeuwedd (more below). Her involvement in a perilous love triangle leads to a unique act of murder. In a quest for redemption, Gwydion undertakes a shamanic journey, illustrating a complex web of magic and manipulation within the narrative. This final branch touches on themes of family dynamics and power struggles as Math tries to maintain control over his kingdom.
Blodeuwedd is created by two sorcerers out of flowers to be Lleu Llaw Gyffes’ wife but ends up betraying him with another man. Blodeuwedd’s story highlights themes of betrayal, jealousy, and revenge, illustrating how women were often used as pawns in power struggles between men during this time period.
These are such exemplary examples of strong females who defy societal expectations and assert their independence.
They are not merely passive bystanders in the unfolding drama; rather, they are active participants who wield power and agency in their own right.
The 4 Ways Divination
Created by Kaycee Reeves
1st Card:
What will help you own your desire and your personal agency?
2nd Card:
In the face of adversity, what will assist in bridging the gap between endurance and ultimate perseverance?
3rd Card:
Where will doors and opportunities open?
4th Card:
What requires caution?
The Otherworld Connection
Crafted by Kaycee Reeves
It is not a surprise that Rhiannon is also associated with the Underworld. In Welsh mythology this is known as Annwn. Annwn is a realm of magic, spirits, and supernatural beings that is a parallel dimension beyond mortal reach. We can feel into this through her interactions with magical beings, such as her encounters with Pwyll and her appearance riding a white horse, which is often seen as a symbol of Otherworldly power.
Rhiannon’s role as a bridge between the mortal world and the Otherworld is highlighted in her ability to traverse between realms and her association with journeys and transitions. Her marriage to Pwyll, which involves a mystical horse race and the exchange of horses between worlds, further emphasizes her connection to the Otherworld.
The Archetypal Connections
Crafted by Kaycee Reeves
There are few sources I like to review when it comes to energetic forces and patterns, or archetypes in stories, myths, and history. From Jean Shinoda Bolen to Joseph Campbell, even if it is my own speculation, I am always open to finding new ways of interpreting and meaning making. Let’s dive in!
Jean Shinoda Bolen – Goddesses in Everywoman
While Bolen focuses on Greek Goddesses in her book, there are still patterns that I find apply to Rhiannon. The Queen archetype in particular because Rhiannon’s role as a powerful and regal figure in Welsh mythology. She embodies characteristics such as grace, wisdom, and a strong connection to the land and its people. Additionally, Rhiannon’s story of endurance and resilience in the face of adversity resonates with the themes of empowerment and self-realization often associated with the Queen archetype in Bolen’s work.
Jungian Archetypes
Rhiannon has many aspects that can be called forward based on Jungian archetypes, but I found the top 3 to be:
- The Great Mother: Rhiannon has nurturing and life-giving qualities, often depicted as a caring figure who protects and guides those in her realm. This depiction aligns with the archetype of the Great Mother symbolizing fertility, creation, and unconditional love.
- The Anima: Rhiannon’s allure, grace, and mysterious nature could be seen as representing aspects of the anima, the feminine aspect within the male psyche according to Jungian psychology. She embodies qualities that evoke a sense of longing, inspiration, and connection to the deeper realms of the psyche (otherworld anyone?).
- The Sovereign: Rhiannon’s role as a queen and her association with sovereignty and leadership align with the archetype of the Sovereign. This archetype represents authority, power, and agency (the ability to govern one’s own life and destiny).
Joseph Campbell – The Goddesses: Mysteries of the Feminine Divine
While Rhiannon was not specifically called out in this work, I do feel as if there is a pattern in which we can find her in this framework as Sovereign Goddess and Divine Feminine. Campbell dives into a broader contextualization versus a ton of individual case study because he does look for more universal patterns.
Black Pegasus
This piece comes to us from Rayne McLoughlin! There is a lot in this article that truly allows an excavation, not just on our misguided views on love and its place in our lives, but on our ability to stand firm in our own vitality and the ways we are energetically responsible for doing so. The cycles, the rise, and the fall. Even Rhiannon has a period of being in the mist, or under a veil, or a type of descent to find her “child” that had been stolen. I’d like to think Black Pegasus would equate to a dark night of the soul or a descent that allows a rebirthing process to take place.
Working with Rhiannon has been a steady and slow ride for me. The first part of the cycle with her was very quiet and I often felt myself feeling like maybe we were not connecting. Sometimes that happens with a deity. I just don’t connect, but with her I thought it was strange because I am probably blood related because of my Welch lines. Either way, I just flowed with it and continued to try and reach out to her in meditation. I would light the Black Sacred Candle with the twist that I added to it (which I often do) because I must be extra, and then the sacred smoke of the same elements and then sitting on the edge of my bed in front of my altar, I invoke the Goddess Rhiannon.
Translation
This day was different. I had pulled the Susan Eleanor Boulet Rhiannon card to read it and look at the art to inspire me. I read about Rhiannon on the card and then I sat in meditation, and she never came. I continued to stay open in my meditative and open space waiting to meet Rhiannon for a message and what came was a beautiful black Pegasus. In my meditation, I was in a space with water and there he was. This magnificent creature. I thought it was so odd. I judged it right away, like why am I seeing a Pegasus when I am calling in Rhiannon.
The Pegasus was for me. It stayed with me for many sessions and throughout my days. It would come to my mind and say hello reminding me that its energy was there for me. My reaction was like, wow…this is beautiful, but I don’t understand.
I need a clear message.
I went to the books. I am a student and there is nothing I can’t figure out with research!
Here is what I found. First, this is what I know about my spirituality: When I see things, they generally don’t make sense to anyone but me because Spirit, the Goddess, my ancestors, my guides, or other people’s spirits speak to me in ways that they think I will understand. They could show me some weird ass shit and with some thought and processing I will get it, but it might not make sense to anyone but me. I’m good with that, but it can be frustrating because I want empirical evidence.
Sometimes there are no answers, and it is just a feeling and I have learned to just trust that too.
The other thing that happens is that some time needs to pass before I can understand. I have the worst time waiting for things. I want the answers like yesterday. In prefacing with all this…here is the ride.
The Connection
I know Rhiannon is associated with the horse as so many other Goddesses are, so I went searching. She rides an unmistakable White horse, not a Black Pegasus. I found the meaning behind the energy of the horse that I resonated with the most to be about work and resilience. The horse has long been a companion for us humans and helped in many ways, so the energy of strength and power for sure matches with my Black Pegasus that I saw in meditation, but a Pegasus is not a horse.
A Pegasus is different and has different energy.
The Pegasus energy is magical and dreamlike. It is like seeing a lightning bolt and that’s what I imagine it would feel like to touch. The horse is an Earth and water creature, and the Pegasus is land, sea, and sky. When I looked up Pegasus, I found Medusa. While doing some research I found a blog that summed up the research on Pegasus that I found quite fitting. It was found on a site called MYTHOS (I will post the link below), but it had no author, so I could not site it correctly:
“While the term ‘Pegasus’ is now used as a general word for a species of winged horse, the first winged horse of Greek myth, was actually named Pegasus. The flying horse was born from the blood of Medusa, after she was decapitated by Perseus. In some versions of the legend, Pegasus was also the son of Poseidon, making him half-god. Pegasus was tamed by Bellerophon who would often fly on the horse’s back. One day, Bellerophon decided to fly up to the heavens, and take his place among the gods. Unfortunately, Bellerophon fell off Pegasus’ back halfway there. Not noticing, Pegasus continued on to Olympus, and Bellerophon died. Perhaps due to his father being the god of the ocean, Pegasus was often associated with water – in particular springs and fountains. His name is derived from the word, ‘pēgē’, meaning spring, and he was thought to have created the mountain spring Hippocrene, which was sacred to the Muses.”
Of course, I found you again my Queen, or let me rephrase, you never leave me. When Medusa was slain, the winged horse Pegasus sprang from her blood. Pegasus is a symbol of regeneration. A Pegasus is like a Phoenix that represents both life and death simultaneously. To me this creature is liminal and resides between the worlds helping us to transmute our grief into power. Pegasus is instinct, wisdom, life force, and intuitive understanding. When I searched my heart, I knew why this Pegasus was here for me. He was here to help me once again understand the beautiful ceremony of loss, but not just taking the loss, but to make the loss into a gain.
A Personal Experience
It was just recently a day to celebrate love and I am a single lady. I have been in this on again off again relationship for the last 5 years. The first 2 years it was on, and everything was all right. Then it was wrong. Well, the old me, yes, the one with her head cut off, stayed and tried to make things change because the love that was there was so good when it was there. This last November, I had sewn my head back on again because he swore, he was done with his madness and he needed my protection, so of course I gave it to him, like I always did.
In December, my head went flying again off his blade.
This time it was severed and there is just so many times you can patch up a rag doll. I don’t want to be a rag doll anymore. Thank you, DGC and all the amazing women who carried me, through that time! He was gone and out of my life for a month or so before he came back around and this time, I had a new head on my shoulders. I was not going to be slain again. I did spend time with him, but it was on my terms, and I paid no price. I had no expectations of change, and I did not lose myself to the intoxication of my desire to be loved. My feet stayed firmly planted in reality. These last couple of weeks have been hard because I want things to be different. I have drifted off into fantasy about maybe this could be different or this. But no.
Black Pegasus shows me:
THERE IS NO WAY BACK ONLY FORWARD.
How do you bring life from death? You show the fuck up. You do your best. You allow the anger. You allow the sadness. You put one foot in front of the other. You date yourself. You cry. You scream. You sleep a lot. You write in your journal. You bathe in salts and herbs that make you feel like a Goddess. You paint your nails. You light your candles and sacred smoke, and you meditate. You carve out time for you.
YOU GO THROUGH IT NOT AROUND IT.
You eat the fucking chocolate. You remember all the sweetness. You cry some more. You make a gratitude list. You say thank you. You put your needs first. You don’t look back. You paint. You listen to sad ass songs. You burn. You ache. You drink lots of water. Most importantly you know the truth about what has happened and that is that the love is not gone but moved on. You change your space and clean everything. You do shit that makes you happy.
YOU TAKE YOUR POWER BACK!!!!
My Black Pegasus made rivers of tears for me. They wash over me and cleanse my steps forward now. I am reborn. No man can slay me. EVER AGAIN. I am my partner. I have changed my whole mindset on love. It’s like this. If I love someone, it’s ok to spend time with them, but never have any expectations that it will lead to anything more than that moment. Being present is the hardest thing to do when you are wounded. It is a mindful practice. At first it is uncomfortable af and I may screw up, but I have been doing that for years. I may be graduating soon!
A Final Note: Love & The Goddess
Love is not promised just like tomorrow isn’t. There are no guarantees. Disney fucking lied and so did all the romcoms of the 90’s. I am awake. I will never sell out again. The messages are not just coming from the Black Pegasus, but also others. Rhiannon stands in the center. She is not a Goddess who would hide or stand off to the side. She is a Goddess of death and the waning moon, so in some ways she is a transmuter herself.
To me she is a protectress and a guide.
She herself may not have come to me in a vision, but she is the one who brought me back to working with Medusa and now the Black Pegasus. I am sure in the days to come I will continue to be guided. I am so grateful for my connection with Rhiannon whatever shape it takes.
Blessed Be
Rayne Mcloughlin
Resource: Magical Horses from Around the World (mythosblog.org)
Daffodil: Rhiannon and Spring Time Maidens
A Dive into Daffodil by Juliette S. of Dark Goddess Collective
Daffodils are one of the first flowers to show their faces in the spring and I am so excited to introduce this cheerful flower as Spring approaches and we dive into Rhiannon (and I had to add some others in here too!).
“And now here come the daffodils,
The trumpeters of spring,
All tooting joy, which thrills and thrills,
The while again they bring
Their happiest note attuned with cheer
To tell that spring is truly here.” Charles A. Heath
“Dancing Daffodils” by Lily Chang
“Is it the butterflies or the glorious Daffodils that keep these kittens spellbound?”
I am so happy I held onto this plate because it is full of so many of my favorite nature spirits. You all know how much I love plants and flowers. The butterflies are another symbol that I hold close to my heart and every spring I am reminded of transformation and the cycle of rebirth once again turns the wheel.
We can imagine how much Demeter rejoiced seeing her daughter Persephone after being parted for so long. When I think of their story, my first thoughts are of Persephone and the underworld and her mother frantic to find her. I also think of Hekate and her cave and how she was friend to both. This picture reminds me that there is so much more to their story. Persephone climbs from the depths of the underworld to her mother where the trees and flowers are blooming. It is almost as if the daffodils heads are tilted with their trumpet faces calling Persephone back to where her mother is waiting. I can feel their call and hear their song.
Rulership and Correspondences
Planetary Ruler: Venus, Yellow Daffodils can also be associated with Mars.
Elemental Ruler: Water
Zodiacal Ruler: Virgo, March flower: Pisces and Aries
Chakra Association: Solar plexus
Goddess Associations: Rhiannon, Isis (to invoke her maiden form), Persephone was picking Narcissus flowers when she was abducted. The flower is sacred to Persephone and Demeter. Greek Gods Narcissus and Apollo.
Colors: Yellow flowers represent joy and friendship.
Stones: Peridot, March birthstone Aquamarine
Tarot: Hermit card
Witchcrafting:
The occurrence of wild daffodils is sometimes said to indicate the former site of a spiritual hub. (Wingington)
Resilience: “Take the last daffodil standing (after the other daffodils have bloomed out) and carry the petals in a sachet to increase personal resiliency. Mix crushed petals and pollen with a person curio (hair, saliva, etc.) and anoint a red candle for your own Magickal resilience.” Webber
For self-love: “Add a few daffodil petals to your ritual bath, along with a hefty scoop of sea-salt and some apple-cider vinegar. This is best on a New Moon. Do so with the intention of banishing harmful self-criticism and bringing in self-compassion and self-love.” Webber
Regeneration: You can weave a spell when you plant your daffodils. You can tell them to regenerate things such as blessings, luck, fertility, prosperity, and creativity as they regenerate.
Bouquets of Daffodils in the home or altar can bring abundance and good luck. Be sure to give a bouquet of daffodils to friends for good luck because giving just one can bring bad luck. It is also bad luck to spot a single daffodil, but good luck to see the first daffodil of spring.
Oh if I could be surrounded in a field of daffodils drinking violet tea right now my heart would sing. Winter has been heavy this year and now that I can see the leaf tips of the daffodils breaking through the soil, I feel a sense of power, a hope for new beginnings, and an abundant year.
Enjoy! ~ Juliette
Resources on Daffodil:
- Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham
- The Master Book of Herbalism by Paul Beyerl
- https://www.whats-your-sign.com/symbolic-daffodil-meanings.html
- https://www.patheos.com/blogs/doubletoilandresist/2019/03/using-daffodils-inmagick/ Courtney Webber
- Wigington, Patti. “Daffodil Magic, Legends, and Folklore.” Learn Religions, Aug.
- 29, 2020, learnreligions.com/daffodil-magic-legends-and-folklore-4000607
- https://www.poison.org/articles/daffodils#:~:text=All%20parts%20of%20the%20
- daffodil,resolve%20within%20a%20few%20hours. Mekonnen
A Personal Connection – Not Always Fun
A personal experience by Kaycee Reeves
I am very much a collaborator but I am also not one to ask for help. Pick a reason, any reason! From worthiness to an inability to express my needs for fear of being seen as demanding to wanting to expand my capacity to hold the tension of it all, sometimes a Goddess is right on time to teach a lesson in Sovereignty and community.
Reciprocity, Trust, and Letting Go
This has been a pretty big growing pain for me and that means it’s also an amazing opportunity to learn. One of those things is learning that it’s acceptable to ask for help when I need it and to walk what I talk: I always say we’re building this space together and that means it’s ok to let others actually do that!
I have had to step back and recognize that this IS a collective of amazing witches that have so much magic. It’s time to stop hiding that. We can do so much more magic together if I stop thinking I need to carry it all always.
The Lesson
It started with a series events, one after the other, from physical safety to health to stress overload and another death in the family. And all I could think about was what needed to be done so I didn’t let everyone down.
Yet here we are, with an Anthology that is the most collaborative yet and it was the most fun to do. All of us just stepping in together and talking, showing up for each other, and connecting. Sometimes, Rhiannon reminds us that we are in the way of the beauty of the rays creating the abundance we seek!
A Candle & Key,
Kaycee
Resources:
Bolen, J. S. (1984). Goddesses in everywoman: A new psychology of women. Harper & Row.
Campbell, J., & Rossi, S. (2013). Goddesses: mysteries of the feminine divine. Novato, California, Joseph Campbell Foundation.
Jung, C. G. (1934–1954), The Archetypes and The Collective Unconscious, Collected Works, vol. 9 (2 ed.), Princeton, NJ: Bollingen (published 1981), ISBN0-691-01833-2
Turnbull, L. (2023). Rhiannon: Celtic Goddess Of The Sun, Horses And Inspiration. Reviewed 02/28/2023.
FEATURE IMAGE CREDIT: Pixabay
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