AINE OF KNOCKAINE

AINE OF KNOCKAINE also known as the Queen of Faeries as well as the Celtic goddess of love. Her story starts in Limerick, Ireland. Áine Chlair, also known as Áine of the Light, she is reputed to be a goddess of both the sun and the moon. While she was in her original role as a Sun Goddess, Áine was nicknamed “bright,” and it was when she was in that role that She was able to shape-shift into becoming “Lair Derg,” the ”Red Mare,” or the horse that never could be outrun.

Áine was daughter of Eogabail of the Tuatha Dé Danann. She was known for her power over crops and animals, and was invoked to improve the fortunes of the farmer. Some farmers during the midsummer, walk through their fields and wave their torches, in the hope that Áine and Her sacred fire might grant them an abundant harvest. Farmers also continue to burn flowers and straw, as another way of honoring Áine, in the hope that She might grant them freedom from illness and evil throughout another turn of the Wheel of the Year. Aine is revered among Irish herbalists and healers and is said to be responsible for the body's life force. Medicinal items associated with Áine for Healing are Angelica Balm, Blackberry, Cowslip, Elder, Fennel, Flax, Garlic, Goat's Rue, Mugwort, Nettle, and Oak; Fertility: Hawthorn, Mistletoe, and Oak; Prosperity: Alfalfa, Ash, and Elder; Protection: Agrimony, Angelica, Ash, Birch, Blackberry, Bladderwrack, Broom, Elder, Fennel, Flax, Holly, Lavender, Mallow, Mistletoe, Mugwort, Nettle, Oak, and Parsley.

There are stories that say King Ailill Olom, a Munster king, forced himself upon the fairy queen. The king acquired the name “Bare Ear” when Áine in her struggles bit off his ear. Áine used her magickal arts to destroy the King his violation of her. She is said to be a defender of women and a avenger of sexual crimes. Aine is also known as the deity of wealth, sovereignty, and the summer. Aine's joyful personality brought her many followers in the Celtic world.