E is for Epona

"A horse is the projection of people's dreams about themselves - strong, powerful, beautiful, and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence."

-Pam Brown-

Epona is a Celtic Goddess, and seen as a protector of horses. Her name actually means "on horse," which hints directly to her meaning. Though Epona is a Celtic Goddess, her worship quickly spread to many different areas. In a way, she was a popular Goddess, probably due to her link to travel. Of course, when this happens, many cultures interpret the Goddess in a different way. Because of this, Epona is also known as Rhiannon and Macha. Each name brought with it a different aspect, a different culture, and different depictions. Today, this leaves worshipping Epona open to a few different areas. Some worship Epona specifically as a horse goddess, while others see her as a protector of all animals. 

 Getting to know Epona as Macha is a little difficult. Macha's name itself means plain, or field. This connects Macha to the fertility of the land. Much like Epona, Macha captures a link with fertility. Unlike Epona though, Macha also represents an aspect of battle. She is a Warrior Goddess, and it is this part of her that spread her fame in Rome. During battle, Epona was said to protect the horse and its rider. The Celts strongly placed their battles success then on Epona. It wasn't long before her fame spread through Rome, and both Epona and Macha became known under a different name altogether. A good way to tell the difference between Macha and Epona though, is the animal. Macha is often linked with crows, while Epona is still strongly linked to the horse.

Rhiannon is another Goddess that became popular in Rome. The name actually means Great Queen, and shows the high regard in which she was worshipped. The link between Macha and Epona, in my opinion, are more balanced in Rhiannon. For, she is a link to the Otherworld. It is her horse that is said to accompany a soul to the Otherworld. There is a great love in Rhiannon, and she can bring comfort to the grieving. Still, she carries with her the fertility of Epona. Rhiannon is also said to be the wrongly accused wife, and can bring comfort to the wronged. With the common link to fertility, she is also a mother figure. Out of all the names, and ways to see Epona, it is Rhiannon that can sometimes wear the most faces. 

The popularity of Epona today, is often found in her link to horses. She speaks to many people who still find that strong bond to a special horse. Still, the animal involved doesn't always have to be a horse. In some practices, Epona is seen merely as a protector of animals. Her love becomes common among animal lovers, as her powers are invoked to protect their beloved pet. One doesn't have to initially have a bond to horses, but merely their representations, in order to feel that bond to Epona. To date, she is one of the more popular Celtic Goddess out there today. Anyone who practices within Celtic circles will no doubt find a friend who in some way, connects to the Goddess Epona. 

My own connection to Epona though, comes in her comforting form. Through my grief, I'm reminded of the mothering comfort one can bring. Epona represents both fertility, but also the death that's a part of life. At times, the freedom finally comes in the freedom of the spirit from the body. This is not an easy journey, but one that we all will someday take. For those left behind at the moment, Epona will remain by our side. As she comforted the soul along its journey, she will comfort those left here behind. While the grief is still so fresh for me, I cannot help but find a bit of comfort in that fact. When any God/dess makes themselves known, it is sometimes not the easiest way to get acquainted with them. 

Whatever name one knows Epona, one can simply know her as the Great Mare. Her loving nature, freedom in life, and comfort to the grieving, will continue to speak out. In Paganism, it isn't always about the deep connections to the God/desses initially formed. At times, it's about getting to know just another piece of the great force that drives our lives. As these God/desses transcended cultures, so too does our recognition of them. The bonds we form are not always strong, but the bond is a necessary one. Epona is a Goddess that can be many things for many people. It is no wonder her popularity has only grown since the time of the Celts. Today, Epona remains a reminder of just how much life can be mixed with death.