In store, we have a large selection of stunning statues of deities from many religions/faith paths. Weekly, I’ll be introducing you to each deity we stock and provide a little information on their significance.
The first deity to be discussed is Arianrhod, the Goddess of Time and Fate in Welsh mythology. Although not a very widely known deity such as The Morrigan, Ceridwen and Rhiannon, Arianrhod is an important figure in Welsh mythology. As the
Mother of Fertility and Rebirth, she is an equivalent to the Norse goddesses Freyja- to be mentioned in a later post- and Idun. Although known as the ‘Virgin Goddess’, Arianrhod was commonly prayed to by women during childbirth for protection and the health of their babies. Arianrhod is usually depicted as a young woman with long, plaited hair- the typical depiction of a young maiden as often seen in Maiden, Mother and Crone depictions- although in Welsh mythology she signifies the ‘Mother’ aspect of the Triple Goddess. Arianhrod is often linked to sexual energies and practices- in particular the feminine and feminine strength without the necessity for a male counterpart.
Arianrhod is often depicted holding a wheel engraved with the seasons- Beltane, Lughnasdha, Imbolc etc- and the astrological star signs. The Wheel, known as either ‘The Silver Wheel’ or ‘The Oar Wheel’, Arianrhod carries signifies her role as the Star Goddess or sometimes the Welsh Moon Goddess. ‘The Oar Wheel’ is a very significant variant of the more commonly seen ‘Wheel of the Year’ as it was used by Arianrhod to carry the souls of the deceased to her heavenly home Corona Borealis. It is interesting that Arianhrod is the Goddess of both fertility, a protector during childbirth and the guider of souls into the afterlife and ‘The Oar Wheel’ may also be used to depict her role in the cycle of life as well as the seasons.
Arianrhod’s home Corona Borealis- the constellation that lies next to the North Star- is believed to be where she would carry the souls of those who died in battle. In the realm of the dead, also known as the ‘Moonland’, Arianrhod would decide the fate of the deceased and would assign their soul to a new life. Much like her protection of women during childbirth, in this realm Arianrhod offers her protection to those being reborn as they transition from one life into the next. Arianrhod plays a significant role in the Welsh prose ‘The Mabinogion’, in which she is seen to punish a man for humiliating her by placing three separate curses on him- with only herself being able to reinstate them. These ‘tynged’- roughly translated to curses- show the power of Arianrhod’s honour and chastity as she continues to curse the boy as each one is broken, thus stripping him of the three characteristics of masculinity; his name, honour in battle, and a wife with which to produce an heir.
The statue of Arianrhod in store features the three things sacred to the goddess- The beech tree, owls and wolves. The beech has been seen for centuries as the tree of new life and new beginnings, whereas the Owl is seen as an omen of death in many cultures. Wolves, however, signify strength, power and kinship with the moon. This stunning statue is detailed with the souls of the deceased included as part of the beech tree's bark, with the owl perched on its branches with painted green leaves and the golden Moonland featured at the top. Two large wolves circle the goddesses’ feet as she holds ‘The Oar Wheel’ aloft on her shoulders. For followers of Welsh mythology and faith or simply as an attractive decoration, this beautiful statue is the perfect way to honour the goddess Arianrhod.
Arianrhod statue- £80
The Mabinogion- £14.99