Áine, the Faery Goddess

Áine of Knockainy, Ain Cliach, Ain of the Light, Áine N’Chliar, Ain Cliar the Bright

Áine (ON-ya) is an Irish Goddess of summer, love, protection, fertility, wealth and sovereignty.
In her role of Moon Goddess, she guards livestock, crops, and cattle.
In her role as Sun Goddess, she could take the form of ‘Lair Derg’, a red mare that no one could outrun, in order to walk among her people.
Also known as a Faery Queen and Love Goddess, she has been known by other names such as the Lady of the Lake, the Goddess of the Earth and Nature, the Goddess of Luck and Magick, and Leanan Sidhe (“Sweetheart of the Sidhe”)
Áine is thought to mean “brightness, glow, joy, radiance, splendour, glory, fame”.
She is associated with Midsummer (Litha, Summer Solstice), however also has sacred days following Lughnasadh.
She is associated with the Sun and Moon, the element Air, the direction South West, and one of the sacred herbs of Druids, Meadowsweet.
Her sacred animals are the red mare, rabbit, and swan.
She is associated with the Irish Province of Munster, specifically County Limerick, where the hill of Knockainy (Cnoc Áine) is found.