Women in Celtic Folklore and Mythology

In honor of International Women's Day (I know...I'm late), I'd like to talk about the women in Celtic Folklore and Mythology. Specifically, I want to talk to the role these women played in days gone by.

See, interestingly, women in days gone by were treated as equal to men in almost every way. They were warriors and rulers in addition to being healers, midwives, mothers and wives. There were not as many gender roles in the early days of our human existence. Yet, even with that in mind, they were revered and respected. Sounds like a utopian situation for women, doesn't it?

What happened since those days? First, women were put into traditional roles then they fought to be able to do the things they did in years gone by. Makes no sense, does it?

I recently did a workshop with two amazing authors on Celtic Folklore at the local bookstore where I'm a co-owner. It was interesting hearing the stories and how for every female, there was an equivalent male corresponding with her. It was a good reminder of balance and equality.

One of the other things about the Celtic women was that there were the same goddesses and women in both Scottish and Irish folklore with the same function but different names. All of these figures became a thing of history when Christianity overtook the original Paganism of the region, with only one--Bridget--remaining but becoming one of the Irish saints.

If you would like to know more about each of these amazing Celtic females, I will be having an online workshop in the near future. Please keep an eye out and I'd love to have you join me!

Blessed be to all the women out there and the men who stand beside them!