The aging process has you firmly in its grasp
if you never get the urge to throw a snowball.
Doug Larson
Epona
Epona is the Celtic Goddess of Horses and is often called "Great Mare" or "The Great Mare". Her worship goes back so far that where She came from is lost in the mists of Time. Worship probably originated in the Gaul territories but was majorly spread by the Roman Calvery. Rome was so impressed by the horsemanship of the Celts that Epona was not only adopted "As Is" but had an official holy on the Roman calander (December 18th).
Because She is associated with horses, many of Her attributes are derived from horses: prosperity, fertility, inspiration and death. There are many many representations of Her, sculpture, freizes, poetry and even faerie tales and Mother Goose. Was Godiva's ride a throwback to Epona's worship and did Mother Goose save a small tidbit of Epona lore in the line: 'Ride a cock-horse to Banbury Cross, to see a fine lady on a white horse, with rings on her fingers and bells on her toes, she shall have music wherever she goes'
Irish kings used to have a birthing ceremony where they were born of Her white mare representation before they could claim their throne. It was often believed that She would visit the mortal realm on a white horse, but no matter how slowly She walked, no man could catch up to Her. In ancient days the king was represented as being married to the Goddess, and She was said to ride with you upon your travels to the afterlife.
Epona is mostly represented with horses, either riding or standing next to them. Occasionally she is showen with dogs and/or three birds, said to be able to bring the dead back to life and end pain and suffering, a cornucopia, goblet and sheafs of corn.
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Brightest of Blessings