Today's Goddess: - Macha

Bonfire Night ( Scotland )

Themes:  Victory; Success; Protection; Fertility; Fire

Symbols:  Red Items; Acorn; Crow

About Macha:  Macha means "mighty one".  Macha used her potency to clear the land for wheat, giving her associations with fertility.  She also used her might to protect the Celts' lands against invaders, thereby becoming a war goddess and guardian.  Art shows her dressed in red (a color abhorrent to evil) and with blazing red hair, forever chasing off any malevolence that threatens her children's success.

To Do Today:  Taking place around this date, this festival originally had strong pagan overtones, the fires being lit specifically for ritual offerings that pleased the gods and goddesses and invoked their blessing.  Additionally, the bright, red fire looked much like Macha's streaming hair, and thus it banished any evil spirits from the earth.  So don any red-colored clothing today, or maybe temporarily dye your hair red to commemorate this Goddess and draw her protective energies to your side.  Eating red foods (like red peppers) is another alternative for internalizing Macha's victorious power and overcoming any obstacle standing in your way.

Or, find some acorns and keep them in a Macha fetish bag (any natural-fiber drawstring bag).  Anytime you want her power to manifest, simply plant the acorn and express your wish to it.  Macha's potential is in that acorn, ready to sprout!

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