Aine na gClair: Aine na gClair, pronounced aw-ne, is identified with the Goddess Anu in Ireland. Aine na gClair was worshipped on Midsummer's Eve in County Limerick at a hill called Cnoc Aine. The worshippers would carry torches of hay and straw. After invoking her they would return to their field and pastures to wave the torches over the crops and livestock. Aine na gClair is revered among Irish herbalists and healers and is said to be responsible for the body's life force; to this end, no blood letting was allowed on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday before Lughnasadh Day. |