Áine

Offering candles to Áine (pronounced "awn-ya"), Irish goddess of love, fertility, sovereignty, and the sun. She is considered a fairy queen in other traditions and is sometimes seen as a red-haired woman with fairy wings.  Áine is an autonomous spirit, answering only to herself and taking lovers as she chooses, men and spirits alike. One of the more tragic aspects of Áine's story revolves around her relationship with the human nobleman Gearóid Iarla. In some versions of the tale, Áine falls in love with Gearóid and their relationship is depicted as consensual. In others, there are elements of coercion, assault, and betrayal. Overall, her narrative is often recounted for bravery, courage, and to assert one's own agency.  According to the Encyclopedia of Spirits by the renowned author Judika Illess, Áine is one of the main goddess celebrated during Midsummer. In Ireland, abundance and fertility rituals are often performed on Midsummer's Eve in her honor. The festival of Lughnasadh, the f