Queen Maeve, often spelled Medb or Mabh (and pronounced “may-vuh” or “mave”), is a legendary figure from Irish mythology, frequently referred to as the Irish Faery Queen or Queen of the Fairies.
She is one of the most powerful figures in Irish folklore, known for her rule over Connacht in Western Ireland and her role as a goddess or sovereignty figure associated with war, fertility, and power. Maeve’s story resonates deeply in Irish folklore, where she is both a formidable warrior queen and a mystical figure connected to the natural and faery realms.
Working with Queen Maeve
The best way to connect with Maeve is through her mythology, epithets, and symbols. This lesson of the Goddess’ Temple Course will explore the most important information about her and how to worship Maeve in your personal pagan practice.
Who is Maeve?
Maeve, the bold and ambitious warrior queen of Connacht, strides through the lush hills of Ireland, ever ready for conquest and power.
Draped in a crimson cloak symbolizing her fiery spirit, she wears a regal yet practical gown that allows her the freedom to move through the rugged landscape. A crown rests upon her head, and her attire is adorned with gold and intricate Celtic patterns, emphasizing her status and influence.
In some tales, Maeve is also depicted wearing armor, with weapons close at hand, highlighting her formidable nature and her role as a fierce protector of her people and her land.
- Mythology
- Symbols of Maeve
- Titles and Epithets of Maeve
- Signs of Maeve
- How to Worship Maeve as a Goddess
- Further reading
Mythology of Maeve
The Story of Queen Maeve in The Cattle Raid of Cooley
Maeve, married to Ailill, King of Connacht, discussed their wealth, which turned competitive. She discovered Ailill owned a magnificent brown bull, Finnbhennach, which she lacked. To match or surpass him, Maeve sought Donn Cúailnge, the famed Brown Bull of Cooley, owned by a chieftain in Ulster.
Maeve sent messengers to the bull’s owner with a fair offer. When rejected, she raised an army from Connacht and allies to seize the bull, initiating war against Ulster. Here, the tale introduces Cú Chulainn, Ulster’s hero and one of Ireland’s greatest warriors.
Due to a curse, the men of Ulster fell ill, unable to defend their land. Only Cú Chulainn stood against Maeve, holding off her army with strength and skill. Despite this, Maeve’s determination kept her forces advancing.
Maeve secured the Brown Bull of Cooley, but her triumph was fleeting. Tragically, the Brown Bull and her husband’s bull, Finnbhennach, battled, leading to their deaths. This loss epitomized the futility of Maeve’s ambitions and the devastation of unchecked pride.
Goddess, Queen, or Faery?
Queen Maeve is sometimes connected to the faerie realm in Irish mythology. Though primarily depicted as a mortal queen, she shares characteristics with sovereignty goddesses, who are often linked to the mystical forces of the land and the Otherworld—a realm associated with faeries. Maeve’s connection to sites like Rathcroghan, believed to be a portal to the Otherworld, further supports this association as a Faery Queen.
Symbols of Maeve
Bulls and Cows: Central to the tale of the Cattle Raid of Cooley, cows represent wealth, power,
and her legendary connection to the Táin Bó Cúailnge.
Birds and Squirrels: Medb is frequently depicted with a bird and a squirrel on her shoulders, symbolizing her connection to nature and fertility.
Sacred Tree (Bile Medb): She is associated with a sacred tree known as Bile Medb, reinforcing her role as a fertility figure.
See also: Exploring the Celtic Tree Calendar
Mead: Her name is believed to derive from the Proto-Celtic word for “mead,” an intoxicating drink, highlighting her intoxicating allure and sovereignty.
Titles and Epithets of Maeve
Her name, “Medb,” is believed to derive from the Proto-Celtic *medu- (“mead”) or *medua (“intoxicating”), suggesting meanings like “mead-woman” or “she who intoxicates.”
Throughout various texts and traditions, she is referred to by several names and epithets:
- Medb Lethderg: This epithet translates to “Medb of the Red Side” and is associated with the sovereignty goddess of Tara.
- Medb Cruachna: Meaning “Medb of Cruachan,” this refers to her association with the royal site of Cruachan (now Rathcroghan) in Connacht.
- Queen of Connacht: In the Ulster Cycle, Medb is prominently recognized as the queen of the province of Connacht.
How to Worship Maeve
In ancient Irish tradition, Queen Medb (Maeve) was honored as a sovereignty goddess and warrior queen. While specific festivals for Medb aren’t well-recorded, her link to sites like Rathcroghan suggests that rituals involving offerings and symbolic acts for the land may have celebrated her role in sovereignty.
The Mead Moon, typically the full moon in June, is an ideal time to honor Queen Maeve. This moon, named after the drink of celebration and strength, resonates with Maeve’s energy as a goddess of sovereignty and passion.
Mead Moon Manifestation
Either the June or July full moon, closest to the solstice, is known as the Mead Moon, which celebrates the honey harvest and mead brewing. Cast this spell for manifestations, abundance, and warmth.
Today, Neopagans honor Medb through rituals focused on personal power, sovereignty, and land connection. Practitioners may hold ceremonies at dawn or dusk, offer mead, red wine, or symbols of wealth, and take meditative walks in natural settings to connect with her energy. Reflecting on the tales of the Ulster Cycle helps deepen their bond with her qualities of strength and leadership.
Maeve’s Correspondences
Maeve’s Associations: Sovereignty, power, ambition, fertility, leadership, and independence. She is a patroness of warriors, rulers, and those seeking personal autonomy. Maeve’s realm is connected to the land, power dynamics, and wealth.
Symbols: Mead, the color red, cattle, and the crown.
Animals: Cows, birds, squirrels.
Gems: Garnet, ruby, bloodstone.
Colors: Red, gold, and green.
Genealogy: Often considered a sovereignty goddess, Maeve is sometimes depicted as the daughter of Eochaid Feidlech, a High King of Ireland.
Maeve’s Offerings
Maeve has correspondences that reflect her powerful, independent warrior nature. Creating a deity altar to honor Queen Maeve can be a meaningful way to connect with her energies of power, independence, and feminine strength. Here are some steps and elements you can include:
- Mead or Red Wine: Mead, linked to her name, and red wine are both symbolic of her intoxicating allure and strength.
- Cattle Figurines or Symbols: Since Medb is deeply associated with cattle, a symbol of wealth and power in Irish mythology, offering small cattle figurines or tokens is fitting.
- Weapons or Warrior Symbols: As a fierce warrior, representations of weapons, such as small sword or shield charms, honor her strength and combat prowess.
- Natural Offerings: Fresh wildflowers, herbs, or grains—especially those native to Ireland—symbolize her connection to the land.
- Coins or Symbols of Wealth: Since Medb was known for her wealth and power, coins or other wealth symbols reflect her status.
- Honey and Milk: These represent abundance and nourishment, suitable for a goddess who embodies fertility and prosperity.
- Personal Sovereignty Symbols: Items representing autonomy, such as keys or rings, can symbolize empowerment and personal sovereignty in her honor.
Invocations and Prayers to Maeve
This prayer is intended to invoke the empowering strength of Queen Maeve. It calls upon her guidance, courage, and sovereignty, seeking her influence to inspire resilience and personal power.
Whether spoken during moments of self-doubt or as part of regular spiritual practice, this prayer aims to connect with Maeve’s fierce and protective presence, inviting her qualities of leadership and independence.
“Queen Maeve, warrior of sovereignty and strength,
Grant me the power to stand tall and unyielding.
Bestow upon me your courage, your resilience,
Guide my heart to seek autonomy and truth.
Shield me from those who would weaken my spirit,
And lend me your wisdom to lead and thrive.
In your name, I honor the warrior within,
Seeking your guidance, your strength, your pride.
May your power walk beside me always,
Queen of the land, mighty Maeve, I call to you.“
Further Reading
- The Irish Queen Medb: History, Tradition, and Modern Pagan Practice by Lora O’Brien
- Celtic Queen Maeve and Addiction: An Archetypal Perspective by Sylvia Brinton Perera
- CELT: The Corpus of Electronic Texts for Irish History
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