Goddess Archetypes within the Celtic Deities
Although the gods of the Celtic Deities had many different archetypes, the same is not true for the goddesses. The goddesses only had three archetypes, compared to the eight that the gods had. The goddesses worked with the gods to provide energy and they are also seen as land-goddesses of particular regions. The goddesses were very important within the Celtic Deities because the Celts knew that without the female goddesses, life would not survive. Although the goddesses had little impact on political matters, as the gods did, the gods knew that without the goddesses, there would be no life.
The Sovereignty Goddess was often called Epona and she was closely associated with a horse. This was because the Celts knew that horses played a vital role in their victory at war and so, the Sovereignty Goddess was usually shown on a horse or as a horse herself. Most goddesses can fit within the type of a Sovereignty Goddess or a Land Goddess but she will have different traits that are needed for her region and her situation. A Sovereignty Goddess would be able to lead the minds of rulers with respect to the area. However, this goddess is much different than the Virgin Mother who seems to be able to do the same thing. The Virgin Mother however, can do so on a much larger scale.
The Triple Mother was considered to be one of the most revered Celtic Deities because this goddess represented fertility. She was also very symbolic of agriculture. She is considered to be a nurturer and protector throughout her entire life and the three elements represent the three elements of life. These elements are youth, maturity, and old age. She is often represented as three ears of corn, different fruit, different animals, among a number of other things.
The Goddess of War was a warrior and was comprised of three elements. Those elements are destruction, sexuality, and prophecy. This is also the goddess that is most closely associated with the Sovereignty Goddess. She may appear in many different forms including animals or as a crone or a mother. When she appears as a mother, she is thought to represent the life cycle as being life, death, and rebirth. Because they are comprised of three different elements, these three elements need to be completely in line before any prosperity can come from the Goddess of War.