Elen of the Ways. Goddess in Celtic mythology protectress of the pathways, whether they are physical mental or spiritual paths. She is Guardian of all who journey.
She is the soul of the forest the creator of tracks and paths the facilitator of human and animal movement. The wellbeing of the land and the movement of the beings that live on that land are Her domain. She bestows balance between the varied energies of the land its fertility and the cycles of our natural world.
She is described to have antlers and long red hair.
You might think why would a goddess have antlers when only male deer have antlers? These ancient goddesses come from a time when people were closely connected with reindeer. They were hunter gatherers and followed the Deer trods of the reindeer in their migratory patterns. They depended on the reindeer for food shelter warm clothing. They survived because of the reindeer.
Both male and female reindeer grow antlers. The antlers begin to grow on males in March or April for females it is May or June. The male loses his antlers at the end of rutting season (late fall) and the females keep theirs until they calf in the spring. They both grow new antlers every year and each year they grow in bigger. The more you know ???? Elen helps you on your journey hence I have decorated her antlers with candles to symbolise her lighting up your mental or physical pathway. She is holding a drum which represents a deep soul journey guided by the sacred and mystical sounds of the drums. Her dress has some plants and a fern on it. Among other things ferns symbolize magic and direction. The drum has an ancient Celtic symbol on it called Triskele. The triskele can be thought to represent motion as all three arms are positioned to make it appear as if it is moving outwards from its center. Movement or motion is believed to signify energies in particular within this celtic symbol the motion of action cycles and progress. Elen of the ways is exactly that protectress of different cycles and progress in your life reminding you to stay on track.
Thank you to everyone who suggested I make her! ??