Also called Bóand, Boand, Bóinn.
Their story
Boann was the wife of Nechtan, who guarded the well of Segais where the hazels of wisdom dropped their nuts into the water. She went to the well against his rule and walked around it the wrong way, and the water rose up, maimed her and swept her to the sea, forming the River Boyne. By the Dagda she was the mother of Aengus. In Táin Bó Fraích her harper plays the three strains of music, of sorrow, joy and sleep, which are named after her sons.
Best times to give to them
- Imbolc
- Lughnasadh
- when visiting a river
What they like being given
- milk poured on the earth, never into a river
- a song sung by water
- litter picked up from a riverbank
- oatcakes
How to honour them
- Visit a river and sit quietly with it, taking only photos and leaving no trace.
- Help with a river clean-up in her honour.
- Listen to music for sorrow, joy and sleep, as her harper once played.
How they can help you
- seeking wisdom
- creativity
- motherhood
- healing through music
Symbols
- the River Boyne
- the well of Segais
- the white cow
- the salmon
Pouring milk into rivers harms them; offer it on land instead.
Sources
- The Metrical Dindshenchas
- Táin Bó Fraích
- Tochmarc Étaíne
More Celtic goddesses
- Brigid Keeper of the sacred flame
- The Morrígan Great Queen of battle and prophecy
- Danu Mother of the Tuatha Dé Danann
- Rhiannon The queen on the white horse
- Cerridwen Keeper of the cauldron of inspiration
- Epona Great Mare, protector of horses
- Arianrhod Lady of the silver wheel
- Airmed Keeper of the healing herbs