Sisters of the Burning Branch Goddess Gallery Presents...
Blodeuwedd
Blodeuwedd’s Story
Blodeuwedd (Blode-ae-Wehd/Bluh-DIE-Weth),
or Flower Face, is found in Celtic mythology and revered by the Celts. This
story was first written down in the 14th century, and is in the fourth branch
of the Mabinogion. Blodeuwedd was created by the king Math and his nephew
Gwyddion. Math and Gwyddion choose to
create a bride for Llew, who was refused by his mother Arianrhod, and raised by
Gwyddion. Arianrhod had placed 3 gaesa
(challenges) on Llew: he was unable to marry a human woman, wasn’t permitted to
have a name, and wasn’t able to carry weapons. Gwyddion tricks Arianrhod into
giving Llew his name, and then as a magician helps to create an inhuman bride
using the 9 flowers of primrose, bean, broom, meadowsweet, cockle (burdock),
nettle, oak, hawthorn and chestnut.
Blodeuwedd knows that there is a specific way
that Llew can be killed. So she sets
about asking him the details and sharing that information with Gronw. Gronw takes a magic spear, a goat, water, and
a house to attempt to kill Llew.
Injured, Llew shape shifts into eagle, flies to a tree where he sits
until Gwyddion finds him and helps him to recover. After healing and returning to human form,
Llew finds Gronw and kills him, while Gwyddion finds Blodeuwedd and punishes
her by transforming her into an owl.
*Flower Face A Devotional Anthology in Honor of Blodeuwedd
*The Witch in Every Woman
by Laurie Cabot
Blodeuwedd Untold by Joanne Blake - Vimeo Preview
The Story Behind the Story
Many read Blodeuwedd’s story and
automatically see her as a victim, or treacherous and deceitful. How could she betray her husband and her
creators? But when I really look into
the story, I see Blodeuwedd as a Goddess embracing the importance of self, a
Goddess who seeks the power of Sovereignty.
Blue Star Owl speaks of Blodeuwedd in a perfect way by saying, “Her
choices literally drive the seasons, the crops and the fertility of the world
around us. She does not choose to make other people happy, she does not exist
within social expectations. She is a goddess and she does what she needs to do
for herself. It is her control over her choices that allows the world to
flourish. She knows that
her power, which is
greater than that of either Gwydion, Math, Lleu or Gronw, is what truly matters
in order for the world to cycle naturally. And how could I not be drawn by that
power? She is the ultimate feminine choice. Her actions are not to make other
people happy, but to what is right for herself. And I hope in this world, I can
emulate her by living truthfully for myself in the same way. The choices I make
are for me, not because someone tells me to make them. Blodeuwedd seeks
happiness, and while that doesn’t always quite work out the way we might want
it to, that is also life.” (https://bluestarowl.wordpress.com/tag/blodeuwedd/)
Blodeuwedd Charity:
Each year in the UK April 8th is known as
National All is Ours Day. This day is dedicated to remembering to see the
beauty that surrounds each one of us. One of the ways that people go about
serving the days purpose is to help those who are blind by selling geraniums,
which represent solace, and donate the fund
s. Doing good for others in any way is said to help beauty to
bloom in your own soul. This day is meant to help others in need, no matter
what the deed, in honor of Blodeuwedd.
(Patricia Telesco, “365 Goddess: a daily guide to the magic and
inspiration of the goddess”.)
https://orderwhitemoon.org/goddess/blodeuwedd-story/Blodeuwedd2.html
At dawn, go to a quiet place and light some incense that contains one of the 9 flowers of Blodeuwedd. Cast a circle either physically or by envisioning it around you. Close your eyes and call to the Goddess Blodeuwedd and ask her to join you. Chant Her name 9 times: Blodeuwedd, Blodeuwedd, etc. When She appears to you, ask Her to show you in what areas of your life are you doing what others want and not following your own heart? How you can embrace your Feminine Divine and where it is that you need wisdom? Pay attention to what you hear, see, or feel, for Blodeuwedd is wise and wants to share Her clarity and wisdom with you. Once you have the answer, thank her for her Gift to you and open your eyes. Release the circle. Write down Her answers in your journal and try to find ways to incorporate Her guidance into your life.
Nine Blossoms of Blodeuwedd
Bean – a white blossom sacred to the Goddess
and we must seek Her blessings in this creation.
Broom – a yellow blossom to purify and
protect.
Burdock – a bright purple blossom to ward off evil spirits.
Meadow-sweet – Tiny yellow flowers for a
gentle and loving nature.
Primrose – to attract love.
Nettle – to arouse his desire and her
passion.
Hawthorn – to insure she is chaste and not
wanton and bring happiness to him.
Oak – for vigor in his lovemaking and for
many children.
Chestnut – for true and lasting love.
https://broomcloset.wordpress.com/2012/10/16/blodeuwedd-flower-faced-goddess-of-wales/
