Nemetona, She of
the Sacred Grove.
The more I experience
the energies of Nemetona the more intrigued I become
about this enigmatic Celtic, Gaulish and Brythonic
Goddess.
She announced herself early last year, when
the labyrinth that I was creating was in the final stages of completion. In an instant I experienced a powerful
connection to my ancient past: as if the sacred grove of antiquity had been transported
from mystic Celtic shores in to this particular, sun- kissed garden that housed
the labyrinth.
Louis le Brocquy’s illustration of The Morrigan
Nemetona stood in
silent appraisal, encircled by a variety of colourful birds in full-throated
melody, and her ceremonial dress perfectly appropriate in the spiralling form
of the labyrinth. According to sources Nemetona has
been depicted as seated and surrounded by three hooded figures and a ram. The three figures represent the Triple
Goddess and the ram is a male fertility symbol often linked to Cernunnos, the horned God
My
experience was very different: she was dressed in silken, corn-coloured robes
that flowed around her bare feet, milky white and edged with delicate pink nails. She was of medium height with a slender frame
and held a graceful pose. Upon her
finely sculpted head was a garland of pale white flowers and her raven black
hair that fell softly around her shoulders, was in deep contrast. Her eyes were sea green and penetrating and
her refined, rose-coloured lips, edged by a gentle and pensive smile. There was
an aura of solemnity around her and, although this vision was fleeting, it was
as detailed as if I had seen her in a painting
For a moment I was a little mystified by my
lack of surprise because Nemetona’s appearance seemed
to me to be completely in order and perfectly natural. What’s more, her gentle presence confirmed
what I had secretly hoped – that this labyrinth, whose foundations lay within a
magical grove, would be protected and blessed by Nemetona’s
energies and offer a complimentary sanctuary for all to share
I have
worked with Nemetona’s energies ever since, calling
forth her presence on many occasions, even when away from the permanent
labyrinth and sacred “Nemeton” named in her honour.
She
willingly clears and purifies any space in preparation for meditation and
ritual, oversees all the ceremonies in which I am involved, bestows protection
and blesses all of my sacred spaces. My
connection grows ever stronger as I celebrate and honour her divine and supportive
Presence.
Goddess Nemetona
Known throughout the Celtic
world as, Goddess Nemetona, ‘The Goddess of the
Sacred Grove’, she is the guardian deity of all sacred places such as circles
and magical groves. Her name is found
inscribed in various parts of
PEREGRINVS
SECVNDI FIL CIVIS TREVER LOVCETIO MARTI ET NEMETONA VSLM
The English translation is
"Peregrinus, son of Secundus,
citizen of the Treveri,¹ for Loucetius
Mars and Nemeto:na, willingly and deservedly
fulfilled his vow."
(RIB 140; altarstone)
This inscription indicates that she
was recognised in the
Also there is evidence to suggest that Nemetona was worshipped by
the Nemetate of northern
Her Associations
Mars Loucetius
Nemetona was
often paired with the Roman god Mars Loucetius, her divine consort, and
has been associated
with Nemain, one of the
Irish triple goddesses of war, also known as The Morrigan.
Morrigan Stone statuette
Sacred
The root of the name Nemetona is nemeton meaning sacred place or sanctuary and the Welsh or Cymric
equivalent is Llannerch
(wooded enclosure) from which Llan is derived,
the name for a church enclosure. and the basis of many
place names in
It has been said that “Groves of Trees were our first
temples”, thus the Goddess Nemetona’s ancient
presence can be felt in many of these sacred places and perhaps her protective
energies may be experienced in each church enclosure and place name beginning
with Llan
The word “Nemeton” is synonymous
with sanctuaries of peace and
intimate spaces, yet this connection can be experienced anywhere we find
ourselves, whenever we feel entirely safe and at peace. This has been
demonstrated to me often during my quiet times of re-connection, especially
when I am in nature or walking the labyrinth.
The Sacred Goddess
Labyrinth of Nemetona
The paths of the Labyrinth are created out of brick pavers
and at its centre I have laid both rose quartz and clear quartz crystals. As I walk towards the centre I sense the
energetic hum created by the crystals and often the vibration is such that I
feel as though I am floating.
When I visit the Sacred Goddess Labyrinth of Nemetona, whether I walk its spiral paths or sit quietly
within the intimacy of “the sacred grove”, I am consistently able to find my
personal Nemeton.
It is here, within my inner temple, where I can feel my
true connection to the earth and nature, experience balance and feel touched by
the reassuring energies of Nemetona.
The Sacred Goddess Labyrinth of Nemetona
is open for individual walks and sacred ceremonies such as those celebrated at Full
Moon, Solstices and Equinoxes.
Please phone Helen for further details
041 368 3006 / 082 802 1799
www.zenzile.co.za
