Macha: Mighty Mother and the Curser of the Ulster Men

In this episode, we journey with Macha, Irish Goddess of Sovereignty, Justice and Retribution. We meet a goddess who wants a simple life but gets tangled up in the lives of the Ulstermen when her boastful husband breaks his promise to her and she must race against the horses of King Cormac while heavily pregnant. She is a goddess of fury and power, a fierce protective mother not afraid to use her voice to speak against the injustices of men. She is the power and voice of the earth itself and as we hear her story, that nurturing but ruthless energy might remind us of our own power to create and destroy, and to use our own voices to speak out against the wrongs of the world while it burns around us. We'll also explore some of Macha's historical context and modern relevance, as well as ways to honour her at this time of year and for the Celtic harvest festival Lughnasa. We will then journey into meditation where we will be held in the embrace of the Mother and empowered to use our voices for healing and connection to the Earth. The episode concludes with an original fiddle tune, written and performed by Bronwyn, called Macha's Jig. **Exploring Further:** Read The Debility of the Ulster Men: https://www.maryjones.us/ctexts/debility.html *Pagan Portals - Macha: Meeting the Great Queen of Ulster* by Morgan Daimler *Macha's Twins: A Spiritual Journey with the Celtic Horse Goddess* by Kate Fitzpatrick: **Journal Prompts:** - Where in my life might I be giving away my power just to keep the peace? - Whose voices or opinions am I prioritizing over my own internal guidance? - Where in my life or community do I see injustice or a lack of empathy, and what actions could I take to address it? - How has it felt in my body when I’ve spoken up in the past and what could I do to speak out in a more aligned and embodied, empowered way in the future? **Connect with Bronwyn:** Website: www.bronwynclaireasha.com Instagram: @bronwynclaireasha_ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bronwynclaireashamusic Email: [bronwynclaireasha@gmail.com](mailto:bronwynclaireasha@gmail.com) Note: This podcast is and always will be made entirely free of generative-AI influences. Please consider supporting the creation of this podcast by becoming a Patreon member! https://www.patreon.com/c/JourneyswiththeGoddess