In an effort to demonstrate that Celtic tribes are different in their worship of gods and goddesses (as well as in many other areas) I will now list several of the deities from the Avernii tribe, which is the main tribe from which my family is descended. When I refer to a deity being the "son" or "daughter" of another deity, this does not mean the same as it would if we were talking about the Greek pantheon, for example. Most Celts, being more heroic-oriented in their concept of deities, placed less emphasis on the relationships of the deities and more on their abilities. When I use the term "daughter" or "son", this is simply to show that the deity has similar characteristics to its "parent" deity. One can also assume that the "parent" and "child" deity will be compatible when working together.

Akurime (ak ur eem') or (ak ur eem' uh)

goddess of life, love, beauty

It is said that in the beginning, when the Source was new-formed, one of the first aspects that it took upon itself was that of a loving, nurturing goddess, who was so beautiful that the stars themselves would weep. This goddess is called Akurime by our people. Her companion first aspects are Kairn, Lakhnois, Tasimea, Oghami, and Haskiti. These deities are also said to be the progenitors of the rest of the goddesses and gods. Akurime is credited with the formation of life and all living things.

Offerings to Akurime include things of beauty, an act of love, or in extreme cases a small drop of your own life blood (she would be extremely upset at shedding other people's blood). Both males and females worship Akurime, and she can be honored both privately or in groups. (Sex can be considered an offering or honoring to her ONLY when it is an act of love.) Akurime is called upon when love is threatened or celebrated, when beauty is lost or gained, and when life is renewed or lost.

Basihea (baz ee hay'-uh) (or Bakeahi) (bak ay'-uh hi)

goddess of sky, flying, birds

Born when the Source created Earth, Basihea is sometimes considered a sister goddess to Kreaheg, though the two often seem at odds. She is often considered to be the female equivalent to Oghami, for she is the knower of many secrets and knowledges. She is responsible for the maintenance of the sky and all that dwell within it, and she is also credited with the creation of birds.

Offerings to Basihea can be such things as secrets or knowledge, feathers or flying things. (No, this does not mean sacrifice a bird...flying things such as the winged seeds from certain trees, or paper airplanes, etc.) Basihea is worshipped mostly by women, though some men do call upon her. She is honored mostly in private ceremonies, as her secretive nature would shun large groups. Ways to honor Basihea would be bird or cloud watching, or flying in an airplane (or other aerial vehicle). Basihea is called upon when you might wish to know a secret, when you plan to do aerial travel, or when you wish to communicate with birds or other flying creatures.

Brighid (brig heed')

goddess of fire, poetry, inspiration

Considered to be the daughter of Oghami, she is the incarnation of the imaginative spirit. From her it is said that all poems are sprung, and all great tales owe their crafting to her. Songs are her breath, music is her voice, fire is her eyes. She is considered to be one of the most beautiful of the incarnations of the Source. She was born from the need of humans to maintain knowledges so that they could always be remembered and passed on. She is also said to be the goddess of dreams, and often visits those who need her aid through the dream realm.

Offerings to Brighid might include a story, song, poem, play, book, painting, sculpture, or any inspired craftwork. She is worshipped equally by men and women, and honored most often in group ceremonies, though private offerings can also be made. Brighid is called upon when you are about to tell a story, compose any art, perform in a play, or to help inspire an imaginative or new way of doing something. She is also called upon whenever Fire is needed for a purpose.

Eposia (ep o' zhuh) (or Epona)

goddess of horses, animals, travel, healing of animals

She is said to be the daughter of Kairn. Her talents lie mainly within communication with animals (specifically horses), and she is also considered the patron deity of travel and migration. She is also in charge of healing animals. She watches over wanderers, fools, and innocents.

Offerings to Epona might include helping an animal, freeing animals from oppressive or abusive situations, or giving a home to an animal. One can honor her by undertaking a pilgrimage specifically in her name. Riding a horse without bridle or other tack can also be an offering to Epona. She is mostly worshipped by men, those who work with horses (horse healers, farriers, etc. of either gender), and scouts and those who travel extensively. She is honored mostly in individual private ceremonies, though some groups ceremonies are held. Epona is called upon when dealing with horses or other animals, when a journey is about to be made, or when healing is about to be done.

Goibhnu (guv' noo)

god of smiths, metalworking, fire, strength

Haskiti (has kee' tee) (or Hamsidi) (hom see' dee)

god of water (including oceans, rivers, seas, lakes)

Kairn (kayrn) (or Kairnunos) (kayr noo' nos)

god of the hunt, animals, Nature, men

Kreaheg (krah' heg)

deity (uncertain/no gender) of the Earth, metal, stone, trees

Lakhnois (lak' nos)

god of darkness, destruction

Machiea (mak ee' uh)

goddess of healing, herbs, blood

Oghami (o ham' �) or (og' �m)

god of wisdom, strength, charm, persuasion

Rusidheumidd (ruz idh' hayom ith) (or Rusid) (ruz' idh)

deity (uncertain/no gender) of war

Tasimea (t� sim' �) (or Tachitus) (tach' ee tus)

goddess of women, hearth, home, motherhood