Goddess of the Week: Elen of the Ways

Here is another lovely picture by Alex of Twitch Photos. The image reminded me of the antlered goddess Elen of the Ways - sometimes called Elen of the Leys.

Pagan Historian Caroline Wise, the leading expert on this ancient British goddess, believes that Elen may originate from the time that reindeer could be found in this land. She was seen as guiding the animals on their migratory routes - and also guiding ancient shaman on spiritual journeys into other realms.

Caroline believes that Elen has appeared in different aspects throughout history - as a green lady of the forests, as a guardian of underground streams, as a Grail maiden and as a bride of kings.

Today she is a goddess of ley hunters and can appear as a guide for those embarking on shamanic journeys or other spiritual quests.

Caroline Wise first wrote about the Goddess Elen in her now out-of-print book Elen of the Shimmering Ways, published in 1986 by Spiral Press, and then in the Guide to Legendary London. She has also written two articles about her on Andrew Collin's website at http://www.andrewcollins.com/page/articles/elen_1.htm and http://www.andrewcollins.com/page/articles/elen_2.htm. These are well worth reading if you are interested in finding out more about Elen of the Ways, the ancient goddess of paths and journeys.

Elen is said to appear in may guises, sometimes unexpectedly, to lead the way to spiritual discoveries. Perhaps that is what Elen is doing here, appearing as a beautiful antlered girl in a woodland setting in Alex's lovely photo.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.andrewcollins.com/page/articles/elen_1.htm
http://www.andrewcollins.com/page/articles/elen_2.htm
http://www.seawitchartist.com/Elen-of-the-Ways-AntleredGodess.htm
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/05/pagan-eye-beltane.html
Guide to Legendary London
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/09/review-londons-ley-lines-pathways-of.html