Other Names: Akka, Maan-Eno, Ravdna, Roonikka
Description: Forest Mother, storm and thunder goddess. Consort of the thunder god
Ukko and responsible for rainbows after storms. She was incarnated in the rowan tree or mountain ash. Associated with air, clouds, thunder, rain, plant life. She oversaw the harvest. Rules over childbirth, ease from pain.

Rauni

ORIGIN:

Finland

Rauni, the rowan tree goddess, embodies all inherent powers of this beloved sacred tree, which is integral to Northern magical and spiritual traditions. The rowan, also known as the Witch Tree or Rune Tree, is a small, tough tree able to thrive in very poor soil. Among other metaphysical properties, rowan trees provide spiritual protection.

According to one Finnish creation myth, the rowan (really Rauni in disguise), is Earth’s first tree. In the beginning, Rauni came to Earth and saw that there were no plants. She assumed the form of a rowan tree. Her husband, thunder spirit Ukko, struck her with lightning and she conceived. Rauni and Ukko are the parents of all plants.

• Rauni presides over fertility and childbirth.

• She is the anodyne goddess invoked to heal, minimize, and eliminate pain of all kinds.

FAVOURED PEOPLE:

Herbalists, botanists, rune casters

Sacred site:

The forest

Tree:

Rowan

DAY:

1 May

OFFERINGS:

Water, plant, and maintain rowans.

SEE ALSO:

• Loki

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.