Nicnevin

NICNEVIN – THE BONE MOTHER

Nicnevin, Scottish witch goddess, can transform water into rocks and sea into dry land. Her name is believed to derive from the Gaelic Nic an Neamhain, “Daughter of Frenzy.” Nic nevin flies through the night. Although usually invisible, her presence is announced by the cacophony of geese. The Romans identified her with Diana.

Following Scotland’s official conversion to Christianity and brutal witch trials, Nicnevin, a former goddess, was reclassified as both a Fairy and a Demon. (Scotland suffered particularly virulent witch hunts, second in scope only to the German lands in terms of prosecutions and executions.) She is considered the Queen of the Fairies of Fife, Scotland and is among the spirits associated with the Wild Hunt.

ALSO KNOWN AS:

Gyre Carlin

ORIGIN:

Scotland

MANIFESTATION:

Nicnevin manifests as a beautiful woman and a dried out hag. She wears a long gray mantle.

ATTRIBUTE:

Magic wand

ELEMENT

Water

BIRDS:

Geese

DAY:

Samhain (Halloween) is Nicnevin’s sacred night when she grants wishes and answers petitions. She is traditionally honoured with celebratory feasts and toasting. On Samhain, Nicnevin makes herself visible as she flies through the air accompanied by a retinue of witches and honking geese. Rituals are also held in Nicnevin’s honour on November 1.

SEE ALSO:

• Diana
• Fairy
• Nemain
• Wild Hunt

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.