Macha

She appears to me often, as a beautiful woman with long brown hair, green eyes, and freckles. The vibe that she has been through so much pain and shame is instantly felt, but also that she is a warrior, and a champion of justice-that can't be held down long. 

Macha

Pantheon: Irish

Patroness of: Justice, battle, the land

 

 Macha is one of my very, very, special deities. She has always been with me and no doubt is one of my patronesses. I resonate so much with her that it's almost spooky. I am a shame and abuse victim, a long distance runner, and a Criminal Justice major-of course I see myself as kin to Macha.

A formidable warrior, Macha was the wife of an Ulster farmer. One day it was boasted that she could outrun the king's horses. Macha was brought before the king to see if this claim was true. However, she was heavily pregnant with twins. Her pleas that the race be postponed until after she had delivered fell upon deaf ears.

Macha raced the king's horses and ran-and gave birth to twins on the finish line. Overcome with humiliation, she cursed the men of Ulster to suffer the pains of childbirth every time they were called away to battle. It is then said that she gathered up her twins and ran into the woods...never to be seen or heard from again.

What happened to Macha and her twins? Makes a basis for a good novel...doesn't it? ;)