The goddess Epona was revered and worshiped by the ancient Celtic people as a loving protector of horses, donkeys and other animals. Commonly represented as a horse figure, a mare and foal or as a woman on horseback, she was also a goddess of fertility, re-birth and abundance. Although originally a Celtic goddess, she was eventually accepted by the Romans who saw her more as a protector of their cavalry.

The name Epona comes from the later Iron Age language of Gaulish. Gaulish was a Celtic language spoken throughout most of the northwest area of continental Europe. In the Gaulish language, Epos meant horse and Epa was the feminine equivalent that meant a female horse, also known as a mare. The component of “on” found in the name Epona was often found in the names of Gaulish and Gallo-Roman goddesses and gods such as Matrona, Divona and Carnonos. So, by putting these together, the meaning of the name Epona is “divine mare” or “she who is like a mare”.

-Signs and symbols of Epona
Sacred animals- Horses, especially mares and foals. Also birds and dogs.
Images- horse figures or images, cornucopia
Plant- Roses, rosebuds and rose garlands
Incense- Rose, sandalwood
Fruit- the apple is the most common fruit offering to Epona, but a basket of fruits is also a good offering.

-Festival Day (based on the Roman Calendar) December 18th