Andraste
Intention: Approach righteous anger and the fight for justice
Offerings & Symbols
- A hare image (sacred to her, by Roman account)
- A red candle
- Something fought for and defended
Culture: British (Celtic) Domain: Victory, righteous war
Andraste is known through the Roman historian Cassius Dio, who describes Boudica, queen of the Iceni, invoking her before leading a major revolt against Roman occupation; a released hare's direction of flight was reportedly read as an omen from her before battle.
Associations
Righteous war, victory against oppression, omens, fierce defense of one's people.
Ways people honor her (modern)
- Stand up for your community against real injustice, with clear purpose
- Research Boudica's revolt as the primary historical context for her worship
- Reflect on the line between righteous defense and destructive vengeance
- Approach Roman-authored accounts of her with appropriate historical skepticism
Approach any deity with respect and do your own research. Practices vary widely between traditions, and modern devotional practice often goes beyond what survives in ancient sources.
