Arianrhod and the Silver Wheel [Stories from My Altars]
I have a complex relationship with the archetype of Arianrhod—for reasons it would take an astronomical amount of explanation to get into. But suffice it to say, she’s been around in my life for many years now, and her presence came with some fantastic synchronicities.
A Shared Vision
In one of my first journeys where I met Arianrhod, I found myself in a grand library—my own library—somewhere within her great tower.
Even as a person with moderate aphantasia (mind blindness), even though I couldn’t see in my mind’s eye, I had this storybook picture painted in words: the way the moon sat above her tower, the silver Wheel of the Year carved into the front, the sense of colors, the interior drapery, the rooms, the grand halls.
After my internal journey experience, I went on to do a Google search to see if Arianrhod had any particular associations, and I found a blog from another woman who had experienced more or less the exact same vision of Arianrhod’s tower as I had. This was at a time when I was beginning to understand and study collective consciousness and shared symbolism—how in shamanic journey work, there are locations that many people experience: the river of blood, the underworld, the upper realms.
There are so many shared, collective symbols that, if only we talked about these experiences more, if only we gave ourselves permission to be fully spiritually ourselves, we might come into these moments of magical synchronicity and incredible symbolism
This statue of Arianrhod sits on my bedroom altar. She has been with me many years now, a constant reminder of my dedication to my work in the world.
Who Is Arianrhod?
Arianrhod is a Welsh goddess. Her name means “silver wheel.” She is the goddess of the Wheel of the Year. Fun fact—my first Wheel of the Year online program was called “The Silver Wheel Spiritual Circle.”
You can see in her statue that she’s literally holding the Wheel of the Year—the depiction of the eight seasonal holidays. She’s associated with the moon, stars, reincarnation, and destiny. So it’s literally no surprise why I absolutely love her.
She has an owl—one of my sacred animals since I was a child because I associated them with my paternal grandmother. Then, there are the wolves at the base, standing around her feet. I also have a special connection to wolves, as wolf represents one of my inner animal allies in the astral and spiritual realm.
The Corona Borealis constellation is where it is said Arianrhod’s mythical castle lies, and I’m hoping someday to be able to visit Caer Arianrhod in Wales.
Working With Her Energy
Have you ever had any association with Arianrhod?
Are you curious to learn more about her?
There is so much goodness in working with her. She is considered by many to be a feminine power, moon goddess, and a celestial mother goddess.
When it comes to goddess energy: Are these real entities? Perhaps.
Are they archetypes we can work with? Most assuredly.
So whether you believe in one god, the universe, you’re an atheist, etc., these symbols are still very powerful for us to work with. Working with archetypal energy can help us understand different pieces of ourselves.
I’ve found her to be an ascended master, divine presence, or archetype that comes with a little bit of maternal firmness and a bit of umph behind her energy. She doesn’t play lightly, though in my experience, she is absolutely encouraging of us embracing our magic along with the mysticism and wonder that is available to us.
No doubt, my work and associations with her have continued to build my sense of desire, importance, and meaning around doing moon ceremonies and following in the Wheel of the Year. I started working with her around 2015. I had started working with Brigid perhaps the year prior. Arianrhod brought in a layer of sparkle to my life, like laying down a blanket of stars for me to rest on.
As we move towards this time of year when we perceive collectively the veil thinning, this is really a potent time to work with such a figure—to really tune in to what is available in the realms of symbolism. Arianrhod was said to be responsible for the souls of warriors who fell in battle. I really think this is a great time of year to connect with her as we move towards the ancestral season, because she presides over the fates of departed souls and nurtures their journey between lives.
Her Story and Her Power
Her story is the story of too many women: women deceived and/or forced to do things that they do not want to do, such as give birth or get married. There are lots of themes in Arianrhod’s story about the stripping of virginity without consent and the power of a woman’s wrath—her rage when she was violated and her boundaries were disrespected.
She invites us to really look into the depths of our own soul, the darkest places, the past lives, and to release that past so we can allow ourselves to step into a time of rebirth.
There are infinite possibilities within the stars—within the realms beyond which we cannot even begin to fathom. But when we open our minds, when we open our hearts, and when we open our souls to our true spiritual expression, just about anything is possible.
I’d love to hear from you: Have you worked with Arianrhod?
What has your experience been with goddess archetypes or the Wheel of the Year? Share in the comments below.
I hope you enjoyed this snapshot into one of the special items amongst my altar spaces! If I were living a completely non-modern life and did not possess STUFF, I imagine it would look quite different, but I do love the beauty available to us with our capacity to create!
Until tomorrow—
All My Love,
Safrianna the Magical
Speaking of ancestors, the veil, and following the Wheel of the Year...
The veil between worlds is thinnest at Samhain—and so is the veil between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming. Just as Arianrhod presides over departed souls and nurtures their journey between lives, this season invites you to receive the courage, wisdom, and revolutionary spirit that runs in your bloodline.
Your ancestors survived so you could thrive. They worked, fought, and dreamed so you could live the bold, aligned life they made possible. What if the spiritual parts of you—the parts that connect with goddess archetypes, honor the wheel of the seasons, and embrace mysticism—are exactly what your lineage has been hoping you’d embrace?
Join me and Dr. Melissa Bird for Between the Veils: 8 Days of Revolutionary Awakening (October 27 - November 3, 2025)
Eight days of soul-liberating transmissions, a live Samhain ritual, personalized oracle guidance, and lifetime access to all materials—designed to help you connect with your spirit without guilt, fear, or apology.
Not sure these 8 days are for you?
Join us live or in replay on October 15th at 11AM Eastern for a Q&A session. Have a question but can’t make it live? Drop it in the comments or email me at Guide@Safrianna.com. :)
