Irish Pantheon

Clíodhna of the Wave

Queen of the Sídhe of Carraig Chlíodhna

The Calling of the Ninth Wave

Clíodhna, fairest of the Tuatha Dé Danann, whose three bright birds sing the wounded into sleep, I stand at the edge of your water. Take from me what I cannot carry and leave it in the deep. Send me the wave that cleanses and not the wave that drowns. Let me love the way the tide returns — reliably, and without being asked twice.

Offered at a shore or with a bowl of salt water; speak it once, then keep silence for the space of nine breaths.

Ideas for Offering

  • Return a shell or stone to the sea for every wish you carry away
  • Keep a bowl of salt water on the altar and change it at each new moon
  • Play music or sing near the water; her birds are honoured by melody
  • Leave apples at the foot of a hawthorn or on a stone in her name

Accepted Offerings

  • Sea water, salt, and sand
  • Shells and sea-worn stones
  • Apples and hazelnuts
  • Cream, butter, and mead poured onto the earth
  • Music, poetry, and lullabies

Offering Taboos

  • Never take from a shore without giving back
  • Do not boast, and do not swear false oaths in her hearing
  • Do not disturb the fairy mound, thorn tree, or well you have dedicated to her
  • Avoid asking her for control over another's heart; she is not bound and will not bind