The legend of Gobnait, patron saint of Bees and Bee Keepers, in ireland is well known. She was told that when she saw 9 white deer she would know the land upon which she would build her abbey, which was Balleyvourney in County Cork. Celtic lore says that the soul leaves the body in the form of a bee or butterfly, so these insects were highly regarded.
One legend tells that Gobnait had such a intimate relationship with the bees that they would go where she asked them and they protected her, the abbey and the town from marauders from County Kerry when she sent the bees to swarm them and sting their eyes.
According to oral tradition, Gobnait originated from Inis Oir, the smallest of the Aran Islands, And angel appeared to her and told her she would see 9 white deer grazing at the "place of her resurrection"
As she traveld south, she made impressions on various places including county Clare and the Dingle Pennensula, county Kerry, which are marked with holy wells.
Gobnait is also known as Deborah, which is derived from the Hebrew work for Bee.
For me, in this painting, I have imagined Gobnait as grandmother/crone/goddess/healing well waters with her bees. She wears a bee hive crown, honey comb breast plate, and the waters of the well rise around her shoulders. She is wise, generous, strong, and understands that while she is still an imprortant part of this world, she is also becoming part of the next. The bees, ever present, will lead the way for her soul to travel when it is time. Until then, Gobnait in her late years, will guide us to care for our environment and the bees, guide our children to do the same and honor our lives with gratitude and generosity and kindness.
