Cover image for Dublin Inquirer print edition #123

June is deeply associated with Áine, the Irish goddess of summer, fertility, love, and sovereignty, whose presence is especially felt around the midsummer season. Closely linked to the landscape of County Limerick and the sacred waters of Lough Gur, Áine embodies both the life-giving warmth of the sun and the cyclical mysteries of the moon.

In this artwork, she is represented through a selection of symbolic flowers: golden canola blossoms, meadowsweet, and primroses. The bright yellow florals evoke her solar aspect, reflecting sunlight, abundance, and the flourishing of the land at the height of summer, while the softer primroses and meadowsweet connect her to the natural beauty and folklore of the Irish countryside. Encircling these blooms is a four-phase moon frame, honouring Áine's lunar dimension and the rhythms of growth, renewal, and feminine power. The rich blue background recalls the waters of Lough Gur, her legendary dwelling place, creating a visual balance between sun and moon, land and water, and celebrating Áine's enduring connection to June and the vibrant energy of the Irish summer.

I am a designer and illustrator who draws inspiration from the natural flora and fauna around us, as well as local tales and stories, to create artworks steeped in symbolism and storytelling. You can find me on Instagram @ells_art_design, where you can see more of my work.