Fergne here seems to be in the role of the "senior shaman." His magical diagnostic powers enable him to see what is wrong with Óengus and what should be done next about it. He also sees Óengus is destined to be with Caer.¹²³

Much of the story is a sort of tag team. First Fingen diagnoses Óengus, then asks that the Boann be summoned. Boann fails to have the girl found, and so summons the Dagda. The Dagda suggests that they speak with Bodb, who finally locates her.¹²⁴ The same sort of thing occurs when Bodb, then Medb and Ailill, and then even Ethal, the girl's father, say they don't have enough power to give the girl to Óengus.

Ó Cathasaigh has commented on the way the passive and impersonal constructions that are such a striking feature of the text mirror the fact that "Óengus' love for Caer is visited upon him;"¹²⁵ This is also emphasised by the meaning of Óengus' name: chosen one.

A constant feature of shamanic initiatory illness is that it comes unsought. Shamans who actively seek to become shamans, and are not "called" to the role by initiatory illness are generally viewed as being less powerful.¹²⁶

Additionally, passivity is a necessary stage in the mystic process, where the soul essentially "lets go and lets God." This gets the individual ego out of the way, and "clears the ground" for the divine will to come through unhindered.¹²⁷

The end of this stage occurs for Óengus when, fully empowered, supported by the community, and at the auspicious and potent time of Samhain, he goes to the lake to meet Caer. At this point, he is referred to not as Óengus, which means "Chosen One," but rather, as in Macc Óc, or "the Young Son."¹²⁸ (Italics mine.)

I think this is extremely significant. His parents are, respectively, referred to as the Dagda, or "Good God" and the Boann, or "She of the White Cows" (or something along those lines). These do not seem names so much as titles. When he goes to the lake, he takes the first ritual action on his own behalf in the story. He takes a title as well, making him the young son in the divine family. I feel this moment in the tale adds weight to the idea that these figures may have been oracles for these particular deities, and what we may see here is Óengus gaining the power to become "The Young Son."

Having consummated his love with Caer, he is then ready to move onto the next stage.

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Footnotes