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Celtic Gods and
Goddesses
Unidentified Celtic deity from France
with boar carved in torsoThe Celts were a technologically
advanced and barbarous people who occupied vast areas of western
and
central Europe during the last half of the first millenium b.c.
Although the early Celts were composed of a number of different
races
and tribes, and at the height of their power they spread across
wide tracts of Europe, they did have a uniformity of religious
idiom
that enables historians to speak of a Celtic religion. They were
linked by common origins and language (P-Celtic spoken in Gaul
and
Britain, and Q-Celtic spoken in Ireland), common religious
traditions, and a close similarity of laws. The Celts were highly
ritualistic
and religious. Their elaborate burials, under a mound, in a
wooden chamber usually made of oak, furnished with highly
decorated
weapons, food, drink, and personal ornaments point to powerful
beliefs about the nature of life after death. The bodies of the
wealthy dead were laid out, burnt or unburnt, on four-wheeled
wagons in the earliest of Celtic peoples, and later in lighter,
two
wheeled wagons.
Celtic religion featured many female deities such as mother
goddesses and war goddesses. The Mother Goddess of the Celts was
often conceived as a warrior, fighting with weapons and
instructing the hero in superior secrets of warfare. Celtic
deities were tribal
by nature, and each tribe or clan would have its own names for
particular gods and goddesses. This accounts for the great
diversity
of names in Celtic mythology, there are over 300 different names
recorded. The Celts also believed that it was
dangerous to name a sacred thing by its correct name, the result
being that sacred things are often referred to in a roundabout
way.
Our knowledge of the religion and mythologies of the Celtic
people comes from three different areas in Europe. From Gaul,
which is
modern day France, Britain (most
specifically Wales), and Ireland. Both Gaul and Britain were
influenced by Greco Roman tradition before the advent of
Christianity.
The Celts themselves did not commit their traditions to writings,
regarding their laws, genealogies and spiritual disciplines as
sacred, required to be handed down orally. The Druids, the high
priests of the Celts, would spend twenty years learning the
traditions and oral lessons. The native lore of Wales and
Ireland, the oldest outside of classical sources, is a great
repository of
pre-Christian myth and practices. Fragmentary texts
transcribed during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries provide
us with ancient legends and heroic tales,
influenced by the times of the scribes. Archaeological evidence
provides us with more clues. The Celts of Ireland maintained
their
cultural integrity until close to 500 AD, and it is there where
the pagan Celtic mythology has been best preserved.
Animal symbolism found in Celtic myths include boars,
birds, serpents, fish, horse and cattle. Boars symbolise courage
and strong warriors. Power and strength is attached to the
bristles
of the boar, which was held in high esteem by the Celts. There
are many examples of supernatural boars and their adventures in
the literary traditions of the Irish and the Welsh. The
otherworld feast is supposed to be sustained by magical pigs
which, no
matter how many times they are cooked and eaten, are alive again
the next day to be cooked again.
Fish, especially salmon are associated with knowledge and secrets.
Serpents and dragons are portents of trouble, strife and
infertility. Birds also may presage bad luck or bloodshed. Horse
and cattle represent fertility, as do many occurrences of animals
in
Celtic legend. Foliate head images were central to Celtic
cultures, also symoblizing fertility. Horns were a powerful
symbol of virility
and divine power. The Celts not only gave their gods horns, but
enhanced their chances of success in battle by wearing horned
helmets. In Celtic mythology powerful opponents may use the magic
of shape shifting into different animal forms during battle. The
number three was sacred to the Celts, and deities were sometimes
portrayed in groups of three, or as having three heads or faces.
In mythological tales, the deities or semi-divine heroes are
described as being one of three people of the same name, or as
having
been born three times in succession.
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Belenus
God of light, The Shining One, associated with Apollo.
married to Belisama. Belenus was the most widely worshipped
Celtic God. Belenus is in charge of welfare of sheep and cattle.
Corresponds with Irish God Bile. The Feast of
Beltane means 'Fire of Bel'.
Belisama
(corresponds to classical Minerva) Goddess of light and fire,
forging and craft.
Cernunnos
"The Horned One" is a Celtic god of fertility, life,
animals, wealth, and the underworld. He was worshipped all over
Gaul, and his cult spread into Britain as well.
Cernunnos is depicted with the antlers of a stag, sometimes
carries a purse filled with coin. The Horned God is born at the
winter
solstice, marries the Goddess at Beltane, and dies at the summer
solstice. He alternates with the Goddess of the moon in ruling
over life and death, continuing the cycle of death, rebirth and
reincarnation. Paleolithic cave paintings found in France that
depict a
stag standing
upright or a man dressed in stag costume seem to indicate that
Cernunnos' origins date to those times. Romans
sometimes portrayed him with three cranes flying above his head.
Epona
The Goddess of horses, mules, and cavalrymen. She was worshipped
throughout entire Gaul, and as far as the Danube and Rome.
Her cult was eventually adopted by the Roman army and they spread
her worship wherever they went. Epona is depicted sitting
side saddle or lying on a horse, or
standing with multiple horses around her. Her symbol is the
Cornucopia ("horn of plenty") which suggests that she
could
(originally) have been a fertility goddess. She is also
identified with the Celtic goddess Edain.
Nantosuelta (Nantosvelta)
Consort of Sucellus, she is possibly a goddess of nature, valleys
and streams. Her symbol, the raven, suggests that she may be
associated with Irish war-goddess Morrigan. Ogmios (Sun face)
A hero god, he has gold chains that hang from his tongue attached
to the ears of his followers. He is the patron god of scholars
and
eloquence. It is Ogmios who invented the runic language of the
Druids. He is represented as an old man, with a bald head, and
dressed in a lion skin. His Irish counterpart is Ogma.
Rosmerta
A Celtic goddess of fertility and wealth, whose cult was widely
spread in Gaul. She is the wife of the god Esus, but also of the
Gaulish
Mercury. Her attributes are a
cornucopia and a stick with two snakes.
Sucellus
He's the guardian of forests and the patron of agriculture. Often
seen with a great hammer and a dog by his side, he ferries the
dead to the otherworld. His name means 'good striker'
Smertrios
Gallic war deity.
Taranis
His emblems are the wheel and the lightning flash, and his name
means 'Thunderer'. This Gaulish god is sometimes identified with
Jupiter.
Teutates
Teutates is an ancient Celtic god of war, fertility and wealth
worshipped in Gaul. His name means "the god of the tribe".
Human
sacrifices were made in his name. Teutates is the equivalent of
the Roman god Mars.
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I dedicate this page to Celtic Goddess a Magical Friends club
member who ask about the Celts:Blessed Be!!!
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Some More Celtic Deities To Work With
Children of Don
One of the rival dynasties of Welsh mythology, and equated with
the Tuatha de Danaan of Ireland, the Children of Don includes
Gwydion, a warrior magician, and Aranrhod, sky goddess and symbol
of fertility. Their sons were Dylan, associated with the sea,
and Lleu Llaw Gyffes.
Children of Llyr
Bendigeidfran, Branwen and Manawydan, who appear in the story of
'Branwen Daughter of Llyr.
Amaethon
The Welsh god of agriculture.
Arianrhod Celtic earth goddess. She is the daughter and/or wife
of Don, sister of Gwydion.
Bran
Bran ("raven"), son of Llyr and Penarddun, and brother
of Branwen and the sea god Manawydan, and half brother Nisien and
Efnisien. He is a hero god and perhaps also the god of poetry and
the underworld.
Branwen,
Branwen is the Celtic goddess of love and beauty, also worshipped
in Manx and Wales. She is the sister of Bran the Blessed and
Manannan mac Lir, daughter of Lir, and wife of the Irish king
Matholwch. After the death of her brother Bran, due to a war
caused
by her husband, Branwen died of a broken heart. She corresponds
with Aphrodite and Venus. Belatu-Cadros (Belatucadros)
The Celtic god of war and of the destruction of enemies. His name
means fair shining one. The Romans equated him with their god
Mars.
Caridwen
Mother of Taliesen, greatest and wisest of all the bards,
therefore she is patron of poets. Caridwen corresponds with
Brigit. She is
connected with wolves, and some believe that her cult dates to
the Neolithic era. Originally a corn goddess.
Dewi,
An old Welsh god. The official emblem of Wales, a red
dragon, is derived from the Great Red Serpent that once
represented the god Dewi.
Dylan
Welsh sea god, brother of Lleu.
Gwydion
Welsh warrior and magician god. By his sister Arianrhod he
fatherd Lleu and Dylan.
Lleu
Brother of Dylan, son of Arianrhod and Gwydion. Hero god who
corresponds with the Irish Lugh. His festival, teh Lugnasad, was
held on the first day of August.
Pwyll,
Prince of Dyfed (southwest Wales) who marries the Goddess
Rhiannon and has a son Pryderi.
Rhiannon
Believed to be the Welsh counterpart of Gaulish horse
goddess Epona. Her son, Pryderi, succeeded his father Pwyll as
the ruler of Dyfed and of the otherworld.
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Aine
Goddess of love and fertility, later known as an Irish fairy
queen..
Airmid
A healing goddess of the Tuatha de Danann, goddess of medicinal
plants and keeper of the spring that brings the dead back to life.
Brigit (Bridget, Brighid, Brigindo)
Brigit is the Irish-Celtic goddess of healing and
fertility, patroness of smiths, poets and doctors,
symbolized by a white swan. She is the daughter of The Dagda, the
deity of the Tuatha de Danaan, one of the most ancient people
of Northern Europe. Brigit is wife of Bres, king of the gods and
Ireland. Her festival is that of the Imbolc, observed on February
1.
In Kildare, Ireland, she was served by a female priesthood.
Brigit shares attributes with the ancient Greek triple goddess
Hecat.
The
pre-Christian Brigantes, from where her name derives,
honored her as identical to Juno, Queen of Heaven.
So well loved is Brigit, that she was made into a Christian saint
when the Celts turned to Christianity.
Fomorians (Fomors)
In Irish-Celtic mythology, the Fomorians are a race of demonic
giants, the original occupants of Ireland. The Tuatha DÈ Danann,
the Irish race of gods, arrived and destroyed the Fomorian hold
over Ireland for good in the second battle of Mag Tuireadh. The
Fomorians were given the province of Connacht, and were allowed
to marry some of the Tuatha DÈ. The king of the Fomorians is
the one-eyed Balor. Bres
The Irish-Celtic god of fertility and agriculture. He is the son
of Elatha, a prince of the Fomorians, and the
goddess Eriu.
Bile Corresponds with Gaul god Belenius.
Boann Boann is a Goddess of bounty and fertility, whose totem is
the sacred white cow. She was the wife of Nechtan, a water
deity. The father of her son Angus was Dagda. To hide their union
from Nechtan, Boann and the Dagda caused the sun to stand still
for nine months, so that Angus was conceived and born on the same
day.
Dagda (Dagde, Dagodevas)
The Irish Celtic God of the Earth and Father God. On New Years
Day Dagda mates with his wife the raven Morrigan. His attributes
are a bottomless caldron of plenty and a harp with which he rules
the seasons. His club can kill as well as restore life. As leader
of
the Tuatha De Danaan, Dagda is a fearsome warrior and skilled
artisan.
Danu
Danu is considered to be the mother of The Dagda, god of the
Tuatha de Danaan. She most likely existed in an earlier form as
Anu,
Universal Mother.
Morrigan
Morrigan was the Celtic goddess of war and death who could take
the shape of a crow or raven. She is associated with the
sometimes frightening aspects of female energy, and is wife to
Dagda. As one aspect of the Celtic triple goddess, Morrigan is
seen
washing bloody laundry prior to battle by those destined to die.
Lugh
This Celtic deity was worshipped during the 30 day
midsummer feast in Ireland, where sexual magic ensured ripening
of the crops and a prosperous harvest. He is
linked with the nature goddess variously named Tailltu,
Machta or Rosmerta in Gaul. His animal totems are the raven and
the lynx, and he corresponds with the Roman God
Mercury.
Ogma
Ogmias is his Gaul counterpart. Sometimes associated with the
Greek Herakles, he is a great warrior. Here he is seen carrying
his
club. He is the champion of eloquence.
Shannon
Irish goddess of the river Shannon.
Sidhe
Ancient Irish hill people believed to be the spirits of the dead.
Tuatha De Danann
The Tuatha De Danann ("People of the goddess Danu") are
the Irish race of gods, founded by the goddess Danu. These gods,
had
perfected the use of magic. From the legends of the Tuatha De
Danaans we learn that these were deities of learning, magical
skills,
arts and crafts. The three things that they revered above all
others were: the plough, the hazel and the sun.
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Page Dedicated To"Celtic Goddess"A Magical Friends Club
Member From "Ireland".see at Magical Friends a
members question will always count.and i only hope this page will
help some.Blessed Be!
The Celitc Zodiac
is based on the cycle of the moon with the year divided into 13
lunar months, each associated with a tree sacred
to the Druids. The Druids believed the human race originally
desended from the trees. Each tree had particular magical
qualities.
They encoded these mysteries in a secret shamanic alphabet, known
as the Ogham, the origin of which is ascribed to Ogma, the
Celtic God of Poetry. The 13 tree - months each correspond to a
tree, a letter of the Ogham alphabet, a Guardian Animal and a
Celtic God.
The Birch Tree.. 24 December - 20 January
To the druids, the Birch represented renewel and rebirth as it
was the first tree in leaf after winter.Birch people are
determined,
resilient and ambitious. Good organisers,
leaders and strategists, they are not deterred by setbacks,
believing hard work, patience and persistance will triumph. They
are
loyal but reserved in showing affection
The Ruling Diety - The Celtic Warrior God Lugh, inventor of all
arts and crafts, rules this sign.
The Druic Animal - The white stag symbolises high ideals and
aspirations - Birch people need a goal in life or they become
depressed and pessimistic.
Planetary Ruler - Sun
Ogham Word - Beithe
The Rowan Tree.. 21 January - 17 February
Rowans were planted near doors and gates to ward off evil and
were thought to guard the gateway to the spirit world. Rowan
people are idealistic, progressive thinkers with strong
humanitarian and spiritual principles. They thrive on change,
becoming
impatient with convention or
restriction, artistic and original, they can appear
detached and aloof.
The Ruling Deity - Brigid, the Goddess of fertility and poetry,
rules this sign.
The Druic Animal - The Dragon symbolises inspiration and
imagination - Rowans need an outlet for their powerful
imagination or
they can become restless and quarrelsome. Planetary Ruler -
Uranus
Ogham Word - Luis
The Ash Tree.. 18 February - 17 March
The Ash was a sacred chieftain tree, said to "court the
flash" as it was prone to lightning strike. Its wood was
thought to be
enchanted and was used for Druidic wands and spears. Ash people
are quick witted, spontaneous and
gregarious. They have a lively curiosity and are
intellgent, persuasive speakers, enthusiastic, inquisitve and
communicative. They love discussing new ideas and projects.
The Ruling Deity - The Magician, storyteller and trickster.
Gwydion rules the sign.
The Druic Animal - The Adder symbolises wisdom and
spiritual energy - Ash people need to focus their mental
abilities or they can become nervous and irritable.
Planetary Ruler - Neptune
Ogham Word - Nion
The Alder Tree.. 18 March - 14 April
Alder resist rot in water and was used to make bridges, boats,
clogs and milk jugs. It was a crime to fell an alder, as the
angry tree
spirit would burn down houses. Alder people are courageous,
energetic, impetuous and determinded to make their own way in the
world.
Self-reliant and adventurous, they love taking risks and are
tenacious workers. Affectionate and charming, they inspire great
loyalty in others.
The Ruling Deity - The God of the spirit world, Bran the Blesses,
rules this sign.
The Druic Animal - The Fox symbolises skill in diplomacy- Alders
must learn the art of diplomacy or they waste energy in fruitless
disputes.
Planetary Ruler - Mars
Ogham Word - Fern
The Wilow Tree.. 15 April - 12 May
The Willow was sacred to the Moon and in Celtic myth the universe
was hatched from two eggs hidden among the boughs of the
Willow. Willow people have good memories and are articulate,
strong willed and resourceful, emotional and enigmatic. They have
quick responses and are prone to sudden mood changes.
The Ruling Deity - The Celtic Moon Goddess Ceridwen rules this
sign.
The Druic Animal - The Hare symbolises adaptation and intuition.
Willows must trust their inner voice ot they can become moody
and chronically indecisive.
Planetary Ruler - Moon
Ogham Word - Sail
The Hawthorn Tree.. 13 May - 9 June
Hawthorn, or May, was a symbol of psychic protection due to its
sharp thorns. Faery spirits were thought to live in Hawthorn
hedges, which were planted as protective shields around fields,
houses and churchyards. Hawthorn people are mercurial,
innovative, creative and confident. Easily bored, they crave
mental stimulation and challenge. They are eloquent and gifted
performers, exuding natural charm. The Ruling Deity - The summer
flower maiden Olwen rules this sign.
The Druic Animal - The Owl symbolises wisdom and patience -
Hawthorns must develop patience or hasty action can
sabotage their best efforts.
Planetary Ruler - Vulcan
Ogham Word - Uath
The Oak Tree.. 10 June - 7 July
The Oak was the sacred tree of the Druids, symbolising truth and
steadfast knowledge. Doors made of Oak were
thought to keep out evil. Oak people are determined,
self-motivated, enthusiastic and responsible. Natural
leaders, they remain calm in a crisis and are not easily swayed
by opposition. Although serious minded, they are cheerful and
optimistic and do not give up easily.
The Ruling Deity - The Father of all Gods, The Dagda rules this
sign.
The Druic Animal - The Wren, the Celtic king of the birds,
symbolises wit and sublety - Oaks must temper pride with humor or
they become pompus and overbearing.
Planetary Ruler - Jupiter
Ogham Word - Duir
The Holly Tree.. 8 July - 4 August
When Celtic Chieftains chose a successor, he was crowned with a
Holly wreath. The ever-green Holly was thought to repel enemies,
and warriors carried Holy wood cudgels.
Holly people are practical, capable and steadfast in
adversity, cautious, logical and efficient. They have good
business sense but prefer to assist rather than lead. In
relationships they
are suportive, protective and
possessive.
The Ruling Deity - The Smith God Govannon rules this sign The
Druic Animal - The Unicorn symbolises purity and strength -
Holies must be less perfectionistic or they may suffer loss of
confidence and direction.
Planetary Ruler - Earth
Ogham Word - Tinne punishable by death to fell one. It was
thought magical skills and knowledge could be gained from eating
Hazel nuts. Hazel people are artistic. They have lively,
analytical minds and make inspiring teachers. Imaginative, they
are radical and idealistic thinkers.
The Ruling Deity - The Sea God Manannan Mac Lir, a master of
disguise, rules this sign
The Druic Animal - To the Celts, the Salmon is the oldest and
wisest animal, symbolising inspiration - Hazels need to express
their
creativity or they can become morbid and introspective
Planetary Ruler - Mercury
Ogham Word - Coll
The Vine Tree.. 2 September - 29 September
The Grapevine requires care to bear fruit in the cool Celtic
climate and became a symbol of sacred knowledge and spiritual
initiation. Vine people are discriminating, authoritative and set
high personal standards. They appear cool and detached but are
secret romantics and can be sensitive, vulnerable and self
critical. Keenly perceptive, they have an eye for detail and
refined
aesthetic taste. The Ruling Deity - The Tuatha De Danaan Gods of
Light rule this sign
The Druic Animal - The Swan symbolises grace and beauty - Vines
must overcome a tendency to procrastinate or they can become
lost in worry and negativity
Planetary Ruler - Venus
Ogham Word - Muin
The Ive Tree.. 30 September - 27 October
The power of the Ivy to cling and bind made it a potent symbol of
determination and strength. Ivy can strange trees and was a
portent of death and spiritual growth. Ivy people are restless,
socialble and good natured. Cheerful,
expnasive and magnetic, they win friends easily and dislike
offending others. Although often indecisive, they are not weak
willed
and tackle difficult tasks with infectious optimism.
The Ruling Deity - The faery bride Guinevere rules this sigh
The Druic Animal - The Butterfly symbolises faery faith - Ivy
people must not get too caught up in others problems or they can
suffer disappointment and betrayal
Planetary Ruler - Persephone
Ogham Word - Gort
The Reed Tree.. 28 October - 24 November
The Druids believed the Reed was a tree because of its dense root
system. Cut Reeds were used as pens and
symbolised wisdon and scholarship. Reed people are complex,
tenacious and fearless. Proud and independent, they have great
strength of character and rarely compromise. They thirve on
challenge and have an innate belief in their own destiny
The Ruling Deity - The Celtic God the Underworld, Pwyll rules
this sign
The Druic Animal - Hound or Dog was a title of honour for Celtic
Chieftains as the Dog symbolised enduring loyalty - Reeds must
unite a sense of purpose with their strong will or they can
become self destructive
Planetary Ruler - Pluto
Ogham Word - Ngetal
The Elder Tree.. 25 November - 23 December
The Elder tree was sacred to the faeries and branches were hung
above stables to protect horses from evil spirits. It was unlucky
to burn Elder and an omen of death to bring it indoors. Elder
people are self sufficient, lively,
impetuous and outspoken. They dislike routine and refuse to be
pressured by others. Restless and highly energetic, they thrive
on
change and need constant mental and physical challenge
The Ruling Deity - The crown Goddess and celtic tribal
mother Cailleach Beara rules this sign
The Druic Animal - The Raven symbolises healing and
protection - Elders must learn to use change as a positive force
in their lives or they can become reckless and
confused
Planetary Ruler - Saturn
Ogham Word - Ruis
BLESSED BE: My Friends Hope This Helps Some?
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