Aengus g the Celtic God of Love, Youth and Beauty. Due to her affinity with the lower classes, escaped slaves could seek asylum in her templesmany of her priests were said to be former slaves. The sun is believed to have stood still for nine months while his mother was pregnant with him. The fearsome Irish goddess of war, death, and prophecy. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Hecate is also said to be the goddess of witchcraft, ruling over and aiding in the practice of witches from the past as well as the present. Wicca, like any other religion, has myth and folklore galore. It sounds like you have some deep knowledge of traditional Celtic spirituality. We can learn from this lesson. According to the stories, Dagda, who went by the epithet the Good God, wields a magical club (lorg mr)that gives him power over life and death. You can check out that article for an in-depth description and guide to the Fae. AINE: Goddess of fertility and summer. WebCeltic Goddesses Names. In early Welsh tradition, Cerridwen was the goddess of inspiration and the mistress of the cauldrona dark prophetess associated with inspiration and poetry. Call on Olwen for spells to address seemingly impossible matters of love, grace and beauty. Your email address will not be published. It appears, though, that this is more fanciful thinking than anything else. He was usually referred to as the Roman equivalent of Mars; hence his other name Mars Albiorix. The Morrgan has also appeared in several comic book series, including Marvel Comicswhere she is depicted as a powerful goddess in the Celtic pantheonand The Wicked + The Divine. The Yoruba, for example, believed that some witches (called aje) would transform themselves into birds and fly by night to practice magic far from prying eyes. WebMagic, magicians, and the supernatural played a significant role in Celtic mythology. Brigid was also seen as a Celtic goddess of poems and healing. She was often depicted as a virgin, carrying a bow and quiver and accompanied by either a deer or hunting dogs. The goddess of fire, inspiration, and the arts, Brigid is one of the most revered and beloved deities in the Celtic pantheon. Call on morrigan for divination, dream magic and rituals under the dark moon. This is a great starting point for me. He was also associated with the wheel and horses. Baba Yaga is an infamous figure in Slavic folklore. 10 Witch Gods and Goddesses From Around the World The Irish Witchcraft Act was a series of laws passed in Ireland during the 16th and 17th centuries that made witchcraft a crime. Helios, the sun, who played a role in love-magic, and according to Pindar, lovesick men would pray to him. Celtic Mother Goddess and matriarch of the Tuatha d Danann. When that didnt work, they turned his appearance into a symbol of pure evilsome contend that his look was the inspiration behind the Christian devil, Satan. These laws were enacted by the English government in Ireland and imposed severe penalties, including death, for those accused of practicing witchcraft. Do you know anything about Sena/Senua/Senuna? Overtime the worship of the Celtic Goddesses was eroded by the Romans and the Catholic Church. The goddess of the crossroads is also the goddess of night, magic, necromancy, the Moon, and ghosts. In other words, both deities were fathers of their respective pantheons as well as gifted in the use of magic and sorcery. In some accounts, Danu was associated with goddesses like Ana, a goddess of nature. Generally speaking, Bres was seen as a fertility god who ruthlessly subjugated his people. This enabled Llew Llaw to get around the curse place upon him by his mother, Arianrhod, that prevented him from taking a human wife. Either way, knowing at least a little bit about Celtic lore and mythology invigorates any study of the Craft. The Celtic deities we are about to explore were given very human-like attributes, although complex and multifaceted. The druids were considered to be powerful magicians and healers, who were responsible for communicating with the gods and performing rituals for the benefit of the community. Cerridwen, meanwhile, is linked to Bran the Warrior through the cauldron that she gifts to him. Sheela na Gig(Irish) An ancient crone goddess who is often depicted showing the entrance to her womb. In this polytheistic worldview, the Celts believed that everything in the world was alive and imbued with magical power, including the trees, animals, and even the land itself. Including Ancient Egypt. [1], According to tradition, Aradia is either an Italian witch or a goddess who came down to Earth. Stone stelae have been discovered in the British Isles, France, and Portugal, that are from approximately 3000 b.c.e. Only take what we need, no more. In addition to being the patron god of young lovers, Aengus was also known as the chief poet of the pantheon. The act remained in force until 1735 when it was repealed as part of a broader reform of the English legal system. What Baba Yaga doesnt know is that Vassalissa has her ancestors on her side, as well as her intuition. Her worship probably spread from the Continent, leaving place names behind, such as Brittany in France. They were seen as a symbol of the ancient magic and traditions of the Celts, and their stories and legends continue to be told and passed down from generation to generation. Omissions? Known as the land goddess, Erecura appears as a symbol of the sacredness of earth. However, despite the churchs efforts to stamp out witchcraft, many of the ancient beliefs and practices continued to thrive in the rural communities of Ireland. Typically illustrated as a blue woman with four to ten arms, carrying severed heads and/or swords in each hand. This article will help you understand Celtic Wicca and Irish witchcraft. Taranis was the Celtic God of thunder. In Celtic art and paintings, he was depicted as a bearded man, who carried a lightning bolt and solar wheel. He had a special ability to wield and throw lightning to great distances. The wheel carried by the god was a symbol of cyclic time and represented the rising and setting of the sun. While this is a frightening and disturbing image to many, Kalis job was to destroy evil. That being said, lets take a look at some of the most powerful Dark Goddesses from the around the world. She was thought to protect the pharaohs from enemies, and she is also seen as Basts more fierce side. Often times, animals such as stags, bulls and horned serpent accompany him, reinforcing his reputation as the Lord of Wild Things. This perspective forms the foundation of Celtic mythology, which has deeply influenced the practices of Celtic Wicca and Celtic Neopagans. Lilith was said to have refused to allow Adam to dominate her (in more ways than one), and therefore was kicked out of the Garden of Eden. She brings us wisdom if we are open to learning. The cauldron of plenty was never She is the light of our ancestors burning from generations and generations ago. Cailleach Bheur(Scotish) The hag, destroyer goddess who ruled over disease, death, wisdom, seasonal rites and weather magic. Some sources say she would ravage the battlefield and tear apart anyone in her path. Queen Maeve is the quintessential warrior queen, and because of this she is an Irish-Celtic Goddess of destruction and death. WebBrighid, the triple goddess of healing, poetry, and smithcraft is perhaps the most well-known of the Insular Celtic deities of healing. I was equally surprised, Ron, to not see Her represented. In modern literature, there has been some linking of the Morrighan to the character ofMorgan Le Fayin the Arthurian legend. Working With the Crone Goddess 2022 Wasai LLC. Were building the worlds most authoritative, online mythology resource, with engaging, accessible content that is both educational and compelling to read. This fire is a representation of Vassalissas inner power and ancestral guidance. (2021, September 8). Airmed set about gathering these herbs and putting them to useful order. Kali is a Hindu Goddess of death and destruction. The Celtic Goddesses page concentrates on names of Celtic Goddesses and qualities of the A Gaello-Roman goddess, Epona protects horses and other four-legged creatures. One text claimed that the Dagda was seen as a beautiful god whose magic made him a father of the earth. She shares a particular kinship with the crow, an animal with an array of meanings in Celtic mythology. 2023. Kali teaches us these profound and unsettling lessons. In ancient Irish myths and legends, Aine is described as a Faery Queen, a goddess of the earth and nature, and a lady of the lake. The Irish people continued to believe in the power of magic and the supernatural, and the witches remained a central figure in the countrys folklore and legends. She was known to turn the men she came across into animals, with their minds intact to fully appreciate their predicament. A goddess who knows her helpful and baneful herbs who uses them to heal and harm. Look for her in your dreams and she will come bearing herbal lessons. "The Morrighan." Powerful Celtic sorceress whose potions brought beauty and wisdom. They over-indulged and drank more than what they needed. In some other depictions, he can be seen wearing a torc and a big metal ring. Most notably for the modern pagan, the holiday of Imbolc celebrates this goddess in particular. Irish literature refers to her as mother of the gods.. The mountains are the winter witchs domain, as legend says The Winter Crone made the mountains her stepping stones. Whether you believe in the power of magic or not, the story of the Irish witches is an important part of the countrys rich cultural heritage, and it is a legacy that should be celebrated and remembered. She is also a goddess who teaches powerful and toxic herbs and their uses to those practitioners who have a close connection with the plant-world. Witch Trials in Ireland. Her name means chiding love. Other common spellings of her name include Cerridwen, Caridwen and Keridwen. In the same breath, shes a goddess of war, witchcraft, and death. However, not all witches were seen as benevolent figures. To old school religious folks, this may have been a big no-no for a woman to disobey her husband, but in todays age? Wigington, Patti. Some historians opine that St. Brigid who is one of Irelands patron saints was a Christianized version of this Celtic goddess. While this article states these deities are dark goddesses, this in no way means they are bad or evil. Other spellings of her name include Aranhod and Arianrod. Henwen(English) A fertility goddess who ,whilst in the form of a magical sow, birthed strange litters. For further reading about The Morrigan, check out Celtic Lore and Spellcraft of the Dark Goddess: Invoking the Morrigan. This celebration, along with other pagan holidays, reflects the deep connection between the Irish people and their ancestral beliefs, and the enduring influence of the witches on the countrys cultural heritage. She's often associated with the Imbolc sabbat, as well as with fire, domesticity, and family life. He is said to wield an invincible spear (Gae Assail) and a sling stone that when unleashed crushed opponents in a single heartbeat. Anna Gorin / Getty Images. Cerridwen and Taliesin are linked to Arthurian legend, with the latter thought by some to be Merlin. In addition to his powerful horse-drawn chariot, he also possessed powerful weapons such as his thunderbolts and shield. Belenus the Celtic god in charge of healing and medicine. Because of that, he is considered an important part of modern witchcraft, with many male Wiccans adopting him as their own. For centuries, the gods and goddesses of witchcraft have had their tales spread far and wide by their worshipers. She is The Phantom Queen. Aine(Irish) Goddess of love, growth, cattle and light. This feature of hers explains why she was sometimes referred to as the Phantom Queen. One cannot know the light without knowing the dark. Cernunnos is a horned god found in Celtic mythology. She was originally considered a nature and lunar goddess (on par with Demeter and Artemis) and either granted or withheld blessings of abundance, victory, wisdom, and luck, depending on how her worshipers treated her. The mother goddess, Danu was revered as the source of all life and the nurturer of the land and its people. It took the help of the god Hermes to defeat her spells and free Odysseus from her grasp.[8]. It was typical for ancient cultures to believe that sun deities rode across the sky pulling the sun with their powerful horse-drawn chariots. The Celtic Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Ireland Morrigan, or The Morrigan, is sometimes depicted as the Celtic triple goddess. Spend time in nature, observe the cycles of the moon, and celebrate the eight sabbats of the Wiccan calendar. Ive been wanting to work more with the Celtic goddesses. However, there's a bit more to her than this. In Celtic pantheon, no other deity could rival the god Ogma when it came to speech and writing. Sekhmet was their Goddess of War. In this tale, a young woman goes out into the forest seeking fire for her family. The depiction of Danu (Sometimes called Anu or Dana) as a mature woman designates her a goddess of wisdom and earthly knowledge. She is the Old Woman, the Winter Crone, the Veiled One, the Old Hag, and the Old Crone. Despite the fear and suspicion that surrounded them, the witches of Ireland held a special place in the countrys culture and folklore. She is well-skilled in herbalism and uses her knowledge of herbs to help her husband Jason defeat his enemies. Deities like Morrigan, Brigid and Dagda were very much revered in the Celtic pantheon. Without thinking, he put his thumb to his mouth to cool and clean it. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The Roman Goddess list contains names and attributes of over fifty Roman Goddesses. Is it any wonder that, even today, Hekate is considered the undisputed goddess of witchcraft! "Morrighan" is Irish, and is rooted in words that are associated with "terror" or "greatness." The name Britain is a derivation of Brigits name. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); To learn more about the Otherworldly Oracles website Privacy Policy, visit our Privacy Policy page here. She was considered both a mother and crone figure. Are any of these things necessarily dark? Celtic god of war, husband to the fearsome goddess the Morrigan. Celtic Gods and Goddesses - List and Mythology - CD To me, it is simply understanding the myths and ancient practices and incorporating them into my own craft. Some of these deities are benevolentothers, not so much. The act was eventually repealed in 1735. In the Canadian fantasy television series Lost Girl, the Morrigan is a title held by the leader of the Dark Fae. In some Neopagan traditions, she is portrayed as a destroyer, representing theCrone aspectof the Maiden/Mother/Crone cycle, but this is a departure from her original Irish history. Cailleach is a witch goddess from Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man. She is a death goddess, guarding bones of those who have passed, and ushers us to let the old die away to allow for the new. It was believed she brought luck and good magic to her worshippers. Her name means bright as she lights up the dark. Collin de Plancys 1863 Infernal Dictionary describes him as having a goats body from the waist up, three horns on his head, a goats beard, ears like a fox, and inflamed eyes. A popular dark goddess is the Irish Celtic Goddess of War and Shapeshifting The Morrigan. A popular dark goddess is the Irish Celtic Goddess of War and ShapeshiftingThe Morrigan. A powerful sorceress, she possesses a strong talent for enchantment. Badb(Irish) - A shape-shifting, warrior goddess who symbolises life and death, wisdom and inspiration. Her cult was so powerful that the Celtic Christian Church had to adopt her as a Saint, and the Roman Catholic Church followed suit, for her people would not abandon her. She is the one who purges the world of evil. In Ireland, the celebration of Samhain, one of the oldest pagan holidays, is still observed today. A prolific goddess, Erecura appears in ancient pagan magical texts from Austria to Rome. The symbol of Britainthe Goddess Brigantia or Britannia (still found on their fifty-cent coin), is Brigid in her aspect as Goddess of Sovereignty or Guardian of the Land.[3]. Celtic Wicca places a strong emphasis on connecting with nature and the seasons. Crone Goddess Despite his plain-sounding name and lack of divinity, Leonard is the demon inspector-general of sorcery, black magic, and witchcraft. Her name translates as old white.. As the Celtic goddess of transformation, mythology depicts Ceridwen as a figure of inspiration, rebirth and renewal. Although Morgan le Fay appears in theVita Merliniin the twelfth century, a narrative of the life of Merlin byGeoffrey of Monmouth, it's unlikely that there's a connection to the Morrighan. Another notable feature of Dagda was his prowess in magic. Nephthys (Egyptian) - A funerary Goddess associated with death, magic and reincarnation. Also spelled Oengus, Aengus was known among Celtic tribes as the youthful god of love. The exact number and categorization of schools can vary between different traditions. (Irish) Keeper of the cauldron, goddess of the moon, magic, agriculture, poetry, music, art and science. With regards to the latter, Lugh was praised for his heroic efforts in slaying Balor the one-eyed warrior king of the Formorians. There have been theories that Medea is a lesson of balancing the inner feminine and masculine. She was also said to be the daughter of Ra, the Egyptian sun-god, and was feared at times of war. The connection with these two animals suggest that in some areas, she may have been connected to fertility and land. She is a goddess of sovereignty and many believe she is an ancient earth goddess because of her association with the cow, crow, and wolf. The Celtic Goddess Danu's Symbols. Shrouded in legendary mystery, Morgan Le Fay has been a prominent character in the Arthurian legends. Her name Medb literally means mead and one who intoxicates. Cerridwen thwarted his escape plans each time until finally, he changed into a grain of wheat and was eaten by the goddess (who had conveniently transformed into a black hen). The horned god of nature and fertility, Cernunnos was worshipped as the lord of the animals and the wild. Its said that his father purposely did this in order to prevent other gods from knowing of his affair with Boann, who by the way was a married to another god. Celebrations for this goddess were held on Celebrations for this goddess were held on midsummers eve. The Irish school of witchcraft, also known as the Irish tradition of Wicca, is a specific style of Wicca that draws upon the mythology, folklore, and spiritual practices of ancient Ireland. Abonde (also known as Perchta) is not just a Wiccan goddessshes one of the main archetypes for many of our favorite fairy tales. She could be a dark goddess in her own ritedepending on her mood. The god of light and the arts, Lugh was worshipped as the patron of smiths, bards, and other artisans. Historically the Celts were a society of warriors using war to gain agricultural land, cattle and other valuable resources. Lance LeClaire is a freelance artist and writer. Eventually, Hecate evolved to become a goddess of magic and sorcery. Her lore singles Airmed out as the only one who remembers the worlds healing herbs. Freya is a Norse Goddess of Love, Fertility and Sex. Hecate is known as one of the most ancient Greek goddesses. She has her dark side but she also has her loving side. In her witch goddess form, Morgan Le Fay is an elemental master and herbalist. The exact number of witches burned in Ireland is not known, but it is believed to be significantly lower than the number in other European countries during the witch hunts of the 16th and 17th centuries. The origin of witchcraft and the identity of the first witch are not definitively known. When translated, his name comes out as True Vigor a further reinforcement of his role among the Tuatha de Danann. The Morrighan is a Celtic goddess associated with war and battle, as well as the sovereignty of the land, and rightful kingship. Updates? New pagan and Wiccan beliefs contend that he is continuously born at the winter solstice, marries the moon-goddess Beltane, and dies again at the summer solstice in an endless cycle of death and renewal. His parents belonged to the Celtic gods and goddesses as well. She is Vassalissas teacher. [6], One of the most powerful Orisha was Oyathe goddess of storms, winds, rainbows, thunder, and a water goddess of the Niger River. Aine (Irish) Goddess of love, growth, cattle and light. Described a youthful warrior, Lugh was the Celtic god of a host of things, including craftsmen, thunderstorms, ravens, and strategic warfare. Is portrayed as very lustful and often depicted with an erect phallus. For an especially popular one with a magical bent, check out Brigid: History, Mystery and Magick of the Celtic Goddess. A daughter of the Dagda, Brighid is one of the classic triple goddesses of the Celtic pantheon. WebHedone, goddess of pleasure. Rhiannon: Divine Queen of the Celtic Britons, Ceridwens Spirituelle Journey Through Wales History. "The Morrighan." A skillful magician who ruled the realm of Annwn, the Celtic Otherworld. It is theorized that the belief in Hecate supersedes even the most-ancient Greek civilizations. Irish pagan beliefs are a diverse set of spiritual and religious practices that are based on the indigenous folklore, mythology, and spiritual traditions of ancient Ireland. Aine: Radiant Celtic Goddess of Love Call on her for rituals to ground and center. Her cult, along with that of the pagan goddesses inspired by her, was so widespread that early Christians considered her to be one of their chief obstacles.[9]. The most well-known tale featuring Baba Yaga is Vassalissa the Wise. Even London has a Bridewell. These common Celtic deities played a central role in the religious and cultural life of the ancient Celts, and they continue to be revered and worshipped by modern-day Celtic neopagans and Wiccans. The church regarded witchcraft as a pagan belief and associated it with the devil and evil. It is thought she is one of the faery people or the sidhe, but she could also be a goddess descended from the Tuatha de Dannan. Despite the fear and suspicion that surrounded them, the witches of Ireland hold a special place in the countrys folklore and cultural identity, and their legacy continues to inspire and captivate the people of the Emerald Isle. Celtic Wicca: A Complete Overview of Irish Witches and Celtic What is conclusively clear is the fact that the Celtic gods borrowed a great deal from pre-Christian oral traditions and religions in Western Europe. The Veiled One, an ancient Celtic goddess of the winds and winter. The Sacred Island: Pre-Christian Ireland. A guide to the Goddesses. Borvo Similar to the Celtic god Belenus, Borvo is also a deity of healing and medicine. Eventually, her followers branched out from Greece and Rome and began to encompass much of the Old World. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The key to practicing Celtic Wicca is to stay true to yourself and to find joy and meaning in your spiritual journey. Beloved for his polite character, Aengus was able to convince his father to bestow upon him the region of Bru na Boinne in Ireland. Bres This god was revered as the offspring of the Elatha, a Fomorian prince, and the goddess Eriu. An interesting example of an Irish witch is Alice Kyteler, who lived in the 14th century and was accused of practicing witchcraft. John Beckett over at Patheos describes a ritual in which the Morrighan was invoked, and says. It will be a travesty of justice to have a list of Celtic gods and goddesses without including the Celtic goddess Brigid, also spelled Brigit. I see it as a means of learning when to seek revenge and who to take revenge upon. Call on her for inspiration, transformation or when working with cauldron magic. She is the energy that slays the demonic entities. https://mythopedia.com/topics/celtic-gods. Popularly known as the queen of the pantheon, Danu was depicted as a beautiful woman who embodied the nature itself. Again, we see her light and dark aspects in this association. Folklore from County Cork also depicts her as an ugly old hag who curses or captures people, dragging them under the sea or under her mound. They were never one country or empire. All Rights Reserved. She was the force that rid the land of filth, therefore providing a cleansing energy. Some were believed to be in league with the devil and to use their magic for evil purposes. Im very disappointed that you include N Ireland but not the Republic of Ireland. Nemausicae For all things related to fertility and healing, some Celtic tribes prayed to the goddess Nemausicae. Olwen(Celtic) The golden sun goddess who survived thirteen different trials to win her true love. They did not disappear completely but were immortalised in the myths and legends. Esus victims, according to later commentators, were sacrificed by being ritually stabbed and hung from trees. As Flidais was a figure of Irish mythology, surnamed Foltchin, beautiful (or soft) hair. This goddess was an extremely beautiful woman who was sometimes regarded as a fertility goddess. Hecate is the goddess of the crossroads, which means she is the force present during any major life changing event. Cerridwen(Irish) Keeper of the cauldron, goddess of the moon, magic, agriculture, poetry, music, art and science. There would be no life if there wasnt death. The story of Irish witches is a rich and fascinating chapter in the countrys history, and it provides a window into the beliefs and practices of the ancient Celts. Monaghan, P. (2002). She was originally worshiped on the Tifata Mountain and in sacred forests. She and her fellow witches bestow prosperity to the generous and deny their blessings to the miserly who left nothing. Lugh was also associated with the harvest and the sun and was seen as a protector of his people and a bringer of victory in battle. The Book of Irish Witches. The theory is that she can be seen as a deity who guides or protects a king. Interestingly, Welsh mythology differs from many around the world in its depiction of the sun deity as feminine. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. When it snows, people say the Cailleach has unleashed her magic on the land. It was a nice introduction to some goddesses I hadnt heard of before. Epona(Irish) The meaning of her name is great mare she is the protector of horses, donkeys and mules. Depictions of Cernunnos are found in many parts of the British Isles and western Europe. Cernunnos (which is Celtic for Horned One) is the male aspect of nature. When people want protection from evil forces, they ask Kali for aid. He was associated with the harvest and the sun, and was seen as a protector of his people and a bringer of victory in battle. One of the most fascinating aspects of Irish folklore is the story of the witches. According to legend, Airmeds father murdered her brother. Copyright 2007-2023 www.Goddess-Guide.com. If Vercana is a Celtic goddess, she may have been a war-goddess, based on her name, or a healing goddess, based on her associaton with a spring, or possibly both, like Mars Lenus. This would explain the common connection between cauldrons and witchcraft. Its a bit hard to describe exactly how to be a Celtic Wiccan. It all depends on how you look at it. A common theme was the magic cauldron (kettle). In Gaelic mythology, Airmed held authority in matters of healing and herbalism. Her name, meaning white footprint, alludes to her lore. Flidais: Is She a Goddess Some scholars point out that war specifically is not a primary aspect of the Morrighan, and that her connection to cattle presents her as a goddess of sovereignty.

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