| Thirteen Celtic Animal Allies
The following list gives many of the animals known to the Celts and told of in their legends and myths. (Note: This is cross-posted in my blog.)
1. Adder (snake) - Associated with wisdom, reincarnation, and cunning. The Druids carried an amulet called gloine nathair (serpent glass). In the Scottish Highlands, the adder symbolized the Cailleach's power.
2. Badger - This animal is unyielding in the face of danger and is noted for its tenacity and courage. The badger will teach you to fight for your rights and defend your spiritual ideasYou drank a bottle of pop and not a soda.
3. Bear - The bear was noted for its strength and stamina. It can help you find balance and harmony in your life, and the strength to do what is necessary.
4. Wolf - The wolf is a cunning, intelligent creature, capable of out-thinking hunters. It can teach you how to read the signs of Nature in everything, how to pass by danger invisibly, how to outwit those who wish you harm, and how to fight when needed. Sometimes the world, seen on a journey, will lead you to a spiritual teacher and guide.
5. Butterfly - Many cultures cal butterflies the souls of the dead and the keepers of power. They will teach you to free yourself form self-imposed restrictions and to look at problems with greater clarity.
6. Cat - The cat is a strong protector, especially when facing a confrontational situation.
7. Crane - The crane, with its colors of black, white, and red, was a Moon bird, sacred to the Triple Goddess. Magic, shamanic travel, learning and keeping secrets, reaching deeper mysteries and truths.
8. Crow - This animal is to treated with care. Along with the raven, the crow is a symbol of conflict and death, an ill-omen associated with such Goddess as Macha, Badb, and the Morrigan. It was also considered to be skillful, cunning, single-minded, and a bringer of knowledge. It is of value when trickery is needed. It also teaches you to learn from the past, but not hold onto it.
9. Deer - THe deer represents keen scent, grace swiftness, and gentleness. There are ways of reaching your goals other than force.
10. Dragon - The dragon symbolized the power of the Elements, especially that of the Earth, but also of the treasure of the subconscious mind.
11. Hare (rabbit) - Associated with transformation, the receiving of hidden teachings, and intuitive messages.
12. Salmon - The salmon teaches you how to get in touch with ancestral knowledge and put it to practical use.
13. Wren - A sacred bird to the Druids, its musical notes were used for divination. As with many other birds, the wren was considered a messenger from the deities.
Source: Joelle's Sacred Grove
Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Dog's Eye View 2. Christina's Shoebox 3. Samantha Lucas 4. Amanda Young 5. Jenny's Wandering Thoughts 6. Off the Wall Thoughts 7.
|
8 comments:
Thanks for the list, Carolan!
I didn't know about the wren, though I should have figured...
I wonder how many of these I can work into future stories ;)
There are tons more listed on the Joelle's Sacred Grove web site! It's a wonderful resource.
Yes, butterflies are associated with dead souls.
Happy TT! :) Mine's up as well :)
i learned a few new things here today, thanks
Wow!!! Great list. I got a lot of new info.
Butterflies are such a cool addition to any culture with the metamorphosis concept.
I love wolves, too. There's something so mysterious about them. This is a great list. I learned a lot of things!
Happy TT
Jessica The Rock Chick
Neat list; this is the first time I've dropped by and I'm glad I did! I don't write fantasy, but I read it. And you never know when I'll have a character who is into fantasy.
Happy TT, everyone!
Very interesting stuff! I'm a cat girl. :-)
My TT shares 13 things about the blue moon.
Post a Comment