The druids and priests of the Celts revered animals and showed them great respect. The druids honoured nature. Some followed a more shamanic path, and it was they who paid homage to certain animals or their totems.
Some animals were endowed with special powers and magical gifts.
The druids had their own rituals. One of them, the Tarbh Feis (bull feast), required a druid to spend the night under the freshly flayed hide of a sacrificed white bull. Through the blood and the hide, the bull’s spirit gave the druid the power of prophetic dreams. Some druids wore bird feathers on their cloaks to mark their rank among the others.
Animals were above all a source of inspiration, living omens and symbols. Since the druids, like the Native Americans, lived so close to nature, it is no wonder that the most important symbols in their mythology were animals, plants and nature in general.
Below are some of the animals that were regarded as omens (based on A. Devine’s little encyclopedia of signs and omens).
Badger – this calm animal is fearless in the face of danger and known for its endurance and courage. It is a guide to the land of dreams.
- Bull – symbolises strength, power, vitality and potency.
- Dolphin – associated with the god of the sea. It was a symbol of harmony and a lord of dreams.
- Boar – an important animal in Celtic mythology. It was cunning, fierce and hot-tempered. Boars appear in legends as invincible enemies, protectors, guides and beings blessed with poetic inspiration.
Hawk – it was counted among the oldest of creatures and was therefore considered a messenger of the gods. It symbolises keen sight and a long memory. If you see or hear a hawk while travelling, prepare for a situation that will demand courage and decisiveness from you.
Unicorn – a mysterious mythological creature with the body of a white horse, the legs of a gazelle, the tail of a lion and a single long horn on its forehead. It symbolises supreme magical power. It teaches that every action is an act of creation, so it is worth doing something meaningful in your life every day.
Stag – a white stag is a messenger from the Otherworld, a guide to mysteries. Following a stag led the Celts into many interesting adventures. It shows that there are ways of achieving your goals without resorting to violence.
- Rooster – the rooster’s crow drives away evil powers.
- Horse – this animal was very popular in druid culture. It was considered an excellent guide to the Otherworld, a protector and a companion in times of war and beyond.
- Cat – cats terrified the Celts. At that time cats were not domesticated and lived wild in the forests.
Cow – for the Celts, cattle were the basic currency of exchange. The cow was sacred to the goddess Brigid and symbolised contentment, security and motherly care.
Raven – this bird was respected by the Celts. It was associated with battles and with the war goddess, the Morrigan. Its appearance is always a positive omen. It often warns of an approaching crisis – the kind that is necessary for the old to make way for the new.
- Fox – grants the ability to see through the motives and conduct of different people.
- Salmon – the embodiment of wisdom and a deeply magical creature.
- Butterflies – in Celtic culture they were seen as the souls of the dead and the guardians of their power. It was believed that where there are butterflies, no evil influences from the Otherworld can reach.
- Mouse – represents secrets, cleverness and shyness.
- Bear – the embodiment of strength and vitality. It helps you keep your balance in life.
- Bat – associated with the underworld, the land of Annwn.
- Eagle – known for its wisdom and longevity. It represents speed, strength and knowledge of magic.
- Bee – known for its hard work and its focus on what it is doing at any given moment.
- Lynx – the keeper of secrets and hidden knowledge. It helps develop mediumistic abilities and psychic senses.
Dragon – this creature takes many forms in Celtic and British mythology. It may have four legs or more, and it can take other shapes and forms too. Celtic mythology is full of dragons fighting heroes, guarding treasure, and dwelling in forests, caves or lakes. The dragon is a symbol of wealth and represents the power of the elements.
- Owl – this bird was the finest of guides. It is a fearless warrior and hunter, and it helps unmask those who try to use or deceive you.
- Rat – according to Celtic culture, rats are cunning and aggressive but very intelligent. They know how to get everything they need and defend themselves fiercely.
Pig – the Celts regarded pigs as magical creatures. The heroes of Celtic myths received pigs as gifts from the gods. The pig symbolised the spiritual nourishment needed by the druids, who were sometimes even called swineherds.
- Snake – associated with wisdom, reincarnation and cunning.
- Wolf – portrayed as clever, intelligent and brave. It teaches you to read the signs nature leaves at every step, to avoid danger and to fight when there is a need.
Hare – the Celts could foretell the future from the way it leapt. The hare is associated with transformation, messages from intuition and hidden meanings waiting to be discovered.
- Frog – a symbol of magic. It also helps you find the courage to promote new ideas.
- Tortoise – according to legend, it taught the druids to stay grounded and in tune with the rhythms of nature and with their own.
First published (Polish original): 19 August 2011. Written by astrologers and esoteric specialists working with our editorial team; edited and translated for HOROSCOP.SPACE. © All rights reserved.
