Either way, knowing at least a little bit about Celtic lore and mythology invigorates any study of the Craft. She is often depicted as a goddess accompanied by crows whose domain is on a battlefield. Her name means blessed raven. Bronwyn is a modern day version of this name. The cauldron of plenty was never Learn more about Cliodhna here. Another important thing that the Dagda had in his arsenal was his magical harp, which he could use to change the seasons and even mens emotions. I cant find much info about her except that she might be connected to the Roman Minerva? The goddess of the crossroads is also the goddess of night, magic, necromancy, the Moon, and ghosts. These schools are typically categorized based on the type of magic they practice, including elemental magic, divination, healing, and others. The stories surrounding those Celtic gods and goddesses varied from one Celtic tribe or chiefdom to another. Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of Irish witches, exploring their beliefs, practices, and the cultural significance they hold in the Emerald Isle. Aine(Irish) Goddess of love, growth, cattle and light. Hecate is the goddess of the crossroads, which means she is the force present during any major life changing event. Vercana points up the difficulty of deciding anything based on a deitys name alone. It was a nice introduction to some goddesses I hadnt heard of before. As stated above, the illicit affair between Morrigan and the Dagda produced the charming deity Aengus. 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. Shrouded in legendary mystery, Morgan Le Fay has been a prominent character in the Arthurian legends. Thorsons. 9 Celtic Goddesses to Know and Work With - Moody Moons 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. She had a magical cow, the Maol, as well as herds of cattle and of deer. It all depends on how you look at it. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); World History Edu 2023. Recently with the revival of the Druid and Pagan movements the popularity and interest in the Celtic Goddesses has risen. 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. 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]. Worldhistoryedu is not responsible for the content of external sites. 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. It was typical for ancient cultures to believe that sun deities rode across the sky pulling the sun with their powerful horse-drawn chariots. These witches were granted these powers by the great feminine spirits known as the Orisha. She is an aspect of Morrigan. 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. She was known to turn the men she came across into animals, with their minds intact to fully appreciate their predicament. For further reading about The Morrigan, check out Celtic Lore and Spellcraft of the Dark Goddess: Invoking the Morrigan. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. I have already bought two long flowing skirts and Im learning to dance at a womens drum circle in San Francisco, Im so grateful to Aine for guiding me on this incredible path. She is the energy that slays the demonic entities. Today, many Wiccans revere her as one who leads nocturnal hordes of merry witches through the air, stopping at households to eat and drink of the feasts set out for them. Kali teaches us these profound and unsettling lessons. Her name means chiding love. Other common spellings of her name include Cerridwen, Caridwen and Keridwen. From the misting, shamrock green hills of Northern Ireland to the stormy shores of coastal France, this mysterious pantheon encompasses many cultures, landscapes and traditions. Borvo Similar to the Celtic god Belenus, Borvo is also a deity of healing and medicine. Described a youthful warrior, Lugh was the Celtic god of a host of things, including craftsmen, thunderstorms, ravens, and strategic warfare. Shes also one of the chief figures of various neo-pagan and Wiccan traditions. God in Irish Mythology However, there's a bit more to her than this. Aengus ended up marrying her and the two lived happily ever after. Her association with witchcraft and witches may well have originated before the medieval witch trialsthis provides evidence that witches existed long before people grew frightened of them. Shes the grandmother. Sedna (Inuit) - Mistress of life and death. An interesting example of an Irish witch is Alice Kyteler, who lived in the 14th century and was accused of practicing witchcraft. Most often people see her as a dark goddess because she is a psychopomp (one that guides souls to the other side), but often we forget she is also a goddess of childbirth and maternity (which is her light aspect). Im a 19 yo boy whos drawn very strongly to the Celtic Goddess Aine, Im not gay but I feel like she is making me feel comfortable in the feminine world. In the Canadian fantasy television series Lost Girl, the Morrigan is a title held by the leader of the Dark Fae. With fabulous guests, and episodes exploring folklore and magic, this podcast is perfect for anyone with an interest in Celtic Paganism, or Welsh Witchcraft. He is said to wield an invincible spear (Gae Assail) and a sling stone that when unleashed crushed opponents in a single heartbeat. Research books, websites, and online resources to learn about the gods and goddesses, heroes, and legends of Celtic mythology. And she was known to have a temper and a lustful appetite unparalleled by any other woman of the time. While Celtic Wicca draws inspiration from historical and cultural traditions, it has evolved to reflect contemporary spiritual practices and beliefs. 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. To compensate for her sons ugliness, she used her cauldron to brew a potion. Celtic deities - Wikipedia She could be a dark goddess in her own ritedepending on her mood. From them sprang all the healing herbs of the world, covering her brothers body. In some other depictions, he can be seen wearing a torc and a big metal ring. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). She and her fellow witches bestow prosperity to the generous and deny their blessings to the miserly who left nothing. [2], Lelands account described an Italian legendthat may be partially trueof a woman who, traveled far and wide, teaching and preaching the religion of old times, the religion of Diana, the Queen of the Fairies and the Moon, the goddess of the poor and the oppressed. She is the niece and a priestess of Hecate, Goddess of the Witches, and she knows the ways of her aunt. It is for this reason why Lugh is sometimes regarded as the military commander of the Celtic pantheon. She brings us wisdom if we are open to learning. Most notably for the modern pagan, the holiday of Imbolc celebrates this goddess in particular. The mythology that surrounded her was contradictory and confused; mother goddesses of earlier peoples were ultimately identified with her, as were many goddesses of the Celts themselves. 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. The Witchcraft Act of 1542 was a law passed by the English Parliament that made witchcraft a crime for the first time in English law. Portugal and Spain) to places in Ireland. She is the wife of the god Belenus (Beli) and the Goddess of the Mersey River. She was also a goddess of necromancy, skilled in using potions and drugs in her many spells. "The Morrighan." Sometimes called le Grand Negre (the Black Man) due to his face being black as night, Leonards duties make him the grandmaster of the witches Sabbaths. As the Celtic goddess of transformation, mythology depicts Ceridwen as a figure of inspiration, rebirth and renewal. She's often associated with the Imbolc sabbat, as well as with fire, domesticity, and family life. 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. In addition to his powerful horse-drawn chariot, he also possessed powerful weapons such as his thunderbolts and shield. The Morrighan is a Celtic goddess associated with war and battle, as well as the sovereignty of the land, and rightful kingship. Updates? Aengus is the son of the deities Dagda and Boann. The Book of Irish Witches. Offerings were made to the war goddesses and observations and divination were used to predict the outcome of the battle. She is the Old Woman, the Winter Crone, the Veiled One, the Old Hag, and the Old Crone. Call on her when working with four-legged animal familiars and to encourage fertility, both in the garden and in your family. The belief in witchcraft and the supernatural is deeply ingrained in the Irish psyche and continues to play a role in the countrys cultural identity. She was also a fertility goddess who assisted in childbirth, nursing, and healing. 2023. Each episode will delve into the spirits, lore, and magic of her native Wales. He is the son of Boann, the River Goddess, and the Daghda, the Father God. Circe is featured in numerous stories, including Homers Odyssey in which the men of Odysseus ship drank of her wine and were turned into swine. Despite his plain-sounding name and lack of divinity, Leonard is the demon inspector-general of sorcery, black magic, and witchcraft. There are many different views on her WebHecate, goddess accepted at an early date into Greek religion but probably derived from the Carians in southwest Asia Minor. Thanks for this accessible and informative post! She is both darkness and lightbirth and death. This body of myths is the largest and best preserved of all the Her tale is told in the Ulster Cycle where she rules as queen of Connacht. Some historians opine that St. Brigid who is one of Irelands patron saints was a Christianized version of this Celtic goddess. From ancient times all the way to modern times, Aine is one of the most powerful and token goddesses in Celtic paganism. Coventina(English) Goddess of the sacred waters her shrine is found in Northumberland. In some of the legends, Morgan Le Fay saves King Arthur by whisking him off to Avalon after a fatal battle. What Baba Yaga doesnt know is that Vassalissa has her ancestors on her side, as well as her intuition. The cauldronhers of which could raise the deadwas an important aspect of Celtic life, serving as both a household hub and as a tool for divination and sacrificial rituals. Her war aspect is somewhat dark, in that we can see The Morrigan as the crow that eats the remaining dead off of the battlefield. While this article states these deities are dark goddesses, this in no way means they are bad or evil. After a successful war, select Celtic warriors took part in a ceremony to wed them to the goddess of the land before they could assume dominion over the place and it's peoples. Maponus Being a Celtic god of poetry and music, Maponus was often associated with the Greek god Apollo. Its authenticity was in dispute right from the beginning, but it has since become a wildly popular foundational Wiccan document. 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. In other words, the names sound similar, but the relationship ends there. OTHER legends say shes the Queen of the Banshees of Munster. Jamie founded Listverse due to an insatiable desire to share fascinating, obscure, and bizarre facts. He has been a guest speaker on numerous national radio and television stations and is a five time published author. Irish literature refers to her as mother of the gods.. Irish mythology Her name Medb literally means mead and one who intoxicates. I wanted to sign up for updates on your blog. The Celtic Goddesses page concentrates on names of Celtic Goddesses and qualities of the Offerings were made to the war goddesses and observations and divination were used to predict the outcome of the battle. In other words, both deities were fathers of their respective pantheons as well as gifted in the use of magic and sorcery. 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. Nemausicae For all things related to fertility and healing, some Celtic tribes prayed to the goddess Nemausicae. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. The primordial goddess from whose actions caused a great deal of things to happen in the beginning of time, Danu was a very important deity among Celtic tribes. Gods and Goddesses of Death and the Underworld, 8 Famous Witches From Mythology and Folklore, Mary Jones of the Celtic Literature Collective says, John Beckett over at Patheos describes a ritual. The most well-known tale featuring Baba Yaga is Vassalissa the Wise. The name Britain is a derivation of Brigits name. After all, mythology is storytelling at its finest. She herself too wanders about with the souls of the dead, and the whining and howling of dogs announce her approach.[10]. As the time drew near to make use of it, a servant named Gwion Bach was stirring the pot when three drops fell upon his thumb. Brigit was a goddess of pre-Christian Ireland. One of the most famous beliefs associated with Irish witches was the practice of shapeshifting, or the ability to transform into an animal form. Often times, animals such as stags, bulls and horned serpent accompany him, reinforcing his reputation as the Lord of Wild Things. Invoke Morgan Le Fay, fairy witch goddess, when working with fairies and elementals, parting the veil, and casting magic with herbs. His name comes from a stone carving in Paris dating back to the Gallo-Roman period. Simply get to know these Celtic goddesses by name to enrich your practice. the Birch Goddess Celtic Goddesses - goddess-guide.com The ancient Celts covered regions from places in the Iberian peninsula (i.e. Kali is a Hindu Goddess of death and destruction. After all, mythology is storytelling at its finest. Your email address will not be published. Her cult was widespread in the twelfth dynasty and when the capital of Egypt was moved, so was her temple. Cliodhna is no different. Good article but a bit surprised that you didnt mention Ereshkigal, the Sumerian Dark Goddess and sister/mother of Innana/Ishtar. She runs into Baba Yaga and the old hag tells her she will give her the fire she seeks, if she will do the chores that Baba Yaga asks her to do. The tribe initially came from the area that is now Bregenz in Austria near Lake Constance. Maeves envy of anothers possessions led to great war. Lugh of the Long Arm, Celtic god of kings, justice, and leadership. Mabb(Welsh) As Queen Mabb she acted as midwife to the fairies. This fire is a representation of Vassalissas inner power and ancestral guidance. Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a59f5601e828393ffed175efccb49b34" );document.getElementById("c06c982423").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Keep the magic coming and opt-in for our free newsletter with lessons, tips and tricks for a more enchanted life. Accessed on 28 Apr. She is possibly Proto-Indo-European dating back to prehistoric times. This goddess was an extremely beautiful woman who was sometimes regarded as a fertility goddess. The Celtic Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Ireland There is no real light aspect of Maeve; however, she teaches us to indulge in our own desires and also to remain fierce in the eye of the enemy. WebTable of Contents Esus, (Celtic: Lord, or Master), powerful Celtic deity, one of three mentioned by the Roman poet Lucan in the 1st century ad; the other two were Taranis (Thunderer) and Teutates (God of the People). The Book of Celtic Myths. The majority in N Ireland are descend from people settled there by England, whereas the RoI are more Celtic in heritage. The Dagda in Battle Despite being associated with bounty and fertility, the Dagda was also seen as a powerful warrior. When translated, his name comes out as True Vigor a further reinforcement of his role among the Tuatha de Danann. A Gaello-Roman goddess, Epona protects horses and other four-legged creatures. Every deity has a light and dark side. Your email address will not be published. His parents belonged to the Celtic gods and goddesses as well. The Thunderer, a powerful Celtic god of thunder and storms. The Celtic deities we are about to explore were given very human-like attributes, although complex and multifaceted. Nerthus Another Celtic fertility goddess whose importance was pronounced in many Germanic tribes. To old school religious folks, this may have been a big no-no for a woman to disobey her husband, but in todays age? This narrative may refer to a sect called the Guglielmites, who believed in a Guglielma of Milanthe daughter of the king of Bohemia and the female incarnation of the Christian Holy Spirit. Popularly known as the queen of the pantheon, Danu was depicted as a beautiful woman who embodied the nature itself. They did not disappear completely but were immortalised in the myths and legends. Witch Trials in Ireland. With regards to the latter, Lugh was praised for his heroic efforts in slaying Balor the one-eyed warrior king of the Formorians. 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. A few of the goddesses were adopted by the Romans like Epona the Celtic horse Goddess others like Brigid were renamed as Catholic Saints. Goddesses of the Celts Ross, A. 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. (2021, September 8). This was believed to be a way for the witches to escape detection and travel unseen to perform their magic. Connecting with Celtic deities is a key aspect of Celtic Wicca. (1995). Hutton, R. (1999). Top 10 Most Powerful Celtic Gods and Goddesses The Celtic Goddess Danu's Symbols. The Irish Witchcraft Act was a series of laws passed in Ireland during the 16th and 17th centuries that made witchcraft a crime. Or, use it as a starting point to learn to work with them as a practitioner. Many Pagans honor her today as a goddess of the hearth and home, and of divination and prophecy. This is the Welsh Witch Podcast! Her name means silver wheel, representing the cycles of life. From well-known goddess like Rhiannon, to lesser known, but fascinating ones like Airmed, this list is a bouquet of wildflowers. And will teach you how to shapeshift, divine with runes, and explore your shadow side. The Morrighan often appears in the form of a crow or raven, or is seen accompanied by a group of them. However, this didnt kill Bachamazingly, Cerridwen became pregnant with him and rebirthed him as the great bard, Taliesin. In Ireland, the celebration of Samhain, one of the oldest pagan holidays, is still observed today. Her name, meaning white footprint, alludes to her lore. Celtic lore credits her with special gifts as both a healer and an artist. Hes usually depicted as wearing antlers and being accompanied by a stag or an antlered serpent. Ive been wanting to work more with the Celtic goddesses. 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. She was also said to be the daughter of Ra, the Egyptian sun-god, and was feared at times of war. Monaghan, P. (2002). Circe is the Goddess of Sorcery, Transformation, and Witchcraft. This includes the majority of her own children. It sounds like you have some deep knowledge of traditional Celtic spirituality. Sekhmet is depicted mostly as a woman with the head of a lion, therefore making her a ferocious, take-no-crap kind of goddess. She is the embodiment of Winter and all that it brings: snow, ice, cold, death and then eventually rebirth. In Celtic cultures, Brigids name translated into The Exalted One. Though shes been reduced to a mere witch-figure in folklore, many people believe she was once a powerful Goddess of the forest. They were never one country or empire. Diana is the Roman goddess of woodlands, wild animals, and hunting. 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. Celtic Wicca: A Complete Overview of Irish Witches and Celtic List of knowledge deities - Wikipedia The act was eventually repealed in 1735. For an especially popular one with a magical bent, check out Brigid: History, Mystery and Magick of the Celtic Goddess. Call on her for her during moon rituals, dreams, and faerie magic. Cailleach is the epitome of the old hag archetype and has long been honored for her rule over winter weather. She appears in Irish mythology as a member of the Tuatha De Danann. 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. You can create an altar to your chosen deity, and offer prayers and offerings to them. A popular dark goddess is the Irish Celtic Goddess of War and ShapeshiftingThe Morrigan. Choose a deity that resonates with you, and spend time learning about its qualities and attributes. Lance LeClaire is a freelance artist and writer. The act remained in force until 1735 when it was repealed as part of a broader reform of the English legal system. Remember that your spiritual practice should reflect your individual beliefs, values, and experiences. The myths tell of Medea losing her husband to another woman, and because of her rage she takes revenge and kills many people. Privacy Policy, https://mythopedia.com/topics/celtic-gods. Angus is the God of Love and Beauty. The practice of witchcraft has been part of human culture for thousands of years and has taken many different forms in different cultures and time periods. Look for her in your dreams and she will come bearing herbal lessons. The history of Ireland is rich with tales of magic and superstition, from the folklore of the Tuatha De Danann to the legendary banshees that haunt the countryside. The earliest depictions of him were found in northern Italy, but he was primarily worshiped throughout Gaul by names now lost, spreading throughout Celtic Britain and into Ireland. It was believed she brought luck and good magic to her worshippers. Hecate Irish Central. The Welsh Witch Podcast on Apple Podcasts Britain was named for an ancient Celtic tribe, the Brigantes, who worshipped Brigit and were the largest Celtic tribe to occupy the British Isles in pre-Roman times. Later, they attached him to Herne, a trickster from medieval legends. Morrigan Dark Goddesses: Our 11 FAVORITES From Around the World Brigit was a goddess of pre-Christian Ireland. 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. She is the goddess who determines whether or not you walk off the field of battle, or are carried off upon your shield.