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Celtic Gods and GoddessesCeltic gods and goddesses serve as powerful symbols within the Celtic culture. They are representative of a stronger, higher power; they are immortal, yet possess human traits. These dualities are signs that we ourselves hold the same dual nature and are able to aspire to greatness. As stated before, ancient Celtic perspectives on spirituality and mythology is sketchy as little information has survived the test of time. However, deductions about Celtic gods and goddesses can be determined by observing history of the Romans. This is because after the Romans conquered the Celtic lands, many tribes adopted Roman deities as their own.
Written records were obtained from the nearby people of Wales and Ireland, and these recorded deities would have also been relevant to the Celtic tribes. Additionally, Celtic gods and goddesses often adorned Celtic artwork such as their tapestries, jewelry and stone work used in building walls and other structures. This artwork depicted Celtic gods and goddesses, cross-referenced with the surviving documentation of the Celtic culture provide enough information to make logical deductions about the deities.
CernunnosAlso called the Horned One, the Celtic god Cernunnos sported antlers of a stag upon his head. The stag in Celtic myth is considered a sign of sexuality and fecundity– likely the Celts would invoke Cernunnos to assure plentiful crops and abundant fortunes – or even summoned on wedding nights for reasons you can figure out. Cernunnos was also portrayed as the god of the animal realm, thus he would have also been called upon to assure favorable hunting conditions. Most remarkably, Cernunnos was a shape-shifter, with the ability to take on the form of a snake, a wolf – or more commonly, his native stag.
EponaMother goddess of Earth, Epona was invoked often, but more frequently during the equinoxes to bring about smooth passage of the seasons (both physically and philosophically). Epona would be the Celtic goddess of honor during equinox ceremonies, further reinforcing that her power is found in her ability to deftly deal with transitions. As the Earth goddess, she was hailed for her grounding nature, particularly needed during times of crisis or influx in life. Always depicted upon a horse (another Celtic sign of fertility), Epona would also serve as the guardian of new life. She would welcome safe arrival of new babies as well as new crops.
BelanusThe word Bel means "to shine" or "brilliant"; Belanus is represented as a sun god, and would have been invoked during times of war to insure that the fiercest, bravest battles fought were also won. Battle was the equivalent of a warrior's greatest and most "shining" moment, so out of all the Celtic gods and goddesses Belanus would likely be one of the most revered. He would be called upon to fight at a warrior's side – passing his god strength on to the warrior until victory was achieved. There are also some schools of thought that Belanus was also a god of higher reasoning. The translation of the name Belanus (shining or to shine) gives rise to the belief that this god may bring about enlightenment if called upon. More likely, the shine of this god was seen in the height of tribal warfare when Celtic warriors were enmeshed in battle-frenzied combat.
Triple Mother GoddessAlso known in ancient Britain as Matres Domesticae. Not one goddess, but the combining of three feminine forces makes the Triple Mother. As a whole, this Celtic goddess is a force to be reckoned with. Three was a number of mystical significance among the Celts, and the trinity of these figures held enormous magic. Usually depicted holding symbols from harvest or hunt, the Triple Mother in her more tame state would serve as a figure of good harvest, and good health. Also symbolic of the stages of life, each feminine figure represents crone, mother, and maiden – a culmination of the three would signify the power of unity. In a more intimidating light, this figure would be depicted as a three- headed woman, loaded with supernatural abilities – particularly wielding power over unseen forces such as light, wind, and time.
TaranisTaranis is the unmistakable Celtic god of the heavens, more commonly known as the thunder god. Often thought to come by his boisterous tendencies honestly, Taranis was said to infiltrate the sky with thunderous energy when he became inebriated after drinking too much Celtic mead. As mead was often a constant during celebrations of marriage and battle victories, Taranis was a good-humored god and served as a figure of whole-hearted joy and zeal. As with all Celtic gods and goddesses, Taranis also had a dual nature. When provoked he could bring the fury of the skies down to smote those in need of punishment. Nevertheless, Taranis is generally depicted as a fair god, and slow to wrath. Taranis is commonly seen riding across the heavens in a chariot, his horses very much a part of his power – their galloping hooves would usually produce the crack of thunder and sparks of lightening in the skies.
Other pages of interest on this site: Celtic Meaning of Symbolic Trees Celtic Tree Astrology - Zodiac of the Druids
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