Celtic Sources

"Blog." The Majestic Celtic AnimalDog Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Dec. 2012. 

"Celtic Deer." Joellessacred Deer. N.p., n.d. Web. 

"Deer, Pagan Symbol of Gentleness." Suite101.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2012. 

"Dog." Blogspot.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2012. 

"Dullahan." Blogspot.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2012. 

"Dullahan." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 28 Nov. 2012. Web. 05 Dec. 2012. 

Emick, Jennifer. "Animal Symbolism." Celtic Arts and Symbols. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2012. 

"Fantasy Ireland." Celtic Deer. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2012. 

"Mythology and Folklore of Deer." Trees for Life -. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2012. 

"Nemeton: The Sacred Grove Home of the Celtic Gods." Dyfed Lloyd Evans, 2005. Web. 02 Dec. 2012. 

Nooden, Lars. University of Michigan. N.p., Nov. 1992. Web. 02 Dec. 2012. 

"Symboldictionary." Glossaryboar.jpg. N.p., n.d. Web. 

"Whats Your Sign." Celtic Dog. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2012. 

Relevance of Celtic Animals Today

To the Celts, animals were not considered separate from humanity, but rather part of the human cycle of life, death, and rebirth.  By nature, animals symbolized human and divine traits, both desirable and undesirable and are dispersed by population throughout the entire eastern and western hemispheres of the world.  Celtic animals are very relevant today and are still worshipped by many tribes in Welsh and Celtic cultures as symbols of wealth and fertility.  Without these animals with supernatural powers of high significance, the life of these tribes would simply be inevitable.  They rely solely upon all of the resources that can be acquired from a deceased animal such as their meat as a high protein source of food, the skin that can most definitely be used by means of creating pottery or baskets/clothing, as well as the implementation of the creatures bones to develop weaponry.  These aspects provide the foundation of the tribes, alongside the spiritual connection to the realm of gods and the supernatural world that the tribes believe in.  Its sort of like how a Christian may believe in God and all of his powers that he possess, except the tribes rely upon the animals so much that they basically believe that each individual animal is one of the many deities existing in nature seeking to nourish their tribe.  On the other hand, some animals are seen as infertility to some tribes like those from Ireland.  They see dragons as a sign of disgrace and times of hardship due to one incidence in an old tale of when a dragon swooped down and  briefly ravaged Ireland, ruining the land and preventing daily activities.  Fertility of the land and crops had been destroyed and gave the dragon a  grotesque image.

Storytellers improvisational poetry stemmed from Celtic myths of these passionate love affairs, fabulous adventures and fantastic animals.  The mythology of the Celts has influenced English and Irish writers to this day.  Some of the notable stories that are commonly told in English cultures are tales of the headless horseman, which is derived directly from the Irish/ Celtic Dullahan that is indeed an unseelie fairie.  Others may include distorted stories of Santa Claus in a red suit that refer back to Celtic folklore highlighting Father Christmas whom appeared green rather than red.

The Ferocious Celtic Boar

The nature of the boar is based solely upon principles of hospitality and feasting alongside skills of hunting and war.  These ferocious and intimidating Celtic animals were actually found on Celtic coins dating back to the La Tene period (c 500 BCE).  The most prized characteristic of this animal to the Celts was its aspect of being among the most aggressive creature of the forests in Northern Europe.  It became the symbol of a "warriors strength" and eventually the Celts developed the carnyx, which was a long handled boar-headed trumpet that would be blown during times of war.  Many have come to believe that some of these warriors may have very well worn boar helmets for protection in these wars as well.  

Pork forms the basis for feasts and is widely eaten in Celtic cultures.  The prized portion of the meat is the "champions portion"and Irish tales of the Feast of Bricriu show evidence of heroes squabbling over the best portion of the meat.  Little evidence vaguely talks about how young pigs were butchered and consumed on site in Celtic culture as well.  These ferocious creatures however are a lasting symbol of intimidation in Celtic culture.  The masculine power of the pig is conclusively the archetypal symbol of plenty, healing, and surprisingly shapeshifting.  

The Clever Celtic Hound

The majestic Celtic hound, which is closely related to a wolf is a major depiction of Celtic cultural attributes.  As a loyal, courageous, and honoring iconic figure, it's believed that the symbol of the hound possesses supernatural powers of healing.  It has also been believed that the Irish Filidh consumed the meat of a dog to gain mystical powers of prophetic vision in one Celtic legend.  

The derivation of the word hound arose from the primordial warriors, whom were considered a "hound" due to their presence of honor while in battle.  Their figure resembled one of courageousness in the harshest times of war, which directly relates to the aspects of the hound dog as a Celtic creature.  Also referred to as master hunters, the hounds would play a major role as guides and a close companion with the forest god Cernunnos, also known as the Celtic stag.   Many gods were depicted in the figure of dogs.  The god Cuchulainn's name literally means "Hound of Culann," and the magical hounds accompanying the god Fionn are indeed shape shifted or transformed humans.  Conclusively, the hound is a symbol of loyalty, discernment, and determination and will be a reliable companion to its friends while helping them out with its mystical powers.

The Graceful Celtic "Stag"

Deer are commonly referred to as "stag" in Celtic folklore and are native to almost every continent in the world besides Australia and Antarctica.  They are herbivorous creatures that feast on soft vegetation, leaves shoots, twigs and graze on grass.  Some common predators are coyotes, bobcats cougars, wild dogs, and humans.  Deer, respectively, represent gentleness, caring and kindness.  "Her gentleness is within Great Spirit's lodge and which embodies His love for all."  This basically states that deer seem to lead people towards compassion and love according to Celtic mythology and they always seem to find the gentleness of spirit that heals all wounds.  One tale goes, a fawn met with a demon and asked him to let her pass because she was on her way to seek a spirit.  Her compassionate eyes penetrated the demons armed body and cleared the path for all of Spirit's children to visit Him without the fear of demons blocking the way.
Celts thought of deer as faerie cattle with a female and male aspects.  White stags were, according to mythology, sent to guide chosen humans into their realm.  Deerskin parchments were worn in Medieval Times because they believed Deer's powers resided in the skin.  Cernunnos, another name given to "The Horned One" by the Celtic religion, became known as god of the forest and wild animals, renowned as a god of "plenty."  In Europe, the red stag was a prevalent symbol that resembled royalty and wealth, of which was not offered and was actually forbidden to be killed and eaten by the poor folks.

Why the Celtic Animals?

Celtic animals caught my attention during our class more so than any other topic for some reason.  I have always had a passion for animals, hence my last name "Hogg," and I also was raised in the rural backwoods as well.  After continually being introduced to nature and accustomed to the varieties of emotions, visions, and benefits that arise from it, I chose to complete my blog over the Celtic animals in order to learn more about the symbols of nature.  Some of the emotions that I noticed in nature were peace of mind, anxiety, curiosity, questionability, anger, death, struggles and many others.  Many visions may come from these emotions, such as visions of death, ones of a happy and peaceful future, comfortability knowing that food will be in abundance the next season and much more.  If an individual is able to observe natures animals and pick up on their instinctive abilities it could possibly be very beneficial to their safety whether they know it or not.  Distinct abilities are present in each individual animal, all differing from one another.  A few that I have some knowledge on are deer, dogs, dove, quail, chickens, and various others.  Dogs, deer, and dove have a keen sense of awareness and can notify the surrounding area of possible dangers that lurk in the dark, along with a sense of peace and affection that can be seen from afar and be felt without even the slightest touch.  Chickens, quail, dove and dogs are also reliable sources of determining the weather, changes in climate, incoming storm threats, floods, and  dangers from the wild.  The animals in the bird family will simply migrate or scatter to a new location in a frantic manner with the occurrence of any of these, while the dogs may be more considerate and come nudge you on your leg, whine, bark or use other methods to notify either you or someone/something else of the danger.