Wandering through them gave me a sense of connection to Nature and to a certain Forest God.. Connect with the earth below and the heavens above. He also wears a torc around his neck. There are no ancient Cernunnos myths that have survived to our time. The torc included in most horned god images was a symbol of status and wealth in ancient Gallic tribes, but it was not the only such symbol pictured with Cernunnos. One tool historians can use to interpret ancient figures is linguistics. Many modern sources refer to Cernunnos as the god of the fest. Thank you for writing this! On the cauldron, Cernunnos is a man with antlers sitting cross-legged, flanked by wild animals. The Pillar of the Boatmen, like many monuments from Roman Gaul, honors both native and Roman gods. Methods of Cleansing & Purification Witch Challenge. May all that enslaves me be released. The Book of Cernunnos will be published by ADF Publishing. It was common at the time to have a statue or relief made in devotion to a god, usually in fulfilment of a vow. They are also found in regions that belonged to different Celtic tribes. . I started wearing it. the etymology of whose name is unclear. I used to make one weekly offering now I make four. Inscriptions call them by Roman names with local epithets, Roman writers mention local names for their gods, or images combine their symbols. Visit the Forum to discuss this topic and others! Cernunnos is a horned god found in Celtic mythology. So that I may be pure and true. Ive found that a lot of the Celtic deities just have such powerful and strong energy. Now, if I give Him the Jameson and go drink Glenmorangie myself, thats a problem. Lead my arrow true. Many times its just keep moving. And sometimes He has something significant to say: something I need to contemplate or do or write. Particularly because the name Cernunnos was likely an epithet, it is likely that a comparison was made under a different name. Usually dated to the 1st century BC, it shows a seated figure with antlers holding a torc and a snake, surrounded by deer, bulls, and canines. It is unlikely, then, that a single identical god was worshiped by all Celtic peoples, even in the same era. His inclusion on the Pillar of the Boatmen also suggests that he may have had some protective power over sailors, merchants, or tradespeople. How did you meet him? We will consider material previously published elsewhere (including on-line) if you still have the publication rights. Stags sport antlers during their breeding season and use them in combat with other stags. The deadline for submissions is May 3, 2019. If making an altar or giving offerings isnt an option for you, you can also offer acts of service. I get questions all the time. Researching other horned gods will also give you a deeper understanding of Cernunnos. Was He moved to love a human who shared His love of the wild? Cernunnos is a Celtic God of wilderness, the hunt and fertility. Cernunnos also has often times been associated with The Greenman. Witches' 2023 Astrological Calendar for Magickal Beltane: A Necessary (and ahistorical) Celebration of Sexuality. In addition to having a similar name, Ciaranus in Latin, the saint is also closely associated with the forest. During the Cattle Raid on Fraech, the fort Conall attempted to infiltrate was guarded by a great serpent. While some deities and some pantheons have traditional offerings, theres really only one rule: offer whats good. Dont worry about the terms, just set up a shrine. Gatekeeper to the Inner Treasure, Carnonos, I call to you Wicca without reincarnation? His nature is essentially earthly. Acteon: Some think the Romans may have seen images of Cernunnos as the Greek character Acteon. This is in keeping with many other images found throughout the region. He is sometimes portrayed with 3 faces or 3 heads, demonstrating his connection with the life/death/rebirth cycle (similar to the Triple Goddess), Sacred Animals: stag, ram, (horned) snake, bull, dog, and rat, Sacred plant: Oak, Ivy, Mistletoe, Juniper, Grains, Sacred place: forests and fields (all wild, un-spoiled places), Offerings: wine, water, milk; antler sheds, leaves, soil, his sacred plants; acts of sexuality, primal drumming music, entering an otherworldly state, Spiritual Allies or Aliases: The Green Man, Pan, Puck, Herne the Hunter. While disciples eventually gathered around him and established a proper monastery, Ciarans first students were the animals of the forest. In the years since I first encountered Cernunnos, Ive worshipped, worked with, and worked for many Gods. Required fields are marked *. Your faces outnumber the stars. He is the embodiment of the primal self. Roman power was both legitimized and stabilized in this way. Your email address will not be published. This is an architectural element found throughout cathedrals and buildings, a face of a man made up of twigs and leaves. Cernunnos is a fascinating deity that was obviously important to Celtic and Gaulish societies, so its a shame that there isnt a lot left to demonstrate how he was worshipped in ancient times. He pushes and encourages me to be a better person and pagan. Devotional to Cernunnos. Many of us believe it is Cernunnos who is depicted on the Gundestrup Cauldron, but we have no way to know for sure. There is strong evidence that this day (Nov 12) was originally a festival time devoted to Odin and to Cernunnos, who has many similarities to the Wanderer. Although some of the animals Cernunnos is often shown with were domesticated they still had connections to the wilderness. If we grew up in a polytheist culture we would learn them as children. To the Lord of the Hunt. There are no "adults" at Fox regardless of ", "Yes, everybody prays. Pingback: Devotional Ritual to Carnonos (Cernunnos). The Full Moon is just visible through the thick, looming trees. Since they were very rare, I decided to make one. I will be true to the truth in my heart, I destroy my ego.I release all worries of life and fears of death.I open my heart to your presence.I feel your presence within me.Your wisdom within my mind.Oh Great God Cernunnos!I am a humble student of your mysteries. Other times, though, theres more to it theres something that needs to be written. By day you are the sun, by night you ride upon the wild winds For all things wild and free are in your keeping. (Admitting these things does not mean Im proud of them either, just trying to be honest.). Mighty Stag In Greek, for example, Hades was often called Pluton, The Wealthy One, to avoid directly referencing the god of the dead. The choices are many and up to you! . Witches & Magick in the Media Join the Challenge! And all things of beauty and freedom and love delight you.You are the Ancient One. Others make them daily, or monthly, or on some other schedule. The name is taken from a single inscription found beneath Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. In Greek mythology, time was a significant concept that was often associated with the gods. Cernunnos is a great god and deity to work with! When you come to the altar, light up the Juniper bundle and in a counter-clockwise motion, circle it in front of you saying: May all that holds me be released, When my part of the ritual began I immediately felt a firm, warm, hand on my shoulder. There are no sources that clearly give a Roman equivalent for the horned god or describe him in Latinized terms. This can be a statue, a picture, a piece of antler, a handful of acorns whatever works for you. Creating a syncretic system also reinforced the power of Rome as an imperial state. While most everything . Because of this, he is often associated with the magical tool the cauldron. Isgho Votre ducation notre priorit . This idea is challenged, however, by the fact that the Romans had no such issues with claiming other unique gods in Europe, Egypt, and the Near East. . If necessary, do divination. Closely-related names are found in a few other places, but are not mentioned in Roman sources and can only be assumed to refer to the same figure. Report Save Follow. Bow to the altar (or some other form of gesture adoration). Growing up in Indiana with farming aunts and uncles, the corn harvest ", "Witches do not believe in the devil. Its easy to associate the Spring with sex, but the Fall is plenty horny too. Lord of the Crossroads Date: January 3, 2022 Theia 3 Comments. The name Cernunnos is rooted in the Gaulish word karnon, which translates to antler or horn.. Cernunnos is invoked to protect ones travels, business, and for connecting with the divine masculine. One such image is not of the mature man usually identified as Cernunnos, but of a child. Careers Workplace and Religion Columnists, Recreation Outdoors and Religion Columnists, Religious Music and Entertainment Columnists, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, usually when attempting to create some sort of portal. He is believed to be the god of abundance and ruler of wild animals. . For example, horns and antlers are often used as a visual cue for aggression, wildness, and virility. He is often portrayed with a beard . Cernunnos is an ancient European god and an important one for many pagans today. May this sweet bread be a delight to you, as it brings people together (give an offering of sweet bread). The name Cernunnos, therefore, seems to refer to the gods imagery. So are some very different interpretations of Him. Danu tells what little we know of her, and how I came to know her. This part of the story, some believe, may have originated with a god more closely associated with hunting and, thus, the forest. If you get this, pay attention. Instead, he became a hermit living deep in the forest. Instead of a attacking him, though, the snake wrapped itself around his waist like a belt. Everything he stands for resonates with me on a deep and spiritual level. Over the last few years, numerous anthologies have been published with devotions to various deities. Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world. Some groups, however, left no written evidence of their religions. Your email address will not be published. Often, similar figures are shown alongside animals. Today, Cernunnos is considered a god of fertility and the wilderness. At least fifty archaeological artifacts with his image have been discovered, mostly in Northern France. Sometimes my interactions with him have been something akin to a full-fledged drawing down experience, and other times its just been his hand leading me around the circle. You did a wonderful job invoking that feel of the great lord of the Wild Hunt! You are the deer in rut, mighty Horned One, Scholars have also noted that the os sound in the gods name is typical of Gallic and Celtic gods. When he's drawn down into our circle during ritual she'd be the one most likely to interact with him. This probably evolved out of Dionysus being Big D and eventually just D in our personal parlance. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I was looking for a site on Wicca that was 1. focused on Wicca and not witchcraft or paganism as a whole, 2. not selling anything, 3. kept up-to-date, and 4. accurate. ", "My grandfather was a Mason. Also a theory shared by some of the modern day devotees of Vanir (a tribe of . Let Your gaze fall upon this Sacred Ground. It does not exist. An inscription in Greek found in southern France likely refers to the same god as the two Latin sources known from Paris and Luxembourg. And while being outdoors is great, building a shrine creates a regular meeting place thats always there. Listen. While their gods belonged to the same archetype, they were known by local names and had their own myths. Another famous depiction is a statue called the Pillar of the Boatman discovered in the foundation of Notre Dame Church. :rotating_light: *Trigger warning: mentions of dying and near death . As they are all linked. To the wild, dancing, mischievous masculine. Not much is known about his traditional role or worship, but scholars have pieced together some information about where he came from and what he does. As you connect, listen to the sound of your heartbeat. Sometimes the omen happens when the needs of the work arise. For me, chilly Sunday mornings often meant sleeping in with a paramour, and mid to late October is prime rutting season for Michigans deer population. But we want it to be as deep and as complete as it can be, so were soliciting contributions from Pagans we know have knowledge of or experience with Cernunnos. I found the attempts to link C* (as hes often referred to in our house) to Merlin and other mythological figures laughable, eventually leading me to the idea that there cant be all that much to Cernunnos since no one seems able to write about him. There are theories that Cernunnos is more of an archetype or a spiritual representation of ALL of the wild, fertile deities from the wilderness. Theres usually something They want you to do. But while Cernunnos can be described as a Horned God, this book will be specifically for him. are performed or presented. While not devoted entirely to Cernunnos it does have a hearty amount of both historical lore and personal UPG from worshippers that is hard to find . Instead, it was a title. Cernunnos was the Gaelic god of nature, animals, and fertility, and one of the most mysterious deities in world mythology. Go for a hike, stay in a cabin, or go camping. Cernunnos. rd Draiodh Ron. The Celtic Horned God is Lord of the Forest, Wildlife, Abundance, Survival, Virility, the Hunt and Fertility. Janus: Like Mercuty and Dis Pater, this god had implications of crossing boundaries or moving between worlds. Cernunnos is the name given to a horned god featured often in art from Roman-era Gaul and Iberia. It can be deduced that he has power over wild animals and fecundity. His energy is wild and yet welcoming, and he often calls to those who need to reconnect to their primal instincts and to the earth. Women and non-binary persons are especially encouraged to participate. Learning about Cernunnos is largely a matter of independent study, with more field work than classroom work. Sacred Mists Academy of Magickal Arts and Sciences Among other courses offered, they have an in-depth Wicca education program, with the option to join their tradition at a later date if you so desire. Many of the animals he preached to, including stags, wolves, and boars, were those also typically associated with Cernunnos. This hand directed and guided me, perhaps his voice even whispered into my ear . A new devotional anthology is being created. Another ancient source provides further evidence that Cernunnoss name referred to his horns. Scarlet Ravenswood Pagan YouTube channel (not Wiccan, but a great deal of excellent neo-pagan info), Greybeard Crowfeathers Intro to Wicca YouTube channel, Mandragora Magick-a networking site for pagans, My YouTube Wiccan chants and music playlist, Goddess-guide.com (lots of good info about lots of goddesses), Order of the White Moon classes learning about the Goddess for women, and also has a Goddess gallery with many rituals to particular goddesses, Fellowship of Isis an international organization dedicated to honoring the Divine Feminine, Covenant of Hekate an international organization dedicated to the Goddess Hekate, TOWINT The Old Ways in New Times a great pagan blog. During those times hes with me, but in a completely different way. I think this is one of those times. The name is taken from a single inscription found beneath Notre Dame Cathedral in . Today, hes achieved new significance among Wiccans and some other Pagans as a deity of nature, animals, wilderness, and virility. My only suggestion is to set some fixed schedule so you dont inadvertently go a long time without making them. What kind of material are you looking for? But we think its important to pay our writers and artists something. Change). On both sides of us on that trail were rutting deer, literally just a few feet away. His name, The Hound of Culann, came from a story in which he took the place of a guard dog. There is, of course, no one right answer. I will walk in the wisdom of the ancestors, His horns, pose, animals, and symbols of wealth identify him as an important, if forgotten, god of the Celtic world. Ceisiwr Serith, Kondatriev and most scholars agree on "The God with Antlers". Place a cauldron on his altar and learn how to use it in your rituals and spells. You might not see anything during the ritual, and that is fine. To myself Id mutter How can anyone worship or honor a god who doesnt have any myths? The idea just didnt make sense to me. I sing this prayer to the Old One. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Because they did not write down their legends, historians are left to fill in the blanks. I suspect They want us to do the work to figure these things out. This last year, I was part of a project to develop rituals and practices dedicated to Carnonos (Cernunnos) from a Gaulish perspective. Discerning a call from a God doesnt take Ph.D. level research, but it usually takes a bit of work. But we didnt, and so we have to learn them now. Consider working with other horned deities like Khnum, the ancient Egyptian ram-headed god. this was the Dread Lord of Shadows, Cernunnos. It appears the one I have is no longer in production, but similar ones are available. Many cultures left rich written records that tell historians about their gods and worship practices in vivid detail. Conalls epithet has, in fact, been open to a wide variety of interpretations. Then wear the torc during ritual, while out in public for protection, and to increase your primal instincts. I have come here tonight to give offerings and celebrations. Their ships allowed for the trade that brought gold and other valuables to Gaul from around the known world, making the god of wealth one of their most important deities. The appearance of stags or serpents in your dreams can also be a sign from Cernunnos. Youre headed to the sacred place, deep in the forest. If Cernunnos had appeared to me when I was 10 years old I would have assumed He was the Christian devil and run away screaming I had no context for anything else. Today, Cernunnos has become a kind of figurehead for all deities of virility and the divine masculine, particularly in Wicca. By providing offerings for Cernunnos on a regular basis, you are engaging in an exchange of energy. You who remind us that we are both tame and wild, May this whisky be a delight to you as it warms the belly (give an offering of whisky) I am honored to be his priest, and occasionally, to welcome new people into His service. Wait until you find one that strikes you as right. Just be prepared: working with Cernunnos is no easy matter. Making offerings is a core polytheist practice. The most common reason given for linking the two is linguistic. I invoke thee. Details will be provided on inquiry. Even if the torc had more symbolic meaning, this is a clear display of material wealth. They compare unknown figures to more familiar characters to find similarities and possible links. Cernunnos Domain: the forest, animals, nature, fertility, travels, the hunt, abundance, healing, sexuality, virility, and primal instincts, Physical Characteristics: a man with either deer antlers or ram horns, often sitting cross-legged in a meditation position. In-dwell my rite and give me Your blessing. You who knows the Ancestral Wisdom After offending, Jupiter: Preious contact with other cultures had led to Jupiter being associated with other horned gods, notably the Egyptian deity. Did the Forest God see a young boy retreating into a wooded refuge and take pity on him? Author. Representing the wealth of the forest, Cernunnos appears to have eventually represented material wealth as well. I can combine and condense several emails into one simple question: I feel called to Cernunnos how do I get started?. All gods were theirs; they were just given different names and seen differently by foreigners. I was worshipping both Pan and Dionysus by then , leading rituals in my local community, and generally doing all the things a loud-mouthed know-it-all-Wiccan does in their mid-20s. Once breeding seasons over, they shed their antlers and re-grow them again for the next breeding season. As you connect, listen to the sound of your heartbeat. As you connect, listen to the sound of your heartbeat. And they did. Still others see him as a God of Liminality and of the Underworld. The Horned One would be an epithet that would have only subtle changes to vowel sounds or case endings, whereas a proper name could change much more. I knew that this particular ritual didnt call for Pan, or even Dionysus (though youd be surprised at just how complicated D is), I knew Id need to reach out to something someone else, instead I didnt have to. The mysterious origins of Cernunnos haven't kept people from guessing at his mythology. Once you feel your connection to the cosmos, take three deep breaths while you shake the rattle (one breath for three rattle shake). The Magick of Sleep & Dreams Join the Witchy Challenge! Cernunnos is a deity whose basic nature can be summed up in two words: Sex and Death. The horns atop his head link him to the stag, ram, goat, and auroch. We carry everything needed . If you feel compelled to spend more time in nature, or develop a deeper connection to it, he might be trying to make himself known to you. Watching over them and protecting them until theyre able to stand on their own. Dont be in a hurry to buy a statue. We consider ourselves a tribe because we stand together in our devotion to the Celtic Gaulish god Cernunnos. This piece dates back to 14 BC! In addition to prominently displaying this symbol of Celtic wealth, some images of Cernunnos also carry a bag of money. While this word can be related to that for horn, as shown by the fact that the English word corner is taken from the same root, it is not a definitive link. A possible earlier example of this is from an elaborate silver cauldron found near Gundestrup, Denmark. Pour over me the gift of your wealth, and place in my hands the spirit of fortune.Let the gold and silver come from the four corners of the world and bless me. Because of his association with virility and the deer breeding season, hes strongly connected to sex. I recommend studying the archaeological evidence of his cult, as well as the Celts history and beliefs. How do you honor, worship, or work with him What does he ask you do to for him? A similar name found in Luxembourg, Deo Ceruninco, is usually thought to refer to the same god. The Celtic god Cernunnos is famously depicted on the Gundestrup Cauldron. This did far more than help them to better understand the gods of other people. Cernunnos - Wild God of the Forest. Some of the hundreds of local titles and epithets used by the Romans to syncretize Celtic religion may be unknown references to the horned god. Then theres Pan, the Greek god of ecstasy, the forest, and fertility. While Roman writers mentioned other Germanic gods, no one seems to have ever mentioned Cernunnos. Acquire your own torc and dedicate it to Cernunnos. All of Them are important. That lets us know how much material to plan on, and whether were running short in any specific areas. The Romans commonly equated foreign gods to their own. Carnonos, I call to you. These include: While Cernunnos is not directly named in association with any of these gods, this is not proof that he was never adopted by the Romans. Who is Cernunnos to you? 3. As long as the needs are met to continue the work. Classical depictions of the deity included gatherings of animals such as elk, wolves, snakes, and aurochs. Jason Mankey, Gwion Raven, and John Beckett are the editors and primary writers. He usually wore at least one torc, a neckband that symbolized status in the Celtic world, and sometimes carried a coin purse as well. Rhiannon Goddess: 14 Ways to Work With the Goddess of Horses, Celtic Goddess Brigid: How to Work with the Irish Triple Goddess, Cliodhna the Celtic Fairy Goddess: 9 Ways to Work With Her. Heck I even reconciled with the Galilean before accepting Cernunnos. The Pillar of the Boatmen names a horned god as Cernunnos among other, more well-attested, Roman and Gallic deities. All submissions will be edited to ensure the final book is of a high quality and a consistent voice. He is usually depicted with the ears and horns of a deer and wearing a torque, the sacred neck ornament of Celtic gods and heroes. Another likely candidate is Cu Chulainns foster brother, Conall Cernach. For others, he is the Lord of the Animals and the Lord of the Hunt. Liked it? As a deity of animals and the wilderness, hes also likely to appreciate: Cernunnos may be calling you if you feel drawn to the forest or wild animals. To the Romans, Mercury and Dis Pater were gods who married commerical and underworld interests, since Mercury was the god who . But I always felt at home in the woods they were my safe space. There was Someone in the woods, Someone who listened. Druid Reborn. Often they are sitting in a cross-legged position and most either wear torcs on their horns or hold them in their hands. Find a nice, peaceful spot. In my local area, we have multiple wild bird rescues that specialize in treating hurt or sick birds then releasing them into the wild. Druid Reborn, Ritual Devocional a Carnonos (Cernunnos). Where we lack written records, weve been able to connect with this ancient god through depictions and symbolism that resonate through time and space. I ask you for your blessing. Most Celtic gods, therefore, were clearly equated with a Roman deity. Lord of the Deep Wood, Keeper of Ways May your presence bring wisdom, abundance, protection, and healing. Ancient One, you who holds the serpent of chaos, you who holds the torc of prosperity Wear comfortable clothing, preferably with deep earthy tones. Recovering from that took years of work. Offerings for Cernunnos include water, wine, mead, ale, and non-edibles like tree branches, acorns, seed pods, flowers, etc. There are no tales of Cernunnos ruling the abode of the dead, and nothing beyond vague connections to water and the hunt linking C to death, but here he was.
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