Celtic Pagan Gods and Goddesses In Celtic paganism, gods and goddesses played a significant role in the religious and spiritual beliefs of the Celts. These deities were associated with various aspects of nature, including the sun, moon, earth, and elements like water and fire. The Celts believed that these gods and goddesses controlled the forces of nature and had the power to influence their daily lives. One of the most well-known Celtic gods is Lugh, also known as Lugus or Lugh Lámhfhada. He was considered the god of many skills, including craftsmanship, war, and poetry. Lugh was often associated with the harvest and was celebrated during the festival of Lughnasadh.
The Phantom Queen seems an odd match with the Good God. But according to the ancient Celts, the annual coupling of the two around the time of Samhain would result in a bountiful harvest. Morrigan or The Morrigan was apparently a jealous wife.
Like the Aesir and Vanir of the ancient Norse gods, there was also another subgroup within the Celtic gods that was perpetually opposed to the Tuatha de Danann. After transforming into a swan, he found her and they flew away together singing beautiful music that sent all those who heard it to sleep for three days and three nights.
Lugh was often associated with the harvest and was celebrated during the festival of Lughnasadh. Another important Celtic god is Dagda, often described as the father figure of the gods. He was associated with fertility, abundance, and healing.
The most important Celtic gods and goddesses
Dating back to the Late Bronze Age, the ancient Celts were a group of tribes who originated from Central Europe. Over time, the Celts migrated across much of Western Europe including Britain and Ireland, spreading their language and customs along with them.
Bestowed with the name ‘Celts’ by ancient writers, they were never a single nation or empire but rather a collection of diverse tribes with a shared culture, traditions and religious beliefs. It is the latter that we focus on here.
Read more about: Ancient History
The Wheel of the Year: the calendar of pagan festivals explained
by James Brigden
Our knowledge of the Celtic deities is somewhat limited due to the fact stories about them were never written down by the Celts but instead passed on via oral tradition before finally being documented by later writers. However, we know enough to understand that Celtic mythology contained a rich, varied and colourful pantheon of gods and goddesses.
We take a look at seven of the most important.
Dagda was often depicted as a large, powerful figure carrying a magical club that could kill or revive people. Brigid, or Brigit, was a prominent Celtic goddess associated with fire, healing, and inspiration. She was revered as a deity of healing, childbirth, and the arts. Brigid was also linked to the festival of Imbolc, which celebrated the coming of spring. The Morrigan was a Celtic goddess associated with war, fate, and sovereignty. She was often depicted as a triple goddess, taking the form of three different individuals or aspects: Macha, Badb, and Nemain. The Morrigan was seen as a protector in times of war and often appeared to warriors on the battlefield. Cernunnos, also known as the "Horned God," was a Celtic deity associated with fertility, animals, and the wild. He was often depicted with antlers on his head and was seen as a guardian of the forest and its creatures. Other Celtic gods and goddesses included Danu, associated with rivers and water; Arawn, the god of the Underworld; and Epona, the goddess of horses and fertility. The worship of these Celtic deities encompassed rituals, sacrifices, and offerings to gain their favor and protection. They were seen as intermediaries between humans and the divine, providing guidance and assistance. Today, the worship of Celtic gods and goddesses continues in modern pagan and Wiccan practices, as people seek to reconnect with ancient spiritual traditions and honor the natural world. The legacy of these Celtic deities lives on, reminding us of the reverence and respect the ancient Celts had for the forces of nature and the divine..
Reviews for "Cairnstones and Sacred Sites: Connecting with Celtic Gods and Goddesses"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I found "Celtic Pagan Gods and Goddesses" to be quite disappointing. The book lacked depth and detailed information about the subject matter. The writing style was dry and repetitive. I was expecting a more comprehensive exploration of Celtic mythology, but the book barely scratched the surface. Furthermore, the author seemed to rely on assumptions and speculation rather than solid historical facts. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an in-depth study of Celtic paganism.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars - This book was a complete waste of my time and money. The author's lack of knowledge and understanding of Celtic pagan gods and goddesses was evident throughout. The book was poorly researched and filled with inaccuracies. It felt more like a personal opinion piece rather than an educational resource. The information provided was superficial and lacked any real depth or insight. I was left feeling unsatisfied and unimpressed. I would strongly advise against wasting your time with this book.
3. Emma - 2/5 stars - I was initially excited to read "Celtic Pagan Gods and Goddesses," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The book lacked a cohesive structure and was disorganized. The author jumped from topic to topic without providing a clear connection. Additionally, the writing style was bland and uninspiring. The author failed to engage the reader and failed to convey the beauty and complexity of Celtic mythology. I was left feeling confused and disconnected from the material. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.