Faerie Witches as a whole do not worship animals.
There are some Witches who follow a more Shamanistic path that do worship certain animals
and animal Totems. Animals, as all living creatures of earth, are reveared equals with no
one more important than the other. However, there are some animals which stand as symbols
for posessing supernatural gifts, powers, or magicks. One ritual called Tarb Feis
requires the Witch to sleep under the skin of a freshly sacrificed bull, so that the
spirit of the bull can send dreams of prophecy to the sleeper. Some Witches used colorful
bird feathers in their cloaks to denote their rank.
Adder, Snake (Nadredd):
The snake has long been associated with wisdom, reincarnation, and cunning. The
Poisonous adder of the British Isles has the same reputation. Although there were no
snakes in Ireland, the Irish Celts knew about them. The Witches were known in Wales as
Nadredd. The Witches also carried an amulet called gloine nathair (Serpent Glass);
which was suppose to be formed from the eggs of an adder.
Badger (Breach):
This animal is unyielding in the face of danger and is noted for its tenacity and
courage. In the Welsh tale of Pwyll's courting of Rhiannon, a badger is mentioned as a
guide during dreaming. The badger will teach you to fight for your rites and defend your
spiritual ideas.
Bat:
Associated with the underworld or Awwyn, as the bats radar guides it through the night
avoiding obstacles and barriers, so it can teach you to do the same.
Bear (Arth):
Although the bear was native to the Isles, it is now extinct there. The word Arth,
means bear, which is the root word for the name Arthur. The bear was noted for its
strength and stamina. It is said to help give you balance in life and the strength to do
what is necessary.
Bee (Beach):
The bee is reveared as industrious, single minded when performing a task, and fearless
when deffending its home.
Blackbird (Witch-dhubh, Lon Duhb):
Legends say that the birds of Rhiannan are three blackbirds, which sit and sing in the
World Tree of the Otherworlds. Their singing puts the listener into a sleep or a trance
which enables him/her to travel to the otherworld. It was said to impart mystic secrets.
Boar (Bacrie):
Important in the arts and myths of the celtic people, the boar was known for its cunning
and ferocious nature. A famous legendary boar was Orc Triath, which the goddess Brigit
owned. In the Arthurian tales of the Mabinogion the boar Twrch Trwyth was a
terrible foe to Arthur. The White Boar of Marvan sent inspiration to its master to write
music and poetry.
Bull (Tarbh):
A common animal figure in Celtic mythology, the bull symbolizes strength and potency.
Certain divination rituals required the sacrifice of a white bull. In the tale of the TAin
Bo Cuailgne (Cattle raid of Cooley), two special bulls are coveted by two rulers. The
Tar-roo-Ushtey (Water bull) is said to haunt the Isle of Man.
Butterfly:
In many cultures the butterfly is thought to be the souls of the dead and keepers of
power. There is said to be no negative energies experienced in any otherworld area when
there is the presence of butterflies. It is said that they will help you to view matters
with greater clarity.
Cat (Caoit, Cat):
Many of the Celtic legends picture the cat as a ferocious, evil creature, but that may
have been because cats at that time were untamed. In Ireland Finn mac Cumhail was said to
have fought a clan of "cat-headed" people. The cat is a strong protector,
especially when placed in confrontation.
Cock:
In several Celtic legends the cock chases away ghosts and unwanted spirits by his
crowing at dawn. It represents the power of the word to dispel negativity.
Cow (Bo):
Once so important to the Celts it was used as a form of currency or monetary exchange.
Ancient Irish lords were known as bo-aire or cow-lord. The cow was sacred to the
goddess Brigit. The cow symbolizes contentedness, defending the inner child, and providing
for daily needs.
Crane:
At one time the crane was a common animal in the British Isles. One later Celtic
tradition, apparently originated after the arrival of Christianity, is that cranes are
people who are paying a penance for some wrong doing. The crane is associated with the
Cailleach and Manannan Mac Lir, who made his crane bag from its skin. The crane with its
colors of black, white, and red, was a moon bird, sacred to the Triple Goddess. Magick,
shamanic travel, learning and keeping secrets, reaching deeper mysteries and truths is
said to be taught by the crane.
Crow (Badb):
This animal is to be treated with care. Along with the raven, the crow is a symbol of
conflict and death, an ill-omen associated with such Goddess as Macha, Badb, and Morrigan.
The Irish word for crow is badb, which is also the name of a Celtic war Goddess.
Although the crow was ill-omened, it was also considered to be skillfull, cunning, and a
bringer of knowledge. It teaches you to learn from the past, but not to hold onto it. It
is of most value when trickery is in need.
Deer (Abhach) or Stag (Sailetheach):
In its form of the white doe or white stag, the deer was often a messenger and guide
from the Otherworld. Following such an animal led the unsuspecting human into contact with
supernatural beings. The antlered headdress of Cernunnos is a symbol of the stags stature.
The deer represents keen scent, grace, swiftness, and gentleness. These are the ways of
reaching our goals without using force.
Dog (Abach, Mada) or Hound (Cu):
Devoted hounds are often mentioned in Celtic myth, such as Bran and Sceolan which
belonged to Finn mac Cumhail. Underworld hounds, such as the Welsh Cwn Annwn belonged to
Arawn, are always white with red ears. The Underworld Hounds run down and punish the
guilty. Dogs represent tracking skills, the ability to scent a trail, and companionship.
Dolphin:
This creature was associated with the sea deities. It deals with dreams and harmony, and
recognizing and balancing the rythms of your body with those of nature.
Dragon (Piastras (payshtha), Horn):
The dragon in Celtic-British mythology has more varieties than the standard legged form;
it is sometimes represented as a water serpent or worm-shaped beast. There are many
references to serpents or dragons in Celtic myth. On many occasions the Fianna fought huge
dragons in lakes. Most cultures consider the dragon a benevolent dwellar of caves, lakes,
and the inner Earth. It was an ancient symbol of wealth. The dragon symbolizes the power
of the Elements, especially that of the Earth, but also of the treasure of the
subconscious mind.
Eagle (Lolair):
A bird noted for wisdom and long life in Celtic stories. The eagle represents swiftness,
strength, keen sight, and the knowledge of magick. It helps you to see hidden spiritual
truths.
Eel (As-chu):
One of many stories in which the eel is mentioned is the story of the swineherds who
battled through a variety of shape-shifting forms. In their final forms as eels, the
swineherds were swallowed by cows who later gave birth to magickal bulls. Cu Chulainn's
spear Gae-Bolga got its name from the eel. The eel symbolizes adaptability, wisdom,
inspiration, and defense.
Fox (Mada Rua):
In Taliesin's Song of His Origins, the Bard says he assumed the shape of a
satirizing fox, a reference to the cunning, slyness, and ability of the fox to make fools
out of those who chase it. The ability to watch the motivations and movements of others
while remaining unobserved is the skill which we may learn from the fox.
Frog:
In many cultures the frog is a symbol of magick. It can teach you to leap swiftly from
one level of consciousness to another, from this world to the Otherworld. The frog can
also help you find the courage to accept' new ideas, nuture yourself, and find connections
between ideas.
Hare or Rabbit (Coinin):
An animal sacred to the Goddess Andraste in particular. Its movements were sometimes
used for divination; Boudicia used a hare this way just before her last battle with the
Romans. It is associated with transformation, the recieving of hidden teachings, and
intuitive messages.
Hawk (Aracos):
Celtic oral tradition lists the oldest animal as the Hawk of Achill. As with other
birds, the hawk is a messenger between the Otherworld and this world. However, it is of
greater skill and strength than other birds. It symbolizes clear sightedness and longevity
of the memory. If you hear a hawk cry during a journey, be alert to upcoming situations
that need boldness and decisiveness to keep from being thrown off balance.
Horse (Cab-all, Capall):
A popular animal of the Celts. Sacred to the Goddesses Epona and Rhiannon. The horse was
considered to be a faithful guide to the Otherworld. It symbolizes stamina, endurance, and
faithfulness.
Lizard:
The lizard symbolizes the shadowy plane of manifestation where events are constantly
changing shapes and patterns. If you see a lizard on a journey, be alert to all below the
suface activities going on around you.
Lynx:
This creature is considered the keeper of deep secrets and hidden knowledge. It can help
with divinatory skills and the development of psychic senses. Sometimes it symbolizes the
need to look deeper within yourself to see that which is often hidden.
Magpie:
This bird is said to deal with omens and prophecies, as well as the mysteries of life
and death.
Mouse (Luch):
The mouse is often mentioned in Celtic folklore. In a Welsh story with Manawydan and
Pryderi, a mouse is portrayed as the shape shifted wife of the magician Llwyd. The mouse
represents secrets, cunning, shyness, and the ability to hide in times of danger.
Otter (Balgair):
These animals were considered very magickal by the Celts. Otters were said to appear and
help during the voyages of Maelduine, Brendan, and others. The otter is a strong protector
who helps with gaining wisdom, finding inner talents, faithfulness, and the ability to
recover from any crisis.
Owl (Caillech):
These birds were most often associated with the Crone aspects of the Goddess. The word
"cailleach" in the Scottish Gaelic means "owl." The owl is often a
guide to and through the Underworld, a creature of keen sight in darkness, and a silent
and swift hunter. It can help unmask those who would decieve you or take advantage of you.
Pig (Muc):
A swine was considered to be the magickal, sacred food of the Tuatha De Dannan and an
animal of Manannan mac Lir. In the Mabinogion Pwyll received a gift of pigs from
the underworld God, Awrawn. Their later theft by Gwydion caused the death of Pwyll's son
Pryderi. The writtings of Merlin say that he spoke with a little pig in visions. Symbolic
of the spiritual food necessary to the Witches who were said to be swine herders.
Rat (Francach):
Rats are not mentioned in a favorable light in Celtic folklore, but they have their
place. Rats are sly, sometimes aggressive, creatures who can track down whatever they
seek, defending themselves ferociously.
Raven (Bran):
Take care when dealing with this bird. An important animal of the Celts. In Ireland the
raven was associated with the battlefields and such Goddesses as Morrigu or the later
Welsh Morrigan, just as the crow. The bird was connected with Bran the Blessed. In Welsh,
bran means, "raven." Although its reputation is dubious, it is an oracular bird.
It often represents the upsets and crisis of life that are necessary for new creation.
Salmon (Brionnfhionn):
A very wise, magickal creature in Celtic lore. A salmon of great knowledge is said to
swim in the Well of Segais, eating the mystical hazelnuts that fall into the well. When
the Irish hero Finn mac Cumhail burned his thumb on a salmon and then put the thumb in his
mouth, he gained shamanic knowledge. The salmon teaches how to get in touch with ancestral
knowledge and how to put it to practicle use.
Seagull (Faoilean):
There is no refference in Celtic lore that I have found, however, they are connected to
sea deities, such as the God Manannan mac Lir and the Goddess Don in Celtic Shamanism.
Like other birds, they are messengers from the Otherworld.
Sow (Airc):
The Goddess Cerridwen was known as the White Sow. The sow was considered a very powerful
creature in the Underworld. As a creature of Cerridwen, it was associated with the Sacred
Cauldren and the granting of inspiration; also a creature of death and rebirth.
Squirrel:
This creature is always prepairing for the future; it is said to have shown the Witch
how to do this in a practical way. Sometimes its appearance heralds changes, even
adversities. Plan ahead so that you may always be prepaired.
Swan (Eala):
A mystical bird who finds its way into several Celtic stories. Its feathers were often
used in the ritual cloak of the Bards. Swans are connected with music and song. Swans also
help with the interpretation of dream symbols, transitions, and spiritual evolution.
Turtle:
The turtle is a slow moving, methodical creature, carrying its protection constantly
with it. It is said to teach the Witch to be grounded, how to stay in tune with Earth
energies, the wisdom of flowing with the cycles of life, and to be gentle with the body's
needs.
Unicorn:
This mythical Celtic creature had the body of a white horse, the legs of an antelope,
tail of a lion; and a single horn on its head. It is the symbol of supreme magickal power.
It teaches that every action is creation, so make every day count.
Wolf:
The wolf is a cunning, intelligent creature, capable of out thinking hunters. It can
teach you how to read the signs of nature in everything, how to pass danger invisibly, how
to outwit those who would wish you harm, and how to fight when needed.
Wren (Dryw, Dreoilin):
A sacred bird to the Witches specifically, its musical notes were used for divination.
As with many other birds, the wren was considered a messenger from the deities.
For information on all individuals and
organizations listed in this website, or the name of a contact person in your area that
can give you further information on the Church of Dynion Mwyn, contact Laura. Let us hear
from you! You may also call us at 000-000-0000 If you access our voice mail, we will call
you back collect if long distance. Or, you can write to Laura at: Dynion Mwyn, P.O. Box 672125,
Marietta, GA 30006-0036
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