Horse



http://www.custom-celtic.com/meanings.htm

  The horse was associated with war, the noblemen of the Celts used the horse to triumph in battle. The horse is known for its vitality, loyalty and speed. It is believed that a man who took the reins of the horse of the goddess Epona held the power in his hands. The horse was also associated with night, the moon and magic. The word nightmare was created by the Celtics. A dreamer would be visited by a female horse from Epona or Mare.  Most Celtic horse were known to be white or black.

 Work Cited

 “Celtic Animal Symbols: The Myth, the Magic, the Mystery.” Fantasy Ireland. Web. 21 November 2010. http://www.fantasy-ireland.com/Celtic-animal-symbols.html.

“Celtic deSign Meanings/V. Animals.” Custom-Celtic. Web. 21 November 2010.http://www.custom-celtic.com/meanings.htm.

Snake/Serpent/Adder

http://www.custom-celtic.com/meanings.htm



The Celtics presumed that the snake was associated with wisdom, rebirth, and healing. Snakes shed their skin annually represents the natural cycle of life. In The Folds of the Bards, Taliesin says, "I am a wiseman, I am a serpent". The Druids carried a stone called a gloine nathair(serpent glass), the Celtics guessed that it was formed by snakes but it was most likely just an adder stone or blown glass. When a serpent is seen on a shamanic journey it is searching for belongings to sacrifice. The relationship between the seas and rivers and also the Earth and Heavens were connected to the Serpent.

Work Cited

 “Celtic Animal Symbols: The Myth, the Magic, the Mystery.” Fantasy Ireland. Web. 21 November 2010. http://www.fantasy-ireland.com/Celtic-animal-symbols.html.

“Animal Allies.” Joelles Sacred Grove. Web. 21 November 2010.
http://www.joellessacredgrove.com/Celtic/animalallies.html.

Deer/Stag




http://www.fantasy-ireland.com/Celtic-animal-symbols.html

 



The Celtics believed the deer was the oldest animal in existence. They thought the deer was a messenger from the other worlds. By following the deer they believed it would lead them into the presence of supernatural beings. Grace, keen scent and gentleness were believed to be characteristic of the deer. The deer represented abundance, fertility and renewal. Deer antlers were associated with harvesting of grain. The religious leader wore the antlers as a crown as a symbol of noblity. Today hunters mount the antlers as trophies to their achievments.

 Work Cited

“Animal Allies.” Joelles Sacred Grove. Web. 21 November 2010. http://www.joellessacredgrove.com/Celtic/animalallies.html.

Salmon

       http://www.custom-celtic.com/meanings.htm

The salmon in Celtic Mythology was associated with knowledge. Celtic heroes would consult with the salmon for their forethought and wisdom. When one ate a salmon they would gain knowledge immediately. The legend of the salmon was that it swam in the Well of Segais, where hazelnuts would fall into the well. It would eat the mystical hazelnuts which was where it got its wisdom. It was said that this salmon was as old as time and knew everything past and future. The salmon's instinct to find its spawning ground up stream was associated with inspiration and prophecy.

Work Cited

“Celtic Symbols.” Irelands Own. Web. 8 November 2010.http://irelandsown.net/salmon.html.

Celtic Animals Today

                                

http://www.breederretriever.com/dog-breeds/157/irish-setter.php 


               

  

 http://www.falmarksforsenclydesdales.se/en/cracker.html
 

 


                      

Some of the animals we know today have been around for thousands of years and come from the Celtic animals of our past. Many of our dog breeds today come from the Celtic, including Irish Setters, Border Collies and Irish Water Spaniel, and Golden Retriever. The Clydesdale horse and the Welsh Mountain Pony are very large animals but some of the most gentle. The Celtics used these horses in battle and to haul items. The groundhog comes from the ancient Celtic, they celebrated Groundhog day the same way we do today to determine if they were going to have a longer winter. Some other animals that are well known are peacocks, eagles and salmon. All of these animals played a large part in the Celtic past. 
       

  Work Cited



 “Celtic Animal Symbols: The Myth, the Magic, the Mystery.” Fantasy Ireland. Web. 1 November 2010. http://www.fantasy-ireland.com/Celtic-animal-symbols.html