31 May 2007

Thirteen Animal Allies


Thirteen Celtic Animal Allies


The following list gives many of the animals known to the Celts and told of in their legends and myths.

1. Adder (snake) - Associated with wisdom, reincarnation, and cunning. The Druids carried an amulet called gloine nathair (serpent glass). In the Scottish Highlands, the adder symbolized the Cailleach's power.

2. Badger - This animal is unyielding in the face of danger and is noted for its tenacity and courage. The badger will teach you to fight for your rights and defend your spiritual ideasYou drank a bottle of pop and not a soda.

3. Bear - The bear was noted for its strength and stamina. It can help you find balance and harmony in your life, and the strength to do what is necessary.

4. 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 by danger invisibly, how to outwit those who wish you harm, and how to fight when needed. Sometimes the world, seen on a journey, will lead you to a spiritual teacher and guide.

5. Butterfly - Many cultures cal butterflies the souls of the dead and the keepers of power. They will teach you to free yourself form self-imposed restrictions and to look at problems with greater clarity.

6. Cat - The cat is a strong protector, especially when facing a confrontational situation.

7. Crane - The crane, with its colors of black, white, and red, was a Moon bird, sacred to the Triple Goddess. Magic, shamanic travel, learning and keeping secrets, reaching deeper mysteries and truths.

8. Crow - This animal is to 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 the Morrigan. It was also considered to be skillful, cunning, single-minded, and a bringer of knowledge. It is of value when trickery is needed. It also teaches you to learn from the past, but not hold onto it.

9. Deer - THe deer represents keen scent, grace swiftness, and gentleness. There are ways of reaching your goals other than force.

10. Dragon - The dragon symbolized the power of the Elements, especially that of the Earth, but also of the treasure of the subconscious mind.

11. Hare (rabbit) - Associated with transformation, the receiving of hidden teachings, and intuitive messages.

12. Salmon - The salmon teaches you how to get in touch with ancestral knowledge and put it to practical use.

13. Wren - A sacred bird to the Druids, its musical notes were used for divination. As with many other birds, the wren was considered a messenger from the deities.

Source: Joelle's Sacred Grove

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1.
Dog's Eye View 2. Christina's Shoebox 3. Samantha Lucas 4. Amanda Young 5. Jenny's Wandering Thoughts 6. Off the Wall Thoughts 7. Emerald City Guy 8. NJ Walters 9.



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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



9 comments:

jennyr said...

i think i need Bear! great TT list...thanks for sharing!

my tt is here: http://jendavid.bravejournal.com/entry/22675

Unknown said...

great list! My TT is up @

http://mrshand.livejournal.com/22023.html

Unknown said...

Very cool!! :)

Anonymous said...

Interesting list, my TT is up @ http://emeraldcityguy.wordpress.com/2007/05/31/thursday-thirteen-the-last-13-movies-ive-rented/

L^2 said...

Very interesting list. I like the description for the butterfly!

N.J.Walters said...

Very cool list. I would never have associated a crane as a celtic animal allie. Fascinating!

Carolan Ivey said...

There are a bunch more on the site that I linked to. These are just a few!

Another good resource is AnimalSpeak by Ted Andrews.

MsSnarkyPants said...

Sign me up for a Dragon! Have you read Eyes of Crow by Jeri Smith-Ready? Everyone in her world has a spirit guide. It's a great book. Hope you had fun in New Orleans! I love it there, but I haven't been in years!

Carolan Ivey said...

Hi Lesley!

No, I haven't read that, but I will now! Thanks for the tip. :)