Celtic Symbols

Symbol	Associated Dates	Attributes	Trivia
Badger	Nov 25 - Dec 23	courage / tenacity / dream guidance / individuality	An animal said to possess unyielding courage in the face of danger, the badger was noted for its tenacity. In the Welsh tale of Pwyll's courting of Rhiannon, a badger was mentioned as a guide during dreaming. The Badger was symbolic of the fight for individual rights and the defense of personal spiritual ideas.
Bat		avoiding life's obstacles	In Celtic legend, bats were associated with the Underworld. The bat's radar helps it to avoid obstacles and barriers.
Bear	Mar 18 - Apr 14	achievement / primal instinct / fortitude / strength / harmony / motherhood	The bear was considered a protective spirit in the Otherworld realms of dreams and death -- the mythology that surrounds it being inextricably linked with its winter retreat into caves (or the Underworld) to hibernate. In spring, the female emerges from her winter hibernation in the womb of mother earth with bear cubs in tow. This led to the bear being associated with regeneration, rebirth and adopted as a solar symbol. Bears are known to protect their cubs with unrivalled ferocity, using all their strength and courage to protect their vulnerable offspring. The bear represents a symbol of the dreamtime, when we surrender to sleep and allow ourselves to be receptive and nurtured by the Great Mother. As the bear is a fierce and powerful fighter, its name was also adopted by kings and warriors.
Bee	May 13 - Jun 9	organization / community / industriousness / concentration / prosperity	The bee is industrious and single-minded when performing a task and works for the greater good of the community, carrying out its duties with selfless dedication. The bee is fearless when defending its home and possess a sting the proportion of which far exceeds its size.
Boar	Sep 30 - Oct 27	artistic inspiration / cunning / introspection / healing	Important to the art and myths of the Celts, the boar (once common throughout the British Isles) was known to be cunning and ferocious. The battle horn of the Celts sported the figure of a boar's head, their shields were decorated with engravings of the boar in warfare, and figures of this animal were mounted upon their helmets. The boar was said to lead the Celts in battle and show direction for their warriors. The skin of the boar was also believed to heal wounds. One legendary boar was Orc Triath, owned by the Goddess Brigit. In Arthurian tales, the boar known as "Twrch Trwyth" was one of Arthur's most terrible foes. The White Boar of Marvan was said to inspire its master with the ability to write music and poetry.
Bull		strength / fertility / regality / wealth	Bulls were common animal-figure in Celtic mythology. Certain divination rituals required the sacrifice of a white bull. In the tale of the Tain Bo Cuilgne (Cattle Raid of Cooley), two special bulls are coveted by two rulers. The Taroo-Ushtey (Water Bull) is said to haunt the Isle of Man.
Butterfly	Sep 30 - Oct 27	fairy faith / clarity / freedom	The butterfly was believed by many cultures to be the souls of the dead and the keepers of power. Traditionally, no negative energies were said to be experienced in any area of the Otherworld where butterflies could be found. They were symbolic of the freedom from self-imposed restrictions and the ability to regard problems with greater clarity.
Cat	Jul 8 - Aug 4	creativity / sensuality / nobility / ferocity / prophecy / protection	The Celts believe the cat brings us to wholeness and acts as a spiritual link between humans and the universe. It is about magic, mystery and being independent. The cat, a creature which combines a high degree of sensuality with a deeply psychic and spiritual nature, teaches us that the physical and spiritual worlds are not separate, but one. Cats have been linked with mystery and seduction since before the days of the ancient Egyptians. Their image has survived through the middle age, when they were thought to be familiars of witches. Even today, they are thought to have special abilities and understanding of things not normally available to humans. Many a cat keeper has observed odd behavior such as chasing an invisible something about the house and detecting odd weather in advance of its arrival. Wild and domestic cats are sacred to the Goddess in Celtic folklore. Many Scottish clans adopted the domestic cat as their totem animal, and the MacBain clan used the wild cat. Cats were doors to the Otherworld and Guardians of its treasures. Scottish legend tells of the powerful King of the Cats who could answer any question, and of the Cath Sith, the Fairy Cat, with the dark green eyes and extremely long ears. In Wales, the Goddess Brigit had a cat companion, and Arthurian legend tells of the terrible monster Palug Cat killed by King Arthur.
Chalice	May 13 - Jun 9	divine secrets / everlasting life	The chalice is a Celtic symbol of water, a feminine element representing intuition, gestation, psychic ability, and the subconscious.
Claddagh		friendship / loyalty / love	Two hands clasping a heart surmounted by a crown. The elements of this symbol are often said to correspond to the qualities of friendship (the hands), loyalty (the crown) and love (the heart). It is believed that the Claddagh design, an original symbol of the "Fisher Kings" of the Galway town of Claddagh, Ireland, was first fashioned into the traditional ring in the 17th Century.
Cow		contentedness / defending the inner child / abundance / fertility	Cattle were so important to the Celts that they were considered 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.
Crane	Jan 21 - Feb 17 Aug 5 - Sep 1	keeping of secrets / search for deeper mysteries and truth / wisdom / cleverness / discipline	Cranes are beautiful, graceful, long-lived birds thought by the Celts to be messengers of the gods. They are credited with intelligence, sharing of responsibilities (both parents incubate the eggs) and being protective of youngsters. If threatened cranes can be aggressive, but tend to resort to a complex system of threat behaviors to avoid direct battle. The crane was said to be the first bird to greet the sunrise, and was accorded with the ability to predict rain and storms. Cranes represent higher states of consciousness and communion with the gods, as well as wisdom and cleverness. It is said that the intelligence and discipline of the crane taught man the rules of government. The crane does not simply possess knowledge it possesses self-knowledge, arguably the most important form of understanding there is. One late Celtic tradition (apparently originating after the arrival of Christianity) stated that cranes were people paying penance for wrong-doing. The Crane was associated with Lir, the Celtic Sea-God, who made his bag from the skin of this bird. The Crane was also sacred to the Triple Goddess and sometimes known as the "Moon Bird."
Dolphin		dreams / harmony with nature / balance	This creature was associated with sea deities. It deals with dreams and harmony, and recognizing an balancing the rhythms of your body with those of nature.
Dragon	Apr 24 - May 16 Beltane	inspiration / imagination / wealth / power / vitality	There are numerous references to dragons in Celtic mythology. Most cultures considered the dragon as a benevolent dweller of caves, lakes and the inner earth. In ancient times, it was a symbol of wealth and associated with the power of the elements (particularly that of the earth), but also of the treasure of the subconscious mind. Dragons often appeared in many varieties: as a water serpent or worm-shaped beast, as well as the more well-known winged depiction.
Dragon, Air	Jan 21 - Feb 17	intuition / inspiration / imagination / wealth	The dragon represented the supernatural forces that guarded the great secrets and treasures of the universe. The Celts also associated dragons with the elements. Some Celts believed that the offspring of the Gods, our elder siblings, are the four elements. Each of these govern specific energies and qualities and are ruled by either the feminine or masculine aspect of divinity. Air is a masculine ruled element - The elder spirit, associated with the aspect of the Old Man.
Dragon, Earth	Jan 21 - Feb 17 Apr 24 - May 16 Beltane	creativity / inspiration / imagination / wealth / power / vitality	The dragon represented the supernatural forces that guarded the great secrets and treasures of the universe. The Celts also associated dragons with the elements. Some Celts believed that the offspring of the Gods, our elder siblings, are the four elements. Each of these govern specific energies and qualities and are ruled by either the feminine or masculine aspect of divinity. Earth is a feminine ruled element - The elder spirit, associated with the Crone aspect of the Goddess. Beltane celebrates the Celtic God Bel, and Bel-tane means "a bright fire," lit to mark the return of the sun. May Eve bonfires awaken the sleeping dragon of earth energy, ensuring fertility for crops and cattle. Power and vitality are attributes of Beltane born people.
Dragon, Fire	Jan 21 - Feb 17	strong will / inspiration / imagination / wealth	The dragon represented the supernatural forces that guarded the great secrets and treasures of the universe. The Celts also associated dragons with the elements. Some Celts believed that the offspring of the Gods, our elder siblings, are the four elements. Each of these govern specific energies and qualities and are ruled by either the feminine or masculine aspect of divinity. Fire is a masculine ruled element - The young spirit, associated with the Child aspect of the God.
Dragon, Water	Jan 21 - Feb 17	courage / intuition / gestation / psychic ability / the subconscious	The dragon represented the supernatural forces that guarded the great secrets and treasures of the universe. The Celts also associated dragons with the elements. Some Celts believed that the offspring of the Gods, our elder siblings, are the four elements. Each of these govern specific energies and qualities, and are ruled by either the feminine or masculine aspect of divinity. Water is a feminine ruled element - The young spirit, associated with the Maiden aspect of the Goddess. Water represented intuition, gestation, psychic ability, and the subconscious.
Eagle	Dec 24 - Jan 20	resurrection / rebirth / wisdom / reality / keen sight	The Golden Eagle once symbolized the soul, signifying the power of life over death. It also represented a metamorphosis or change of spirituality on all levels. Now almost extinct in Britain, this magnificent bird is seldom seen except in the north of Scotland. Scottish Highland Chieftains still wear three golden-eagle feathers in their bonnets to proclaim their high rank. The Druids were believed to have the ability to change into the form of all birds and beasts, but among their favored choices was the eagle, as well as the raven and the crow.
Fairies (Fairy Mound)	May 18 - Jun 8	enchantment / second sight	The fairy people, called the Sidhe by the Celts, may be glimpsed as a shimmering light during twilight at this time of year. It is believed that Celtic Saint Collen visited their world of supernatural glamour in the hollow hill of Glastonbury Tor. Sidhe-born people are said to be blessed with enchantment, some even having second sight. Fairy Mounds are entrances to the Otherworlds or Fairylands, many being marked by the massive standing stones set in rings at their tops, or by the copious amounts of thorns and brambles that cover them. Thorn-covered hills and ancient rings of stones are scattered throughout all of England, Scotland, and Ireland, being quite common in the hilly regions. On quiet nights on those Fairy Mounds one can hear the merriment of the Sidhe wafting up from below.
Fox	Mar 18 - Apr 14	skill in diplomacy / cunning	The fox is a cunning and sly animal, possessed of the ability to make fools out of those who chase it.
Frog		magic / acceptance	The frog is a symbol of shamanism and magic. It can teach you to leap swiftly from one level of consciousness to another, from this world to the Otherworlds. The frog can also help you find the courage to accept new ideas, nurture yourself, and find connections between ideas.
Goat	Jan 1 - Jan 22 Sidellu Gwynder (Midwinter)	attractiveness / inner purpose	Linked with midwinter, Sidellu Gwynder means "spinning whiteness" and the legendary Celtic goat-stag may be seen running around the seven hills of Ascot on a Blue Moon. The Sidellu Gwynder was considered beautiful and blessed. These birth people have a sense of inner purpose and are often very attractive.
Goose	Sep 30 - Oct 27	veiling / direction / vigilance / parenthood	As with most birds in Celtic lore, the goose represented prophetic knowledge, bloodshed and skill. The goose was regarded as symbolic of a message or messenger of the Otherworld like the hare and the hen, the goose was forbidden food for the ancient Britons. They could be portents of either good or evil, bringers of luck, omens of death or sacrificial animals. The interpretation of the flight patterns, habits and songs of birds were all methods by which knowledge of future events might be told or unfortunate circumstances avoided. Celtic monks used the wild goose as a symbol of the God Spirit. Bones of geese have been found buried in the graves of Iron Age Celtic warriors.
Gryphon		discretion / truth / protection / magic	This mythical beast has the head and wings of an eagle, and the body and tail of a lion. It taught the Celts to combine various positive traits in strength, yet maintaining discretion and seeing the truth. The protective gryphon symbolizes great magic and power.
Hare	Apr 15 - May 12	transformation / adaptation / hidden teachings / intuition	The Hare was an animal particularly sacred to the Goddess Andraste. The movements of the Hare were sometimes used for divination. It is said that the Celtic Chieftainess, Boadiccea, used the Hare in such a fashion just before her last battle with the Romans.
Hawk	Mar 18 - Apr 14 Jun 10 - Jul 7	clear vision / knowledge / decisiveness	Celtic tradition lists the oldest animal as the Hawk of Achill. As with many other birds, the hawk is a messenger of the various worlds. However, it is noted as being more skillful and stronger than most others of its species. To hear the cry of a hawk during a journey is an indication that it would be wise to be alert to upcoming situations that require boldness and decisiveness in order to keep from being thrown off-balance. The hawk was considered a noble bird that brought the sun within his feathers, and enabled recollection and the ability to progress. Merlin was said to have often transformed himself into a small hawk, perhaps the reason why today, the smaller family member of the hawk is known as a Merlin. Two knights who sat at Arthur's Round Table carried the name of the Hawk: Gwalchmai the "Hawk of May" and Gwalch-Y-Had the "Hawk of Summer - better known respectively as Sir Gawain and Sir Galahad.
Hedgehog	Mar 9 - Mar 31 Spring Equinox	appreciation of life / rejuvenation	A Celtic symbol of rejuvenation and spring, the hedgehog is an adorable and inspiring creature. Native to the Eastern Hemisphere, these tiny animals are helpful in keeping harmful bugs under control. When the hedgehog is happy and safe its coat feels soft. When frightened, the animal turns into a prickly ball, teaching us to be less defensive in order to enjoy and appreciate life more.
Heron	Jan 21 - Feb 17 Aug 5 - Sep 1	eccentricity / patience / solitude / independence	Herons are beautiful, graceful, long-lived birds thought by the Celts to be messengers of the gods. They are credited with intelligence.
Horse, Black	Nov 25 - Dec 23	power / stamina / endurance / faithfulness / balance	A popular totem animal of the Celts, the horse was considered to be a faithful guide to the Otherworld, and was sacred to the Goddess Epona. In Scotland, kelpies would transform themselves into horses in order to lure the traveler into their realm. Although predominantly connected with Goddess figures, the horse is also a solar creature which suggests the finding of balance between the male and female.
Horse, White	Jun 10 - Jul 7	power / stamina / endurance / faithfulness / balance	A popular totem animal of the Celts, the horse was considered to be a faithful guide to the Otherworld, and was sacred to the Goddess Epona. Even today, the White Horse is regarded as sacred and protected by gleaming brasses which ward off the "evil eye." In Scotland, kelpies would transform themselves into horses in order to lure the traveler into their realm. Although predominantly connected with Goddess figures, the horse is also a solar creature which suggests the finding of balance between the male and female.
Hound / Dog	Sep 2 - Sep 29 Oct 28 - Nov 24	companionship / protection / enduring loyalty / guidance / protection	Dogs were always held in high esteem by the Celts, as a friend and protector. "The Fearsome Battle Hound" is featured in many Celtic myths. In general, hounds were representative of tracking skills, the ability to scent a trail and companionship. The White Hound was a title of honor for Celtic chieftains and representative of the dogs which guarded the lunar mysteries. Dogs were sacred to the fairies of Ireland and Scotland, probably because they were held in high regard by the Tuatha de Danann. Many Celtic myths involve dogs or dog familiars, which belonged to heroic figures or deities, and wars were often fought for and over them. They are also an archetypal symbol of shapeshifters.
Hounds Cwn Annan	Feb 14 - Mar 8	mystery / hidden depths	The Hounds of the Underworld, Cwn Annan, enliven the Celtic folk-tales, bounding across the cold night sky in an exhilarating and impressive wild hunt. In Wales, they are said to suddenly appear around St. David's Eve. "…Hath thou never heard lore of Cwn Annan? On a forlorn winter’s night where the moon shines not, do they not come to thee? Ghostly specters, the hounds dance in expectation of the hunt, eyes and ears glow an unearthly crimson. Blood. They writhe and howl in a manner not of mortal dogs. No, these creatures are from the dead, from the world beneath. Running across the night sky, they wait for their masters to call them hither for the hunt. Hath thou never heard the mournful bays they give off in the dead of night? Or thou just gave them off for a mere fancy of the mind, or the whispering winds through tree. Fools notions, I tell thee. Only a fool will take no notice of the tales of old. But when the hounds come for thee, thou shall see the undaunted fury that lie behind the scarlet eyes as they wisp the souls of unwary travels on the Hunts night. Only fools will pay no heed to Cwn Annan."
Lizard	Sep 2 - Sep 29	awareness of change	One of the few reptiles recognized as being helpful to the Celts, the lizard symbolized the shadowy plane of manifestation where events were constantly changing in shape and pattern. It was believed that to see a Lizard during a journey warned travelers to be alert to all below-the-surface activities which might be taking place around them.
Lynx		divination / psychic senses	The lynx was thought to be 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 and see what is hidden.
Magpie		prophecy / omens	The magpie deals with omens and prophecies; the mysteries of life and death.
Moon	Dec 10 - Dec 31 Heulsaf Y Gaef (Winter Solstice)	charisma / magnetism	The moon, being the most prominent object in the night sky, has held an esteemed position in every culture. Generally given a feminine aspect, the moon has been used to symbolize many Goddesses throughout history. The lunar cycle is one of the most beautiful examples of transformation in nature, and has often been compared to the cycle of life. Holding a special place in our imaginations even now, the moon is the only celestial body to be visited by humankind. At the Winter Solstice (Heulsaf Y Gaef), Druids gathered sacred mistletoe on the sixth day of the lunar cycle. We still celebrate the legend of the mistletoe - a symbol of the full moon - in Christmas kissing games. Days are shortest at this time, and the moon, ruling winter nights, empowers Heulsaf Y Gaef people with charisma and magnetism.
Mouse		secrets / cunning / shyness	The mouse is often mentioned in Celtic folklore. In one Welsh story concerning Manawydan and Pryderi, a mouse is portrayed as the shape-shifted wife of the magician Llwyd. The mouse represents the ability to hide in times of danger. Its appearance often signals a need to pay attention to small details, such as the fine print in contracts or the double meaning in words.
Otter	Jun 10 - Jul 7	faithfulness / family / the power to recover from crisis / wisdom / intuition	Considered by the Celts to be extremely magical creatures, travelers were often aided in their journeys by helpful otters. They were believed to be strong protectors who helped in the gaining of wisdom, finding inner treasures or valuable talents. It symbolized the ability to enjoy rather than simply endure life.
Owl	May 13 - Jun 9 Oct 28 - Nov 24	wisdom / patience / keen sight / change	Owls are most often associated with the Crone aspect of the Goddess. The word "cailleach" in Scottish-Gaelic means "owl." Often a guide to and through the Underworld, the owl is a creature of keen sight in darkness, as well as being a swift and silent hunter. The owl aids in unmasking those who would deceive or take advantage.
Pentagram	Nov 17 - Dec 9 Hop Tu Naa	magical ability / well-defined goals	Many Neopagans, especially Wiccans, use the pentagram as a symbol of faith similar to the Christian cross or the Jewish Star of David. Its religious symbolism is commonly explained by reference to the neo-Pythagorean understanding that the five vertices of the pentagram represent the four elements with the addition of Spirit as the uppermost point. As a representation of the elements, the pentagram is involved in the Wiccan practice of summoning the elemental spirits of the four directions at the beginning of a ritual. Hop tu Naa is a Celtic festival celebrated in the Isle of Man. For Hop tu Naa children dress up as scary beings and go from house to house with the hope of being given sweets or money, as elsewhere. However the children carry turnips rather than pumpkins and sing an Anglicized version of Jinny the Squinny. A squinny is a witch whose eternal magical powers find form in the pentagram. The term Hap tu Naa is Manx Gaelic in origin, but its meaning is actually unknown. Hop Tu Naa individuals have magical ability and well-defined goals.
Rat		self-defense / finding what you seek	Rats are not mentioned in a favorable light in most Celtic folklore, but they have their place in shamanic journeys. Rats are sly, sometimes aggressive, creatures who can track down whatever they seek, defending themselves with great ferocity.
Raven	Oct 25 - Nov 16 Samhain Nov 25 - Dec 23	healing / protection / prophecy / vision / power	The Celts celebrated New Year's Eve, "Samhain," on 31st October, a night of supernatural magic when the spirits of their ancestors appeared to feasting villagers. This festival survives as Halloween. Irish goddess the Morrigan, as a raven, rules over Samhain, blessing those born at this time with vision and power. It was cautioned that great care should be taken when dealing with this important totem animal of the Celts. This bird was also connected to Bran the Blessed. In Welsh, "Bran" means "raven." Although its reputation was sometimes dubious, the raven was considered an oracular bird, often representing the upsets and crises of life which were deemed necessary for anything new to be created. The Druids were believed to have the ability to change into the form of all birds and beasts, but among their favored choices was the raven, as well as the eagle and the crow.
Rooster		power to dispel negativity	In several Celtic legends, the rooster chases away ghosts and other night terrors by his crowing at dawn.
Salmon	Aug 5 - Sep 1	wisdom / knowledge / inspiration / rejuvenation	The salmon was considered by the Celts to be the one of the most ancient and wise of animals. In Irish myth, salmon swam in the River Boyne under the overhanging hazel tree from which the nine nuts of poetic wisdom fell. These nuts were consumed by the salmon, who absorbed the inspiration encapsulated therein. The salmon were then eaten by Fionn mac Cumhal, who subsequently acquired the knowledge of all things and later became leader of the Fianna, an Irish warband of immense strength. According to Celtic legend, Fintan the "White Ancient" was able to assume the form of animals, one of which was the salmon. Salmon would also be the animals which would lead Gwrhyr to the Mabon and eventually toward wisdom and rebirth.
Seagull	Feb 18 - Mar 17	connection to otherworlds	Although this sea bird does not figure in Celtic legend, it is connected to Lir, the Sea-God and, like many other birds, was considered to be a messenger from the Otherworlds.
Seahorse (Hippocampus)	Feb 18 - Mar 17	confidence / grace / discovery	An important figure in Celtic mythology, the hippocampus often depicted significant connections with the Otherworlds, as symbolized by the fish tail. It was believed that hippocampus invited an individual to travel on a journey of discovery. Many Celtic cultures regarded this creature as a baby dragon.
Seal	Feb 18 - Mar 17