animal zodiac

Animal Zodiac: What Powerful Totem Do You Have?

Connect with your own lunar Celtic animal sign.

earthangelshouse

Feb 8, 2018 • 12 min read

The Celts honored the rhythms of Nature, and observed different flavors of their environment according to the season. Like our Native American kin, the full moon in each month held a special personality.

In that energetic spirit of oneness, I invite you connect with your own lunar Celtic animal sign.

Celtic Animal Zodiac and Sign Meanings

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Stag/Deer: December 24 – January 20

Photo by Asa Rodger / Unsplash

The stag Celtic animal sign has high ideals and aspirations. If you want to start a new project, get a Stag sign to help you. They will not be deterred from their vision. They are thorough, patient and their persistence insures their triumphs. When others have long given up, Stags buck their way past boundaries. They are proud, and rightfully so – they hold themselves in a regal way. They are naturally noble, like they came from royalty. This is not to say Stags feel entitled. Far from it. They believe in righteous hard work, and their integrity is their trademark.

Cat: January 21 – February 17

This is the cutest and loveliest cat I have ever met in my life. He is BU BU, a cat with 6 fingers, which is unusual, but in fact, smarter than any cat. He meows every time he sees me, and jumps to my bed and sits with me.
Photo by Michael Sum / Unsplash

Quick minded, and even quicker wit, the cat of the Celtic year packs a pounce in the realm of intellect. This Celtic animal sign has impeccable reasoning abilities, but moreover they have a knack for seeing the underside of things, a “sixth mental sense” if you will. They have unorthodox vision, and should be called upon when fresh new perspectives are needed in a project. They also have a kind, humanitarian quality that makes them lovable. Although sometimes they can appear aloof because they like to be on the fringe, always observing. Nevertheless, they have the best intentions at heart. Cats are also very creative, and need an artistic outlet to express themselves.

Snake/Adder: February 18 – March 17

A green tree python in a typical pose, coiled over a branch. This species is found naturally in Australian and Papua New Guinean rain forests, and they eat warm-blooded prey. They are very similar the the Emerald Tree Boa of the South American rain forests.
Photo by David Clode / Unsplash

The Celtic animal sign of the snake has a cool exterior but are infinitely lively. They are curious and are always full of questions about how the world works, and how the people around them work (even if they aren’t openly asking, you can bet they’re figuring out the answers in their own mind). Snakes are natural communicators, and they can be hugely persuasive. If they are passionate about a cause they can round up the whole neighborhood with their zeal and enthusiasm for their purpose. Snakes can be spontaneous and unpredictable too. And although they’re pretty flexible, they like things to go their way (who doesn’t?), and will prove to be uncooperative if pushed in a corner.

Fox: March 18 – April 14

Photo by Ray Hennessy / Unsplash</small

The fox sign is amazingly cunning and knows how to work a room with sly, sexy humor. Full of guile, vigor and bright intelligence the fox is an untamable force. This Celtic animal sign is the one to take with you on exotic vacations, they will wind your ways into amazing adventures. They have a knack for story telling, and every experience is fodder for their tales. They are tender-hearted, although they don’t show that soft side too often because they’re too busy playing and cracking jokes. However, they aren’t shy about showing their loyalty; if you are the friend of the fox, you have a friend for life. Highly energetic and courageous, the fox has an indomitable spirit.

Bull/Cow: April 15 – May 12

Bull
Photo by Christian Wiediger / Unsplash

Strong, loving, stable and sure are the watchwords for the bulls of the Celtic lunar year. Cows/bulls are the ones you turn to when you need a shoulder to cry on, honest opinions and solid advice (particularly in relationships). These Celtic animal signs have bullseye intuition and can spot a liar from a mile away. Because they’re highly intuitive, they can be misunderstood as moody or over emotional. They also come by stubborness honestly. They have excellent taste, and have a flair for classy elegance in fashion and home décor. These signs are as trustworthy as the day is long, and know how to keep a secret.

Seahorse: May 13 – June 9

A lovely yellow seahorse at the Cairns Aquarium, Australia.
Photo by David Clode / Unsplash

The Celtic animal sign of seahorse is vastly flexible and resourceful. The seahorse is the person you want managing your finances or handling your legal matters because these people are infinitely clever (if there’s a loophole, they’ve either found it or invented it). They also have amazing memory retention. They are sometimes hard to follow because they’re minds are so sharp. They can also be changeable, but they always come back around to a level of high charisma. These people are astoundingly versatile and adapt remarkably well in any environment. Seahorses are so loveable too. Even better, they love being adored, and easily reciprocate affection.

Wren: June 10 – July 7

This bird was in south korea, which is extremely rare. Many photographers were lined up trying to get their chance to capture it. It was said this one was lost and the only one in south korea.
Photo by Mathew Schwartz / Unsplash

The wren Celtic animal sign is associated with freshness, and opening to new insights, and sunnier dispositions. They are natural care givers and will sign sweet melodies to cheer their friends and family. They remain calm in the midst of stormy weather. You want to have these people with you if you find yourself in a crisis; they are resourceful and stay cool under pressure. Wrens are self-motivated (they know how to get what they want) and work best in solo situations. They are also have a high sense of responsibility and moral integrity.

They seek balance in their lives by being leaders at work on in the community, but secretly they would rather be traveling abroad living a life of a gypsy (this however, is often against their better judgment).

Horse: July 8 – August 4

Photo by Sarah Olive / Unsplash

Exuberant, expansive and powerful, the Celtic animal sign of the horse will give you a run for your money. Naturally competitive, and rightfully so. The horse has loads of talent, and enough confidence to go ‘round, particularly in business matters. They have a sixth sense when it comes to strategy and navigation (these signs have an uncanny internal compass). They are gregarious, and openly charming (even flirty). They make grand appearances, and know how to carry themselves with style and authority. They do well in leadership positions, but they are just as happy to be the helpers of the clan (as long as they are given adequate recognition for their talents and contributions). Potentially headstrong, they are also valiant in times of adversity.

Salmon/Fish: August 5 – September 1

pink-salmon

Salmon signs dive deep in their inner waters for inspiration, bright visions and dreamy perspective. They are naturally intuitive but they don’t make a big deal out of it. These people have a unique view of the world which makes them some of the community’s best artists, poets and visionaries. Some times they dive way too deep for the rest of us, and some just can’t follow where they swim. But that’s okay, the fish sign needs that kind of depth, isolation and introspection because when they come back up for air, the world is awed by their brilliance and insight.

Swan: September 2 – September 29

An early morning October walk by the river. I came across this beautiful swan. The river was calm and produced lovely ripples and reflection of this magnificent bird.
Photo by Nick Fewings / Unsplash

Spiritually evolved, and eloquent in expressing themselves, the swan swims in a class of their own. They have high standards, infinitely discriminating tastes and they have a keen eye for beauty (even when others cannot see it). Very refined and noble, sometimes the swan is mistaken as detached. This however, is not the case. The swan is a lover, and can prove to be quite passionate in relationships. That “coolness” comes from the swan’s understanding of composure. They’re natural aristocrats. They can be exacting in details, and have specific ideas about how things should be done. If you want someone who is perceptive, organized and extremely tasteful, get a swan’s perspective.

Butterfly: September 30 – October 27

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Photo by Krzysztof Niewolny / Unsplash

This Celtic animal sign lives up to the adage “social butterfly.” Flitting from friend to friend in parties, and always in contact with loved ones (they’re the ones always on the phone, or texting). They can’t help it. Butterflies are gentle souls who can’t be tied down for very long. They love to dream, express new ideas and talk about high- falutin plans with all their friends. These are the people who brighten up any dark day with their cheer and magnetically bright personalities. They are naturally empathetic, and would never intentionally harm anyone. Rather, they make easy friends, and like to see others uplifted. Butterflies bring a sense of wonder and youth to our world. Keep these people around you to remind you of how truly good life can be.

Wolf/Hound: October 28 – November 24

Photo by Thomas Bonometti / Unsplash

Wolves have a strong sense of purpose, and will go to great lengths to see their point is made, and fully understood. This Celtic animal sign is fearless, brave and they rarely compromise. These are the hero’s you want by your side in the heat of battle. They will not back down, and they will take no quarter. Others marvel at their inner fortitude. Where do they find the energy and wherewithal to keep going? They thrive on challenge, that’s what gives them their stamina. They have impeccable character, and “honor” is their middle name. They are strong willed, and sometimes live up to the “lone wolf” label. Nevertheless, you always know where you stand with them, and they will unite with you as long as you share their cause.

Hawk/Falcon: November 25 – December 23

Here’s looking at you, kid
Photo by Georgina Steytler / Unsplash

Seldom do we see more focus in the Celtic animal signs than that of the hawk. When these signs see something they want, they go after it with a force that is remarkable. If, however, they aren’t interested in a project, they will fly off to other more interesting prospects. They care deeply for wisdom, and often focus on sharing that knowledge with others. They can be very philanthropic and generous. Hawks have a keen sense of balance, and they navigate through life with an internal “true north” that creates an uncanny integrity within them.

They are open minded and philosophical. Although they entertain all manner of hypotheses, they are strongly opinionated (that inner “true north” thing). That is not to say they cannot be persuaded.

Would you like to know more about Celts? Read this.

10 Elements of Celtic Healing

First and foremost, the Celts were and are a remarkable, inventive and long-enduring people, versed in rituals and protocols of nature, a strong connection to the earth and sea and a reputation for mystery, myth and magic. It is from these elements that we can learn, understand and incorporate each facet of Celtic Healing into our everyday healing practices!

1. Water

including lakes, streams, rivers, springs and wells, have been held in deep respect, honor and places to visit on pilgrimage.

Photo by Eric Muhr / Unsplash

The power of water has refreshing, hydrating and rejuvenating powers that call, the Celts (and most every other culture) to their healing banks and shallows to gather, drink and bathe in the ever sacred waters!

Water is considered a fertility symbol, found in the Culdron of Daghda, in the Baths and Sanctuaries of Sulus, on the shoreline of the Boyne River and flowing along Brigid’s Well.

2. Sacred Herbs

found in burial sites and ritual shafts, handed down in folklore and stories, and made available from the hand-me-down recipes and tales of intrigue, tell a story of the plants and perennials that have made their way through Celtic history and into Celtic Healing.

From Bilberry and burdock to mistletoe and willow bark, herbs were utilized not only for their healing properties but for their taste, color and metaphysical healing aspects, as well.

3. Stones

were seen as tools for divination, objects of protection and luck and places of worship and blessings.

Bold Boulders
Photo by Kristen Sturdivant / Unsplash

From the standing stones at Carnac and megaliths at Stonehenge to the Winter Solstice tomb at Newgrange and the looming mound in Glastonbury, stones have been used to mark territories, honor grave sites, invoke seasonal ceremonies, revered as touchstones and used as altars or “mass rocks” for centuries.

The Lia Fail (Stone of Destiny) is often referred to as the Coronation Stone or Jacob’s Pillar and is where many high kings of Ireland where crowned.

The Turoe Stone in Galway, Ireland is considered the omphalos or “navel” stone. This “earth navel” is considered the meeting place between living mortals, the gods and the dead.

4. Fire

has been used for its powerful healing, purging and cleansing properties. the element of fire on Celtic Healing offered as a tool of celebration in many of the major holidays and seasonal transitions, fire, smoke and ashes were deemed to have protective properties.

Fire on the Horizon
Photo by Cullan Smith / Unsplash

Cows were driven between two pillars of fire as a cleansing ritual, while tribes would jump over bonfires to achieve fertility, prosperity and protection, fires lit to represent stages of the sun and its light are all good examples as to how fire plays a major role in ritualistic aspects.

5. Music

and songs are elements of storytelling, the expression of one’s emotions and a way to connect with people and the past.

Music’s magic and mystical connections are undeniable and there is no better way to recall memories, honor life’s transitions and bring hope to anyone seeking enlightenment. The lithful melodies of the harp of Daghda, were played as a passing of the seasons.

6. Nature

and all its power, glory and destruction where feared and honored as a way of understanding it’s approach through the rhythm of the seasons, from the attention payed to natural locations and to the tides of the moon and weather divination.
Finding my roots
Photo by Jeremy Bishop / Unsplash

Trees were seen as revered, ancient elders who gathered in sacred groves on ancient hilltops and used as divination tools. The trinity of water, fire and earth were also respected as nature’s way of washing, purifying and honoring.

7. Symbols

are the binding that holds together cultural beliefs, religious significance and etheric ideas.

Every symbol is a message from some deeper unconscious part of ourselves to the more conscious everyday part of ourselves expressed in a language that needs to be learned and understood. The symbol has been called the royal road to the unconscious.

Another way to say that symbols are the window to the soul. There is a very small number of original, natural symbols that make up the countless millions of symbols in existence today.

8. Storytelling

has always been the way in which the Celts would teach lessons, entertain their tribe and make as one of the cornerstone beliefs within the society as a whole. Stories gave people an identity.

It was a way to keep a communities’ self-image, uniqueness and tribal psyche together. Stories were told of shifting backward and forwards between two worlds, this world and the Otherworld.

Storytelling would glide along the edge of history and sometimes, blurring the line, but the main purpose of the story was always the message it had within it.

The greatest Celt stories would wander between warriors and giants, fairies and lovers, gods and goddesses and traditional local lore.

9. Deities

have played a major role in the construction and fabric of the Celt cultures and Celtic Healing.

The common denominator in all religions is the belief in the spirit world and life after death. Priests or shaman have always been the inter-mediators between the material and spirit worlds.

10. Rituals

give us the opportunity to start anew, refresh and reboot our lives, our intentions or goals.

Not much has been recorded about the healing rites and rituals of the Celts. What is known is based on the literature recorded by early Christians, the Greeks and Romans and archaeological evidence.