Were looking for artwork: drawings and paintings of Cernunnos, or that are evocative of him. I do not consider myself an expert just because I made a blog. I destroy my ego.I release all worries of life and fears of death.I open my heart to your presence.I feel your presence within me.Your wisdom within my mind.Oh Great God Cernunnos!I am a humble student of your mysteries. There are theories that Cernunnos is more of an archetype or a spiritual representation of ALL of the wild, fertile deities from the wilderness. With Cernunnos, thats often something to do with appreciating and caring for the natural world. Dogs were often used in hunting, especially to run down deer, and bulls were sometimes associated with forest gods because they could protect herd against wild predators. Why was Cernunnos largely forgotten and what was his role? One of them was 2011s Hoofprints in the Wildwood: A Devotional for The Horned Lord edited by Richard Derks. Make a ritual devotion pilgrimage to the forest to find them. Cernunnos is recorded in writing and in sculpture in the south of Gaul" The purpose of this article is to make a brief survey of the existing pre-Christian evidence for a cult of Cernunnos, and what that evidence tells us. Recovering from that took years of work. English words derived from both Greek, such as unicorn, and Latin, like Capricorn or cornucopia, include a similar sound to karnon. The stags he is shown with were one of the chief sources of meat and leather for early Celts. By the time I was actively denying Cernunnos I was known as a Horned God devotee. Guide in the darkness Welsh Druid Kristoffer Hughes often talks about getting to know your square mile what and who lives within walking distance of where you live. Cernunnos. Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Prior to the time of the rites, have a day of games and feasting. The Book of Cernunnos will be published by ADF Publishing. Cernunnos is a horned god found in Celtic mythology. He pushes and encourages me to be a better person and pagan. Because you are a god that creates and multiplies,From the top of my head to the soles of my feet,Surround me with a stream of wealth.Unleash your prosperity and let health and protection accompany me. You are the man in the trees, the green man of the woods, who brings life to the dawning spring. Representing the wealth of the forest, Cernunnos appears to have eventually represented material wealth as well. By likening the gods of conquered territories to the Roman pantheon, they allowed people to continue worshipping in their own way while still fitting into the state religion. I have been in love with all things related to Mythology. One interpretation given by historians is that Cernunnos was a god wealth, but that his prosperity was not always linked to money. Classical depictions of the deity included gatherings of animals such as elk, wolves, snakes, and aurochs. Because you are a god that creates and multiplies, From the top of my head to the soles of my feet, Surround me with a stream of wealth. An inscription in Greek found in southern France likely refers to the same god as the two Latin sources known from Paris and Luxembourg. Your email address will not be published. Damage to the pillar left the lower part of the gods body missing, but based on the size and position of his head, it is usually assumed he was seated. This is an architectural element found throughout cathedrals and buildings, a face of a man made up of twigs and leaves. Cernunnos Domain: the forest, animals, nature, fertility, travels, the hunt, abundance, healing, sexuality, virility, and primal instincts, Physical Characteristics: a man with either deer antlers or ram horns, often sitting cross-legged in a meditation position. You might also cross paths with Cernunnos iconography. Many times its just keep moving. And sometimes He has something significant to say: something I need to contemplate or do or write. Mighty Stag Cernunnos was the Gaelic god of nature, animals, and fertility, and one of the most mysterious deities in world mythology. Over the years I've told parts of my story with Him ( here, here . If making an altar or giving offerings isnt an option for you, you can also offer acts of service. Deiuoi - Cernunnos - At the Heart of the Nemeton The mysterious origins of Cernunnos haven't kept people from guessing at his mythology. But remember that there are many good, necessary, and sacred callings that arent priesthood. The Cernunnos-type antlered figure or horned god, on the Gundestrup Cauldron, on display, at the National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen. A week or so before Samhain many years ago I convinced my now wife Ari to pull off to the side of the road just left of the middle of nowhere and go for a walk in the woods with me. The point of the torc was that it was a sign of power, aristocracy and wealth. As such, mentions and comparisons made by contemporary Roman writers may have been under a different, unknown name. Rhiannon Goddess: 14 Ways to Work With the Goddess of Horses, Celtic Goddess Brigid: How to Work with the Irish Triple Goddess, Cliodhna the Celtic Fairy Goddess: 9 Ways to Work With Her. You need something to represent Cernunnos something to focus your attention on Him. Sacred sex is another way to work with Cernunnos energy. You are the Ancient One. r/pagan - An effigy of Cernunnos I finished today. I'm rather new to If you have questions about this project, please contact John, Gwion, or Jason directly. How did you meet him? In Greek, for example, Hades was often called Pluton, The Wealthy One, to avoid directly referencing the god of the dead. Sometimes thats nothing. All gods were theirs; they were just given different names and seen differently by foreigners. It was common in the ancient world for dominant cultures, like the Romans, to liken foreign gods to their own. My work has also been published on Buzzfeed and most recently in Time magazine. Cernunnos: Origins and Personal Worship | Pagans & Witches Amino The place of initiation. While some deities and some pantheons have traditional offerings, theres really only one rule: offer whats good. Danu tells what little we know of her, and how I came to know her. (Its best to use shallow dishes for these, so animals can benefit from the food and water you put down.). Essay: Sex and Death: The Lessons of Cernunnos As far as I'm concerned, cleaning up litter and other human-made debris or graffiti can in itself be an act of devotion to the place or to any deity or beings (even the deer) that you may perceive or worship there. I knew in my heart that it was Cernunnos, and at subsequent rituals at Samhain hes been there to guide me, and lend me strength. Cernunnos can be that. Both the legendary folk hero Cu Chulainn and his foster brother Conall Cernach have been identified as having possibly been descended from the horned god archetype. Visit the Forum to discuss this topic and others! Edwards). While there is no image on the plaque that mentions this god, it is seen as evidence that the name was known beyond the region of Paris. Because both the Pillar of the Boatmen and the Luxembourg plaque only include the gods name, nothing survives of his mythology or any titles or epithets that would further identify him. The name is taken from a single inscription found beneath Notre Dame Cathedral in . You wield the oaken staff, the elements at your call. Devotional to Cernunnos | Wiki | Celtic Witchcraft and Druidry Amino Today, hes achieved new significance among Wiccans and some other Pagans as a deity of nature, animals, wilderness, and virility. Contemporary Pagans tend to use the terms interchangeably, and shrines can also be altars. Irish mythology, however, does not include a character that can be immediately identified as a horned god. When you come to the altar, light up the Juniper bundle and in a counter-clockwise motion, circle it in front of you saying: May all that holds me be released, Between all of those deer I began to feel a power circle around me. Or join a non-profit organization that supports forest preservation, etc. Also a theory shared by some of the modern day devotees of Vanir (a tribe of . While a definitive identification and interpretation of Cernunnos may never be possible, working with existing evidence has allowed historians to give some insight into one of the most mysterious and intriguing figures from the Celtic world. For me, chilly Sunday mornings often meant sleeping in with a paramour, and mid to late October is prime rutting season for Michigans deer population. Doubt me? it said, how can you doubt this? The energy around me that night was equal to what I felt when working with Pan or Dionysus, and I didnt need a damn myth to understand it. And if you make other things like that, you should consider opening and selling them on an Etsy or similar site. Cernunnos Celtic God: 9 Ways to Work with the Horned God Under the Ancient Oaks: Cernunnos | John Beckett If you do not, feel free to use whatever your preferred method of establishing sacred space is at the beginning of Opening of the Sanctuary section. Author. Take part in forest cleanups, or just make a habit of picking up trash while you hike. Cernunnos is a mysterious deity of the ancient Celts and Gauls. For some, he is the Horned God of Wicca. A shrine is a place of honor an altar is a place of sacrifice. Since hes a symbol of virility, a heightened sex drive may be another call from him. This last year, I was part of a project to develop rituals and practices dedicated to Carnonos (Cernunnos) from a Gaulish perspective. Instead of a attacking him, though, the snake wrapped itself around his waist like a belt. Most historical linguists believe that the name on the Pillar of the Boatmen comes from a common root for horn.. Dont be in a hurry to buy a statue. Originally, as put forth by Gerald Gardner, Wicca was a religion of sex and death and thus he was a perfect choice of patron. On the cauldron, Cernunnos is a man with antlers sitting cross-legged, flanked by wild animals. The wilderness is your shrine. My usual weekly practice is to pray to Cernunnos, then make offerings to Him, and then listen for His response in meditation. (Admitting these things does not mean Im proud of them either, just trying to be honest.). He wears a Celtic torc on his chest or holds it in his hand. The inscription implies that Carnonos was a local god, or at least a local variation of a god. . Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Shadow Work: Uncovering the 12 Archetypes of the Psyche, Full Moon in Libra: The Meaning and Magick of Aprils Moon, Ostara Ritual Ideas: Inviting the Spring Goddess in 2023, How to Celebrate the Worm Moon: Ideas and Rituals. He was my first oathed relationship now there are now three. We can't go to . He also wears a torc around his neck. Finding a home for my Patron God (Cernunnos) : r/druidism It provides some good general guidance on this question. Ride hard, sing loud. Devotion to Cernunnos (Cern's Mercy) With your forked crown of antlers reaching for the sky as the crested branches of the mighty oak do, you perpetuate this dizzying, never ending cycle of exchange. Were looking for devotional material: poetry, hymns, rituals, meditations anything a reader could use to honor and commune with Cernunnos. If you feel compelled to spend more time in nature, or develop a deeper connection to it, he might be trying to make himself known to you. While Cu Chulainns link to Cernunnos is tenuous, he is a popular candidate for and Irish varient of the horned god. Conalls epithet has, in fact, been open to a wide variety of interpretations. Cernunnos is also in various parts of the world like Western Europe and the British Isles. A torc is a Celtic piece of jewelry, typically worn around the neck or chest, thats made of thick metal. After the car stopped we found a path and began making our way into a heavily wooded area. Everything he stands for resonates with me on a deep and spiritual level. Internet Sacred Text Archive An excellent resource for free books and materials on religion, mythology, folklore, etc. There is strong evidence that this day (Nov 12) was originally a festival time devoted to Odin and to Cernunnos, who has many similarities to the Wanderer. It can be deduced that he has power over wild animals and fecundity. In addition to having a similar name, Ciaranus in Latin, the saint is also closely associated with the forest. We are all devotees of Cernunnos and we felt called to create this book as a tribute to him. But this is what Ive done, and what Ive seen others do that worked for them. And as a primordial deity in Neopagan traditions, his male principality makes him often be merged with other gods such as Pan and the Green Man. Having antlers and oftenbeing surrounded by animals, he is usally seen as a god of the forest. Talking to other followers of Cernunnos over the years Ive heard stories and tales similar to my own. Today, Cernunnos is considered a god of fertility and the wilderness. Note: This ritual goes under the assumption that you have an established sacred space already up and ready to go. To interpret Cernunnos without this material, historians have relied largely on the gods imagery. There was Someone in the woods, Someone who listened. Not much is known about his traditional role or worship, but scholars have pieced together some information about where he came from and what he does. Each antler had a torc, a gold neck ring that was a symbol of status to the Celts, hanging from it. Cernunnos would be one of many pagan gods whose legends were adopted and adapted into stories told about holy men in Christian culture. He is depicted on the Pillar of the Boatmen, a Roman column built in what is now Paris. The Pillar of the Boatmen featured a male deity with stag-like antlers. Details will be provided on inquiry. And drink deep of all that is set . Construction of a crypt in 1710 uncovered a number of these pieces, including a column commonly called the Pillar of the Boatmen. . Find your place in the service of Cernunnos. June 1, 2014 by John Beckett. The following is the solitary ritual that I developed for that project. Branches crunch underneath your feet. The name Cernunnos comes from a single Roman-era inscription found beneath Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Fossilized plant matter, like jet or petrified wood. Now, if I give Him the Jameson and go drink Glenmorangie myself, thats a problem. Perhaps, like me, you feel especially at home in the woods: the forest is more than just the trees. It was made in honor of Jupiter (the Roman equivalent of Zeus) and is one of the earliest pieces of representational art to have an inscription. I now have eight statues on my shrines. There are no ancient Cernunnos myths that have survived to our time. In my experience, he is a protective friend and guide to those who call on him; particularly those with Celtic heritage. you still own the work and can republish it where ever you like; we can use it in the book in whatever form that takes). It was common at the time to have a statue or relief made in devotion to a god, usually in fulfilment of a vow. So that I may be pure and true. Travel far and sleep well. Wed like the book to reflect that diversity and inclusiveness as much as possible. Once you feel centered and grounded, bow to the altar (or some other form of gesture adoration). If we grew up in a polytheist culture we would learn them as children. While we may never know what local names the god went by, it is possible that one or more unidentified gods in other sources may be the horned deity by another name. I pray you to be present with me in this Sacred Space. Cernunnos is depicted as a man with antlers or horns, and he is believed to be an ancient god of fertility, beasts and the wild. By submitting your work to this project, you grant the editors a perpetual non-exclusive license (i.e. Sage of the Healing Hands Using Divine Masculine Energy in the Craft Join the Witchy Challenge! TOUT CARNONOS - About Us - Google Sites Cernunnos. Horned One, Dark One, Receiver of the Dead, Granter of Rest, I call to You.God of freedom, God of sexuality, God of cleansing, God of rebirth, I call to You. Many modern sources refer to Cernunnos as the god of the fest. And there are actually horned goddesses like Hathor, Selene, and Elen of the Ways. In the years since I first encountered Cernunnos, Ive worshipped, worked with, and worked for many Gods. He revealed Himself to me when I was finally ready to see Him for who and what He is. Invocation to Cernunnos - Book of Shadows Cernunnos isnt traditionally associated with crystals, but many modern Pagans enjoy connecting to deities through specific stones. By this point in my life I didnt want to be the comic relief in ritual, and something other than my inner Puckish-Pan was eager to get out. Today, Cernunnos is considered a god of fertility and the wilderness. Cernunnos is invoked to protect ones travels, business, and for connecting with the divine masculine. All submissions will be edited to ensure the final book is of a high quality and a consistent voice. Sacred Mists Academy of Magickal Arts and Sciences. Lord of the Crossroads Cernunnos has never been particular with me about what to offer. Many of the animals he preached to, including stags, wolves, and boars, were those also typically associated with Cernunnos. Editors Jason Mankey, Gwion Raven, and John Beckett are looking for your stories of Cernunnos and your devotional works to Cernunnos for a book that will be published later this year. The addition of the torcs denote a high status. Some people use cauldrons to burn loose incense on top of charcoal disks. But we think its important to pay our writers and artists something. Figurines and pictures of wild animals and forests make great gifts for this wild Celtic god. Tout Carnonos means "The Tribe of Cernunnos". May your wisdom continue to be a guide to the people This was not the case with Cernunnos, however. The Book of Cernunnos will consist of essays about Cernunnos and devotions to Cernunnos. Similar gods with horns or antlers appear relatively often in Gallic and Celtiberian art. Keep reading to find out how historians interpret Cernunnos, the horned god of Celtic art! Sow native flowers around it to attract pollinators and other wild things. Set the rattle down and walk backward from the altar to where you performed the purification. Perform rituals and cast spells that invoke the horned god in the forest to amplify your magicks strength. Particularly because the name Cernunnos was likely an epithet, it is likely that a comparison was made under a different name. A possible earlier example of this is from an elaborate silver cauldron found near Gundestrup, Denmark. But we didnt, and so we have to learn them now. Cernunnos isnt the only deity or legendary figure depicted with antlers. One of the most popular post of all time on Under the Ancient Oaks is How Do I Know If A God Is Calling Me? For example, horns and antlers are often used as a visual cue for aggression, wildness, and virility. It does not exist. When you find one that clearly helps you focus on Him and that you can afford then buy it. If you ever come across an injured or sick bird, call your local bird rescue. This means that historians cannot use similarities between him and more familiar Greco-Roman gods to determine how he was seen in the ancient world. I recommend studying the archaeological evidence of his cult, as well as the Celts history and beliefs. Instead, he became a hermit living deep in the forest. If youre interested in participating in this project, we ask you to contact us as soon as possible and let us know what youre planning. He usually wore at least one torc, a neckband that symbolized status in the Celtic world, and sometimes carried a coin purse as well. Have any questions? Theres also a very powerful energy at that time of year; an intoxicating mix of death, turning weather, excitement, and sex. Researching other horned gods will also give you a deeper understanding of Cernunnos. Usually dated to the 1st century BC, it shows a seated figure with antlers holding a torc and a snake, surrounded by deer, bulls, and canines. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Devotional Ritual to Carnonos(Cernunnos), Welcoming the Spring: Storms, Floods, and the Passing ofWinter, Devotional Ritual to Carnonos (Cernunnos). He will aid you in your magical practice, notably connecting with the forest, nature spirits, and your hidden wild, primitive self. Put on some drumming (or beat the drum yourself), have a bonfire, and dance in the wildnerness and youre sure to meet the Celtic horned god himself. But I always felt at home in the woods they were my safe space. . I sing this prayer to the Old One. Life grows, it dies, it decays, it is born again. May your presence bring wisdom, abundance, protection, and healing. You see stags and deer, torques and serpents. Treat sex as a devotional or meditative act and connect to its sacred elements. Cernunnos | John Beckett The torc included in most horned god images was a symbol of status and wealth in ancient Gallic tribes, but it was not the only such symbol pictured with Cernunnos. The appearance of stags or serpents in your dreams can also be a sign from Cernunnos. Many people expect a Stag God to be fierce and powerful. Its rare for any deity to call someone just to be calling them. The Book of the Great Queen by Morpheus Ravenna (2015) and Harp, Club, and Cauldron edited by Lora O'Brien and Morpheus Ravenna (2018) go beyond devotion and into scholarship. Take care of your neighbors first. The Horned God enjoys bread, particularly homemade, as well as homemade meals. A similar name found in Luxembourg, Deo Ceruninco, is usually thought to refer to the same god. We consider ourselves a tribe because we stand together in our devotion to the Celtic Gaulish god Cernunnos. Druid Reborn, Ritual Devocional a Carnonos (Cernunnos). Cernunnos appears to wear or hold a torc in nearly every depiction of him. Your faces outnumber the stars. He is the embodiment of the primal self. Watching over them and protecting them until theyre able to stand on their own. Methods of Cleansing & Purification Witch Challenge. Cernunnos History, Prayers and Rituals. He is believed to be the god of abundance and ruler of wild animals. May all the binds me be released, We make offerings for hospitality, for reciprocity, for devotion, and because its what our ancestors did. One of the easiest ways to connect with Cernunnos is by going into the wild places. *My wife and I have a habit of calling our house deities by the first letter of their names. To Wiccans, he is The Horned God. Offerings for Cernunnos include water, wine, mead, ale, and non-edibles like tree branches, acorns, seed pods, flowers, etc. This is the only time that Conall Cernach is associated with any animals, however, and snakes are too common in mythology for Cernunnos to be the only possible god this refers to.
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