Celtic Animal Charms and Symbols

Celtic charms and symbols range from jewellery to ornaments. The ancient Celts carved symbols into buildings and rocks to connect to their ancestors and to identify their land. They recognised their friends by the symbols on the jewellery they wore.

Their intricate work used by the Celts has survived throughout the years and we are very proud of the heritage they have left us.

The Celts linked animals and human figures together because they believed the power of nature could be channelled for healing, protection, love and much more, by choosing the correct symbol. The Celts believed that animals, particularly birds, were messengers from the gods, and by watching them, they could predict the future. It was believed that wearing an animal charm would enable the wearer to connect to the magic of the animal. Some birds were thought to be lucky, while other birds, especially the owl, were thought to be unlucky and feared. Crows and Ravens were associated with battle. The Goddess Morrigan often took the form of a Raven. If seen be a warrior before a battle, that warrior would die.

In Celtic culture, horses were one of the totemic animals. Horses are linked to the night, the moon, mystery and magic. The Celts thought that nightmares were brought by a visiting horse goddess. Goddesses were associated with the Horse and often took on its form.

Cats were thought to be shapeshifters and also guarded the gates to the underworld. Cats are associated with many other cultures. And why is a black cat unlucky? The belief goes back to ancient Egypt when the cat was worshiped as the goddess Bast or Bubastis. A cat can see in the dark and, if black, cannot itself be seen, hence creating a ghostly illusion.

The wisest and oldest creature in Celtic beliefs is the fish, and is linked to great knowledge and deep emotion.

Dogs were held in high regard and believed to be shapeshifters. The dog was thought of as loyal and heroic in Celtic times. (Nothing has changed there).

While th Deer was hunted for food. The Stag was often seen as the incarnate form of woodland Gods. The White Stag was considered to be from the otherworld and if you saw one it would have a profound change in your life.

Snakes were very popular in Celtic symbols and can still be seen today in jewellery.The snake represents the cyclic nature of life due to annual shedding of its skin.

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