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. Keeper of the Ancestral Wisdom, I give my work to you devotion to cernunnos. Pingback: Devotional Ritual to Carnonos (Cernunnos). Positive, Inspiring, Uplifting Spells That Work, Light a green candle during this prayer to Cernunnos. Sacred Mists Academy of Magickal Arts and Sciences Among other courses offered, they have an in-depth Wicca education program, with the option to join their tradition at a later date if you so desire. Many images identified as Cernunnos also feature stags, snakes, bulls, or dogs. The Celtic god Cernunnos is famously depicted on the Gundestrup Cauldron. Offerings for Cernunnos include water, wine, mead, ale, and non-edibles like tree branches, acorns, seed pods, flowers, etc. The days tend to stay reasonably warm, and the landscape is an electric blend of colorful leaves, blooming plants, and green grasses. But most of us dont have regular access to large blocks of undeveloped land, or to places like national parks. Its easy to associate the Spring with sex, but the Fall is plenty horny too. The Full Moon is just visible through the thick, looming trees. 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. Please, if you have any links you would like to see added, let me know! Part of that is the beauty of wild places and the spirits that inhabit them. The same goes for other wild animals in your area. It feels strange to me all these years later to think of my life without Cernunnos, but it was a part of my Pagan experience for a substantial chunk of time. This last year, I was part of a project to develop rituals and practices dedicated to Carnonos (Cernunnos) from a Gaulish perspective. 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. Cernunnos was a minor character in the Marvel Comics universe, first appearing in a Doctor Strange comic in 1993. In our own language, we can see examples of changing vowel sounds with the same root word. There are no "adults" at Fox regardless of ", "Yes, everybody prays. Cernunnos is a popular figure in early Celtic religion, but the truth is that very little is known about him. 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. He was my first oathed relationship now there are now three. As a Horned God, he can take the place of consort of the Goddess in . If you ask anyone whos worked with Cernunnos in their practice how to go deeper with connection, theyll tell you to get into shamanic drumming and trancework. This is a time of festival for several families gathered together, each bringing food and drink for the potluck feast. Once adorations are given, stand up (if seated) and take one step away from the altar and hold your hands up: Carnonos, Keeper of the Old Ways, Cernunnos is the name given to a horned god featured often in art from Roman-era Gaul and Iberia. Great Horned One, come into the Circle! His worship was widespread through Europe with the most evidence of his cult in Britain, France, and Spain. And there are actually horned goddesses like Hathor, Selene, and Elen of the Ways. You who keeps the Sacred Mysteries Perhaps, like me, you . Particularly because the name Cernunnos was likely an epithet, it is likely that a comparison was made under a different name. We will compensate all contributors whose work appears in the book. The name Cernunnos is rooted in the Gaulish word karnon, which translates to antler or horn.. Cernunnos - The British Druid Order Cernunnos name literally means the horned one. . He wears a Celtic torc on his chest or holds it in his hand. He will aid you in your magical practice, notably connecting with the forest, nature spirits, and your hidden wild, primitive self. Get Grounded & Become Centered Join the Energy Work Challenge! Theres also a very powerful energy at that time of year; an intoxicating mix of death, turning weather, excitement, and sex. They do this by looking at evidence from art, artifacts, and what other cultures had to say. I make offerings to Cernunnos weekly. The wilderness is your shrine. The Celtic Forest God, Cernunnos, gets his name from a Latin word which means the horned one. 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. Tout Carnonos means "The Tribe of Cernunnos". May your light continue to be a light to the people And all things of beauty and freedom and love delight you. Do historical and literary research. The Book of Cernunnos will be published by ADF Publishing. He pushes and encourages me to be a better person and pagan. The deadline for submissions is May 3, 2019. Over the years its become clear to me that my wife knows C nearly as well as I do, which shouldnt be all that surprising. Discover what he meant to them and see how you can apply that knowledge to your own life. The Book of Cernunnos Call For Submissions. He revealed Himself to me when I was finally ready to see Him for who and what He is. If you live in the city, donate money or goods to a local animal shelter. If you like it, Hes happy youre sharing it with Him, even if all you have at the time is clean water. Its in that esoteric state, where we are disconnected from reality and yet more connected to our own bodies, where Cernunnos dwells. And drink deep of all that is set . Many times its just keep moving. And sometimes He has something significant to say: something I need to contemplate or do or write. r/pagan - An effigy of Cernunnos I finished today. I'm rather new to You might also cross paths with Cernunnos iconography. They associated them with warriors; the famous statue of The Dying Gaul shows the fallen warrior wearing nothing but a torc and Pliny the Elder mentioned 183 torcs being taken as spoils of war from a Celtic battlefield. With Cernunnos, thats often something to do with appreciating and caring for the natural world. The addition of the torcs denote a high status. I found the attempts to link C* (as hes often referred to in our house) to Merlin and other mythological figures laughable, eventually leading me to the idea that there cant be all that much to Cernunnos since no one seems able to write about him. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Cernunnos, therefore, may have served both functions. Cernunnos isnt the only deity or legendary figure depicted with antlers. Lots of beginners (those called by Cernunnos and those called by other deities) agonize over the most appropriate things to offer. devotion to cernunnos. Cernunnos is an ancient European god and an important one for many pagans today. Cernunnos appears alongside other Gallic deities like Esus and Smertrios as well as familiar Roman deities such as Jove (Jupiter), Fortuna, and Vulcan. Working with Cernunnnos: Offerings, Herbs, Crystals & More Youre headed to the sacred place, deep in the forest. Your faces outnumber the stars.I am the Horned One of uncountable names, you are the gentle and the fierceYou are Cernunnos, the Ancient One, Lord and Sire of the Universe. The experience was so real and so true that there was no way I could deny it. I will be an agent of truth in the lives of others We are all devotees of Cernunnos and we felt called to create this book as a tribute to him. The existence of the Pillar of the Boatmen and Gundestrup cauldron suggest that Cernunnos is appreciative of art and creative works. Often they are sitting in a cross-legged position and most either wear torcs on their horns or hold them in their hands. Invocation to Cernunnos - Book of Shadows Its easiest to connect to Cernunnos in wild places. I know this because my mother told me and also ". To the wild, dancing, mischievous masculine. 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. By day you are the sun, by night you ride upon the wild winds For all things wild and free are in your keeping. 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. The interpretation of Cernunnos as a god associated with wealth is primarly based, however, not on the bulls and dogs he is shown with but on the other attributes he carries. You may be called to be His priest. There is, of course, no one right answer. . But we want it to be as deep and as complete as it can be, so were soliciting contributions from Pagans we know have knowledge of or experience with Cernunnos. Great Horned One, come into the Circle! Devotional to Cernunnos | Wiki | Celtic Witchcraft and Druidry Amino Rhinoceros, for example, comes from Greek. We cant go to that level of depth because theres just not enough source material about Cernunnos. The connection of antlers and horns to fertility comes from horned animals in rutting season. Set the rattle down and walk backward from the altar to where you performed the purification. Internet Sacred Text Archive An excellent resource for free books and materials on religion, mythology, folklore, etc. Cernunnos. To the soul guide and path finder. No lore, my myth, no matter. Your faces outnumber the stars. I am the Horned One of uncountable names, you are the gentle and the fierce You are Cernunnos, the Ancient One, Lord and Sire of the Universe. Other left little evidence for much of their history, but later writers preserved the stories of their cultures to the best of their abilities. By day you are the sun, by night you ride upon the wild windsFor all things wild and free are in your keeping. Also a theory shared by some of the modern day devotees of Vanir (a tribe of . God of the green, Lord of the forest, I offer you my sacrifice. Meditate, ground yourself, and then allow him to guide you to the materials. She also knows when his presence has become a part of our rituals, and simply when hes around in our daily lives. When he did show up in a book, it often felt like authors were trying to insert a square peg into a round hole, or completely talking out of their asses. You did a wonderful job invoking that feel of the great lord of the Wild Hunt! Please like and share this article if you found it useful. Did the Forest God see a young boy retreating into a wooded refuge and take pity on him? I invoke thee. You who knows the Ancestral Wisdom When you make offerings, be sure to offer items that are safe for consumption by birds, rodents, deer, or other animals. Whatever places you have for meditation, use them. The name is taken from a single inscription found beneath Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Recovering from that took years of work. He was specifically associated with the bounty that could be found there. The name Cernunnos comes from a single Roman-era inscription found beneath Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Your email address will not be published. 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. All submissions will be edited to ensure the final book is of a high quality and a consistent voice. Add a candle or three, an offering bowl, an incense holder whatever seems right. Take a second to support kitty fields on Patreon! This makes him a likely counterpart of Silvanus. Instead, some historians have looked to more subtle similarities to find a possible Irish version of Cernunnos. In addition to having a similar name, Ciaranus in Latin, the saint is also closely associated with the forest. If Saint Ciarans link to Cernunnos is true, it would be evidence that the horned god was still prominent in at least some areas of the Celtic world at the time of Irelands Christianization in the 6th century. Sometimes this involves big environmental causes, but more often its about caring for the land where you are: the trees, the plants, the wildlife they support. Make a ritual devotion pilgrimage to the forest to find them. The Future of the Video Series. This was not the case with Cernunnos, however. Ancient One, you who holds the serpent of chaos, you who holds the torc of prosperity So that I may be pure and true. Unleash your prosperity and let health and protection accompany me. 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. devotion to cernunnos Nourisherof the soul I think I responded with a shrug and a sure, but also a question: What would I be doing?. Cernunnos - Wild God of the Forest. The identification with Cu Chulainn is primarily because of the heros close association with dogs. I hear your words, Cernunnos, the voice of the Horned One, Whose names are uncountable: You are the wild hunter of the forest deep, You are the fire upon the hill, And the sower of the seed. I knew that this particular ritual didnt call for Pan, or even Dionysus (though youd be surprised at just how complicated D is), I knew Id need to reach out to something someone else, instead I didnt have to. Cernunnos is the name given to a horned god featured often in art from Roman-era Gaul and Iberia. . Many of us believe it is Cernunnos who is depicted on the Gundestrup Cauldron, but we have no way to know for sure. Cernunnos in particular has changed my life in ways I cannot even begin to describe. Cernunnos broad, spreading antlers illustrate his virility and power. On the Action is Ritual/Ritual is Action page, there is a monthly ritual devoted to Gwydion Ap Don. May your presence bring wisdom, abundance, protection, and healing. May all that enslaves me be released. Most people will know him as the Horned God of Wicca. Festival of Odin | Pagan Calendar - Shirleytwofeathers.com My name is Mike and for as long as I can remember (too long!) The Magick of Sleep & Dreams Join the Witchy Challenge! Originally, as put forth by Gerald Gardner, Wicca was a religion of sex and death and thus he was a perfect choice of patron. Ceisiwr Serith, Kondatriev and most scholars agree on "The God with Antlers". Liked it? TOUT CARNONOS - About Us - Google Sites They include poems, songs, rituals, and stories of personal encounters. While disciples eventually gathered around him and established a proper monastery, Ciarans first students were the animals of the forest. Cernunnos isnt the only horned god. His wealth was that provided by nature. Based on the names etymology, usually translated as The Horned One, it is thought that Cernunnos may have been an epithet rather than the gods proper. Where we lack written records, weve been able to connect with this ancient god through depictions and symbolism that resonate through time and space. When my part of the ritual began I immediately felt a firm, warm, hand on my shoulder. One tool historians can use to interpret ancient figures is linguistics. Like English, most languages of Europe use the same words for this type of horn as for an animals. To the Romans, Mercury and Dis Pater were gods who married commerical and underworld interests, since Mercury was the god who . Cernunnos: Origins and Personal Worship | Pagans & Witches Amino Some historians have suggested that this is because Cernunnos was so foreign to the Romans that they could see no similarities. Cernunnos is a horned god found in Celtic mythology. You see stags and deer, torques and serpents. Women and non-binary persons are especially encouraged to participate. The horned god Cernunnos was worshiped by the ancient Celts and possibly by Indo-Europeans who lived in Europe prior to the Celts. When he's drawn down into our circle during ritual she'd be the one most likely to interact with him. One of the interior plates bears an image of a seated, cross-legged male figure with antlers. As you connect, listen to the sound of your heartbeat. Careers Workplace and Religion Columnists, Recreation Outdoors and Religion Columnists, Religious Music and Entertainment Columnists, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Beltane: A Necessary (and ahistorical) Celebration ". At least fifty archaeological artifacts with his image have been discovered, mostly in Northern France. Cernunnos appears to wear or hold a torc in nearly every depiction of him. How did you meet him? Offerings of food and drink are most common, especially offerings of alcohol. Wandering through them gave me a sense of connection to Nature and to a certain Forest God.. Cernunnos, Guardian of the cauldron of plenty, I call to You.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. More well-attested deities such as the Matronae, Maponos, and Epona all include this element. They compare unknown figures to more familiar characters to find similarities and possible links. For some, he is the Horned God of Wicca. While most figures of this type come from the Roman era or slightly before, archaeologists believe it may be far more ancient in the region. Because of this, he is often associated with the magical tool the cauldron. During those times he's with me, but in a completely different way. He is often portrayed with a beard . It is unusual for a god as wide-spread as Cernunnos appears to have been to have no such syncretization. How do you honor, worship, or work with him What does he ask you do to for him? There are no tales of Cernunnos ruling the abode of the dead, and nothing beyond vague connections to water and the hunt linking C to death, but here he was. You are the deer in rut, mighty Horned One, Learning about Cernunnos is largely a matter of independent study, with more field work than classroom work. 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. If you have questions about this project, please contact John, Gwion, or Jason directly. Prior to the time of the rites, have a day of games and feasting. I said yes, and began the formal work that continues to this day. Similar gods with horns or antlers appear relatively often in Gallic and Celtiberian art. Or in an exchange of gifts. Theres something about shamanic drumming that puts you into an otherworldly state of mind AND reconnects you to your primal self. Classical depictions of the deity included gatherings of animals such as elk, wolves, snakes, and aurochs. He holds a torc in one hand, and a ram-horned serpent in the other. And to make sure we dont overlook anyone, were issuing this call for submissions. Sometimes called the Lord of Wild Things, most of what we know about him today comes from fragmented knowledge and depictions on artifacts like the Gundestrup cauldron. In 2017 we talked about Him as part of my Under the Ancient Oaks video series. Sacred sex is another way to work with Cernunnos energy. Have any questions? Cernunnos isnt traditionally associated with crystals, but many modern Pagans enjoy connecting to deities through specific stones. With this vow, I give my work to you Under the Ancient Oaks: Cernunnos | John Beckett . Cernunnos is a mysterious deity of the ancient Celts and Gauls. The accompanying figure is a man with stags antlers that have a set of torcs (a kind of necklace or collar made of a stiff metal ring) hanging from them. The mysterious origins of Cernunnos haven't kept people from guessing at his mythology. Branches crunch underneath your feet. The Horned One would be an epithet that would have only subtle changes to vowel sounds or case endings, whereas a proper name could change much more. Cernunnos Celtic God: 9 Ways to Work with the Horned God May my words rise on the winds and may they sound deep in the wells. As they are all linked. Some, however, question this interpretation. Talking to other followers of Cernunnos over the years Ive heard stories and tales similar to my own. These include: While Cernunnos is not directly named in association with any of these gods, this is not proof that he was never adopted by the Romans. This is a Pagan devotional anthology nobodys going to make any significant money on it. 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. While the English word horn is derived from the same ancient root, we are also familiar with other related words. Cernunnos would be one of many pagan gods whose legends were adopted and adapted into stories told about holy men in Christian culture. Druid Reborn, Two types of incense (Ideally a stick of Sandalwood and a small bundle of Juniper or herbs that will quickly go out), Whiskey (or alcohol/drink of your choice), Rattle (one may clap hands or use a drum instead). When Ive asked, most times Ive heard Ill have what youre having. Hes as satisfied with a shot of Jameson whiskey (at $22 a bottle) as with a shot of $50 Glenmorangie. Other times, though, theres more to it theres something that needs to be written. Many of the animals he preached to, including stags, wolves, and boars, were those also typically associated with Cernunnos. 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). Did He see the potential for a future priest? Offerings for Cernunnos include water, wine, mead, ale, and non-edibles like tree branches, acorns, seed pods, flowers, etc. I pray you to be present with me in this Sacred Space.Let Your gaze fall upon this Sacred Ground.In-dwell my rite and give me Your blessing. As long as the needs are met to continue the work. Were looking for personal stories of how contemporary practitioners discovered Cernunnos and began worshipping and working with him. Cernunnos speaks through the trees and animals. What she came up with let me know that he had been whispering in her ear just as much as hes been whispering in mine over the years. Cernunnos - Mythopedia 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. The lower body of the figure is obliterated, but the dimensions and posture suggest that it was sitting cross-legged. I do not consider myself an expert just because I made a blog. He is usually depicted with the ears and horns of a deer and wearing a torque, the sacred neck ornament of Celtic gods and heroes. Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world. The Pillar of the Boatmen, like many monuments from Roman Gaul, honors both native and Roman gods. Were looking for artwork: drawings and paintings of Cernunnos, or that are evocative of him. For example, horns and antlers are often used as a visual cue for aggression, wildness, and virility. Most historical linguists believe that the name on the Pillar of the Boatmen comes from a common root for horn.. (LogOut/ Sow native flowers around it to attract pollinators and other wild things. Take part in forest cleanups, or just make a habit of picking up trash while you hike. Traveler and Protector, Carnonos, I call to you And they did. All I know is that when I went into the woods I was comforted, and I was encouraged to keep moving and keep working. Learn the history of Cernunnos and eight ways to work with him in your pagan practice. This may be why the shipmakers of Paris included Cernunnos on their pillar. Bow to the altar (or some other form of gesture adoration). Cernunnos appears to be in contact with the world of the animals, possibly their spirits, which would place him within a very different role. Acteon: Some think the Romans may have seen images of Cernunnos as the Greek character Acteon. But this is what Ive done, and what Ive seen others do that worked for them. Danu tells what little we know of her, and how I came to know her. I've fully devoted myself to his cause and principles. This is probably a good place to start when it comes to figuring out what to offer him. And while being outdoors is great, building a shrine creates a regular meeting place thats always there. from 2018. Some crystals tied to Cernunnos are: The herbs most often associated with Cernunnos are: If you dont have access to these, you can also work with herbs that are at their peak during deer rutting season (typically autumn). Figurines and pictures of wild animals and forests make great gifts for this wild Celtic god. In Greek, for example, Hades was often called Pluton, The Wealthy One, to avoid directly referencing the god of the dead. However, requesting insight to better serve Him is never a bad thing or if you feel that there is a specific message he wishes to give you as you move forward. You wield the oaken staff, the elements at your call. It was beautiful and powerful and left me with no doubt that Cernunnos had been with me all my life and was calling me to His service. Listen. That strikes me as very appropriate for a God of Nature and a God of the Wild. Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Dont worry about the terms, just set up a shrine. One interpretation given by historians is that Cernunnos was a god wealth, but that his prosperity was not always linked to money. I suspect They want us to do the work to figure these things out. This probably evolved out of Dionysus being Big D and eventually just D in our personal parlance. This part is just seeing if there is an indication that your devotional has been well received. And sometimes hes not afraid to use them. He is also recognized in many modern neopagan religions as a god of . 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. After offending, Jupiter: Preious contact with other cultures had led to Jupiter being associated with other horned gods, notably the Egyptian deity.