Animal Spirit Guides
Cow - Bó
In the tribal culture of early Ireland, cows were the measure of a person's wealth and prosperity. As such they were honoured as being closely associated with the Land, and being a source of milk, meat and leather. The Goddess Bóinn is most associated with the Cow. The river Boyne, which runs through the Boyne Valley, to Newgrange, is named after her.
Cow is patient, understanding and stubborn. It will give advice, and can ground you easily. A white cow was often considered to be a "fairy" cow, and Celts would guard them, suspecting the Sidhe would steal it away. On Beltaine (May 1st), cattle were driven between two bonfires to purify and envigorate them.
The Crow Family
Crow and Raven - Préachán agus Fiach Dubh
Ravens and crows were often seen as the same, makimg it difficult distinguish between them in the mythic stories.
The association between them is with the war-Goddesses, Macha, Badbh and the Morrígan - a triple Goddess. Since death and destruction followed the war-Goddesses, these birds have a similar reputation. They are often seen as omens of bad luck, and death.
Crows and Ravens are also known for their cunning and keen insight, and are highly intelligent. Since death was not feared by early Celtic society - it was seen as just a gateway to a new life - early associations with the Crow and Raven probably did not have as negative as they do today. They can been seen as gatekeepers for Tír na Nog. Bringing important messages to the living. You won't misunderstand what Crow or Raven have to say with you. When observed in this world, Crows and Ravens form close families/communities, usually called a murder
(another stereo-type name), instead of a flock. So, as an Animal Spirit Guides, they are steadfast, loyal and good in a fight.
Crows are associated particularly with the Morrígan. Since the Morrígan herself was often a prophet, the birds have an element of being Oracles and bringers of omens. The Morrígan was often seen in the guise of these birds, so there is a shapeshifting aspect to them also.
Magpie - Meaig
With their striking black and white plumage, and intense curiosity, Magpies are very visible birds. They have very outgoing personalities, are extremely intelligent, and are thieves of the highest order. Again, like Ravens and Crows they can be associated with omens, especially since how many you see at any time was supposed to predict how lucky you were. Seeing a lone magpie was always bad, "one for sorrow", and particularly if starting a journey.
So, this Animal Guide will be smart, knowledgable and will always know the safest (and least visible) route in/out of somewhere; even though it is probably a bit of a risk taker and its stream of joking comments could irritate at times.
Deer - Fia
For a hunting society, the Deer was a powerful symbol - it represents the Land, and the ultimate treasure. It was often seen as a magical creature, and transformations between people and Deer are common. Fionn's wife, Sava is turned into a fawn by a Druid, and their son, Oisín, is often considered half deer, half human. The Goddess associated with Deer was Flidais, who also rules over wild animals in general. Deer teaches us about beauty, honesty and innocence, and is the perfect Guide when all around us seems chaotic and illusionary. She can see through all to the centre of things, and is a true companion of the heart.
Dog - Madra
Irish people have traditionally depended upon dogs for companionship, protection, loyalty and hunting. Along with the Horse, Dogs are probably the animal which is most associated with humans, and there are many stories and legends about them. Cú Chulainn for example, was first known as Sétanta, but when he killed Chulainn's dog by mistake, he agreed to take its place, and thus became the Hound of Chulainn, or Cú Chulainn. The fact that Cú Chulainn was able to take the place of a hound, showed the importance of protection, loyalty and unswerving devotion - qualities highly regarded in humans and dogs. Dog as an Animal guide will never point you in the wrong direction, and will always be at your side. It has a strong association with Earth, and will keep you grounded and "realistic", and has unfailing instincts. Fionn Mac Cumhaill had two enormous hounds, called Bran and Sceolaing who were also his cousins (long story!). He loved them devotedly, but once in a fit of impatience he struck at Bran and it went and drowned itself from grief. From that time on Fionn would occassionally be haunted by the howling of his hound, and it left him heart-broken. Loyalty is as highly regarded by the dog, as it is by the human.
Cat - Cat
Cats, unlike the dog, devotion and loyalty are not normally considered among their traits. Intelligence, mystery and a sensitivity for Otherrealm or world activity are common aspects. Their independent behaviour has given them a bad reputation among some people. The Cat is often associated with women, and sensuality - the Goddess Brigid, had a Cat as a companion.
Cat is a fierce warrior when provoked, and will fight with both wile and ferocity. Also known for stealth and secrecy, they are familiar with the hidden paths and will never misdirect you.
Fox - Sionnach or Madra Rua
The trait most commonly associated with Fox in Ireland is cunning. There are many folktales about how Fox uses his wiles to raid a chicken coop, or better still, slink into the farmer's kitchen itself. When caught, a classic trick of Fox was to play dead, so that the fooled farmer would set off to inform everyone of his latest catch, while then Fox would jump up and get away before the farmers return. The reason the Fox could get into so many places is his ability to figure out traps and locks. An old story is that Foxes were brought to Ireland by the Vikings, who originally used them as their dogs. Foxes, as a power animal is an amiable, stealthy and clever companion. He is exceedingly good at finding his way into otherwise tricky locations, and he can sense traps or situations best avoided. Not one for a direct fight, he will do everything in his power to circumvent trouble, though if forced to he will defend fiercely. Brash and intelligent, he will keep you amused during your journeys with opinions on everything.
Horse - Capall
Horses were essential to Irish and Celtic society, and were seen as a sign of wealth and standing in a community. As a basic necessity, Horses were depended upon for transport and also to help with the tilling of the land. No other animal was a more important partner to humans. Strength, intelligence, patience and friendship are just the beginning of this Guide's attributes. Irish mythology is rife with stories about Horse, in particular the White enchanted horse of the Sidhe. Oisín travels to Tír na Nog with Niamh upon a white horse. When he returns in order to see his homeland, he is warned not to get off the horse, which is his protection, transport and link to Tir na Nog. Of course, mishap occurs and he falls off, whereupon the horse disappears instantly and the path back to the Land of the Young is forever closed to him. One of the main functions a Horse as Animal Spirit Guide can provide, is transport, it will carry you quickly in and out of any place, and will guard you constantly. Horse is also seen as being very sensitive to danger and "Otherworldly" occurences. Cú Chulainn's two horses demonstrate this most obviously, one of them sheds tears of blood on the way to Cú Chulainn's last battle. Always pay heed to Horses's warnings.
Salmon - Bradán
The Salmon is seen as the oldest of all creatures and as the holder of all wisdom in Irish tradition. The Salmon of Knowledge, a mythical creature, had eaten hazel nuts from the nine trees that grew along the Well of Wisdom. Anyone who would eat this salmon would gain all the Wisdom of the Ages. In the stories, it is Fionn who, accidentally, first partakes of the Salmon and thus takes the knowledge into himself. The Salmon, with its obvious associations with water, can navigate between the sea and the river and thus is knowlegeable about the gateways between Worlds and the hidden emotions within us. It is a sure Guide when emotions are turbulent, and brings calm and peace to upsetting situations with its sage advice.
Swan - Eala
One of the most beautiful birds in Ireland, the Swan has many associations. It is most famous for being the bird the Children of Lir were turned into when their Step Mother wanted to be rid of them. As such it is considered a "royal" bird, and is graceful and long-lived. Swans are very fierce when under threat, and their beautiful exterior often belies their strength and determination. They are viewed as destructive when they descend upon Emhain Macha and ravage the area as an omen of Cú Chulainn's conception,
There is a strong shape-shifting quality to them due to the many stories of humans turning into Swans and vice versa, so they are highly magical birds, with much information about mastering transformation and change. Romance is also tied into the Swan, for the "Love God"of the Tuatha De Danna, Óengus fell in love with Cáer, who was under a magical enchantment by her father so that she was in the form of a swan for a year, followed the next year by being in the form of a human. Óengus transforms himself into a Swan in order to be with his beloved. Midhir and Étain escape from her husband's fortress in the shape of swans in order to be together.
Other Symbolism of Celtic Traditions:
Blindness - often symbolizes a person with great inner sight, musical/poetic ability, prophecy
Cauldron - birth/death/rebirth, abundunce, healing, poetic insight
Caves - often a symbol of the Otherworld, or an entrance to the Otherworld
Chariot - swiftness, warrior
Cliff - magical borders
Clockwise, Sunwise, or Deosil - beginning, opening
Counter-clockwise or Widdershins - finalizing, binding, returning to source
Eggs - healing, creation
Fire - inspiration, creativity, membership in tribe, often seen as a catalyst
Fog - the mystical and/or spiritual, the Otherworld
Gold - wealth, royalty
Harp - authority, mainly seen as an Irish symbol
Lightning - swiftness, punishment
Mirror - magical insight, used as a tool for scrying
Nine - magic fullness, power
Shield - protection
Silver - authority, magical power
Sun - fertility, light
Sun-burst - Fianna
Swan - Tuatha De Danann
Sword - truth, warrior
Symmetry - stagnation, impotence
Three - binding
Thunder - power, strength
Torc - authority, freedom
Twilight - an in-between time, the Otherworld
Waterfall - an in-between place, the Otherworld
Well (spring) - health, inspiration, mystical power
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the maiden, the mother, the crone-
