Wahya Circle
Wednesday Works

Comparative Practices 101
Cernunnos

As stated by many, Cernunnos is known as the Horned God found in many traditions of (modern) Paganism and Wicca. He is an archetype found predominantly in Celtic regions and symbolizes fertility and masculine energy. Often celebrated around the Beltane Sabbat, Cernunnos is associated with the forest, the greening of Earth, and wild stags. He is a God of Vegetation and Trees in His aspect as the Green Man, and a God of Lust and Fertility when connected with Pan, the Greek satyr. In some traditions, He is seen as a God of Death and Dying and comforts the dead by singing to them on their way to the spirit world. Some Practitioners call upon him in the Winter season as he is found to be a God of Trees and they utilize trees in their practices at that time.

His being a God of Trees is why we have chosen to add Cernunnos this month. The timing for the Southern Hemisphere sabbats of various Paths being opposite of the Northern Hemisphere is also a very valid reason. In all honesty, we cannot chose a “wrong time” to have Cernunnos as our Deity according to those that call upon Him.

The name is pronounced “cair – NUN – awss” by most for those of us that were wondering. And yes, some do trill their r.

One of the most famous depictions of Cernunnos is on the Gundestrup Cauldron dating to around 200 BC. On the cauldron, Cernunnos is a man with antlers sitting cross-legged, flanked by wild animals. This is the inspiration for a lot of modern art work. In this depiction, He holds a torq in one hand and a snake in the other. He also wears a torq around his neck. Another famous depiction is a statue called the Pillar of the Boatman discovered in the foundation of the Notre Dame Church. This piece dates back to 14 BC.

As we see, Cernunnos is one of the main Horned Gods — if not the main one, found throughout Celtic mythology. He relates to mostly animals of the “male” persuasion but His energy can be called upon by anyone. Depictions of Cernunnos are found in many parts of the British Isles and western Europe as well.
He is often portrayed with a beard and wild, shaggy hair — He is, after all, the Lord of the Forest. Because of his horns (and the occasional depiction of a large, erect phallus), Cernunnos has often been misinterpreted by fundamentalists as a symbol of Satan. Of which, he most certainly is not.

Cernunnos does have some specific things He likes to see when working with Practitioners. Most of those things are seen through the Correspondences. Our relationship with Cernunnos will be unique to each of us. Ultimately, all of our connection with the Celtic Horned God will take on its own personality as #NoTwoPathsAreTheSame. Each Practitioner finds ways that work for them and some that do not. Just be prepared: working with Cernunnos is no easy matter for some. He is an ancient, primal and wild God who honors His instincts and wildlife above everything else.

Correspondences 101
Cernunnos

Below you will find Correspondences for several aspects INCLUDING Cernunnos. “The Golden Thread connects us all.”

Wednesday WD4

General - Journal - Book of Shadows

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