Alban Elfed Stags and Cernunnos

For the second time in the solar cycle. We stand equally between light and dark time instead of moving from darkness to light. We now move from light to dark and it is the time of the autumn Equinox, celebrated by Druids and Celtic traditions are Alban Elfed, (the light of the water in the Druid tradition).

Although most of the celebrations are related to agriculture and harvest and giving thanks to the fields. One of the major symbols depicted in Celtic charms is the stag, which is used to symbolise nature surviving through the hard times of winter. The stag is closely associated to Cernunnos horned God. Also known as the Lord of animals or the laws of wild things.

Cernunnos is often seen with horns, cross-legged in shamanic pose with the torc around his neck and in one hand and with a snake in the other. Cernunnos is depicted with seven points on his horns and often in the company of a stag. The stag is the symbol for Cernunnos or Herne, the horned gods; and is also is sometimes associated with the Green Man� and with gods of the Underworld.� Moreover, the Druid’s Horned God of Fertility, Hu Gadarn, was usually portrayed with the head of a stag.� Also, the Man in the Tree, or Derg Corra, is always accompanied by a stag. He is the Celtic guardian of knowledge.

The stag and itself symbolology, played a large part in the Celtic belief system. They were considered to be animals of the supernatural, and occasionally called faerie cattle both the stag and the deer are often considered manifestations of the male and female deities.

Hind, Eilid, represents gracefulness, subtlety and femininity.

Stag, Damh, symbolizes independence, pride and purification. He is King of the Forest, protector of its creatures and represents the Sun, warrior�s virility and fertility.

According to Celtic mythology, the role of the underworld would send a white hind or stag to guide chosen in humans into the underworld.

During the Medieval times. It was believed that the power of a deer or stag could be accessed from its skin a reason why a number of ceremonial magicians will have or make amulets or talismans made from deerskin parchment.

Even today, the symbol of the stag still holds power, and it is common to find ritual items that contain stag horn or the symbol of a stag or deer. Used in talismans and amulets and jewellery shop and coat of arms.

In animal magic deer�s and Stags are used in an embodiment of particular correspondences-the deer: gracefulness, subtlety and the goddess; there’s stag: Independents, purity, power, virility, protection, and God.

Stags and deer�s have always captured our imagery and appear in ancient mythologies as well in modern day fairy tales.