Celtic Polytheism

A repository for information I find as I walk my path

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"It is said that more Fomorii were killed on the Plain of Towers than there were stars in the sky or grains of sand on the seashore, or snowflakes in winter"

- Peter Berresford Ellis, Celtic Myths and Legends

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Samhain

Pronounced SOW-in or SAH-win (now you know!) this festival honors the Cycle of Life (Death and Rebirth) and also marks the Celtic New Year

When: October 31 (though this isn't always the case - see notes below)1

Themes: Death, rebirth

Things to do: Divination for the coming year, pay respects to a deceased loved one, hold a Samhain Dumb Supper (details below)2, decorate with black and harvest colors

Samhain is associated with Halloween and as such is often celebrated from sundown on Oct 31-November 1. However some people observe Samhain on or near the Full or New Moon, or on November 6 which coincides with the astronomical midpoint between Fall Equinox and Winter Solstice [Source]

This is a dinner which is splendidly prepared to honor the dead and is observed in silence. It is also called a "Silent Supper". I found these articles informative and of course you can do your own research! Article Article

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Cerridwen (also Ceridwen, Cyrridven)1

A goddess known for having the cauldron of inspiration and for giving birth to the great bard, Taliesen

Where: Wales

Commonly presides over: rebirth, inspiration

Common symbols: cauldron, white sow

Other symbols: boar, moonstone, moon (I've seen both full and new for her)

Possibly also worshipped in: Scotland2

Other areas of influence: grain2, shapeshifting3, change, darkness2

I'm always updating these so if you see some misinformation or feel I left out something very important, please let me know!

Sources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceridwen

http://www.joellessacredgrove.com/Celtic/deities.html

http://mydailygoddess.blogspot.com/2008/03/cerridwen-death-rebirth.html

Photo source