Offerings to Cernunnos
Warning: this post contains a fair amount of UPG (they will be italicized). He seems to like it when I give Him certain things that aren’t necessarily mentioned in the sparse history we have on him. So, it’s really just a list of my successes through trial and error.
Coins. Particularly valuable ones. Don’t be stingy. He’s a god of wealth and finances. He’ll pay you back with interest.
Oak leaves and pine cones. He’s also associated with the Wilds. Outdoorsy things are nice to have.
Antlers. Loves them. Probably because…you know, the antlers.
Sex and/or pleasure. …What? He’s got fertility too. He is a god of many colors. But gods typically associated with fertility approve of consent and pleasure. If it’s not fun for you, it’s not fun for Him. Make sense. Oh goodness, I’m a little red. Let’s move on.
Flower crowns. This is a recent discovery. I have no idea why He loves it so much. Real or fake flowers seem to work just as well, either way.
Trees. This one is a bit complicated, I guess. Whether you buy a baby tree or just use one in your yard, simply dedicate it to Him. Bring offerings and things to the base of the tree. Nurture it. Love it. It basically becomes an outdoor shrine/altar.
Wine. I didn’t find anything that says this was a common offering to Cernunnos specifically, back in the day. So, I’ll just put it in as UPG just in case. But good, red wine is a pretty nice gift on occasion.
Food. I’m pretty sure this is a jack of all trades type offering. Everyone likes food. Just a matter of preference. Cernunnos is a hunter so, venison, rabbit, some kind of game bird, etc. These are all good to give. Best done with outdoor shrines. And don’t worry about stray dogs or scavengers coming around and eating it. I was told that that was just one way the gods accept offerings. Maybe not do it too often, though. Wouldn’t want to develop a problem with the local coyotes, now would we?
Hunting weapons. You don’t have to actually use them for hunting, but the sentiment is nice. Personally, I’m saving up to get Him a bow. I plan on giving him an offering out of the first buck I kill.
Animal Pelts. Following previous logic, dear pelts and things make lovely altar cloths.
Bones. He’s got life and death in His jurisdiction too. Skulls are probably a favorite of mine to give.
Aside from the usual things that pretty much every being likes, this is about it. At least, from what I’ve gathered through research and experiments. Pretty much anything you gather from outside, with respect to nature, is good in His book. Also, I feel I should probably mention that not everyone who worships Cernunnos has to go out hunting every season. It’s not for everyone. So, no pressure.
I hope you all found this rather helpful. Feel free to add to the list, too, if I missed something.
Would like to add from my personal practice to Him:
Cernunnos is the kind of god that loves the “essence” of things. He loves engagement in intimacy (and I don’t just mean in terms of sexual stuff). He would prefer a cup of water given with meaning and care than the most ostentatious, full out, totally expensive, custom-made shrine just made for whatever reason. What matters to Him is that you give lovingly and within your means.
In terms of offerings, I’d suggest:
- whiskey or beer (He’s a man’s man’s manly man, lmao)
- He will also like alcoholic cider
- poetry or a devotional (I personally do a lot of this just because I love crafting my feelings for Him in writing as gifts)
- for some reason, He really likes chocolate wafers
- incense (something deep-woodsy, dark and Hunter-like)
- compassion for all living beings (including the weird bug that is in your bathroom at 3AM, not bothering you at all - I apparently have a cricket roommate thanks to this, appropriately named Chirp)
- compassion for yourself and your essential Being; He doesn’t like it when you’re honoring Him and you’re not being honest with yourself in any way / you’re rejecting some part of yourself. Self-care is a big one here, and it includes learning how to rest when you need it
That’s all I can think of for now. And I love this list I’m adding to. A wonderful set of offerings, and most appropriate!
Oh, and almost forgot: if you get a tug to offer Him something, even if it’s something that does NOT seem to compute to how you know Him, don’t hesitate to try it. As a god of nature and the Wildwood, one of the things you’ll come to understand about Him is that He might be tapping at your instinctual, intuitive side.
So if you get a weird, intense feeling of offering Him something, and it feels right, then go ahead and honor that feeling.
This is such a good addition to the list!
Here’s offerings I’ve found he likes and dislikes. Found this from personal practice and from a friend’s personal practice. (Thought it may be a nice addition to the existing offerings)
So useful to have on hand! I'm always looking to find new offerings for him <3
