Hey! I'm a very new solitary Witch and I came across Belenos as a possible male patron deity and I was having trouble with more specific research on lore, so I was wondering if you had any recommendations for trustworthy websites/books? Thanks and blessed be!
Belenos, like other Gaulish deities have almost no associated mythologies. Their cults were outlawed and their spiritual leaders killed by Roman authority.
Aside from His associations, and His possible festival connections there is almost nothing officially known about Him. Shared insight from others who have dealt with Him point to His involvement with life energies and a connection with Taranis.
My favourite bit of trivial to share is the appearance of Belenos as a golden giant protecting His city of Aquileia from the air in the year 238.
Belenos 101 is found on my blog, it’s dated and not my best work. Gaulish Polytheism 101, which is also on my blog is much more polished and is something I’m much happier with.
Which leads me to what makes me particularly uncomfortable about the interest of a solitary witch in a Gaulish deity. The image of Cernunnos has suffered enough already at the hands of those who withdrew him from his cultural and religious context. Belenos must not be removed from His Cult and His wider part in Gaulish Polytheism as a whole. I cannot control what you decide to do, but if you wish to venerate Belenos as a member of his Cult you may continue to ask me more questions or send me private message and I will answer and welcome you wholeheartedly.