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Animal Symbols of the Celtic Druids:
Everything in Mother Nature is considered sacred by the Celtic Druids, so every plant, tree, animal, fish and bird is seen as sacred too. But in the same way that some trees and plants, such as the oak and mistletoe, receive special veneration, so do certain creatures receive particular attention by the Druids. According to their particular characteristics different animals were used by the Celtic Druids to symbolise different powers, attributes or gifts. They are often connected with the world of spirits and gods.
THE DRAGON
inspiration / imagination / wealth / power / vitality
The most powerful of all Celtic druid animal symbols, the Dragon represented the whole of creation. The Celts also associated dragons with the elements. Each element is governed by specific energies and qualities and are ruled by either the feminine or masculine aspect of divinity. Air,for example, is a masculine ruled element - The elder spirit, associated with the aspect of the Old Man. As part serpent and part bird, the dragon symbolises the union of the beneficial elements of water and air, of matter and spirit. The fiery breath of the Green Dragon was believed to purify and give new life.
To the Celts the dragon was a creature of a parallel world and played an important role in Celtic religion. It is gatekeeper to other worlds, and also a guardian of wealth. Dragons are also frequently found in churches, both outside, to ward off evil, and inside, often in the company of the Green Man symbol.
CELTIC MYTHOLOGY
There are numerous references to dragons in Celtic mythology. Most cultures considered the dragon as a benevolent dweller of caves, lakes and the inner earth. In ancient times, it was a symbol of wealth and associated with the power of the elements (particularly that of the earth), but also of the treasure of the subconscious mind. Dragons often appeared in many varieties: as a water serpent or worm-shaped beast, as well as the more well-known winged depiction. The dragon represented the supernatural forces that guarded the great secrets and treasures of the universe.
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