According to ancient Celtic lore, every person has a Celtic totem animal. This symbolizes the main qualities of the individual, comparing them to an animal with those same qualities. The period of the Druids who were responsible for Celtic signs, was a period of history in Britain and Europe, lasting from 500BC and 400AD.

Like most Shamanic cultures, the Celts possessed a natural attunement to the forces of Mother Nature, the cycles, creatures, and environment. As such the trees, moons and animals all played a significant part in both the mythology and the daily lives of these ancient peoples. The Celts held a powerful belief in animal guides or helpers, often called totem animals after the Native American tradition. These animals represented concepts such as fertility, rebirth, and vitality. They were moving, living and growing creatures regarded as messengers of the gods who were thought to guide, protect and embody the spirit of the person to whom they were connected. Spirits and supernatural beings were thought to sometimes temporarily assume animal forms before being reborn to a clan.

These sacred Celtic creatures have the appearance, characteristics and behaviour patterns of ordinary animals, birds, and fish, but are enshrouded in the legends and mythology of the Celtic peoples.

Ordinary people were encouraged to remain in touch with these animal guides who would communicate with the people through the tribal the shaman

This system extended beyond simply totem animals the trees themselves were said to have spirits as in Celtic mythology people descendants of the tree spirits. The tree was also a symbol of the continuous cycle of rebirth or reincarnation. Likewise, the Celtic calendar observed the new moon as the beginning of each new month as the powerful lunar influence was understood. Each lunar cycle was embodied with the spirit of its own symbolic moon name for this very reason. Flora and fauna, in particular herbs, were also used to strengthen the connection to the natural world and the world of spirit. A more recent addition to Celtic astrology has seen crystal associations included in the correspondences.

This relationship with Mother Nature was used to unlock the innermost feelings of the individual and to guide them through their life cycle.

Stag/Deer December 24 – January 20

The stag Celtic animal sign has high ideals and aspirations. If you want to start a new project, get a Stag sign to help you. They will not be deterred from their vision. They are thorough, patient and their persistence ensures their triumphs. When others have long given up, Stags buck their way past boundaries. They are proud, and rightfully so – they hold themselves in a regal way.

They are naturally noble like they came from royalty. This is not to say Stags feel entitled. Far from it. They believe in righteous hard work, and their integrity is their trademark. 

Cat January 21 – February 17

Quick minded, and even quicker wit, the cat of the Celtic year packs a pounce in the realm of intellect. This Celtic animal sign has impeccable reasoning abilities, but moreover, they have a knack for seeing the underside of things, a “sixth mental sense” if you will. They have an unorthodox vision and should be called upon when fresh new perspectives are needed in a project.

They also have a kind, humanitarian quality that makes them lovable. Although sometimes they can appear aloof because they like to be on the fringe, always observing. Nevertheless, they have the best intentions at heart. Cats are also very creative and need an artistic outlet to express themselves. 

Snake/Adder February 18 – March 17

The Celtic animal sign of the snake has a cool exterior but are infinitely lively. They are curious and are always full of questions about how the world works, and how the people around them work (even if they aren’t openly asking, you can bet they’re figuring out the answers in their own mind). Snakes are natural communicators, and they can be hugely persuasive. If they are passionate about a cause they can round up the whole neighborhood with their zeal and enthusiasm for their purpose.

Snakes can be spontaneous and unpredictable too. And although they’re pretty flexible, they like things to go their way (who doesn’t?) and will prove to be uncooperative if pushed in a corner. 

Fox March 18 – April 14

The fox sign is amazingly cunning and knows how to work a room with sly, sexy humor. Full of guile, vigor and bright intelligence the fox is an untamable force. This Celtic animal sign is the one to take with you on exotic vacations, they will wind your ways into amazing adventures. They have a knack for storytelling, and every experience is fodder for their tales.

They are tender-hearted, although they don’t show that soft side too often because they’re too busy playing and cracking jokes. However, they aren’t shy about showing their loyalty; if you are the friend of the fox, you have a friend for life. Highly energetic and courageous, the fox has an indomitable spirit.

Bull/Cow April 15 – May 12

Strong, loving, stable and sure are the watchwords for the bulls of the Celtic lunar year. Cows/bulls are the ones you turn to when you need a shoulder to cry on, honest opinions and solid advice (particularly in relationships). These Celtic animal signs have bullseye intuition and can spot a liar from a mile away. Because they’re highly intuitive, they can be misunderstood as moody or over emotional.

They also come by stubbornness honestly. They have excellent taste and have a flair for classy elegance in fashion and home décor. These signs are as trustworthy as the day is long and know how to keep a secret.

Seahorse May 13 – June 9

The Celtic animal sign of seahorse is vastly flexible and resourceful. The seahorse is the person you want managing your finances or handling your legal matters because these people are infinitely clever (if there’s a loophole, they’ve either found it or invented it). They also have amazing memory retention. They are sometimes hard to follow because their minds are so sharp.

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They can also be changeable, but they always come back around to a level of high charisma. These people are astoundingly versatile and adapt remarkably well in any environment. Seahorses are so loveable too. Even better, they love being adored, and easily reciprocate affection.

Wren June 10 – July 7

The wren Celtic animal sign is associated with freshness, and opening to new insights, and sunnier dispositions. They are natural care givers and will sing sweet melodies to cheer their friends and family. They remain calm in the midst of stormy weather. You want to have these people with you if you find yourself in a crisis; they are resourceful and stay cool under pressure.

Wrens are self-motivated (they know how to get what they want) and work best in solo situations. They also have a high sense of responsibility and moral integrity. They seek balance in their lives by being leaders at work on in the community, but secretly they would rather be traveling abroad living a life of a gypsy (this, however, is often against their better judgment).

Horse July 8 – August 4

Exuberant, expansive and powerful, the Celtic animal sign of the horse will give you a run for your money. Naturally competitive, and rightfully so. The horse has loads of talent, and enough confidence to go ‘round, particularly in business matters. They have a sixth sense when it comes to strategy and navigation (these signs have an uncanny internal compass). They are gregarious and openly charming (even flirty).

They make grand appearances and know how to carry themselves with style and authority. They do well in leadership positions, but they are just as happy to be the helpers of the clan (as long as they are given adequate recognition for their talents and contributions). Potentially headstrong, they are also valiant in times of adversity.

Salmon/Fish August 5 – September 1

Salmon signs dive deep in their inner waters for inspiration, bright visions, and dreamy perspective. They are naturally intuitive but they don’t make a big deal out of it. These people have a unique view of the world which makes them some of the community’s best artists, poets, and visionaries.

Sometimes they dive way too deep for the rest of us, and some just can’t follow where they swim. But that’s okay, the fish sign needs that kind of depth, isolation, and introspection because when they come back up for air, the world is awed by their brilliance and insight.

Swan September 2 – September 29

Spiritually evolved, and eloquent in expressing themselves, the swan swims in a class of their own. They have high standards, infinitely discriminating tastes and they have a keen eye for beauty (even when others cannot see it). Very refined and noble, sometimes the swan is mistaken as detached. This, however, is not the case. The swan is a lover and can prove to be quite passionate in relationships. That “coolness” comes from the swan’s understanding of composure.

They’re natural aristocrats. They can be exacting in details, and have specific ideas about how things should be done. If you want someone who is perceptive, organized and extremely tasteful, get a swan’s perspective.

Butterfly September 30 – October 27

This Celtic animal sign lives up to the adage “social butterfly.” Flitting from friend to friend in parties, and always in contact with loved ones (they’re the ones always on the phone, or texting). They can’t help it. Butterflies are gentle souls who can’t be tied down for very long. They love to dream, express new ideas and talk about high- falutin plans with all their friends.

These are the people who brighten up any dark day with their cheer and magnetically bright personalities. They are naturally empathetic, and would never intentionally harm anyone. Rather, they make easy friends and like to see others uplifted. Butterflies bring a sense of wonder and youth to our world. Keep these people around you to remind you of how truly good life can be.

Wolf/Hound October 28 – November 24

Wolves have a strong sense of purpose and will go to great lengths to see their point is made, and fully understood. This Celtic animal sign is fearless, brave and they rarely compromise. These are the hero’s you want by your side in the heat of battle. They will not back down, and they will take no quarter. Others marvel at their inner fortitude. Where do they find the energy and wherewithal to keep going?

They thrive on challenge, that’s what gives them their stamina. They have impeccable character, and “honor” is their middle name. They are strong willed and sometimes live up to the “lone wolf” label. Nevertheless, you always know where you stand with them, and they will unite with you as long as you share their cause.

Hawk/Falcon November 25 – December 23

Seldom do we see more focus in the Celtic animal signs than that of the hawk. When these signs see something they want, they go after it with a force that is remarkable. If, however, they aren’t interested in a project, they will fly off to other more interesting prospects. They care deeply for wisdom and often focus on sharing that knowledge with others.

They can be very philanthropic and generous. Hawks have a keen sense of balance, and they navigate through life with an internal “true north” that creates an uncanny integrity within them. They are open-minded and philosophical. Although they entertain all manne1r of hypotheses, they are strongly opinionated (that inner “true north” thing). That is not to say they cannot be persuaded.