Exploring the Celtic God Cernunnos

03/09/2025 22 min Episodio 19
Exploring the Celtic God Cernunnos

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Episode Synopsis

In this episode, host Christopher Little explores the Celtic god Cernunnos, often called the "Horned God". The episode explains that Cernunnos is a deity associated with nature, fertility, and the wild, with his antlers symbolizing the cycles of death and renewal. The discussion delves into the scarce historical context for Cernunnos, noting that most understanding comes from archaeological findings like the Gundestrup Cauldron, which dates back to the 1st century BCE. On the cauldron, he is depicted seated cross-legged, holding a torc and a serpent, which respectively represent power and rebirth. The episode highlights Cernunnos's complex symbolism, including his connection to animals like stags, bulls, and wolves, which are seen as extensions of his power. He is also considered a guardian of the crossroads, a liminal space where the material and spiritual worlds meet. The episode concludes by examining the modern relevance of Cernunnos in contemporary Paganism and Wicca, where he is seen as a guide who encourages practitioners to reconnect with their primal instincts and the natural world.