A deity of Celtic Mythology and The Grove of Nova Scotia Druids’ patron deity. His name is a translation from various Celtic languages that means “horned one”. He is often depicted as man-like with antlers and hooves. He typically wears a torque (also spelled torc or torq), a semi- circular piece of jewelry often seen throughout Celtic history as a symbol of protection. He is accompanied by a stag, bull, snake or ram. Though his origins can be traced though many cultures he seems to originate in Celtic Mythology with the earliest depictions of him found in Northern Italy in an area which was under Celtic occupation around 400 BC. He is the protector of animals, the lord of animals. A representation of the wild; fertility; life and death and many important lessons that guide us today.
As with most things in Druid culture, the Horned God’s story follows the seasons with the Fall representing his Death, where he lies dormant during the Autumn and Winter and the Spring representing his resurrection where he would impregnate the Mother Goddess which gives wake to all life once again throughout the warmer and summer months. This circular story is thought to be a product of Neo-Paganism and it is believed that earlier celebrations of Cernunnos would have likely been dressing up as the God by adorning animal skins and trying to commune closely with him. Be that as it may, the Animal Lord has always represented Masculine Energy.
Cernunnos is an important part of our culture. He is said to have moved in such a surreal fashion that he was able to walk between the veils (between the land of the living and that of the dead) and he would guide the fallen to pursue a life of happiness and wisdom. He is seen as a prosperous, shielding God. There are stories of Cernunnos being associated with The Winter Stag where he would appear December 21st to those who received gifts and encourage them to give them to the less fortunate.
Unfortunately, as with much of the Pagan culture under which Druidry falls, much of the information supporting this writing is somewhat speculative and pieced together as strong efforts were made by the Christian church to eradicate Pagan Religion. Cernunnos was compared to Satan who at the time was portrayed as having great horns and this lead to families and Groves hiding their effigies and practices.