Celtic Zodiac: The Deer

Deers held a special meaning for the Celts. They believed they were part of the fairy world and had magical powers.

Celts thought deer lived deep in the forest so that they could have secret knowledge.

As one of the oldest animals in existence, the deer was a symbol of life, fertility and vitality. Their antlers were a symbol of the tree of life.

The White Stag symbolizes:
Grace
Speed
Beauty
Kindness
Vitality
Fertility
Gentleness
Spirituality
Watchfulness
Communication

Deer appear throughout Celtic mythology. For example, a deer pulled the chariot of Flidass, the Celtic Goddess of Wild Things. However, it is the white stag that had the most significance.

The Celts believed the white stag was a messenger of the gods. Whenever a white stag was seen, it was thought that important things would soon follow. We can see evidence of this in the legends of King Arthur where the appearance of a white stag sent the Knights off on spiritual quests.

The Celts also thought the white stag appeared when one was doing something forbidden, such as when Peredur entered the Castle of Wonders at the house of the Lame King.

Cernunnos, the Stag God, was of particular importance to the Celts because their survival depended on their success in the hunt. Cernunnos, as the ruler of animals and the Celts relationship with them, could grant a favorable hunt, thus ensuring the Celts survival.

Cernunnos’ appearance represents the balance of Man and Nature. Part man, part animal, he bears the antlers of a stag on his head, marking him as a mature leader with the ability to protect his realm.

Celtic stag tattoos represent the masculine, power, strength, and fertility. They can also incorporate the
importance of the white stag to the Celts, whether as a symbol of the Celtic Birch zodiac sign or as the mythical white stag who was a messenger of the gods and a symbol of spiritual quests.

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