Let’s know in detail the Celtic calendar and Zodiac of animals. A deep-rooted and beautiful tradition that inspires us every month.
Celtic Zodiac of the animals
The Celtic Zodiac of the animals is an astrological system based on Celtic tradition that assigns animals and trees to the months of the year. Unlike the Western Greek Zodiac, which is based on stellar constellations, the Celtic Zodiac is based on the cycles of nature and the connection to the earth.
In this system, each month is associated with an animal and a sacred tree. The animals represent different characteristics and energies, while the trees symbolize virtues and qualities.
Below is a list of the Celtic Zodiac of the animals. As we can see animals and trees are very important, but there are some signs that do not have animals but has others myths.
- Deer / Beth (Dec 24 – Jan 21) / Birch
- Dragon / Louis (Jan 22 – Feb 18) / Rowan Tree
- Mermaid / Nion (Feb 19 – March 18) / Ash
- Hawk / Fearn (March 19 – April 15) / Alder
- Sea Serpent / Saille (April 16 – May 14) / Willow
- Calyx / Uath (May 15 – June 12) / Hawthorn
- Horse / Duir (June 13 – July 9) / Oak
- Lion / Tinne (July 10 – August 6) / Holly
- Salmon / Coll (August 7 – Sept 2) / Hazelnut
- Swan / Muin (Sept 3 – Sept 30) / Vine
- Fairy / Gort (Oct 1 – Oct 29) / Ivy
- White dog / Ngetal (Oct 30 – Nov 27) / Reed
- Raven / Ruis (Nov 28 – Dec 23) / Elderberry
Each animal and tree of the Celtic Zodiac has its own symbolism and associated meaning. People born under certain animals are believed to have specific characteristics and traits related to that animal.
The 13 Celtic Calendar Zodiacs of the Animals
Each animal in the Celtic animal calendar has its own meaning and symbolism, and is believed to influence the energies and characteristics of people born in those months. However, it is important to remember that this is part of a spiritual and symbolic tradition.
Stag (Dec 24 – Jan 21)
Your animal is the great Celtic Stag, bearer of the spirit of the first forest. Its power connects with unseen possibilities. Stag energy is full of gentleness, loyalty and courage. Honoring intuition brings success.
Its tree, the Birch is supple, firm, rooted in strength, as it stretches toward the limitless sky. Bath is the first letter of the Ogham alphabet.
Those born under the sign of Beth are gifted with the ability to create amazing and wondrous things. The lunar influences surrounding this sign bestow abilities and talents to build things that are lasting and of great value. Beth people have tenacity, practicality, good judgment and patience. There is great charm here and success comes easily when self-criticism ceases.
Dragon (Jan 22 – Feb 18)
The sign of the ancient Fire Dragon holds the secrets and visions of the bards. The great treasure of the Dragon is the magical wisdom of the Druids. The great Celtic festival of fire, Imbolc, is February 2.
The mighty Serval tree is a reminder that nature and the earth have powers to inspire and guide you. Special care must be taken to honor both practicality and inspiration. The Dragon is the protector of the great Celtic treasure.
Those born under the Celtic month sign Louis are blessed with mental quickness, inspiration and a gift for communication of all kinds. The Rowan’s legendary ability to absorb lightning has made it a tree of inspiration and power.
Mermaid (Feb 19 – March 18)
The being that represents this sign is the Merfolk (mermaid) inhabit the seas and appear to humans on rare occasions. Celtic legends tell of ancient times when the Celts lived in a mystical land beneath the waves. The Merfolk give the gift of memory and vision to those born under the month of Nion.
Their tree is the mighty Ash brings inner strength, a peaceful spirit and the ability to overcome all obstacles. Ash is one of the most sacred trees to the Celts.
The sign Nion brings gifts of understanding, intuition and empathy to those born under it. Many great bards, poets and magicians are associated with this lunar sign. Gwyddion, the greatest storyteller of antiquity, possessed all the magical gifts of Nion.
Falcon (March 19 – April 15)
Within the Celtic Zodiac of Animals we find the keen insight of the Hawk. The Celtic festival of spring, the Spring Equinox, is celebrated on March 21.
The reddening of their tree, the Alder is a reminder that sometimes the intense spirit needs to be tempered with reflection. It is the time of year when animal young are born and the world is renewed. The hawk flies over the earth and observes all that is new, all that is possible and all that will be.
The symbolism of the ash tree is rich in mythical tradition. Boldness, independence and dynamic action are part of the character of those born under the sign Fearn. The legendary hero Bran is strongly associated with the red branch of the Alder.
Sea Serpent (April 16 – May 14)
Cireln Croin, the Scottish sea serpent of legend, is said to be the greatest of all living creatures. May 1 is the ancient Celtic celebration of Beltaine.
Its tree, the Willow is a sign of Earth mysteries, psychic gifts and healing. Since ancient times, the willow has been a sacred tree. Its deep roots connect the realm of the fairies with the land of the Celts. People born under this sign are often gifted with the ability to see what others do not see.
People of the sign Saille usually have a long and clear memory. Willows are associated with Danu, Ceridwen and the Druids. An ancient Sea Serpent swims to the furthest depths of the sea and, like the Willow, brings hidden knowledge to the surface.
Chalice (May 15 – June 12)
This sign has no related animal, we find the Chalice of Celtic legend, the Grail cup and the inexhaustible cauldron of Dagda are symbols of the gifts that flow to those who deserve them. The chalices and cauldrons represent the ancient caves and wells of Ireland, from which all good flows freely to those who honor the land.
It has symbolism the Hawthorn tree (Crataegus) that represents him, stands silent in strength and knowledge.
Those born under the sign Uath are often able to dazzle those around them effortlessly. Those born at this time of year have many talents, including a flair for the dramatic and a strong sense of self. Uath favors actors, artists, dancers and politicians. An ability for subtle negotiation and diplomacy is also common.
Horse (June 13 – July 9)
The animal of this sign is the Horse, the great love of the Celtic people. Tales of the Horse’s strength, courage, beauty and fidelity fill Celtic legends. The Horse’s balance of strength and beauty is celebrated in Epona.
Duir is the month of the great Oak. From this tree comes the name of the Druids, as the word Druid means “knowledge of the oak”.
People born under this Duir sign have a natural affinity for religious or spiritual matters. Healers, artists and visionaries are often born in Duir. The Oak stands strong and wise as it passes the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, June 21. Those born in the month Duir who study and learn skills are capable of deep understanding.
Lion (July 10 – August 6)
The animal of this sign is the Lion. Like the cat, it is a symbol of skill, intuition, strength and agility. The Irish say that “nature shines through the eyes of the cat.” The energy of the big cat balances the generous and giving nature of those born in the month of Tinne.
The plant of Tinne is the holly tree. Holly is prized in Celtic religious and holiday celebrations. The holly’s sharp leaves remind us to temper kindness with caution.
The month of Tinne is a time to set things in order. Those born under this sign have a special gift for solving difficult problems and puzzles. They tend to be people of great patience and kindness, who delight in mind games. Tinne people are often lucky. The Celtic harvest festival, Lugnasadh, is celebrated on August 1.
Salmon (Aug 7 – Sept 2)
The animal of this sign is the salmon in the Celtic Zodiac of Animals. In Celtic legend, the salmon ate the nine nuts of wisdom and knew everything. A druid told his servant, the boy Fionn Mac Cumaill, to cook the salmon, but not to eat any of it. Fionn burned his finger by pricking the Salmon and licked it to cool the burn. At that moment, all knowledge left the Salmon and entered Fionn.
The tree of this sign is the Hazel tree. Hazel branches are used as divining rods to discover the hidden springs of the Earth.
Coll is the month of Hazel, the Celtic “Tree of Wisdom“. People born in the month of Coll have a gift for intuition and great wisdom. They tend to be excellent scholars, poets and scientists. Inner journeys are the key to discovering the special gifts of Coll people.
Swan (Sept 3 – Sept 30)
This sign has the swan as its animal in the Celtic Zodiac of Animals. Swan stories are an important part of Celtic lore. For generations, Celtic bards have told many stories of those who took the form of the graceful swan. This creature is closely associated with enchantment and the realm of the fairies. The Autumnal Equinox is celebrated on September 23.
This sign has as its tree the vine, a plant that twists and spirals through the lives of Muin people connecting all things. People born under this sign tend to have close friendships for life.
The Muin sign heralds a time of full maturity and pleasures of the senses. Those born in the month of Muin are expressive and feel emotions strongly. They often engage in vital activities that benefit others. A love of beauty, home and companionship often strongly influence their decisions.
Fairy (Oct 1 – Oct 29)
The strength, mystery and beauty of Ivy delight the senses. Fairies, the good people of the Sidhe, once walked the human realm as the Tuatha De Danaan.
The faeries bring gifts of insight, vivid dreams and charm, especially to those born in the month of Ivy. Faeries are playful during the month of Gort and are often seen in the form of butterflies.
Those born in the month of Gort possess strength, tenacity and a deep connection to the past. They are often drawn to the study of ancient cultures, legends and mystical arts. Gort people often have great psychic gifts and charisma. Ivy is a bridge between the world of the Faery realm and the world of humans.
White Hound (Oct 30 – Nov 27)
The swift White Hound is an ally and friend to those born in Ngetal within the Celtic Zodiac of Animals. This creature of spirit and matter is the companion of leaders. The ancient Celts spoke of the elegant and effective power of the dog.
The reed lives in both water and land and draws strength and power from both. People born in the month of the Reed are often influential and attract many admirers. The Celtic New Year, Samhain, is celebrated on November 1.
Ngetal is a month of great power and mystery. Those born at this time are known for their strength, stability and good judgment. They command respect and admiration from those around them. Juncos have the ability to see many sides of a situation.
Raven (Nov 28 – Dec 23)
The Raven flies through space and time carrying the wisdom of the natural cycles of birth, death and return. Mystery, magic and the future accompany the Raven.
The Elder Tree is at the end of the cycle of renewal and awaits the arrival of spring. It is the time of the Celtic Yule.
Ruis is the month of deep knowledge and understanding. Those born under the sign of Ruis are curious, patient and fair. They tend to appear older than they are in youth, and younger as they age. The gifts of subtlety, healing and connection to the cycles of nature are often observed in Ruis people. The winter solstice, the longest night of the year, is celebrated on December 21.
