A Guide on the Meaning and Symbolism of the Celtic Black Horse
The Celts believed the Black Horse was a symbol meaning death and dark forces. It represented the strength of maturity to handle what life brings.
The Black Horse was a messenger of esoteric knowledge. He was a keeper of secrets and mysteries.
Black Horse in Celtic Astrology
In Celtic Astrology, the Black Horse is the Celtic Animal Sign for people born November 25 – December 22. It is also the animal symbol for the Celtic Elder Tree Sign.
The White Horse and Black Horse are closely connect in Celtic astrology, where they symbolize the planets Jupiter and Saturn respectively.
The Celts viewed the relationship between Jupiter and Saturn as a significant connection to the summer solstice, where the White Horse symbolize the bright, expansive light of the summer Sun, and the Black Horse represented the limited light of the winter Sun.
Celtic Black Horse Mythology
- Celtic mythology contains many tales of a creature called a pooka (also spelled pwca, pwwka, bucca, and phooca). It was a shapechanger that would take the form of a black horse wearing chains. Some pookas were evil creatures that caused a lot of harm to travelers, while others were helpful to people.
If a person ever tried to ride a pooka, they would be taken on a wild ride. Legend has it that only the High King of Ireland, Brian Boru, was able to ride one successfully. - In Ireland, there is a monster called the Dullahan. It’s the Irish version of the headless horseman. The Dullahan rides a black horse, while carrying his head under his arm. When he stops riding, a person dies.
Celtic Black Horse Tattoos: Meaning and Symbolism
Celtic Black Horse tattoos are a reminder that you have the strength, wisdom, and maturity to overcome whatever obstacles life gives you.
These tattoos can also represent the knowledge that you have gained in your life – the insights and understandings of the mysteries and secrets that only come through experience and age.
Recommended Books on Animal Meanings
Animal Speak teaches you how to recognize and understand the meanings of animals, birds, reptiles and insects.
Animal Spirit Guides covers the meaning of 200 animals that can appear to you as spirit guides.
Arthurian Tarot – The images are based on Celtic symbolism and the book provides Celtic meanings for each animal.
Animal-wise is a classic reference covering the meanings of a wide range of animals, including mythical creatures, like unicorns.
