A Guide to the Celtic Meaning of Sea-Serpents
The sea-serpent was a very important animal to the Celts. They believed that the Sun and the Moon were hatched from two crimson sea-serpent eggs hidden in a willow tree.
This led the Celts to give the sea-serpent multiple meanings ranging from transformation to various contradictory meanings, such as life and death, danger and assistance, illusion and reality.
Sea-Serpents in Celtic Astrology
The sea-serpent is the Celtic Animal Sign for people born April 15 – May 12. The sea-serpent is also the symbol for the Celtic Willow Tree Sign.
Celtic Sea-Serpent Mythology
In Celtic mythology, sea-serpents were a terrifying creature that reminded people of their mortality, and often, impending death.
The Irish Morrigan (the death aspect of the triple lunar goddess) would often take on the form of a sea-serpent when confronting heroes.
Both of these Celtic myths can be found in an ancient Irish tale about the Battle of Muirthemne – a battle between Cuchulain and Queen Maev. The Morrigan transformed into a black sea-serpent and attacked Cuchulain as he crossed a ford. The Morrigan’s appearance confirmed that the battle would result in Cuchulain’s death even though he managed to survive the Morrigan’s attack.
Celtic Sea-Serpent Tattoo Meanings
Celtic sea-serpent tattoos often represent a connection to the Moon – from its control over the tides to how it intervenes in lives. As such, sea-serpent tattoos have the added meaning of duality – life and death, yin and yang.
Celtic sea-serpent tattoos can also signify how life is constantly changing; what we think is negative or harmful is simply an illusion.
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.
