Celtic Animal Symbols

The universal appeal of the Celtic symbols has been remarkable. These ancient symbols that bespoke of magic and power to the early Celts have survived transition upon transition and remain a presence in our spiritual and symbolic life today.

Animals were looked to by the Celts as a source of wisdom and power because their relationship to nature was unhampered by intellect. Their influence was often expressed in the trinity of bird, beast, and fish.


Oroboros– the self devouring serpent symbolizes the circle of existence, rebirth and immortality and is considered the water equivalent of the phoenix. Intertwined snakes are good and evil, co-existing in peace, also nature healing itself.

Dragons – represent the earth’s positive force an depicts the four elements of earth, water, air and fire as a cave dweller with fish scales, wings and fiery breath.

Birds – represented lightness, speed and travel to other worlds. Later the bird image was adapted as the peacock, which became the Christian symbol for immortality.

Fish – were representative of the power of the cosmic waters and possessed prophetic abilities. Celtic images of fish can often seem dragon like, look for the companion beast and bird to see if your dragon is a fish.

Boars – stood for strength, solitude, magic and protection from danger. Bronze boars were attached to helmets and carried as standards into battle.

Lions – were believed to embody the wisdom and energy of the animal kingdom and were considered an emblem of royalty, courage and protective power.

Stags – represented the tree of life and wisdom. Stag antlers were worn by Druid priests during sacred ceremonies.

Horses – were the most highly prized of all possessions. They stood for princely power and often appear on early Celtic coinage. The sea horse (sea dragon) symbolizes the subconscious and its strange energies.


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