Adder, Snake (Nathair): The snake has long been associated with wisdom, reincarnation, and cunning. The poisonous adder of the British Isles has the same reputation.
Badger (Broc): Unyielding in the face of danger and is noted for its tenacity and courage. The badger will teach you to fight for your rights and defend your spiritual ideas.
Bat (Ialtag): Associated with the Underworld; as the bat's radar helps it to avoid obstacles and barriers, so it can teach you to do the same thing.
Bear (Arth): Although the bear was native to the Isles, it is now extinct there. Evidence of its being a totem animal is found in many Celtic designs; although it is not mentioned in the legends. It can help you find balance and harmony in your life, and the strength to do what is necessary.
Bee (Beach): The bee is usually mentioned in connection with honey and mead, which was made from honey. The bee is industrious, single-minded when performing a task, and fearless when defending its home.
Blackbird (Druid-dhubh, Lon Dubh): Their singing puts the listener in to a sleep or trance which enables her/him to go to the Otherworlds. It was said to impart mystic secrets.
Boar (Bacrie, Torc): Important to the art and myths of the Celtic peoples, the boar was known for its cunning and ferocious nature. Once common throughout the British Isles.
Bull (Tarbh): A common animal-figure in Celtic mythology, the bull symbolised strength and potency.
Butterfly (Dealan-Dé): Many cultures call butterflies the souls of the dead and the keepers of power.
Cat (Caoit, Cat): Many of the Celtic legends pictured the cat as a ferocious, evil creature, but that may have been because cats at that time were untamed. The cat is a strong protector, especially when facing a confrontational situation.
Cock (Coileach): In several Celtic legends, the cock chases away ghosts and other night terrors by his crowing at dawn. It represents the power of the word to dispel negativity.
Cow (Bo): Once so important to the Celts that it was considered a form of currency or monetary exchange. The cow symbolizes contentedness, defending the inner child, and providing for daily needs.
Crow (Badb, Rocas): This animal is to treated with care. Along with the raven, the crow is a symbol of conflict and death - an ill-omen. Although the crow was ill-omened, it was also considered to be skillful, cunning, single-minded, and a bringer of knowledge.
Deer (Fiadh) or Stag (Sailetheach, Damh): In its form of the White Doe or White Stag, the deer was often a messenger and guide from the Otherworlds. Following such an animal led the unsuspecting human into contact with supernatural beings.
Dog (Abach, Madadh) or Hound (Cù): Devoted hounds are often mentioned in Celtic myths, such as Bran and Sceolan which belonged to Finn mac Cumhail. Dogs represent tracking skills, the ability to scent a trail, and companionship.
Dolphin: This creature was associated with sea deities. It deals with dreams and harmony, and recognizing an balancing the rhythms of your body with those of nature.
Eagle (Iolair, Fireun): A bird noted for wisdom and long life in Celtic stories. The eagle represents swiftness, strength, keen sight, and the knowledge of magic.
Eel (Eas-Ganu): The eel is mentioned in several Celtic legends. The eel symbolizes adaptability, wisdom, inspiration, and defense.
Fox (Madadh-Ruadh, Sionnach): The ability to watch the motivations and movements of others while remaining unobserved yourself.
Frog (Losgrinn): The frog can also help you find the courage to accept new ideas, nurture yourself, and find connections between ideas.
Hare (Gèarr) or Rabbit (Coinean): An animal sacred to the Goddess Andraste in particular. Its movements were sometimes used for divination; Boadiccea used a hare this way just before her last battle with the Romans. Associated with transformation, the receiving of hidden teachings, and intuitive messages.
Hawk (Seabhag): Symbolizes clear-sightedness and far-memory. If you hear a hawk cry during a journey, be alert to upcoming situations that need boldness and decisiveness to keep from being thrown off balance.
Hedgehog: This prickly little creature often shows a need for less defensiveness and seriousness. Appreciate life more.
Heron (Corra-Griothach): Many of the myths and attributes of the crane are shared by this bird.
Horse (Each): Symbolizes stamina, endurance, and faithfulness.
Lizard (Dearc): Symbolises the shadowy plane of manifestation where events are constantly changing shapes and patterns. If you see a lizard on a journey, be alert to all below-the-surface activities going on around you.
Lynx: This creature is the keeper of deep secrets and hidden knowledge. It can help with divinatory skills and the development of psychic senses. Sometimes it symbolises the need to look deeper within yourself and see what is hidden.
Magpie (Pioghaid): This bird deals with omens and prophecies; the mysteries of life and death.
Mouse (Luch): The mouse represents secrets, cunning, shyness, the ability to hide in times of danger. Its appearance often signals a need to pay attention to small details, such as the fine print in contracts or the double meaning in words.
Otter (Cù-dubh or Dòbhran): The otter is a strong protector who helps with gaining wisdom, finding inner treasures or valuable talents, faithfulness, and the ability to recover from any crisis. Enjoy life instead of just enduring it.
Owl (Cailleach, Oidhche, Comachag): It can help unmask those who would deceive you or take advantage of you.
Pig (Muc): Symbolic of the spiritual food necessary to the Shaman. (A person regarded as having access to, and influence in, the world of good and evil spirits, especially among some peoples of northern Asia and North America. Typically such people enter a trance state during a ritual, and practise divination and healing).
Rat (Radan): Rats are sly, sometimes aggressive, creatures who can track down whatever they seek, defending themselves with great ferociousness.
Raven (Fitheach): Although its reputation is dubious, it is an oracular bird. It often represents the upsets and crises of life that are necessary for anything new to be created.
Salmon (Bradan): The salmon teaches you how to get in touch with ancestral knowledge and put it to practical use.
Squirrel (Feòrag): This creature is always preparing for the future. Plan ahead so that you have time, resource, and energy stored.
Swan (Eala): Its feathers were often used in the ritual cloak of the Bards. Swans are connected with music and song. Swans also help with the interpretation of dream symbols, transitions, and spiritual evolution.
Turtle: The turtle is a slow-moving, methodical creature, carrying its protection constantly with it.
Wolf (Madadh-alluidh): The wolf is a cunning, intelligent creature, capable of out-thinking hunters. It can teach you how to read the signs of Nature in everything, how to pass by danger invisibly, how to outwit those who wish you harm, and how to fight when needed. Sometimes the world, seen on a journey, will lead you to a spiritual teacher and guide.
Wren (Dreathan-Donn, Dreòlan): A sacred bird to the Druids, its musical notes were used for divination. As with many other birds, the wren was considered a messenger from the deities.