Pantheon of Goddesses: Cailleach

Welcome to Tursan Tuesdays, where I take you on a journey through the Celtic world…

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**Some of the information I’ve gathered came from The Goddess Guide by Priestess Brandi Auset ~ a must read for anyone interested in Goddesses of all flavors!**

Cailleach

In the spirit of this Samhain [SOW-en] season, I thought it only fitting to introduce the goddess Cailleach [KAU-lauk (Give the end “k” a little phlegm. It sounds like “ick” or like the ch in loch)].

Cailleach is Scottish for “hag.” Nice, huh? Skeletal, blue-faced and carrying a staff or hammer, she rules winder from Samhain to Bealltainn [BYAUL-tinn (soft on the “t”)].

It is said Cailleach created the mountains, hills and valleys by dropping rocks from her apron as she passed by. She then began using these formations as stepping-stones during her travels.

She is the protectress of wolves and deer, and in some traditions is considered to be counter-part to the goddess, Brighid, ruler of spring from Bealltainn to Samhain.

While Cailleach is known as a great sorceress, healer and midwife, she conversely is also bringer of nightmares, terrors and death. Best to stay on her good side.

Attributes

Confidence; Darkness; Death; Destruction; Disease; Magical Brewing; Mountains; Night; Power; Seasons; Spell casting; Transformation; The Underworld; Weather; and Wisdom

Colors

Blue, Purple, Black, & Silver

Elements

Air & Water

Sabbats or festivals

Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, & Ostara

So talk to me. What do you think of Cailleach? Who is your favorite Goddess?

Don’t see your favorite goddess here? Have something in particular you’d like me to share? Leave me a comment!