A Guide to the Celtic Meaning of Sea-Serpents
Ancient Celts believed sea-serpents were long, snake-like creatures with many humps, quite similar to the modern-day Loch Ness Monster.
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.
If you want more information on the Celtic sea-serpent or Celtic animal and tattoo meanings, you might also like:
- Celtic Animal Zodiac – Celtic Animal Signs
- Celtic Seahorse Meaning, Mythology and Tattoos
- Celtic Dragon Animal Meaning, Myths and Tattoos
- Celtic Deer Zodiac Meaning – Celtic Stag Mythology and Tattoos
- Celtic Hawk Meaning, Mythology, and Tattoos
- Celtic Tattoos: History and Meaning
- Celtic Tree of Life Meaning and Symbols
