Celtic Totems and Entities

Arch-Angel Gabriel
Archangel Gabriel is the celestial messenger from the divine. In our hour of need, when we reach for help to trust in moving forward, we can rely on Gabriel to convey messages of hope and lead us from despair to enlightenment. (See: Ash Tree)

Cernunni
Cernunni are described as a hybrid species, possessing both human and deer characteristics, originating from the deity Cernunnos in the ancient woodlands of Britain.

They ventured out from Britain across the northern hemisphere, establishing groves for their followers. Samhain is a time of new beginnings, a time for fertility, fecundity, gathering and sharing resources. The summer solstice is a time for birthing and creating new life, new beginnings.

The interval between conception and birth parallels that of humans, with the summer solstice representing an optimal period for new life due to the abundance of food. (See: Birch Tree)

Crone (Hylde-Moer)
Crone is a mystical figure, a woman beyond childbearing years, the wise woman of the village, the healer with remedies for all ailments. She is a lonely widow who is feared by small children, avoided by mothers, and befriended by those seeking healing or in need.

She is said to guard the Elder tree, protecting its wares and cursing those who infringe on her space without respect. Hylde Moer is a name she will answer, but she is the third aspect of a maiden, mother, or crone and will answer any request. (See: Hawthorn Tree)

Druantia
Druantia is the queen and ruler of the Dryads, the earth elementals inhabiting the trees. Her abode is the fir tree, particularly the ancient Scots pine: the austere and harsh realities of the Highlands establish her majesty over all terrestrial elementals that inhabit Gaia, including the dryads, of which she is one.

Her presence is intertwined with the very essence of nature, granting her the power to nurture and protect the forests, the dryads and all of Gaia's elementals. Druantia moves with the seasons, changing with the wind in each direction until returning to the north. (See: Rowan Tree) (See: Ash Tree) (See: Hawthorn Tree)

Elementals
Elementals, including mankind, can be categorised into two species: terrestrial (of the earth) and celestial (of the heavens).

The terrestrial species can be broken down into a further six:
Mankind = Human
Gnomi = Earth
Sylphs = Air
Salamander = Fire
Undines = Water
Spiritual Incarnates = elementals conscious of others.

Mankind = Terrestrial elementals that reside within the density of physical reality.

Gnomi = Earth elementals reside within the earth; just as we rely on air for respiration, these elementals depend on the earth and its solid state.

Sylphs = Air elementals are identified in clouds, the mists of dawn, or vapours from ascending warm air currents. These entities are present in narratives of the Fae, fairy folk, and angels; they rely on wind and air currents for sustenance. A common description is one of transparent creatures that can be seen in the peripheral vision.

Salamander = Fire elementals can be identified in the flames of a fire and the burning embers that remain after the fire. Occasionally they can be seen in a storm-ravaged sky seeking their place on earth. They can be seen in the image of the flame and survive in the etheric body attracted to a flame. These elementals bring calm to their surroundings; they burn incompatible energy and replace it with energy that bestows peace. In the past, the dance of these elementals mesmerised people as they gazed into the heart of a fire. A single candle in a room can encourage the 'fire elementals' to do their work. A common description today is of yellow wisps that turn orange when seen, then turn blue and disappear.

Undines = Water elementals are identified in it. The oceans and seas contain a different elemental to the inland elementals of the rivers and streams. The elementals from the ocean are much larger than their inland family and more human-like in both physical and emotional capacity, with the general perception of the mermaid being a classic example. Water elementals are our closest allies; a vast majority of them can see us and are aware of our presence. Once we are aware of their presence, they will encourage communication. A common description today is the mermaid; most people are unaware of their presence within the indoor water feature. Mermaids are usually perceived as female and adult-sized; if they were perceived as 'nymphs', miniature mermaid-type entities, they would have much wider general acceptance.

Inland water elementals are of a much more gentle nature than their oceanic relatives. 'Mermaid' is an adequate generalisation that describes both sexes. Their degree of transparency depends on personal choice and the viewer's perception capabilities. The essence and romance of a babbling brook, a water fountain, and the gentle sound of rippling water will contribute to the elementals making themselves known. Believers and beings who possess a sense of spiritual acceptance are more likely to see them than those without a sense of spirituality.

Spiritual Incarnates are elementals made in God's image; these beings live in harmony with all other elementals and can be socially aware of one or more of them. (See: Alder Tree)

Fairies - Fae - Sidhe
The fairies, fae, and sidhe are part of the community of sylphs and gnomi that support our growth and enable us to perceive the world beyond mere physical reality. Whether they are earth-bound gnomes or air-bound sylphs, the fairies occupy their rightful place within the realms of the elementals. Gnomes, elves, and angels coexist alongside them in their own distinct realms. (See: Hawthorn Tree)

Holly Queen
Holly Queen, a figure of enchanting beauty and grace, inherits the monarchy at the Summer Solstice and holds it all the way to the Winter Solstice, marking her reign over this vibrant dark half of the year. She is not merely a monarch emerging from isolation; rather, she serves as the ideal counterpart to the Oak King, who wears his crown from the Winter Solstice until the arrival of summer's warmth. Together, they embody a harmonious balance within nature’s cycle, each one illuminating and enhancing the other's strengths.

Their likeness is such that she is also known as the scarlet oak, the vibrant hues coming from glistening berries in abundance at the time she relinquishes her crown to the oak king. It is the harsh frost, the coldness of winter, and the purity of the snow that encourage her berries to soften, shine, and glow so red they are almost purple. It is this scarlet hue that empowers her and brings her to her prime. It is with humility and respect that she relinquishes her crown to the Oak King so that he can once again extend the days and inherit the throne.

The energy or essence of Holly takes time to acknowledge; her energy can be likened to that of the energy of a butterfly wing; it is only after experiencing it that it can be accepted. It is after acceptance that the unicorn and sacred white eilidh will appear as your guides.

The quietude surrounding her presence whispers secrets of tranquillity, the kind that invites introspection and wonder. Imagine inhaling deeply; you would catch hints of moss mingling with damp earth from an enchanted grove where ancient trees stand sentinel over timeless stories yet untold. To behold Holly Queen in her full splendour, one must journey westward and cast their gaze eastward towards lush holly bushes adorned with glimmering red berries. If you are fortunate enough, you may just glimpse her watching over you with eyes that hold centuries' worth of wisdom. However, approaching her directly is forbidden; instead, she requires those who wish to encounter her to open themselves up fully, to be present in spirit and mind. When your heart aligns with nature’s rhythm, she will come forth when destiny deems it right. (See: Rowan Tree)

Huginn and Muninn
Huginn and Muninn, the wise ravens of Norse mythology, are sent out each morning from the ash tree at dawn to soar across the vast expanse of the world, returning each evening to their master, Odin. These two feathered companions are not merely birds; they embody profound concepts, memory, and thought. With their flights, they gather knowledge from every corner of the earth and bring back insights that illuminate a troubled mind with clarity and understanding. Their presence serves as a reminder of the importance of reflection and wisdom in our lives. (See: Alder Tree) (See: Ash Tree)

Joseph of Arimathea

Joseph of Arimathea is the man who asked Pontius Pilate for permission to remove Jesus' body from the cross.
He is the individual who, when Jesus was just seven years old, brought him to Britain to escape the tumult of Jerusalem.
Additionally, he orchestrated Jesus' escape after the crucifixion and facilitated a safe voyage to Britain.
Joseph of Arimithea on arrival in Glastonbury, threw his staff into the ground at Wearyall Hill and used it to get out of the boat. When Joseph returned the next day to retrieve the staff, he found that it had bloomed into what we now know as the Glastonbury Thorn.
Following the baptism of James, the son of Jesus, he arranged for the baptism of 1,800 soldiers before they went into battle under Boadicea's leadership.
He is also acknowledged as the founder of the first Christian church in Britain. (See: Hawthorn Tree)

Magdalene
Magdalene energy embodies the feminine essence that originates from the soul of the divine. It represents a maternal force that only needs to be recognised once, yet it offers a lifetime of intuitive maternal qualities.

It is most commonly associated with Mary Magdalene, yet it is frequently overshadowed by the figures of Jesus and Mother Mary. Furthermore, Magdalene energy is often too subtle to be fully appreciated; it requires a sensitivity that is frequently lost within the density of today's busy society.

The utterance of 'OM' and the majestic act of clasping hands in a prayer-like manner serve to summon the energy of Magdalene. In this image, Mary Magdalene is portrayed as a veiled princess of olive skin, embellished with white lace and silks beneath a hooded cloak. Her presence conveys her grandeur in a humble and modest manner. (See: Willow Tree)

Maidens
The maidens drawn to the ash tree emerge from every corner of existence: fae, nymphs, meliae, gnomies, sylphs, undines, humans, and celestials, the angelic beings of the divine. They gather during the twilight hours, comforted by the flickering shadows that deepen with the night, recede with the day, and linger in the enchanting mists that obscure and elongate the moments of their being.

The meliae are nymph maidens from the rivers, streams, babbling brooks, and inland waters of the Celtic lands. They emerged from the waters and married a dryad, setting up home in the ash tree.

Julius Caesar is said to have tied a maiden to the ash tree under the gaze of a full moon in order to lure a unicorn into a trap. Upon failing to attract the unicorn, the maiden's virtue was questioned, and she was put to death.

The triple goddess embodies the maiden, mother, and crone; it is the essence of ash that facilitates their convergence into a singular entity, fostering harmony in the environment, encompassing birth, life, and death, the perpetual cycle of all life. (See: Ash Tree)

Meliae
The Meliae are nymphs attached to the ash tree born from the drops of blood that fell on Gaia; they are supposed to have nursed Zeus on the milk from Amalthea, a mystical goat mother. Exploring more of the enchanting realm of Greek mythology, we find the Meliae, these fascinating ash tree nymphs, intricately woven into the tapestry of divine folklore.

The meliae are nymph maidens from the rivers, streams, babbling brooks, and inland waters of the Celtic lands. They emerged from the waters and married a dryad, setting up home in the ash tree. (See: Ash Tree)

Paracelsus
Paracelsus (1493–1541) was a remarkable figure who practiced medicine according to his own convictions. He was expelled from the church for suggesting that spirits are not synonymous with God and for asserting that anyone practicing medicine should possess spiritual awareness.

He is also recognised as an advocate for distinguishing between learned and received wisdom. Hermes Trismegistus, and Hippocrates, along with a Greek style of alchemy, were influences he openly introduced and practiced, much to the annoyance of local medical authorities.

The energies surrounding elementals were recognised by the ancient Greeks, with the Celts and Druids also recognising these energies. Fifteen hundred years later, Paracelsus acknowledged their value in medicine and not only gave names to these life force streams but also identified them singularly.

Gnomies - Earth - North
Sylphs - Air - East
Vulcans (Undines) - Fire - South
Nymphs - Water - West

I have included Paracelsus because he has contributed a wealth of knowledge to alchemy and made significant contributions to medicine as we know it today. I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to channel Paracelsus and receive knowledge in this way. (See: Alder Tree) (See: Ash Tree)

White Lady of the Woods
White Lady of the Woods is a strikingly beautiful and ethereal figure who graces the space beside the majestic birch tree at the entrance to the forest. This enchanting creature embodies a deep connection to nature and spiritual realms, her essence resonating with the soul on a level that transcends mere recognition. Though she may remain elusive when sought directly, silence is the prevailing signature of her presence; her presence lingers in the air like a gentle whisper, inviting those attuned to her energy to acknowledge that they are indeed in good company.

To cultivate an awareness of her existence, it will soon become clear that she offers so much more than one could ever expect. The gifts she provides are often subtle yet profound; they are everything that is missing until they are manifested. Her generosity is boundless, as she requests no reciprocation. Her contributions stem from an elevated vibration akin to that of angels, filled with love and light. This delicate balance between giving and receiving fosters a sense of harmony within those fortunate enough to encounter her spirit.

In folklore and spiritual traditions, these figures serve as guides who illuminate our paths through life's complexities. They are a reminder of the unseen forces at work within nature and ourselves and the interconnectedness shared with all living beings and encourage trust in our intuition. Thus, to wander near that birch tree or to be enveloped by woodland shadows, hold onto this knowledge: by simply acknowledging her presence through heart and spirit rather than sight alone, be open to receive not just guidance but also an abundance of wisdom from this mystical guardian of the woods. (See: Birch Tree)

This page was last updated 20th Nov 2025