Cernunnos’ Path: Mythology and Paganism Blog

Mythology and Paganism

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I know his name is Cernunnos: His true name I do not know

I am on Cernunnos’ Path

Is he the One or but one of the Many: I know not
Is he the Logos or the Mythos: I differentiate not.
Is he the Male or Female, both or neither: I know not

…not yet.

Woven within his labyrinthine antlers resides a mystery: I understand not.
I know his name is Cernunnos: His true name I do not know.

…not yet.

The symbols he holds aloft point towards the resolution of a cosmic mystery.
Whether he solved this puzzle himself or alone: I do not know.
All I know is that he is pointing towards something greater.
His way can be my way: I do not know the way.

…not yet. But in time. Maybe.


« Taking Time | Winter Solstice 2008 »


2 Comments (Have your say)

  1. Livia

    Comment on December 18, 2008 at 2:48 am

    Hey there. While you’re on the subject…what do you think about the theory that Cernunnos originated in India as an early version of Shiva? I’ve seen it mentioned in a “Green Witchcraft” book by Ann Moura but some of what I’ve found online about it smells of “Aryan supremacy” crap. After that, I confess I lost interest or just didn’t have the stomach to wade through the BS to find any actual scholarship. You’re thoughts? Any sites to recommend?


  2. mahud

    Comment on December 18, 2008 at 3:42 am

    Hi Livia!

    I think that both the iconography of Shiva and Cernunnos does derive from representations of the so-called Proto-Shiva, or perhaps other unknown similar representations of a sitting god, surrounding by animals and wearing a crown of horns or antlers, with ambrosial fruits (scholars believe them to be the figs from pipal tree, also known as the bodhi tree of enlightenment) fixed between them. Shiva still has a similar iconography. He has assumed the role of Lord of Beasts, has a Kundalini serpent wrapped around his body, a possible link with the Horned gods ram-headed or ram-horned serpent. In his hair he has a waxing moon, corresponding with the horned crown, while the ambrosial river Ganges flows from his tangled locks. There are other animals associated with the Horned God and Shiva, Notably the bull.

    I’ll have to look into this a bit deeper.

    I briefly make the comparison in this previous post: The Fruit and the Branches


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