THE ADDER:Although there were no snakes or adders in Ireland, the Celts there knew of them. The Druids in Wales called themselves "Nadredd, (serpent)". In the Scottish Highlands, the adder symbolized the goddess Cailleach's dark powers. SuperstitionsThe Celtic English have some very unusual ideas about adders: An adder skin is hung from the rafters will prevent fire; a skin hung by the chimney will bring luck. The skin will draw thorns out of the body. Seen by the front door, the adder is a death omen.Adders gather in Cornwall at Summer Solstice eve and in Wales on Beltane eve. The Gypsies say that killing the adder that bit you and rubbing its body on the bite will cure you of the venom. Medievil scholars had some very strange ideas about the breeding habits of adders: The male spit semen into the female's mouth and she bit off his head. The young chewed their way out of their mother at birth. Magickal AttributesShedding something in favor of something better.Wisdom, cunning, reincarnation. When needing to get rid of a person, situation, or attitude that is holding you back. ChantI watch you shed the old for new,Little adder, as you renew your skin. Like you, I shed old things for new, Another cycle to begin. |
