The Asteroid Gods of Beltane: Belenus & Cernunnos
The Asteroid Gods of Beltane: Belenus & Cernunnos
Beltane, also known as Bealtaine in Irish, is a Celtic festival that marks the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere. These days it is celebrated April 30 - May 1st, but our Celtic ancestors would’ve likely celebrated Bealtaine on the Full Moon closest to the midway point of the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice.
The origins of Bealtaine or “Bealtuinn” in Scottish can be traced back to the ancient Celts, who celebrated the beginning of summer with bonfires and rituals to honor the sun and the earth. This festival was a time of great significance for the Celts, as it marked the transition from the dark, cold winter months to the warm, bright days of summer.
It was believed that on this day, the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead, this world and the Otherworld, was at its thinnest, allowing for easy communication with the spirits of the otherworld and even travel between worlds.
The words “Beltane”, “Bealtaine” and “Bealtuinn,” roughly translate to “bright fire”, “good fire,” or the “Bel-fire.” Bel, as in the proto-Celtic god known as Bel, Balor, Beli, or the latin version, Belenus. This name reflects the importance of the bonfires that were lit during the festival, which were believed to have protective and purifying properties.
Bealtaine was a time for rituals to promote fertility, growth, luck, and protection, as well as being when the ‘Banais Righe’ would be held in ancient Ireland. During this inauguration ceremony, the King would symbolically marry the sovereignty goddess which represented the Land and her People. Imagine how our world would be different if leadership was aligned in this way still!
There is currently a huge revival in animistic, nature-based, and pagan spirituality and it’s spreading like wildfire! The Beltane fire festival is particularly poised to be a favorite to those looking to reclaim their spiritual connection with nature and reclaim their right to celebrate as a being worthy of pleasure, abundance, and connection.
For my asteroid astrology lovers out there, we have 2 asteroid gods we can get to know for Beltane.
Belenus
Belenus was a god worshipped by the ancient Celts, particularly in Gaul and Britain. He was a solar deity, associated with the sun, light, and healing, and was revered as a powerful and benevolent force in the natural world.
The name "Belenus" is derived from the Proto-Celtic word "bel," which means "bright" or "shining." This reflects the god's association with the sun and his role as a bringer of light and warmth. In Gaul, he was often depicted wearing a crown of rays, further emphasizing his solar nature. Belenus is associated with the Irish god Balor, who was described as having one blazing eye, thought to represent the life-giving Summer Sun.
As a god of healing, Belenus was often associated with the Roman god Apollo, who was also a god of the sun and medicine. The Celtic people believed that Belenus had the power to heal both physical and spiritual ailments, and many temples and shrines were dedicated to him throughout Gaul and Britain. It was common for people to make offerings to Belenus in the hope of receiving his healing blessings.
The influence of Belenus can still be felt today in the traditions and beliefs of many modern pagans and followers of Celtic spirituality. His association with the sun and healing make him a powerful figure for those seeking to connect with the natural world and tap into the healing energies of the universe.
Asteroid Belenus is #11284 for those who wish to see if his presence in the natal chart is prominent by a 3° conjunction or opposition to natal luminaries, planets, angles, or axes.
Cernunnos
Cernunnos is a god from Celtic mythology, revered by the ancient Celts as the benevolent god of fertility, the wild, the Otherworlds, and the hunt. He is often depicted as a horned figure, with antlers that symbolize his association with nature and the animals of the forest.
The name "Cernunnos" is derived from the Celtic words "cern," meaning "horn," and "unnos," meaning "one." This reflects the god's association with the natural world and his role as a powerful and benevolent force in the lives of the Celtic people.
Cernunnos was particularly revered by the Druids, the priests and spiritual leaders of the Celtic people. They believed that he had the power to influence the cycles of the seasons and the fertility of the land, making him a vital figure in their religious and spiritual practices.
In art and sculpture, Cernunnos is often depicted holding a torque, a metal necklace that symbolizes his wealth and power. He is also often shown sitting in a cross-legged position, surrounded by animals such as stags, boars, and serpents. These animals were considered sacred to the Celts, and their association with Cernunnos reflects his connection to the wild and the natural world.
Being the god of both the hunt AND the hunted, Cernunnos was also revered as a god of fertility, sexuality, and prosperity. It was believed that he had the power to bless crops and ensure a bountiful harvest, making him a vital figure in the agricultural practices of the Celtic people.
Cernunnos was also believed to have the power to guide souls into the afterlife. It was common for the Celts to make offerings to Cernunnos as a way of ensuring a safe journey into the next world. On the Gundestrup cauldron, a silver vessel believed to be created around the 2nd century, Cernunnos is shown with a dog at his left side. In Celtic spirituality, as well as ancient beliefs all over the world, dogs represent guides, friends, and protectors when travelling the Otherworlds.
Cernunnos’ asteroid # is 481984. Check your natal chart to see if there is a 3° opposition or conjunction or less with luminaries, planets, angles, or axes.