Witchcraft is a wide-ranging term that encompasses various magical practices and beliefs. It is commonly associated with the use of spells, charms, and rituals to manipulate or influence events and people. Witchcraft has a long history, dating back centuries, and is often linked to ancient pagan religions and traditions. One intriguing aspect of witchcraft is the association with animals, including the reindeer. Reindeer are a species of deer found in the Arctic regions and are known for their distinctive antlers and ability to survive in extreme cold weather. In certain cultures, such as those of the indigenous Sami people of Northern Europe, reindeer hold significant spiritual and cultural significance.
Mesolithic female shaman of Bad Dürrenberg, 7000-6500 bce, with reconstructed regalia from animal bones, horns, teeth, and shells. From a wonderful color-illustrated pdf of “Archaeological Finds from Germany”
The red peaked, felted hats and curled-toe boots and warm mittens of reindeer-hide complete, what I believe to be, the feminine origins of perhaps the first of a very long line of Santa Claus replications. In Miranda Green s book Symbol and Image in Celtic Religious Art she states, animal symbolism associated with goddesses reaches its apogee with horned female images, usually adorned with antlers.
In certain cultures, such as those of the indigenous Sami people of Northern Europe, reindeer hold significant spiritual and cultural significance. In the context of witchcraft, the reindeer is often seen as a symbol of transformation and magical abilities. It is believed that witches can shape-shift into reindeer or use their antlers as channeling tools for their magic.
Magickal materials: Antler
If you’ve shopped for clothing or décor lately, you might have noticed that antlers are having a moment. But humans have been fascinated with antlers long before they were adorning T-shirts at Urban Outfitters. Shamans, magicians, and ancient Pagans have all adored the antler as a symbol of masculine power and the cycle of life. Let’s look at some of the ways antlers can be incorporated into your magickal craft.
Antler Facts
First, the basics. Antlers grow from the heads of members of the deer family, or cervids. Normally only males have antlers, except among reindeer, which have antlers on both male and female animals. An antlered male is called a stag. Male deer grow antlers when reaching adulthood, and adolescent deer’s antlers are covered with a fuzzy material called velvet. In temperate climates, deer shed their antlers seasonally. Experts believe that antlers probably evolved from tusks, which pre-historic herbivores used for foraging and defense.
For magickal purposes, antler, horn, tusk, and bone are all related materials. They represent the spirit of the animal they come from, as well as larger forces of Nature. In Wicca, the male deity is often represented as Cernunnos, “the Horned One.” Technically, antlers are a type of fast-growing bone, not horns. The horns of cattle and goats are a “dead” appendage made of keratin (the same protein in hair and fingernails), while newly-sprouted antlers are very much alive with blood vessels and active cells.
Antlers in Myth
Deer have been an important food source for humans since the beginning of time, so it’s no surprise that the spiritual partnership is an old one. The ritual use of antlers goes back at least 10,000 years. Antlered headdresses and rattles have been recovered from Mesolithic sites, and may have been used in rites to call forth deer for a favorable hunt.
In the Babylonian cosmology, the celestial stag is associated with the life-giving power of the sun. The Norse Prose Edda mentions a kingly stag who sits atop Valhalla and drips bounteous dew from his antlers. Mythologies around the world portray the antlered deer as an elusive and noble beast. The mythic stag is often a shapeshifter or a harbinger of great destiny.
Correspondences of Antlers
The usual magickal correspondences for the antler are Masculine, Solar and the elements of Fire and Earth. Because deer shed and regrow their antlers, the antler has long been tied to the annual death and resurrection of the sun. The antlered stag represents wisdom, nobility, protection, and the cycle of death and rebirth. To Paganas, the stag represents the God who gives his life to nourish the tribe, and who re-emerges in springtime with velvet antlers.
Among heroes and deities, antlers correspond to such diverse figures as Cernunnos, Freyr, Flidais, Herakles, Sarasvati, Diana and Artemis. While antlers are generally thought of as masculine, they also connect with goddesses of wisdom and the hunt. Some have noted that the shape of an antler has a lunar curve as well as a solar ray-like spread.
Antlered Altar Tools
Antlers have many ceremonial and magickal uses. Ritual headgear is one of the oldest and truest uses for antlers. Donning antlers can help you portray the Horned One or connect more fully with the Deer spirit. If you’re drawn to antlers, consider using an antler-handled athame, wand, or staff.
Runes and amulets are frequently made from round slices of antler. With the right materials, antler can be painted, engraved, and burned to produce a customized piece. Or you can simply place antlers on your altar to represent the Stag spirit.
Cutting and drilling antlers is just like cutting through bone in that it produces a lot of calcified dust. Use sharp tools, a dust mask or ventilator, lung protection. If you use power tools, open a window—singed antler smells like burning hair.
Oh, and another thing: Dogs can’t resist the tasty, nutritious appeal of antlers. Keep antlered tools away from pets. (Unless you want to be like my friend, who found her dog chowing down on her runes like kibble!)
Acquiring Antlers
Since antlers are shed naturally, there is no reason to harm an animal to obtain antlers for ritual use. If you have access to land where deer roam free, you can pick up your own during the winter shed season. Observe all local laws and safety rules if you do this. Expect to have company—gathering “sheds” is a popular (and potentially lucrative) activity for off-season hunters and hikers. If it’s your land, it’s kindest to take only what you need. Antlers are an important winter nutrient source for squirrels and other small mammals.
Even city-dwellers may be able to get their hands on antlers. Antique shops and western stores outlets sell shed antlers as décor items. Wood-working shops also sometimes have antlers for use as knife handles. You may have to pay a premium, though: $15-20 a pound is a normal price for good-quality antlers. Some may be shed naturally, and some come from hunters. Ask the dealer how they were acquired, if that’s important to your magick.
How about replica antlers? Especially with the current antler craze, there are all kinds of resin and plaster fakes out there. If you can’t get real antlers, or if you have reservations about harvesting them, you might prefer using replicas as ritual props.
When you incorporate antlers into your spiritual life, you’re joining a long tradition of respect and reverence for the creatures that walk this world with us. Here's to deers!
Read more articles in the archive.
This association with reindeer is also rooted in the folklore and mythology of the regions where reindeer are found. In these narratives, reindeer are often depicted as mystical creatures that possess supernatural powers and serve as guides to the spirit world. The reindeer also plays a role in the concept of the witchcraft cycle. The witchcraft cycle refers to the cyclical nature of witchcraft practices and beliefs, which often center around the cycles of the natural world, such as the changing seasons and the phases of the moon. Reindeer, with their ability to adapt to the harsh Arctic environment and their migratory patterns, are seen as embodying the cyclical nature of witchcraft. They are seen as spiritual beings that navigate and connect the different realms of existence. In some witchcraft traditions, the reindeer is revered as a sacred animal and is invoked during rituals and ceremonies. Reindeer bones or antlers may be used as divination tools or incorporated into magical artifacts, such as wands or talismans, to enhance the witch's power and connection to the spiritual realms. The reindeer's association with witchcraft highlights the deep connection between nature and magical practices. It reminds us that witchcraft is often not separate from the natural world but rather deeply intertwined with it. The reindeer's presence in witchcraft lore and belief systems highlights the diverse ways in which different cultures and traditions have incorporated animal symbolism into their magical practices. In conclusion, the reindeer holds a significant place in the realm of witchcraft, representing transformation, mystical abilities, and the cyclical nature of magical practices. Its association with witchcraft reflects the rich tapestry of beliefs and traditions that have evolved over time, connecting human beings to the natural world and the unseen realms beyond..
Reviews for "Witchcraft Cycle Reindeer: The Power of Nature and Animal Spirits"
1. Amy - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "Witchcraft cycle reindeer". The story felt disjointed and hard to follow, with a lot of unnecessary subplots that didn't add anything to the main plot. The characters were also underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to care about what happened to them. Additionally, the writing style was overly descriptive and verbose, which made it a chore to read. Overall, I couldn't connect with this book and found it to be a tedious and confusing read.
2. John - 1 star
I have to say, I really disliked "Witchcraft cycle reindeer". It felt like a poorly executed attempt at blending different genres, and the result was just chaotic and confusing. The plot was all over the place, and it was difficult to discern any clear direction or purpose. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real depth, making it hard for me to invest in their struggles. The writing style was also a major issue, as it was clunky and full of unnecessary metaphors that only served to complicate the story further. Overall, I found this book to be a disappointment and would not recommend it to others.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
"Witchcraft cycle reindeer" did not live up to my expectations. The pacing of the story was incredibly slow and filled with unnecessary details that did nothing to move the plot forward. The characters were also quite forgettable and lacked any real development. I found myself struggling to stay engaged and ultimately lost interest in the story. Additionally, the writing style was overwrought and pretentious, which made it difficult for me to connect with the narrative. Overall, I was greatly disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone seeking an enjoyable read.
4. David - 1 star
I really couldn't get into "Witchcraft cycle reindeer." The story felt convoluted and hard to follow, with a lot of unexplained events and confusing plot twists. The characters were also poorly developed, and I struggled to find any redeeming qualities in them. The writing style was also a major drawback, as it was filled with clichéd phrases and excessive descriptions that added nothing to the story. Overall, I found this book to be a tedious and uninspired read that I would not recommend to others.