DEITY APPRECIATION: CAILLEACH
Winter wishes, witches. Many of us who grew up with the Gregorian Calendar were made to believe that winter really falls in December, when in actuality we spend just over half of the month in autumn. Yup, that’s right! December is mostly an autumnal month. So if you missed out on snow, don’t fret, winter is only just getting started.
With us being in the dead of winter, today I want to bring attention to a deity that keeps her watchful eye over these dark, frigid months. Her character has been depicted in many modern retellings such as Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, and Melisandra the red witch from Game of Thrones to name a few. Her origin story is one that holds great power and respect to this day. Let us dive deep into the myth and lore of our Celtic Goddess of Winter, Cailleach.
“The Cailleach Bhuer” by AltaraTheDark
The “Veiled One” in All Her Glory
An elder woman of white hair, wrinkled skin, and soft white complexion is how many modern illustrators present Cailleach. However, her story predates many Gaelic and Pagan mythologies, beyond their traditions, and origins, and in these tellings her appearance speaks of something else entirely. Ancient Cailleach is described as a giantess crone with blue skin, untamable white hair, and a third eye (which grants her the ability to see into other realms), wielding a large staff, with insurmountable strength- the ability to carry boulders in her apron, and make mountains out of these stones. An image that precedes the human experience as we know it. Some speculate that she is a creator of our world (or at least our landscapes), possibly one of many, but what is accepted as truth in her lore is that she is a hag that ages backward- think Benjamin button but with magical powers that controls the weather and protects nature! Her aging process flows with the changes of the season; in winter she is her elderly self, but come spring she is transformed into the form of a young maiden. She is a shapeshifter, and unapologetically one at that!
The Beef Between Brigid and Cailleach
Cailleach, the keeper of the darker seasons, comes forth after Samhain until winter fades and warm weather prevails (Beltane). Now that may seem like a long time, it is roughly half a year that she tends to nature, wether in our favor or not. Cailleach is the keeper of winter, and so one version of her lore is that she traps Brigid between the time of Cailleachs ruling. Once the warmer weather is showing signs of staying, Brigid is released to help bring about the natural cycle of the seasons. Brigid does not retaliate against her, knowing this cycle is to repeat and both holding true to their places in the wheel of the seasons. With that said, there is another take on their lore that is slightly less volatile. In this version it is believed that Cailleach is Brigid….I know, I know, but I’m just the messenger! In this version of the story Cailleach is in a constant aging process of Crone, to Maiden, back to Crone until maiden weather comes back once again… all throughout the cycles of the wheel. So instead of being one who physically captures Brigid, they are actually one in the same. In Brigids absence Cailleach is in her prime; resting, relying on wisdom, strategy, and inward reflection. When Brigid steps forward, and Cailleach returns to stone, there is play, dancing, plans of adventure ahead. A cycle that rotates every six months interminably.
Cailleachs’ Foretelling & What That Means For Us
You know I love any lore that speaks of soothsayers, diviners, and fortune tellers. Well, not only was Cailleachs ability active in her days of lore, she is still predicting elements of our world to this day! It is said that on Imbolc (February 1st/2nd) of every year, Cailleach will either reveal herself in the warmth of the day, or bring a storm-like climate each meaning one of two things; this years weather will be idyllic for the seasonal changes (bringing more prosperous luck), or bad luck all around...yikes. Her ability to control the weather is known through all versions of her lore, to the point that thunder is said to be “…Cailleach sneezing”. She flys through the air on the back of a giant wolf, spreading frigid winds, creating flurries, and even icy conditions. All of this being said, it makes you wonder, is she foretelling, or warning of her plans for nature in the days, weeks, months to come!?
World Locations Associated to The Winter Hag
I recently read a great post from Celest Larson, known as @magebymoonlight on Instagtram, that discussed the magical locations that are connected to Cailleach. I have no connection to these locations, nor have I explored them myself, but they are definitely on my list now- and so I thought some of you lovely witches would find these locations fascinating and helpful in connecting with Cailleach.
❄️ Hag of Beara Stone, County Cork — According to myth, this stone on the Beara Peninsula (the entirety of which is associated with the Cailleach) is the fossilized remains and resting place of the Cailleach Beara, who turned to stone while staring out at sea awaiting the return of her husband.
❄️ Loughcrew Cairns, County Meath — It is said that the Cailleach shaped the landscape here at Sliabh na Caillíghe (the Hill of the Witch / Hag) as she leapt from hill to hill with an apron full of stones. The stones tumbled from her apron as she did so, forming the cairns that have dotted the hills for thousands of years.
❄️ Labbacallee Wedge Tomb, County Cork — The largest wedge tomb in all of Ireland, this one is known as the “Bed of the Witch” or “Bed of the Hag.” According to legend, the Cailleach once lived at this site and was perhaps buried within the tomb here. Indeed, the body of a woman — often proposed to be a witch, wise woman, or seer — was buried within the tomb more than 4,000 years ago.
Honoring Cailleach At The Alter
Now that you have gathered the lore, the visual, the essence of Cailleach, lets dive into how you can build an alter space for her. As we went over before, her connection to the winter months is imperative, so make sure to use decorative items that honor the winter seasons:
Trees/Plants: Cedar, Pine, Birch, Holly, Yew
Herbs: Eucalyptus, Cloves, Pinecones
Crystals: Black Obsidian, Snowflake Obsidian, Hag Stone, Howlite
Food Items: Mulled Wine or Hot Toddy, Hearty Meals, Stews, Potatoes, Beets
Animals: Wolves, Deer/Bucks, Crows
Colors: Blues (icy, multi-layered), Black, Grey, Silver
You can also make a poppet of her, as a deity statue is difficult to find, I recommend blue cloth if doing so. Light candles of blue, black, or silver to keep the alter warm- although she is the keeper of cooler, winter months, she is still a deity that honors the light.
Regardless of your unknowing of her power, she has always been with you, and will continue to be with you forever more. The shock of a winter breeze on your cheek, an unexpected snow squabble on a drive to the local store, the decay of all things green that tracks on your new boots…she might not be the most socially acceptable Goddess, but she is one we can always depend upon for reminders to slow down, look inward, break through the veil of uhncertainty, and build storms of our own.
Till next time my darklings, stay spooky xx
