The Celtic God Belenus was one of the most widely worshiped God's of his time. Shrines to him have been found all across Europe, and in the 3rd Century was recorded as being the patron deity of the Italian city of Aquileia. Evidence of the worship of Belenus has been found here in England; the name of the Celtic King Cunobeline, who ruled a large chunk of South-East England during Pre-Roman Britain, was said to mean 'Hound of Belenus'.
There are many different names attributed to Belenus. It has been suggested that Belenus is a Latinization of Beli. Other names which have been recorded and believed to be attributed to the same God include Bel, Belen, Belinus, Belenos and Bellinus.
His name is often believed to mean 'Bright One or 'Shining One', from a root 'bhel' which means 'to shine'. This further cements the idea that he was a solar deity. However, it is possible that the name actually comes from a Proto-Celtic word containing a root for 'source, well', which also suggests an associated with healing springs.
Many believe that there is little question that Belenus was a sun God; however, some sources state that whilst he was a God of the light, there is no evidence to show that he was a Sun God. It is reported, however, that a model horse and chariot carrying a sun-disc was found in Denmark, and thought to be a representation of Belenus. This certainly gives more weight to the theory that he was a Sun God. Personally, I feel very drawn to the symbolism of him as a Sun God whenever I have meditated or worked with him, so it will take a lot to convince me otherwise!
It was believed that he pulled the sun across the sky in his horse-drawn chariot. Clay horse figurines have been found at shrines dedicated to him.
The wheel was also a symbol of Belenus. Other representations of him have been found showing him riding a horse, throwing lightning bolts and using his wheel as a shield. As a Sun God, it was possible he was also seen to be a warrior figure. He was almost certainly associated with protection. During the siege of Aquileia by the emperor Maximus, Roman soldiers reported seeing an image of Belenus in the sky above them, defending his city from the skies. During Beltane, a fire festival often associated with Belenus, farmers would drive their cattle between two fires to purify and protect them before they were let out to the fields for the summer.
There are many different names attributed to Belenus. It has been suggested that Belenus is a Latinization of Beli. Other names which have been recorded and believed to be attributed to the same God include Bel, Belen, Belinus, Belenos and Bellinus.
His name is often believed to mean 'Bright One or 'Shining One', from a root 'bhel' which means 'to shine'. This further cements the idea that he was a solar deity. However, it is possible that the name actually comes from a Proto-Celtic word containing a root for 'source, well', which also suggests an associated with healing springs.
Many believe that there is little question that Belenus was a sun God; however, some sources state that whilst he was a God of the light, there is no evidence to show that he was a Sun God. It is reported, however, that a model horse and chariot carrying a sun-disc was found in Denmark, and thought to be a representation of Belenus. This certainly gives more weight to the theory that he was a Sun God. Personally, I feel very drawn to the symbolism of him as a Sun God whenever I have meditated or worked with him, so it will take a lot to convince me otherwise!
It was believed that he pulled the sun across the sky in his horse-drawn chariot. Clay horse figurines have been found at shrines dedicated to him.
The wheel was also a symbol of Belenus. Other representations of him have been found showing him riding a horse, throwing lightning bolts and using his wheel as a shield. As a Sun God, it was possible he was also seen to be a warrior figure. He was almost certainly associated with protection. During the siege of Aquileia by the emperor Maximus, Roman soldiers reported seeing an image of Belenus in the sky above them, defending his city from the skies. During Beltane, a fire festival often associated with Belenus, farmers would drive their cattle between two fires to purify and protect them before they were let out to the fields for the summer.
The wheel is often seen as a symbol of time - a symbology in keeping with his association as a sun God. However, the wheel is also a symbol of healing (such as the medicine wheel), and so could also represent an association with healing. Coupled with the fact that there is a possibility his name alludes to wells and healing springs, and also the fact that he was heavily associated with the Roman God Apollo, it is almost certain that Belenus was also a God of healing. He seemed to be especially associated with limb regeneration. Objects in the shape of limbs have been found at Belenus' shrines, either as petitions or thanks for prayers answered. Personally, I have found that his ability lies in helping to heal mental or emotional afflictions; sadness, anxiety, nervousness, melancholy and the like. Meditating on Belenus, seeing him harnessing the bright, powerful essence of the sun can help me whenever I am in a bit of a mental slump.
A coin found from 1AD depicts Belenus as a heavily moustached man, with large brown eyes and his hair in a corona, which could be representative of the suns rays. A carved piece of jewellery found in France shows Belenus as an old man, wearing a tunic and decorated with solar symbols and an inscription upon it. Other depictions show him with a female consort, thought to be that of the Goddess Belisama.
I tend to work with Belenus mostly as a Sun God, incorporating him into Sabbats and Solar Magick. As a deity who was most probably worshiped centuries ago in my local area, I feel a connection with him. I have found that good offerings to make to Belenus include lighting candles, reciting prayers or chants you have written especially for him, or offering a liquid libation (even water will do). Whilst I wouldn't say I work with him regularly (outside of the main Sabbats and the occasional bit of solar magick), he is a deity I would especially recommend to this who need a bit of comfort and a bit of light in their lives.
A coin found from 1AD depicts Belenus as a heavily moustached man, with large brown eyes and his hair in a corona, which could be representative of the suns rays. A carved piece of jewellery found in France shows Belenus as an old man, wearing a tunic and decorated with solar symbols and an inscription upon it. Other depictions show him with a female consort, thought to be that of the Goddess Belisama.
I tend to work with Belenus mostly as a Sun God, incorporating him into Sabbats and Solar Magick. As a deity who was most probably worshiped centuries ago in my local area, I feel a connection with him. I have found that good offerings to make to Belenus include lighting candles, reciting prayers or chants you have written especially for him, or offering a liquid libation (even water will do). Whilst I wouldn't say I work with him regularly (outside of the main Sabbats and the occasional bit of solar magick), he is a deity I would especially recommend to this who need a bit of comfort and a bit of light in their lives.
