CAILLEACH
The Cailleach (“kye-luhkh”) is one of the oldest deities in Ireland and Scotland, perhaps even the oldest. Though often described as Celtic, Cailleach does not actually appear in any written myths of Ireland or Scotland, and does not appear in Wales at all. She is a Gaelic Goddess whose origins may have been with the pre-Celtic settlers. We know nothing of her original myths, just references and associations to her in old stories, place names, and landmarks. However, it is clear she is very ancient as the Irish Triads ascribe the last great age to her (three great ages: the age of the yew tree, the age of the eagle, and the age of the Hag of Beare).
Also know as Cailleach Bheur, Carlin, or Beira in Scotland; Cally Berry in Northern Ireland; Black Annis in Britain; Cailleach ny Groamch on the Isle of Man; and the Hag of Beare in Ireland, Cailleach is usually described as a terrifying figure with a single eye in the middle of her blue-black face, red teeth, and matted hair. She wears a kerchief over her white hair, a faded plaid shawl over her grey clothes, and an apron covered in hoarfrost. It is from this apron that she drops stones and boulders, creating mountains, hills, and sometimes even lakes. She is also said to carry a magical staff or hammer, which she sometimes uses to create mountains, but more often uses it to freeze the ground, turning grass to ice, wherever she walks. She has been known as a Goddess of winter, frost, ice, snow, storms, and biting winds.
There is a story that tells of how the Cailleach would hire men to help on her farm, but only pay those who could outwork her. Seeing the hunched figure of the Goddess, many a man fell for her trick and died of overwork trying to keep up with her. In true Capricorn style, Cailleach values and embodies inner strength and mastery.
Despite her general depictions as a hag, Cailleach is thought to endlessly renew her youth, which may be a metaphor for her traditional grain harvest association. The last sheaf of the grain crop was given her name and used as a charm for prosperity (“…All that’s cut shall rise again”). This renewal of youth may also refer to the connection between Cailleach and Brigid: Cailleach rules between Samhain and Beltaine, Brigid rules between Beltaine and Samhain. In some stories, Cailleach is said to keep Brigid (as the personification of spring) captive over the winter months and fight with her at Beltaine. Losing the fight come spring, Cailleach would throw down her staff beneath the holly tree and either disappear or turn into a large stone. In other versions, it is the Cailleach herself who turns into Brigid during the summer months, renewing her youth. Either way, these stories emphasize the importance of Cailleach in the ever turning Wheel of the Year.
As a Crone Goddess, Cailleach (the “veiled one”) is sometimes associated with Samhain. While it is true that her rule spans Samhain to Beltaine, she is not an Underworld or Death Goddess. Her realm is very much above ground and, as we have seen, she plays a significant role in creation. Some accounts describe her as a Goddess of abundance and sovereignty. She is also a guardian of animals – particularly deer, but also wild goats and cattle – protecting them against hunters. Though she does admittedly have a destructive side, as the personification of winter and the storm-bringer, Cailleach cleanses the way for new growth.
Within the triad of these Capricorn energies, Holle represents the raw energies and the birth of a new cycle. Rhea directs those energies, creating a supportive flow. As the third and final aspect, Cailleach stirs up and releases those energies, facilitating the change necessary for us to move into Aquarius.
Stoke up the fires, weather the storm,
A Cailleach challenge may take any form.
Change your perspective, adjust to the light,
A Cailleach challenge may bless you tonight.