Teachings of Sucellos and Nantosueltâ

Gaulish Druidism, Gaulish Paganism

Sucellos, the generous father, is often depicted with his hammer, pot, dog, raven, and grapes, which symbolize his roles as protector, creator, provider, destroyer, and source of abundance. He was a beloved deity who was revered by the common people and who helped them shape their land and protect their boundaries.

Nantosueltâ, the great mother, is often depicted with her house on a pole, cornucopia, saucer, dove, and raven, which symbolize her roles as a giver of life, provider of abundance, guide of the soul, and teacher of domestic living. She was a wise and nurturing deity who was associated with the renewal of life and the perpetuation of the cycle of existence.

Together, Sucellos and Nantosueltâ represent the interconnectedness of life and death, light and darkness, creation and destruction, and the need for balance and harmony in all things. Their worship reminds us of the importance of respecting and nurturing the natural world, ourselves, and each other and honoring the wisdom of our ancestors.

The image of Sucellos and Nantosueltâ was drawn by Casnis. You can find more of their work over at Below the Wood

As most of you know, Im a Devotie of Sucellos and Nantosuelta, so that means I spend a lot of time with them. Throughout that time, they have shared with me their teachings and a greater understanding of how to live a more fruitful life. Below I have written up these teachings that I know of at the moment, as Im sure in time, they will share more with me and I with you.

Sucellos and Nantosueltâ have many teachings that offer guidance for living a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Sucellos

  1. Protection and Boundary-Setting: Sucellos is often associated with the concept of protection and boundary-setting. His mallet represents the power to create but also the power to destroy and renew. This teaches us that in order for new growth and abundance to occur, there must be a clearing away of the old and the unnecessary. Similarly, in order to protect what is valuable, it is sometimes necessary to set boundaries and protect against threats.
  2. The Power of Creation and Renewal: Sucellos mallet also represents the power of creation and renewal. This teaches us that even in times of darkness and destruction, there is always the potential for new growth and abundance. By tapping into this creative energy, we can transform challenging situations into opportunities for growth and renewal.
  3. The Importance of Gratitude: Sucellos is associated with the grape harvest, which represents abundance and fertility. His overflowing cup symbolizes the importance of gratitude and celebration in life. This teaches us to appreciate the blessings in our lives and to celebrate our achievements and the achievements of others.

Nantosueltâ

  1. The Cycle of Life and Death: Nantosueltâ is associated with the cycle of life and death. Her role as a guide of the soul through this cycle teaches us to appreciate the impermanence of all things and to live in the present moment. This reminds us that every moment is precious and that we should strive to make the most of our time on earth.
  2. Nurturing and Respect: Nantosueltâ as a giver of life and provider of abundance, emphasizes the importance of nurturing and respect. This teaches us to treat the natural world with respect and care and to honor the cycles of life and death that sustain us.
  3. Domestic Living and Well-Being: Nantosueltâ is often associated with the home and domestic living. This teaches us the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive environment for ourselves and those around us. By cultivating a sense of well-being in our homes and communities, we can create a more harmonious and fulfilling life.

The Philosophy Within

  1. Dualism: The concept of dualism is a fundamental philosophical concept that has been explored by many different cultures throughout history. In the case of Sucellos and Nantosueltâ, their roles as creators and destroyers emphasize the idea that there are two opposing forces in the universe that are constantly in balance and tension. This concept is often used to explore the duality of good and evil, light and dark, and life and death (Samos and Giamos) (Fire and water).
  2. Impermanence: Impermanence is a concept that is closely related to the Buddhist concept of “anicca.” This idea posits that everything in the universe is constantly changing and that nothing lasts forever. By embracing impermanence, we can learn to let go of attachments and appreciate the present moment. Nantosueltâ role in the cycle of life and death emphasizes this concept, reminding us that everything in the universe is constantly in a state of flux.
  3. Gratitude: Gratitude is a philosophical concept that has been explored by many different cultures throughout history. Sucellos overflowing cup and association with abundance and fertility emphasize the importance of being grateful for the blessings in our lives. By cultivating a sense of gratitude, we can experience greater happiness and fulfillment, and we can also learn to appreciate the abundance that surrounds us.
  4. Ecology: The concept of ecology is closely related to the idea of interconnectedness. Nantosueltâ as a giver of life and provider of abundance, emphasizes the importance of taking care of the earth in order to ensure our own survival and well-being. By recognizing the interconnectedness of all things in the natural world, we can learn to take care of the environment and live in harmony with the earth.
  5. Ethics: The teachings of Sucellos and Nantosueltâ emphasize the importance of ethics in our lives. Sucellos emphasis on protection and boundary-setting highlights the importance of respecting others’ boundaries and acting in ways that promote safety and well-being. Nantosueltâ’s emphasis on nurturing and respect highlights the importance of treating others and the natural world with kindness and care. By living according to ethical principles, we can live more fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Together, the teachings of Sucellos and Nantosueltâ offer a rich and complex philosophical framework for understanding the universe and our place within it. The concepts of dualism and impermanence remind us that the universe is constantly in a state of balance and change, while the importance of gratitude and ecology emphasizes the connection of all things. The emphasis on ethics highlights the importance of treating others and the natural world with kindness and care and the necessity of protecting ourselves and setting healthy boundaries.

The teachings of Sucellos and Nantosueltâ offer a holistic and nuanced understanding of the world, emphasizing the importance of living in harmony with the earth and treating others with respect and kindness. By embracing these teachings, we can live more fulfilling and meaningful lives, and contribute to a better world for ourselves and future generations.

A Prayer
Sucellos, generous father and protector, I call upon you to guide me in setting boundaries and protecting what is valuable. Help me to tap into the power of creation and renewal, and to appreciate the blessings in my life. May I always cultivate a spirit of gratitude and celebration, and use my creative energy to transform challenging situations into opportunities for growth and renewal.
Nantosuelta, wise mother and provider of abundance, I call upon you to guide me in nurturing and respecting the natural world around me. Help me to appreciate the impermanence of all things, and to make the most of every precious moment. May I honor the cycles of life and death that sustain all that is, and cultivate a sense of well-being in my home and communities.
Sucellos and Nantosuelta, you embody the complementary forces of protection and creation, nurturing and renewal. I offer my gratitude for your teachings and guidance and ask that you continue to bless me with your wisdom and love. I go in peace.

Gaulish Druidism, Gaulish Paganism

Towards Alchemy

  • Sucellos – Grounding and stabilizing force
  • Nantosueltâ – Nurturing and fluid nature

The symbols of Sucellos and Nantosueltâ are associated with various alchemical processes and stages of transformation.
Sucellos mallet is linked to the process of dissolution, breaking down old patterns and structures in order to create something new.
His pot or barrel is associated with the process of distillation, in which the pure essence or spirit of a substance is separated from its impurities.
Nantosueltâ cornucopia is associated with the process of multiplication, in which something is expanded or made more abundant.
Her dove is linked to the process of sublimation, in which something is elevated or transformed into a more spiritual form.
Her house on a pole is associated with the process of coagulation, in which disparate elements are brought together and solidified into a new form.
Together, the symbols of Sucellos and Nantosueltâ represent the alchemical journey of transformation, from breaking down old patterns and structures to purifying and refining the essence of our being to expanding and elevating our consciousness, and finally to solidifying and embodying our true selves in the world.

Sucellos and the Moon
Sucellos represents the principle of protection and renewal through the receptive and reflective qualities of the moon. In order to protect what is valuable and promote growth and abundance, it is important to be receptive to change and to reflect on what needs to be cleared away or renewed. The moon’s cycles of waxing and waning also reflect the cyclical nature of life, reminding us of the importance of endings and beginnings and the need for balance between opposing forces.

Nantosuelta and the Sun
Nantosuelta represents the principle of nurturing and abundance through the active and illuminating energies of the sun. In order to provide for ourselves and others, it is important to take action and shine a light on what needs to grow and flourish. The sun’s warmth and light also represent the life-giving forces that sustain us and remind us of the communion of all things.

Sucellos Symbols Simplified

  • Mallet – represents the transformative power of fire, which is necessary to break down and purify base materials in the alchemical process.
  • The Pot – represents the alchemical vessel, which is used to contain and transmute substances.
  • Dog – represents the loyal and faithful aspect of the alchemist’s psyche, which is necessary to stay committed to the work despite its challenges.
  • Raven – represents the mystical and intuitive aspect of the alchemist’s psyche, which is necessary to access higher states of consciousness and gain deeper insights into the nature of reality.
  • Grapes – represent the elixir of life, which is the ultimate goal of the alchemical process – the attainment of immortality and spiritual transformation.

Nantosueltâ Symbols Simplified

  • House – represents the idea of the “philosopher’s stone,” which is the ultimate goal of the alchemical process – the transformation of base materials into gold and the attainment of spiritual enlightenment.
  • Cornucopia – represents the abundance of riches that is gained through the alchemical process, both materially and spiritually.
  • Saucer – represents the alchemist’s ability to contain and control their emotions and thoughts, which is necessary for the work to proceed effectively.
  • Bees – represent the transformative power of nature and the importance of industriousness in achieving abundance and prosperity.
  • Dove – represents the alchemist’s desire for purity and harmony, as well as the spiritual aspects of the alchemical process.
  • Raven – represents the alchemist’s intuition and ability to access hidden knowledge, which is necessary for success in the work.

Branos (Raven)

The raven is associated with the Dubion/Blackness stage, which represents the initial stage of the alchemical process, characterized by darkness, chaos, and decay. The raven is often seen as a messenger from the underworld or the unconscious, bringing knowledge and insights from the depths of the psyche.

In the context of Sucellos and Nantosueltâ, the raven represents the darkness and chaos that precedes transformation, and the need to face and integrate our shadow aspects in order to move forward on the path of personal growth and spiritual evolution. The raven symbolizes the wisdom and guidance that can be gained from exploring the depths of the psyche, and the importance of integrating both light and dark aspects of the self.
Overall, the raven is a powerful alchemical symbol that represents the journey of transformation and the importance of facing and integrating the darker aspects of our being in order to achieve greater wholeness and spiritual evolution.

Note

What is above is my own Gnosis and does not reflect the greater Gaulish Community.
The Alchemy process is just a fraction of a form of Gaulish Alchemy that I’m slowly building. I call it Uerton for the time being, meaning change of state from one thing to another. So as I slowly build that, the below will evolve with it.

1 Comment

  1. woodenbreath says:

    Thanks for sharing. This seems very insightful. How long is your relationship with Sucellos and Nantosuelta? If you want to tell, that is. If you do libations, what would you recommend?

    Like

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