Gods And Goddesses: Ruadan

He is the Irish god of spying and son to Bres and Brigit. Ruadan is now better known as a saint in modern times. He was killed by a smith called Gobhinu, where some say Ruadan was sent to the smith by his father and was killed by Gobhinu instead. Gobhinu was however wounded but was cured by bathing in a healing fountain. Upon learning of the death of Ruadan, Brigit cried and it is said Brigit's tears were the first of the history of Ireland.

Totem: Lobster

Lobsters are creatures of the sea known for being a "fancy" meal. When it first hatches it doesn't look like an adult lobster, but more of a bug. In its first five years of life it shall shed its shell up to 25 times with the lobster shedding its skin three times before it begins to look like an adult.

Due to how it grows, the lobster teaches the power of transformation, how we change as we grow and age. It is a fate that cannot be denied, as everyone will transform into a new person as they age.

When a lobster is young, it hides and waits for food to come by as if it reveals itself it is likely to be attacked within minutes by a fish. It is this experience that the lobster teaches the development of patience.

The lobster gives lessons on protection, on how to protect oneself and how to camouflage if it happens to be needed. Protection of the self is going to be needed sometime and the lobster is aware.

Gods And Goddeses: Cernunnos

Cernunnos is the Celtic god with horns of a stag, often associated with animals and is thought to be a god of fertility. What is truly known about him is that he is a Celtic god that had nothing written down about him, so later people have given him the name of Cornunnos to refer to him, meaning "Horned One". His worship is also known to be widespread across Europe.

He is typically portrayed with a man with long hair and a beard, wearing a torc and often seated and cross-legged. Most depictions is with animals, especially with the stag, which has lead him to be referred to as The Lord of the Animals., The Lord of the Hunt, The Stag Lord, The Horned God of the Hunt and The Lord of the Forest.

Totem: Crab

Crabs is the known for being the symbol of the astrological sign Cancer and are recognizable creatures. They are known for their hard shells, multiple legs and pincers.

Crabs walk sideways and gives teachings on how a path may be direct to a place there is still many routes that are not so direct. Detours occur and the crab teachings that it is only natural how it can happen for one reason or another.

The crab also teaches how to stay protected on various levels, not just physically. The crab will help with keeping one's emotions guarded.

Tibouchinas

Tibouchinas granulosa is a large shrub or small tree which is a tough plant and are easily raised. Along with their hardiness and ease in raising, there are only a few diseases and pests this plant has to worry about. It has purple flowers which is shows off from late summer to early summer. In warmer areas it may flower into spring.

It requires either full sun or partial sun and is a great plant to be grown in pots. It typically grows 5m in height and width, although it may grow as tall as 10m.

Gods And Goddesses: Abandinus

Abandinus is a Celtic god with little known about him. What is known is that there was an inscribed bronze votive feather devoted to him years now long gone that had the words "for the god Abandinus, Vatiaucus offered this from his personal funds". It is thought be some that he is connected to the river Ouse and that he may be a river god. It is also suggested that he is related to a much more well known Celtic deity known as Maponos.

Totem: Tapir

The tapir is an animal that is endangered and forest dwelling. They are a solitary animal that hide while enjoying leaves and shoots they eat. Tapirs are known to laze about in pools of mud and water.

A teaching is to be peaceful and comfortable with ourselves. Many are uncomfortable with themselves and it is the tapir that teaches how to be at peace.

It is also taught that one should be peaceful unless utterly necessary. The tapir tells how violence is not an answer, that peaceful means should be exhibited. Violence is what should be a last resort.

Being solitary shouldn't be an issue the tapir teaches. It is fine to be quiet and to be alone, but all social contact shouldn't be eliminated.

Peach-Leaved Bellflower

Campanula persicifolia is a 1m tall and 30cm width plant. It has a number of varieties, where its flowers can include white, blue, pink and purple. It can be left to seed and it will allow for more peach-leaved bellflowers to grow later. Flowering occurs in late spring and summer.

It is a hardy plant that requires full sun or partial shade. The soil should be loam with the pH in the alkaline or neutral range. Soil should be moist and well-drained.

Gods And Goddesses: Brigit

Brigit, also referred to as Brigid and Brighid is an Irish goddess who is the daughter of Dagda. She is the goddess of poetry, healing and smithcraft. She is associated with healing waters, wells and springs and is also known as "Bringer of Prosperity".

Brigit is also associated with fire and the goddess of inspiration. Her name is said to be mean a number of things, "The Exalted One", "The High One", "The Bright One", "The Powerful One" and "Bright Arrow". Brigit is also said to be the same as Saint Brigit.

Totem: Otter

These creatures are animals that are semiaquatic with the sea otter being aquatic that are best known to feed off fish and shellfish.

The otter teaches the lessons of female energy, giving teachings on how there is a feminine side to all. The major part of this that the otter gives lessons is how to balance the feminine side with the masculine side.

It is taught to lighten up and to give more time to have fun through playfulness. The otter teaches that to do this is not a bad thing and can be beneficial for well being.

Golden Oat Grass

Stipa gigantea grows 2m flower stems in early summer, with the flowers giving it the name of Golden Oat. They are a clump forming plant that can help with erosion control.

Full sun is needed for this plant along with well-drained soil. It is a hardy plant that requires soils which are moderately fertile. Once established in a garden, it is drought tolerate and doesn't have to worry about pests or diseases.

Gods And Goddesses: Aonghus

Aonghus is the Irish god of love with multiple names. Oengus, Aengus, Aengus Og ("Aengus the young"), Mac ind Og ("Son of the Young"), Mac Og ("Young Son") and Maccan. He is also one of the Tuatha De Danann.
He is the son of Dagda and Boann, with Aonghus' wisdom later saying his father Dagda from starving to death.

A story about Aonghus relates to how he fell in love with a maiden he saw that he earlier dreamt of. He became ill with longing for her and with concern from his parents they sought the identity of the maiden. She happened to be Caer Ibormeith, whom Aonghus later went to see her again at a lake to declare his love for her he was transformed into a swan and the two flew together (with Caer accepting his love).