To delve into Jung’s concept of the unconscious, we can examine a very ancient symbol known as the horned or antlered human. This emblem is present in various cultures worldwide, embodying images from Africa, Asia, and Europe, tracing back to the earliest chapters of human civilization. If any symbol can be considered fundamentally mythological, arising from the depths of human creativity, this one undoubtedly qualifies. A notable instance of this symbol is depicted on the Gundestrup Cauldron, which dates back to the La Tène period of Celtic artistry. This extraordinary antiquity features panels that showcase numerous mythological tales, figures, and scenes.
Gundestrup Cauldron Overview
The focus here will be on a specific symbol found on one of its inner panels, known as interior plate A. The central image on this plate illustrates a male figure adorned with antlers, seated while clutching a snake in one hand and holding a torc in the other. This intricate representation is particularly significant when examined alongside the First Branch of the Mabinogi. For the moment, the emphasis will be on the figure itself, independent of the surrounding animals or its other attributes, to appreciate the antlered figure in its entirety.
The Figure of Cernunnos
Many scholars interpret this character as Cernunnos, an ancient Celtic god name that means “the horned one.” The very naming provides insight into the potentially conflicting aspects harmonized within this symbolic representation. Viewed through Jungian theory, we should recognize elements of conflict encapsulated in a relatively stable configuration.
Exploring Paradox
The dual conflicting influences referenced are the animal and the human, embodied in the figure of Cernunnos. This icon is not merely a struggle between these elements; rather, it symbolizes a balanced association where both sides coexist harmoniously. However, it upends conventional expectations: the juxtaposition of man and beast is a paradox that disrupts standard perceptions in a potent manner. The question arises—why would these aspects be at odds?
The Harmony of Civility and Wildness
One interpretation proposes that the figure of Cernunnos represents a convergence of civilized constructs and untamed instincts within human society. Civility is usually denoted by cultural codes of behavior developed over generations, shaping interactions across all human domains, including arts, religion, and governance. This civility emphasizes self-restraint, which requires individuals to conform to societal norms.
In contrast, the untamed instinctive behaviors defy such restrictions. They revel in raw, liberated expressions linked to intrinsic urges—fervor exhibited in pursuits like love, hunting, or combat. In a Jungian context, the Cernunnos figure could symbolize the fusion of civility with wildness, suggesting that Celtic culture recognized and embraced these dual aspects of existence as an integrated experience. The appeal of the horned god can be viewed as indicative of the importance placed on reconciling these contrasting sides of human nature within Celtic artistic and religious expressions.
Reevaluating Complexity
Yet, such a theory simplifies the intricate nature of existence into binary opposites, an oversimplification that may not reflect the true context of ancient Celtic life. The modern understanding of civility and wildness likely diverges significantly from the lived experiences of historical Celtic peoples.
Paradoxes in Reverence
Employing paradox as a conceptual lens to scrutinize the Cernunnos symbol can unveil diverse interpretations. For instance, as a Jungian emblem, it might also encapsulate the conflicting behaviors of revering and taking life during hunting. Scholars have recognized the religious implications of Cernunnos, noting archaeological evidence of worship at Celtic and Romano-Celtic shrines throughout Europe.
The Hunting Paradox
The significance of hunting in Celtic life adds layers to the understanding of Cernunnos. Hunting was not merely a means of sustenance but also bore spiritual dimensions. This spiritual essence is reflected in lingering European folklore, imbued with reminders of the sacredness of hunting. The traditional reverence for the stag, the dominant male deer, serves as a prime illustration. Notably, the stag located next to Cernunnos on the Gundestrup cauldron has seven tines on its antlers, symbolizing its wisdom and elder status compared to Cernunnos, who has six.
Ancestry and Connection
The stag’s positioning suggests it is imparting wisdom to Cernunnos, potentially invoking a sense of ancestral reverence. The Celts’ veneration of this figure signified their intimate connection with the sacred stag, acknowledging their kinship with these majestic creatures and, in some ways, identifying as “stag people.” Their relationship with deers would have roots in a hunter-gatherer legacy, acknowledging the deep reliance on these animals for sustenance and survival. The act of hunting deer, understood as taking a life, is intertwined with an appreciation for the life it sustained.
Conclusion
Thus, the Cernunnos figure emerges as a profound emblem that connects human and animal spheres, unveiling a dynamic paradox that speaks to the cyclical nature of life and death. However, the intricacies of the symbol extend beyond mere interpretations. The recognition of Cernunnos as a significant aspect of Celtic spirituality resonates with complexities that beg further exploration.
Symbolism and Paradoxical Nature
In light of this understanding, we look back to explore other symbols like the swastika, which may also convey paradoxes through its designs. The swastika, with its ever-rotating arms exemplifying motion juxtaposed against a still center, resonates with the same underlying complexities, capturing the duality of movement and stillness that forms a core aspect of its symbolic presence.
