Lugh

Lugus Mercurii and Rosmerta A Romano-Celtic depiction of the god of success, skill, and craftsmanship in all arts. He is associated with lightning and was also called upon to witness oaths, uphold justice, and protect the crops. He is shown here with his consort, the goddess of abundance and plenty.

A Modern Table of Correspondences

Names and Epithets Cognates Associates Nature Psyche Times Places Cultsites Symbols Colours Offerings Devotional Activities

Names and Epithets

Ildanach 'Skilled in All Arts'
Lamhfada 'of the Long Hand'
Lethsuanach 'Half-Cloaked'
Lonnbeimnech 'Fierce striker'
MacEthlenn 'Son of Ethniu'
Maicnia 'Young Warrior'
Samildanach 'Equally Skilled in All Arts'
Scal 'Pahantom'
Sétantae 'Knower of Roads and Ways' (not a traditional epithet for Lugh, but the birth name of CuChulainn his son, it is nonetheless very well suited to this god equated with Mercurius in Gaul)

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Cognates

Lugos, Llew, (Odin, Mercury, and Michael)

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Associates

Ethniu (mother)
Cian (father)

Tailtiu (foster mother)
Manannán (foster father)
Bírog

Nás (wife)
Bua (wife)
Englecc (wife)
Echtach (wife)

CúCullainn (son)
Cnú deireóil (son, Finn's harper)

Daithe (his cup bearer)
Abcán (his harper, father of Senbecc)
Bé Cuile & Díanann (his battle witches)

Nuada (who gives sage's seat to Lugh)
Morrigan
Ogma & Dagda

Failinis (his lap dog)

Balor (grandfather & 'adversary')
Brés ('adversary')
Carmen ('adversary')
Donn ('adversary'?)
Crom ('adversary'?)

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Nature

Light
Lightning
Vital force, esp. for Battle, Protection, or Healing
(Protection of) Wild and Cultivated Harvest

NOTE: Even though Lugh is associated with all Light, contrary to Victorian thought, Lugh is NOT a Sun god. He is Light and he is Lightning. The Sun belongs to the goddesses (Áine or Brighid). Fire belongs to the Dagda, and Brighid, the daughter of the Dagda.

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Culture

Oaths, Social Contracts
Overcoming obstacles
Victory & Success
Skill in anything
Protection
Healing
Board Games, esp. Fidchell/Chess
Ball Games, esp. hurling and by association hockey
Horse racing
Shoes and shoemaking

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Psyche

The Self
Individuation
Ecstatic Inspiration
Enlightenment

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Times

Mid-Winter (birth)
Lughnasadh (his victory)

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Places

Hill tops
Marketplaces
Doors
Borders
...under Ash
...under trees bearing Mistletoe (esp. Apple or Oak)

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Cultsites

Tara (Co.Meath)
Rodruban
Loch Lugborta
Luglochta Loga
Knowth (near Brug naBoyne. Co.Meath)
County Louth

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Symbols

Spear - Sleá Bua (Spear of 'Victory') or Gáe Assail
Chain
Scales
Horse
Hound
Raven
Wolf
Seal
Mistletoe
Wren
Twin Serpents

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Colours

White
Gold
Red
Stormy grey and blue
Parti-coloured - Black and white

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Offerings

mead, wine, beer, whiskey
bread
first fruit (especially blackberries)
coins
votive hand
votive shoes
votive weapons esp. spears
votive horses
votive serpents
votive birds
chess pieces
balls
shoemaking implements
implements of/representing your own trade

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Devotional Activities

Go to a high place and observe the heavens.
Become constructively active in the politics which affect your area and your concerns. (At the very least, Vote!)
Play, or learn to play, chess.
Dedicate your athletic victories to him.

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