Manannan Mac Lir

The spirit and energy of the ocean, Manannan is the Celtic god for whom the Isle Of Man (Mannin) was named. Often referred to as the son of Lir (Llyr), Manannan's father was the origin for Shakespeare's King Lear. Manannan appears in the Arthurian legends by his Welsh name in the tale of Culhwch And Olwen, and as Barinthus The Ferryman after the Battle Of Camlann.

Manannan is associated with Avalon, and is the guardian of the gateways between Earthworld and the Isle Of Apples. He is mentioned in several Celtic tales, and is seen as both god and magician. He possesses several magickal treasures, including a sword against which there is no defence and a breastplate that cannot break. These items obviously represent the power of the sea. Another of Manannan's possessions is a magickal colour-changing cloak, and this is a literal way of describing sea mist.

Manannan is sometimes calm and sometimes restless, but always inspiring. Watching the ocean is a magickal experience, for the spiritual energy of water affects us deeply. Afterall, our bodies consist mostly of water, and the sea was our original home during the earliest stages of evolution.

Despite mankind's unceasing efforts to polute and plunder the oceans, Manannan survives. Yet that is not to say we should resist efforts to protect the environment. Manannan's realm contains fragile reefs and a myriad creatures of unimaginable diversity; all of which are under threat from our actions.

Although our spirituality relies on the ancient legends for inspiration, Paganism is truly a religion for modern times. By acknowledging and worshipping gods such as Manannan, we are shown today's quests, and protecting the environment is one of those tasks.