Taranis, pronounced “TAIR-an-us,” is the Gaulish God of Thunder worshiped in Gaul, the British Isles, and Rhineland. He is associated with the Wheel of Taranis, which is a four-spoked wheel said to mark the solstices and the equinoxes. This wheel is also sometimes depicted with eight spokes, and some have speculated that this represents the Quarter Days and the Cross-Quarter Days, but there is little archaeological evidence to support the theory that Gaulish peoples celebrated all eight High Days. The Wheel is a graphic representation of the Wheel of the Year. As such, Taranis is also associated with the changing seasons, the passage of time, and the weather.
The oak is associated with Taranis, as his worshipers are depicted gathering beneath oaks. Snapping turtles are sometimes associated with Taranis, as it is said that their snapping brings forth the thunder.
Invoke Taranis when power is needed. If he comes into your life, look for a stormy and turbulent time ahead!
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