Interpretations of figures generally fall into four main categories: fertility icons, warnings against sins of flesh, representations of a figure from old Celtic goddess trinity, and protection from evil.

gCioch" ("sheela of breasts") or "Sile-ina-Giob" ("sheela on her hunkers"). In Encyclopedia of Sacred Sexuality, Rufus Camphausen notes that in Mesopotamia term "nu-gug" ("the pure and immaculate ones") referred to sacred temple harlots, and he postulates that name may somehow have had its origins there. Kathryn Price Theatana outlines an interesting etymological study of name on her website-- well worth a look. Even though image is overtly sexual representation is always grotesque, sometimes even comical. They are usually associated with "hags" or "old women". The carvings often incorporate ribs showing on torso and sometimes facial scaring as well, although this feature seems to be more common in Ireland than in mainland Britain.

Anderson, Jorgen. The Witch on Wall: Medieval Erotic Sculpture in British Isles. Rosenkilde and Baggen, Copenhagen, 1997

Camphausen, Rufus. The Encyclopedia of Sacred Sexuality. Inner Traditions: Vermont, 1999.

Cherry, S. A Guide to Sheela-na-gigs. National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, 1992

From Beyond Pale: Art and Artists at Edge of Consensus. Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin, 1994 (This was catalog that accompanied exhibit of same name that ran from September 1994- January 1995 at Irish Museum of Modern Art)

Kelly, Eamonn P. Sheela-na-gigs: Origins and Functions. Country House, Dublin, 1996

Marron, Fiona. "Sheela-na-gig: A Letter from Fiona Marron". The Beltaine Papers. Issue #10, Lammas 1996

McGarry, Greg. Sheila Na Gig: A Celtic Treasure Hunt. Preas An Phuca, Donegal, 1993

Associated Color: Blue; Area of Magick: Fertility spells; Harvest; water magick; Protection; Home and Hearth; new beginnings About Nantosuelta: Her name means "of winding stream". She helps to cleanse our mind body and spirit. In art, she is portrayed carrying a corncupia and holding model of a house, giving her magickal correspondences of protection and home and hearth. According to some experts, her consort was Sucellos who was portrayed as a river god.

To Honor Goddess: To honor Nantosuelta cleanse your body inside and out with water. Water also symbolizes emotions so let go of all negative emotions. Imagine them floating away down a river. See any disease being washed away by goddess who is a water goddess. Since she is a goddess of health and home see her filling your home with positive emotion. Resources

Celtic Mythology, Proinsias & MacCana, Hamlyn (1970) | The Celts, Time Life Books (1974) | Celtic Mysteries, John Sharkey, Crossroad New York (1975) | Pagan Celtic Britain, Anne Ross, Columbia University Press (1967) | The Celts, T.G.E. Powell, Thames & Hudson (1980) | Celtic Civilization, J. Markale, Gordon & Cremonesi (1978) | The Gods of Celts, Miranda Green Ph.D., Barnes & Noble Books (1986) | Asterix & Obelix, Umberzo & Goscinny. | The Celtic World, Barry Cunliffe, St. Martin's Press (1990) ) | Celtic Mythology, Myths and Legends of Celtic World, Arthur Cotterell, Smithmark (1997) | The World of Druids, Miranda Green Ph.D., Thames & Hudson (1997) | The Elements of Celtic Tradition, Caitlín Matthews, Element Books Inc. (1989) | The Art of Celts, Iain Zaczek, Parkgate Books Ltd. (1997)