Horned «vs» Antlered

How often the Horned God of the Sabbatic Tradition is depicted as being Antlered- and how frequently the Antlered Lord of some Neopagan Traditions are called ‘Horned’. And yet both are inaccurate, when language matters.

⤞ Horns

Found on Pronghorns, Rams, Bison, and similar animals, Horns are a two part structure consisting of a bone interior extended from the skull, covered by an extended keratin sheath; fitting for the Witch Father or Witch’s Devil due to their association with Imps and other Devils, Christian myth and folklore, and the animalic symbolism of the Ram with the same, as well as the link of them with Domesticity.

⤞ Antlers

Found on members of the Deer family, they grow as a complete extension of the skull; they are true bone and single structured. Fitting for the Neopagan Lord of the Wilds and King of Fertility and Nature due to the Stag’s long symbolism of naturalism, sovereignty and kingship, power, and virility, as well as its association with the Wilds.

Wicca and the Sabbatical tradition in particular are close cousins with much cross pollination. But ultimately if you call upon the Antlered Lord and something with Horns answers your call? It’s safe to say what you are dealing with is not the Antlered Lord at all.