Celestial Ancient MTG Card


Grants a 4/4 flyer with each enchantment, creating multiple threats from single plays. Enchantment synergy allows for resource-efficient board growth and powerful instant-speed interactions. Drawbacks include a specific mana cost and the potential to deplete your hand quickly.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Elemental
Abilities Flying
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Flying Whenever you play an enchantment spell, put a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control.

"We thought the clouds had moved from the night sky. Then the night sky moved, and the horizon grew wings." —Josuri


Cards like Celestial Ancient

In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Celestial Ancient occupies a unique space in the enchantment creatures niche. This card garners attention for its ability to accumulate +1/+1 counters every time you cast an enchantment spell, inviting comparisons to cards like Ethereal Armor. The difference lies in the focus; while Ethereal Armor boosts a single creature based on enchantment count, Celestial Ancient spreads the love across the battlefield, potentially empowering multiple creatures over time.

Another card that resonates with the theme of Celestial Ancient is Ajani’s Chosen. Both cards capitalize on enchantment casting, but Ajani’s Chosen creates a 2/2 white Cat creature token for each enchantment, offering a different form of board presence. There is also the renowned Sigil of the Empty Throne, which, like Celestial Ancient, rewards players for casting enchantments, yet through the angle of creating 4/4 white Angel creature tokens with flying, arguably providing a more immediate and impactful board state.

While each card supports enchantment strategies in their own right, Celestial Ancient prompts a more gradual but widespread strategy, allowing players to build a formidable army as enchantments stack up. Catering to those who enjoy a deck that thrives on synergy and cumulative effects, this card is a staple for enchantment-focused deck builders.

Ethereal Armor - MTG Card versions
Ajani's Chosen - MTG Card versions
Sigil of the Empty Throne - MTG Card versions
Ethereal Armor - MTG Card versions
Ajani's Chosen - MTG Card versions
Sigil of the Empty Throne - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Celestial Ancient by color, type and mana cost

Veteran Bodyguard - MTG Card versions
Rashida Scalebane - MTG Card versions
Avenging Angel - MTG Card versions
Lancers en-Kor - MTG Card versions
Radiant, Archangel - MTG Card versions
Karmic Guide - MTG Card versions
Master Healer - MTG Card versions
Angel of Mercy - MTG Card versions
Serra Angel - MTG Card versions
Border Patrol - MTG Card versions
Enduring Angel // Angelic Enforcer - MTG Card versions
Sigardian Savior - MTG Card versions
Glory - MTG Card versions
Celestial Gatekeeper - MTG Card versions
Collector Protector - MTG Card versions
Kiyomaro, First to Stand - MTG Card versions
Belfry Spirit - MTG Card versions
Petra Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Barrenton Medic - MTG Card versions
Ivory Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Veteran Bodyguard - MTG Card versions
Rashida Scalebane - MTG Card versions
Avenging Angel - MTG Card versions
Lancers en-Kor - MTG Card versions
Radiant, Archangel - MTG Card versions
Karmic Guide - MTG Card versions
Master Healer - MTG Card versions
Angel of Mercy - MTG Card versions
Serra Angel - MTG Card versions
Border Patrol - MTG Card versions
Enduring Angel // Angelic Enforcer - MTG Card versions
Sigardian Savior - MTG Card versions
Glory - MTG Card versions
Celestial Gatekeeper - MTG Card versions
Collector Protector - MTG Card versions
Kiyomaro, First to Stand - MTG Card versions
Belfry Spirit - MTG Card versions
Petra Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Barrenton Medic - MTG Card versions
Ivory Gargoyle - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Celestial Ancient gives you an immediate advantage by creating a 4/4 flying creature every time you play an enchantment, effectively generating multiple threats with one card.

Resource Acceleration: With its ability to grow stronger for each enchantment you control, it accelerates your board presence without needing additional mana investments, maximizing your resources each turn.

Instant Speed: While Celestial Ancient itself isn’t an instant, it benefits from enchantments played at instant speed, allowing sudden and potentially game-changing boosts during any phase of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Celestial Ancient demands you to discard a card upon triggering its ability, potentially depleting your hand when you might need those resources for future plays.

Specific Mana Cost: Its casting cost includes two white mana, which could hinder deck flexibility, particularly in multicolored decks or those with a more ambitious mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Celestial Ancient’s five mana cost could be taxing on your mana resources, especially when considering the curve of your deck and the speed of the current meta.


Reasons to Include Celestial Ancient in Your Collection

Versatility: Celestial Ancient fits seamlessly into enchantment-based decks, enhancing their potency. As you cast enchantments, it bolsters your creatures, making them tougher in combat.

Combo Potential: With Celestial Ancient, the synergy it creates with enchantments can lead to explosive plays. Each enchantment not only serves its original purpose but also grows your board presence, a combo enabler in itself.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where enchantments are prevalent, Celestial Ancient becomes increasingly valuable. Its ability to scale with each enchantment you cast positions it as a constant threat on the battlefield.


How to beat

Celestial Ancient is an intriguing element within the pantheon of creatures, distinguished by its ability to bolster your other creatures whenever you cast an enchantment. Navigating against this card requires a strategy that disrupts the synergy it creates. Removal spells are your most straightforward option. Efficient spells like Path to Exile or Rapid Hybridization can remove Celestial Ancient before the enchantment buffs begin to accumulate.

Another tactic is to limit the enchantment plays themselves. Counterspells such as Negate can be crucial in stopping key enchantments from hitting the battlefield. When the Ancient has already beefed up its allies, sweeping the board with spells like Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the state of play, effectively diminishing Celestial Ancient’s impact.

Preventive measures can also be effective, such as pressure tactics that keep your opponent on the defensive. Early aggression can force them to respond to your threats instead of establishing their own game. In conclusion, dealing with Celestial Ancient involves timely interference with either its presence on the battlefield or the enchantments that trigger its growth, and maintaining a tempo that keeps your adversary off balance.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the nuances of Celestial Ancient can transform your strategy in MTG. This card’s natural home is within enchantment-driven strategies, accelerating your board state significantly with each enchantment cast. Consider incorporating removal and counterplay tactics to your MTG toolset, as they are essential when facing opponents with Celestial Ancient in play. This card’s potential to change the tides of combat underscores the importance of a well-rounded approach. If you’re eager to harness the full power of Celestial Ancient or develop strategies to outpace it, join our community. Delve deeper into strategic analysis and optimize your deck to stay ahead in the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Celestial Ancient MTG card by a specific set like Dissension and Planechase 2012, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Celestial Ancient and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Celestial Ancient Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2006-05-05 and 2016-11-25. Illustrated by Mark Tedin.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12006-05-05DissensionDIS 72003NormalBlackMark Tedin
22012-06-01Planechase 2012PC2 52003NormalBlackMark Tedin
32015-11-13Commander 2015C15 632015NormalBlackMark Tedin
42016-11-25Planechase AnthologyPCA 52015NormalBlackMark Tedin
52020-09-26The ListPLST DIS-72003NormalBlackMark Tedin

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Celestial Ancient has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal