"To the peoples of antiquity, the isle of Britain was the very home and environment of mystery, a sacred territory. To enter was to encroach upon the region of enchantment, the dwellings of the gods"
- Lewis Spence
The Celts were a branch of the Indo-European people who migrated around 3000 B.C. from their homeland, west of the Black Sea. They were a loosely knit group of tribes with a common culture and language. By about 400 B.C., they were recognizable as a distinct culture.
The Celts were known for the fairness of their laws. Within the Celtic tribe, or clan, there were three levels of recognition. First was the king, a descendent of a hero or warrior leader who was recognized for his prowess in battle. Next were the warriors, chosen for their ability to protect and defend the clan during times of attack. Last came the common people, who were the herders, farmers and producers of the products needed for sustaining daily life.
Seperate from the clan and yet a part of it were the Druid priests, the Celtic clergy.
This special priesthood, like the tribe, was devided into three classes, each with its own functions and responsibilities.
First in order was the Druid/Derwydd, who was adviser to the king and acted as a judge and lawyer to the people. He also held authority in worship and ritual.
Next were the Ovates/Ovydd, who were the priests and priestesses in charge of prophecy and divination.
In the last grade were the Bards/Bardd, who were poets, musicians, and keepers of tradition. They were trained in music, history, and song-spell. An Arch-Druid ruled all three groups. The senior brethren (those considered the most learned) elected the Arch-Druid by lot.
The Celtic cosmology and Druid spiritual system were based on the fundemental belief in the Law of Three (or the Logical order of the Triad), which was the association of humans with nature combined with divinity.
This produced a religious system that was monotheistic in its underlying creed. (Druids believed in one creator), but polytheistic in its ritualistic practices (they worshipped many gods and goddesses).
Prior to Christianity, this dualistic approach toward religion was common, especially in agucultural cultures. Because of their association with the land and animals, these people were more aware of the subtle energies and power potential of natural phenomena.
The Druids unfortunately did not keep written records of their spiritual practices. Most of what we know about them comes from the records of their conquerors and the myths and legends of the bards.
The influence of both the Druids and the Celtic culture on Western culture cannot be ignored. The Druids left a rich heritage of symbolism, celebration, and worship.
The most recognized of their customs are the seasonal celebrations. The Druid festival of Samhain became All Hallows' Eve, which we now celebrate as Halloween. The fertility festival of Beltane became May Day.
Carving pumpkins, kissing under the mistletoe, Easter egg hunting, and May pole dancing were all passed down from our Celtic ancestors.
As the priests of the Celtic people, the Druids taught belief in the soul's eternal nature and that all forms of creation contain a living spirit.
According to an ancient Druid saying, "Spirit sleeps in the mineral, breath in the vegetable, dreams in the animal, and wakes in man."
