A Druids Path
As one of the most prolific and misunderstood cultures, the Celts and their Druid guides are most known for their magical practices, psychic abilities, and herbalistic healing modalities that are still used in traditional folk medicine today. Here, we will learn some of the Celtic and Druid histories, their Gods and Spirits of the land, their incredible psychic and healing abilities, and how modern neo-pagan Druids practice their craft today.
History
Fun fact to get us started: The Druids and Celts were not directly responsible for the construction of Stonehenge, considered one of the most sacred sites of the Druidic peoples! Stonehenge was the culmination of generations of work, many incarnations of structures (wood, blue stone, etc.), and the blending of many cultures over thousands of years (3000 - 1600 BCE) to make it the sacred site it is today.
No one truly knows why Stonehenge was built! Some believe it was a great place of celebration on the summer and winter solstices, others say it was a place for death ceremonies, the most prevailing theory is that it was just a great place of worship for many cultures, with over a thousand henges like it across the British Isles!
Many pagan cultures utilized sites like this across England, Ireland, and Wales for great gatherings of spiritual significance, Stonehenge being the most famous among them.
The Celts
The Celts originated from Gaul (Germany) and France as nomadic tribes, migrating and expanding across northern Europe in 500 BCE to become its most dominant group for centuries.
With them, they brought a variety of beliefs and practices, with a strong Lunar/ Earth-based spirituality, great festivals to mark important seasons of the year, and worship of nature-based gods and goddesses. The Druids, however, did not originate with the Celts. Existing long before their time with the Celtic peoples, the Druids migrated to the British Isles in 450 - 400 BCE to become interwoven with the Celts for hundreds of years.
The Druids
No one truly knows the name of the priesthood that came to inhabit the UK with the Celts. The name 'Druid' was given to them by The Christian Romans who sought to destroy them and their way of life.
Blending their oral histories and knowledge with the Celtic peoples, they were easily able to integrate their Earth-Based Animistic spirituality with the existing culture, becoming great leaders, mentors, teachers, healers, psychics, and philosophers of that time.
Sadly, much of that rich history and mythology was lost in the wake of their destruction at the hands of the Romans, and as modernity began to spread across Europe. The downside to keeping oral histories as opposed to the written history we practice today.
However!
Not all was lost; many descendants of the Celtic peoples still live today throughout Northern Europe, especially in Ireland, and the monoliths like Stonehenge still stand as a testament to the strength and tenacity of these people and their way of life.
The Resurgence
In recent decades, there has been a massive shift globally, as old ways find new paths in this modern world. Neo-pagans everywhere are bringing back ancient spiritualities like Druidism and Norse paganism and piecing together the remnants of the past to breathe life into these Animistic cultures.
Spirituality
The Celts and the Druids believed in an animistic connection to nature. That all things within nature are connected in a symbiotic relationship between the land, sea, gods, animal kingdom, and mankind.
Living ethically with nature and animals was the highest of virtues, and the practices of wisdom, piety, vision, courage, integrity, perseverance, moderation, and hospitality were the values held in the highest esteem.
Understanding that life comes in cycles of birth, death, and rebirth, the Celts and Druids practiced a Triadic approach to their joined spirituality.
Awen
(The 'Flow of Inspiration' or 'Flow of Spirit/ Essence')
3 was a sacred number to the Celtic Druids, the number encompassing their rituals, magic, and connection to nature through the use of 'Awen's Triad' and 'The Three Kindreds'.
Awen's Triad
The Harmony of Self: Mind, Body, Spirit.
The Wholeness of Earth: Land, Sea, Sky.
Three Grades of Druidism: Bard, Ovate, Druid.
The Three Realms: Underworld, Middle World, Upper World.
The Triple Aspect of a Deity or Spirit.
The Three Kindred: Love, Wisdom, Truth.
The Three Kindreds - An Honour to our Ancestors
The Shinning Ones
The oldest and wisest of the Tuatha De Dannan (Ancient Irish Gods), the people of the Goddess Danu, which represented the ancient tribes of Ireland. These 'Shining ones' represent the first Mother and Father, Powers of Love, and inspiration.
The Mighty Ones
The spirits of our Ancestors represent our hearts, blood, and heroes.
The Noble Ones
Represents nature spirits, ancestors of land and place, trees, animals, and even the Fae.
The Celts and Druids would celebrate many pagan festivals, make sacrifices of animals and harvests, and seek wisdom and meditation in nature to help them connect to The Three Kindreds, as well as tapping into Awen's Triad to guide daily living.
Druidic Meditations And Casting of Circles
'To Connect, To Clear, To Seek'
To Connect: (Mindfulness) Sitting in Nature, lying down and feeling the body's sensations, and walking and connecting to wherever you are.
To Clear: To create clarity and bring focus to our breath and energies. Allows true feelings, ideas, and revelations to arise.
To Seek: What answers a specific need? What focus can we bring to shamanic practices? How can we use seeking practices to connect to our ancestors, otherworlds, guides, spirits, and inner wisdom to bring otherworldly insight to everyday life?
Preparation for Meditations/ Rituals
Breathwork: One of the most effective preparations for any meditation is to find a place of peace like a park, river, or sacred space where you can sit or lie down and focus on the breath of self. A simple breath technique utilized is 'The Three Breaths', tied to the Triad (Land, Sky, and Sea) where we take three deep breaths before beginning the meditation.
Casting a Circle
Clear a space and define the four coordinate directions of North, East, South, and West. Each direction has a coinciding element and talismans that can be used to represent the physical objects of the elements themselves:
East: Air - Feathers, Smoke, Incense, Smudge sticks
West: Water - Sea shells, Chalice, Water
North: Earth - Crystals, Rocks, Plants
South: Fire - Candle, Matches
When your circle has been cast and all elements incorporated, in their Nodes, you can then stand in the center of the circle and call the elements to you, starting with the East.
East: "Spirits of Air, I call on you". West: "Spirits Of Water, I call on you". North: 'Spirits of Earth, I call on you'. South: 'Spirits of Fire, I call on you'.
Once the circle is ready and blessings called, you can either begin your meditation, or call on your ancestors for guidance, and even spirits of the land for blessings, thanking each for their offerings.
'Thank you, The Circle is Cast, Blessed Be'.
When you have completed your meditation, ritual, or practice, bow to each node and offer the final message: 'Thank you, The Circle is Closed'.
This is a great starter when learning how to connect to the elements and nature spirits. From here, you can create your variations and meditative practices that are more tailored to you.
There is one thing that Druids are most known for, above all others: And that is their sacred connection to trees.
Sacred Trees
Three primary sacred trees are connected to Druidism practice: Ash, Blackthorn, and Oak. Below, we will break down some of the trees that contributed to the practice of Druidism.
Oak Tree
Keywords: Protection, strength, resilience, and nobility.
Note: The most Sacred of trees to the Druids, with many temples and rituals held in Oak Groves. Even the legend of Merlin states that he practiced his magics in Oak groves and wielded an oak wand. The Deity Daghda, Chief among the Celtic Gods and Oak King, rules over the light half of the year (Spring and Summer) and is the dual half of the Dark God 'Tinne', The Holy King.
Meaning: Strength to prevail through hard times, the oak calls on you to show strength and gives protection to others in need.
Holly Tree
Keywords: Unity, courage, and protection.
Meaning: The evergreen plant is connected to spiritual testing. The wood is used in the construction of tools and weapons, and is a plant of protection for warriors. Also called 'Tinne', the Holly plant represents 'The Holy King', who rules over the dark half of the year (Autumn and Winter) and is the dual half of the Sun God Daghda of the ancient Celts.
Blackthorn Tree
Keywords: Authority, control, obstacles, negative forces, strength over adversity.
Note: The Blackthorn has a grim reputation in Celtic Mythology. It is the sister tree to Hawthorn, and as such, the Blackthorn Tree grows stronger in winter when other trees wither and die. It is associated with the Goddess Cailleach, ruler of winter and death.
Meaning: Life may alter plans for you, or hinder movement forward. Any obstacles you face will make you stronger, as life may change unexpectedly, but this dramatic shift may be for your greatest good.
Ash Tree
Keywords: Change, order, and balance.
Meaning: Connection to the law of the harvest is one of the three sacred trees of the Celts, and helps us connect to our inner and outer worlds. It represents remembrance, our connection to the world around us, and that every action has a consequence.
Birch Tree
Keywords: New beginnings, change, release, and rebirth.
Silver Birch: Portal to otherworlds and represents the Celtic Goddess Arianrhod.
Meaning: Maybe a sign that you need to get rid of any negative influences in your life, making way for a period of spiritual and emotional release.
Rowan Tree
Keywords: Insights, protection, and blessings.
Note: Wood from the Rowan Tree can be used for protection against enchantment, and can be hung as a blessed plant over thresholds to ward off evil spirits.
Meaning: Follow your instincts, not to be fooled by anyone or anything.
Alder Tree
Keywords: Strength, courage, guidance, and wisdom.
Meaning: It was once used to make shields. Its greatest symbolism is that it is typically found in swampy areas, and yet, it doesn't rot like other trees do. It grows stronger.
Willow Tree
Keywords: Intuition, divination, dreams, and emotions.
Meaning: It offers protection and healing while being closely connected to the cycles of the moon and womanhood.
Healing: In folk medicine, Willow Bark is used to treat fevers, coughs, inflammatory issues, and pain. In modern medicine, the constituents of Willow Bark are used to make aspirin!
Hawthorne Tree
Keywords: Horror, fear, defense, and obstruction.
Meaning: Considered an enchanted tree by the Goddess Olwen. Ancient Celts saw them as entrances to the Otherworld, as they are often located near wells and springs.
Elder Tree
Keywords: Endings and Beginnings
Meaning: Elder Trees are easy to damage, however, they recover quickly. It is also connected to the Goddess in all her aspects: Maiden, Mother, and Crone.
It is the Crone who guards the Elder Tree and brings bad luck to any who would harm the tree.
Pine Tree
Keywords: Purification, perspective, and vision.
Note: The pine tree has existed three times longer than any other flowering plant species! Hailed by the Druids as symbols of enlightenment and real vision. When the wood is burned, it creates fragrant smells used in purification rituals.
Meaning: A need to develop a new perspective on a situation, or as a guide to pondering where any recently gained wisdom is leading you in life.
Yew Tree
Keywords: Transition and Renewal.
Meaning: Yew is the Celtic symbol of Eternal Life, able to live and endure for thousands of years. The yew heralds the gateway of transition, and that new cycles are on their way.
Vine
Keywords: Love and Esteem.
Meaning: Connected to truth, prophecy, and inner development, the fruit of vines is used to make wine (where, under the influence, we tend to speak truths) and is a symbol of honesty with ourselves and others. Vine can help us to realize deep desires or personal projects we may have.
The worship of trees and the deities tied to them was sacred and fundamental to the practice of the Celts. Many of their deities were connected not only to the trees but to sacred times of the year and seasons. To this day, some of the biggest pagan festivals celebrated in the UK have roots in ancient Celtic festivals of life and death.
Let's learn more!
The Celts and Druids held a close connection to nature and the spirits that inhabited the land.
Below, we will find the Wheel of the Year, Celtic Festivals, and some land spirits that we can connect to when meditating in nature!
Gods & Spirits
In Celtic history and mythology, there are many different gods and goddesses that these Germanic tribes came to worship over thousands of years. The most famous are the Tuatha De Dannan, an ancient supernatural race that came to inhabit Ireland, but many others came before and after the arrival of the Druids, and some stem back to ancient spirits that no longer have a name that can be remembered. Note here that the Celts and Druids kept no written records, passing knowledge orally through the generations until the arrival of the Romans in the 1st century BCE and the Christians in the 6th century, who detailed the stories.
Tuatha De Dannan
The family of Gods that settled in the West (Ireland) and its most important members are Boann, Brigit, Danu, Dagda, Dian, Cecht, Gobniu, Lugh, Macha, and Nuada.
History: Known as the fifth group to arrive and settle in mythical Ireland, the Tuatha De Danann were said to hail from four cities in the Emerald Isle and, in their journey, had learned the arts, sciences, and magics of other lands. Dagda was considered the chief of these deities, having fathered most of them. However, he was not the king of the Tuatha De Danann.
The Four Treasures: Dagda’s Cauldron, Sword of Light, Lugh’s Spear, Stone of Fate.
- Dagda’s Cauldron was said to have an unending bounty of food
- Sword of Light was said to protect the bearer
- Lugh’s Spear was said to never miss its mark
- The stone of fate can be found at the ‘Hill of Tara’, and it is said that at this stone, the god-kings would be coronated, shouting in joy as they stepped onto it and were filled with joy and rejuvenated energies.
God Kings
Nuada was the first king of the Tuatha De Danann, long before they came to Ireland, however, he lost an arm in a fight with firblogs, and due to the custom of kings being ‘unblemished’, he had to forfeit his throne. Miach a healing god, made a metal arm for Nuada; however, it would take seven years to make, while another kind ruled.
Breas took over for Nuada, and as a child of both the Tuatha De Danann and the Fomorians, he was appointed to bring peace between these tribes. However, he favored the Fomorians and sought to enslave the Tuatha De Danaan until the return of Nuada. With his new arm, he was considered whole once more and fit to rule, and after a bloody battle, he was victorious, reigning for many years after.
Lugh is described as the ‘Champion of the Gods’; he was known for his spear and strong arms, his many children, and for defeating his grandfather, King Balor of the Fomorians. Lugh is of many tribes, his bloodline from the Tuatha De Danann, Fir Bogs, and Fomorians, and he would come to be king of the Tuatha De Danann after the murder of Nuada at the hands of Balor, where Lugh slayed his grandfather and become one of the most highly regarded kings of Ireland, uniting the many tribes that warred there.
Though there are many Gods and Goddesses that make up the Tuatha De Dannan Pantheon, the three below are some of the most important historically, and we will learn about them in some detail below.
Danu
The Mother Goddess
History: Worshiped and revered by both mortals and other gods in Celtic mythology, Danu is the great mother goddess, and the Tuatha De Danann can be translated to ‘The Tribe of Danu’ and was thought to be the mother of The Dagda. Many legends give rise to her fame, but one is where she nurtured a great oak tree, their union bringing forth The Dagda, while other legends state that Danu and Dagda were husband and wife, bringing forth the supernatural race of Tuatha De Danann (which is the more widely accepted legend). She is said to be the goddess of fertility, abundance, and wisdom, and though her origins aren’t clear, she attains such a matriarchal position in the Tuatha De Danann that one can assume she is linked to the Celtic Creation Myth.
Depictions: a beautiful woman with long wavy hair and a beautiful gown and cloak of blues and red.
Symbols: fish, horses, water, wind, crowns, gold, and amber.
Dagda
Father of All
History: One of the most important figures in Irish mythology, Dagda is the father of all gods in the Tuatha De Dannan, portrayed as a father figure, king, and druid. He holds power over life and death, is highly skilled and wise, with a mastery over many crafts, and he was often depicted with three sacred treasures: A ‘Cauldron of Plenty’, a ‘Club of Life and Death’, and a harp that controlled men and the seasons. With these abilities and sacred tools, Dagda was seen as a god of order, putting everything in its proper place. When the Tuatha De Danann went to settle in Ireland, a war broke out between them and the existing land settlers, the Fomorians, said to be a monstrous race ruled by a cruel king. His wife at the time, Morrigan, prophesied they would win the battle, but at a price, and they fought this tribe, only to have Dagda mortally wounded. He would eventually die after 80 or so years leading the Tuatha De Danann, and now it is said one can speak with him at fairy mounds as he was laid to rest in the mounds.
Depictions: A giant with long hair and a beard, wearing a woolen cloak, was seen as both an unruly, gruff man and a wily, wise, and witty man of good looks and charm.
Symbols: The Coire Ansic or ‘Cauldron of Plenty’ which he would provide a generous feast, a Lorg Mór or ‘Club of Life and Death’ where he could slay and resurrect a man, and the Uaithne; a harp that he could set the seasons to their right place and command the wills and emotions of men.
Lugh
God of Craftsmanship
History: He is known as a Solar deity and was once a leader of the Tuatha De Danann. Described as the ‘Champion of the Gods’, he was known for his spear and strong arms, his many children, and for defeating his grandfather, King Balor of the Fomorians. Lugh is of many tribes, his bloodline from the Tuatha De Danann, Fir Bogs, and Fomorians, and he would come to be king of the Tuatha De Danann after the murder of Nuada at the hands of Balor, where Lugh slayed his grandfather and become one of the most highly regarded kings of Ireland, uniting the many tribes that warred there. He is also associated with the festival of Lughnasadh, which takes place on August 1st, which would mark the first harvest of the year.
Depictions: a young man, built strong with large arms and carrying a great spear.
Symbols: Spear
Offerings: At the time of Lughnasadh, one can make offerings of grain, corn, and bread.
Rituals: bonfires, singing, and dancing while celebrating life are the best ways to mark time with Lugh.
In the Tuatha De Dannan pantheon, many other gods and goddesses can guide and connect to mankind.
They are:
Cernunnos - The Horned God
Brighid – Triple Goddess of Fire
Morrigan – Goddess of War
Diancecht – Goddess of Healing and Medicine - Patron to Herbalists
Eostre – Goddess of Spring and fertility
Ingrid – Goddess of Fire and Battle
Cailleach – Goddess of Winter and Plague
Ceridwen – Goddess of Inspiration and Wisdom
Epona – Goddess of Horses and Soul Journey
Aengus - God of Love and Youth
Arawn - God Of The Underworld
To commune with them, you will need to discover that for yourself! But let us now explore Land and Plant Spirits, as they too played an important role in Celtic Spiritual Practices.
How to Commune with Land and Plant Spirits
Inner Listening: Communing with nature may come as an image, word, song, or energetic pull to a place or element.
Outer Listening: Messages nature sends, leaves falling, weather, wind, unexpected scenery, strange animal or insect movements that uniquely pull your attention.
Energy Exchange: Placing a hand on natural objects like trees, ground, in water, or collecting natural objects like flowers, sticks, rocks, and crystals with which you can exchange energies.
Sacred Sites: Going to places of connection and spiritual meaning like groves, landmarks, wells, rivers, and temples. In these places, you can leave offerings, ask for blessings, and call on spirits for guidance.
Some deities that are great to call on and connect to:
Brigit: Goddess of Hearth and Home
Coventina: Goddess of Water, Prophecy, Knowledge, and Inspiration
Ana or Danu: Mother Goddess with an affinity for Earth and Water
Some offerings that can be brought to sacred places as gifts to nature are apples, herbs, crystals, and my personal favorite: Tea.
'I take a cup of tea to my trees and offer some of it to them by pouring it on the roots, it's like sharing a cuppa with my favorite spirits and having a catch-up about life'. - Sharnii Elliott
Wheel Of The Year
The Four Seasons
Litha: Summer
Yule: Winter
Ostara: Spring
Mabon: Autumn
Festivals
Four major Fire Festivals make up the Gaelic and Celtic Years (Beltane, Samhain, Imbolc, and Lughnasadh), with the seasonal changes observed and celebrated through the solstices and equinoxes!
Dec 21st: Alban/ Arthan/ Yule- The Winter Solstice
- Shortest day of the year, "The Light of Arthur".
- A time to embrace darkness, slowness, quiet of life, and to be present, experiencing darkness for what it is, a time of death and rebirth.
- Cut mistletoe from sacred Oak trees and give it as a blessing, with the mistletoe fruit representing a symbol of light in the darkness.
Feb 1st: Imbolc - Beginning of Spring and Saint Brigid's Day
- The first of 4 Celtic festivals between winter and spring, and represents the hearth and home.
- Marks the return of light and our reconnection to nature, dedicated to the Goddess Brigit, Goddess of fire, fertility, healing, muse, and poets.
- Can be celebrated with spring cleaning, lighting eight candles in the center of a ceremonial circle, and feasting with family and friends.
Mar 21st: Alban-Eiler/ Ostara - The Spring Equinox and Goddess Eostre
- 'The Light of Earth', where light and darkness gain balance.
- With light gaining strength, now is a time to contemplate new beginnings, while seeking balance and marking the beginning of fertility and growth.
Fun Fact! The modern celebration of Easter came from this celebration, with the Goddess Eostre. Her patron animal was the hare, and the giving and receiving of eggs symbolized the gift of fertility she could bestow on her followers.
May 21st: Beltane - Beginning of Summer
- Beginning of the Celtic summer and the second Fire Festival that celebrated youth, vitality, and the divine feminine.
- It was customary to perform fertility rituals, maypole dancing, and planting the seeds for the harvest, as well as host bonfires where the ashes would be scattered to protect plants, livestock, and people for the year to come.
Jun 21st: Alban Hefin/ Litha - Summer Solstice
- Longest day of the year, "The Light of Summer".
- Marks the turning point of summer and heralds the time of the Dark Twin, known as 'The Holly King', who rules over the darker half of the year. This was one of the greatest fire festivals of the year, where the Druids and Celtic peoples would travel to Stonehenge for the biggest celebration in the Pagan calendar.
- A time to gain divine inspiration, sitting in meditation to welcome the 'light of the world' and awaken at dawn for the Druid's prayer of light and protection for the winter months ahead.
Aug 1st: Lughnasadh - Celebration of the God Lugh and the beginning of the harvest season
-The biggest harvest festival of the year, and a time of reaping what we have sown.
- A Time for Death, Rebirth, and Sacrifice
- A celebration of the King of the Tuatha De Dannan, Lugh, where masculine activities would take place, with contests, races, feats of strength, and more.
-Also, a celebration of the 'Green Man', known as John Barleycorn, he sacrifices himself every year to enable human life on earth through winter.
-To celebrate, decorate homes with poppy or cornflowers to lament the death of the Green Man, and create alters to place offerings of wheat or grains, surrounded by candles to guide the gifts to Lugh through the winter.
Sep 21st: Alban Elfed/ Mabon - The Fall Equinox
- "The Light of Water" and the end of Summer.
- The time when summer turns to winter, and where day and night are of equal length.
- Celebration of the harvest, balance, peace, thanksgiving, and reflection.
- To celebrate, offer gratitude, and cook a feast with family and friends.
Nov 1st: Samhain - Summer's End Festival, and kicks off the Celtic New Year
- Commonly known as 'All Hallow's Eve' or Halloween, Samhain was a festival celebrated over three days and marked the beginning of the new year.
- A time to connect with ancestors and spirits of the otherworld as the veil between worlds is at its thinnest.
- Druids built large bonfires and danced, dressed in costumes and animal heads, honoring the festival of darkness.
- A time to contact spirits through rituals of fire to gain insight, seek advice, and honor their wisdom.
- To celebrate, host a feast for the dead, placing a setting for departed loved ones, and when the feast is concluded, set out the food and drink offerings in nature.
- Cailleach: The Goddess of Destruction, represented by the Hag or Crone, and has command of weather and storms. She teaches us that through death and destruction, rebirth and new life can grow.
The Celts had a rich and wonderful history, with great celebrations and honoring of their ancestors and gods. With the guidance of the Druids, they prospered for hundreds of years, planting the seeds for many neo-pagan movements that exist today.
This brings us to the end of the History of the Celts and Druids!