CELTIC MAGIC

The Druids had a fearsome reputation for magic. They were believed to have the ability to raise storms, winds and mists, and to make the Sun stand still in its course. They could divine the secret names of the Gods of their enemies and call these out in battle to make the opposing tribes tremble with fear. Conversely, as peacemakers, they could through fear command opposing factions in the middle of a war to lay down their arms.

A Druid performing a magic ceremony before Queen Maeve

Druid Magic works according to the natural laws that are available to everyone. Druid Magic observes nature, dances and works with it, rather than attempting to do things out of the natural order. Druid Magic is for self-growth, for the development of abilities, and raising consciousness. The life of nature was their life, and they were a part of its larger community. For the Druid the Universe is the true miracle.

Ancient Celts had a vast knowledge of herbal cures and knew the magical properties of nature. They knew the value of Mother Nature's natural remedies to cure physical and psychological illnesses. The rituals they used included the use of candles, stones, earth, herbs, and incense to strengthen the value of their spells.

The early Irish and Welsh sources are full of Druid Magic. The modern Irish dictionary tells us that the word draiocht means both magic and spells. It comes from the root word draoi, meaning magician, sorceror, and Druid. This etymology (account of) connects the Druids solidly with magic. There are many Druidical stories of transformation and otherwordly power, using magical objects, and casting spells. Overall the ancient Celtic Druids had ways of fending off foes, creating safety for their tribes, and makind surroundings sacred for their practises.

The early Irish Druids divined according to the flight and cries of birds, and in particular the raven, and seeing the raven as a bird of divination and prophecy was lodged so firmly in the folk imagination that as late as 1694 in Hertfordshire a raven was reported to have uttered a prophecy three times. Even today the association of the raven with prophecy and protection is openly fostered in the heart of London at the Tower.

More than 2,000 years ago, in the area we know now as Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, Druid priests held the belief that evil spirits were responsible for bringing about the advent of cold weather and shorter hours of daylight. To placate the spirits, the priests initiated a festival honoring Samhain, the lord of the dead, or Halloween as it's known today. The festival was on Oct. 31, the day before the beginning of the Celtic New Year.

Celtic Druidess

A Druidess, holding a sprig of mistletoe and a sickle, standing next to a dolmen (megalithic structure.) (painting by La Roche, late nineteenth century)

Each Celtic pagan held their own magical powers or attributes. The female deity in the Celtic belief system is considered more important and more powerful. The only day of the week named after a female deity is Friday – Freya (the goddess of war). Danu (Mother Nature or the Great Mother) held the highest position within their belief system. Priestesses were not only revered and highly honored, they were also head of the household.

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