Page 15 - The Flickering Cauldron Magazine - April 2022

On the other hand, what we do know is, they didn’t wash very often.
However, we’ll overlook that as they were the creators of the very first known alphabet. The Ogham.
The Celts fully understood the changing of the seasons, and over time they managed, by observing the moon to know when the changes were coming and the effect the changing of the seasons would have on their lives.
This led to seasonal rituals, all of which would involve the natural elements of water, wind and the earth but also the gift of fire. The celebrations of seasonal changes and the festivities held at the Sabbats were remarkably similar throughout the vast Celtic lands.
Unlike other early civilizations, the Celts seemed to recognise the power of women. Whilst we are pretty sure they would have generally been treated as secondary to men in life, there were many female Deities. That said, women were also fierce warriors, and it was not unusual for them to fight alongside the men, especially if it meant defending their village or settlement.
The all powerful Druids would have been well versed in not just rituals, but the healing (sometimes) abilities of plants and herbs. This in itself would have been seen as magical. The rituals of the Druids would have included the casting of stones, and of the prophecy of colours, the phase of the Moon and of course the enlightening powers of incense.
So, ‘natural’ magic would have been a part of the Celtic day-to-day way of life.
If Pagans in the 21st Century make themselves familiar with the ways of Celtic ‘Magic’ they will empower themselves to see the real magic of nature that is all around them and how to use it.
Our ancients studied the Moon and closely followed its movements, so no surprises that the Celts measured the passing of time by the Moon. All festivities relating to the changing of the seasons were calculated by the position of the Moon as it travelled through the night sky. By which they became familiar with the ebb and flow of the power of the Sun.
In the Celtic calendar of the year, there are 13 phases (months) in a yearly cycle, and each of which are rather not surprisingly, named after trees.
Honouring the passage of time by celebrating the beginning or end of seasons, and the Gods associated with that season, would have meant a great deal to the Celts. Ritual was all to them.
Fire features in many ancient rituals, as indeed it does today, but whereas now we use candles, oils would be burned or bonfires would be set alight.
The Flickering Cauldron® Magazine - The Power of Nature | 15