The Celts appeared in Europe as a recognizable entity c. 800 BC and can be thought of as the earliest Europeans. We do not know where the Celts came from but their music reflects melodies of the East, e.g. China. They were a fluid confederation of tribes united by language, religious outlook and way of life. Their world view was animistic. "This is a recognition of the essential aliveness of nature, not just in a biological sense but as a community of sentient entities, of which the human world was an integral part. Hence, the behavior of a river, the thundercloud, the flock of birds or the solitary stag ... would all be explained in social, emotional or psychological terms." (Webpage: Celtic Myology)The Celts called upon the forces of nature in its many divine forms for protection. This form of prayer became incorporated in the St. Patrick's breastplate which reads:

The Celts had a strong belief in the afterlife which they envisioned as a pleasurable life in a mythic isle. They viewed the Otherworld as the source of fantastical animals and source of magical objects so that their heroes sometimes were on the journey to obtain these magical objects. The recent film trilogy Lord of the Rings is based in part on Celtic Mythology but here the reversal is true. The hero Frodo is helped by the wizard Gandfald on his quest to destroy the magical ring. On their way they are tempted to use the magical power of the ring and must fight the powers of darkness who are trying to steal the ring. In the Celtic mythical view a thin line existed between man and animal so shape shifting, or the taking on of an animal form was a possibility for the gods and heroes from the otherworld.

Each Celtic tribe had their gods and heroes. The Druids were their spiritual leaders and wielded considerable power over their kings due to their magical powers. In Celtic Literature communication with the Otherworld was mediated by the Druids. When beings sought communication with this world, a fog enveloped those present. The Druids role in this instance was to explain the meaning of the fog and to communicate with the beings who caused it. The Druids could themselves create this fog, no doubt, through the technique of illusion. 88 To the Druids, the oak tree was sacred and all their rites were performed under oak tree or at least in the presence of an oak branch. On the dark side, the Druids practiced divination and performed propitiatory human sacrifices.

(Note: Celtic Clip art courtesy of Cari Buziak)

Celtic art with its swirls, circles and geometric figures express the unending
and eternal. They Celts were and are very sensitive to the beauty of the natural world. "They continue to respect and appreciate the clamorous ecstasy of the birdsong at dawn, the wild fury of the charging boar, the blissful mirth of the sparkling stream and the silent grandeur of the looming mountain:even after the surrounding land and non-human had been largely tamed...." (Webpage....) We can sense this love of nature in the Celtic melody "Morning Has Broken" even though the words were written by Eleonor Farjeon (1881-1965). She was inspired by Psalm 118:24 which reads: "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad."

Morning Has Broken

Despite the Celtic poetic and mystical bent of soul, they were fierce in battle and given to cut off the heads of some of their enemies in the belief that the soul resided in the head. Superstition was an integral part of Celtic culture.

Celtic Monasticism