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Celtic Mythology

Rituals

How Celtic Mythology contributes to the human search for meaning

Rituals were held at times of stress to the community but also likely followed particular schedule based on astronomy and, in particular, the phases of the moon. Prayers and incantations were often to the gods. Offering were made to gain favour of the gods, bring a favourable outcome to a future event, or avert community disasters such as war, drought, floods, and famine. Such offering could take the form of food, precious goods like a piece of jewellery, decorated weapons or armor, or finely made pottery vessels, and, in the case of recovery from illness, Small models of the sufferer or the affected part of the body.

Influence in society

Human search for meaning for the celtic peo;le was largely revolved around their religion as it gave them connection and had set beliefs from which the Celts acted, made decisions from and led their lives to. Human meaning for the Celts was achieved through pleasing the gods, attaining a natural and universal balance and by reaching the otherworld in the afterlife. Through what is left of the historical evidence of the Celtic religion and the people who followed it, it is proven to us that religion was a very controlling apect of their lives

The celtic religion gave answers to its followers just as religion gives us today. The celtic influence helped to shape the history, culture and language of ireland, and contributed to the shaping of many other european civilisations. The celtic religion and its influence is still strongly felt today in the six 'Celtic nations' and the celtic influence is strongly evident in literature, film, music, architectur, culture and language of the world today

Other Beliefs

Origins of the world

Sacred spaces

  • It is objectively excepted that the celtic people believed in natural spirits. Pliny the elder, roman scholar noted the reverence with which the druids treated plants when colecting them for rituals.
  • Trees were believed to be the home of spirits who had power over plants.
  • Myths about creation were conveyed through stories and hymns.
  • While there is no remaining evidence of a creation story in celtic mythology, there are several referances to a cosmogonic myth throughout the songs and hymns that have been passed down.
  • Some older refernces to myths refer to beliefs about the world evolving from a primal state into something similar to the world we know today.
  • There are several stories regarding the creation of islands and mountains, which indicates that there most likely was a creation at one stage in the Celts' history.

Certain natural sites like springs, river sources, and groves were held as sacred. These places as well as some urban sites often had purpose-built temples, shrines, and sanctuaries. Here, druids performed rituals and prayers while offerings of precious goods, as well as animals and human sacrifices, were given to the celtic gods to gain their favour and to ensure the continued success of their community.

Role of Supernatural

The gods were believed to dwell among groves, hills, wells, trees and rivers. This is the reason the Celts had such an affinity and respect for nature

  • Aengus Og - God of youth, beauty and love
  • Dagda - God of the earth
  • Aine of Knockaine - Goddess of youth, beauty and love
  • Eostre - Goddess of spring
  • Macha - Goddess of war, life and death
  • Caer Ibormeith - Goddess of sleep and dreams
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