Most people are at least aware of the term "Celt" and are aware that the British Isles are referred to as the Celtic regions. But for most, that is where their familiarity with the Celts ends. *Some* Celtic traditions and beliefs are a basis for *some* of the beliefs of certain neo-pagan traditions, and I feel it's important to have an idea of who the Celts were and be aware of their basic beliefs and heritage. Here, I will give you some brief history of the Celts and their heritage.

Today, it is known that their are at least seven Celtic nations. These nations are separate, but are all related and connected by a common culture and history. These nations are:
Alba (Scotland), Briezh (Brittanny), Eire (Ireland), Cymru (Wales), Kernow (Cornwall), Galicia (Spain), and Mannin (Isle of Man). The peoples of these different nations then lived in different smaller groups and looser formations know as tribes- or clans. The tribes would migrate across the territories out of need for more land, water, food, and to avoid tribal rivalries and wars.
Fourteen different tribes have been identified by the Romans (the Romans were the group who recorded the majority of the Celtic history- the Celts did not have written historical accounts). These tribes are:
Aedui, Durotriges, Iceni, Helvetii, Nervii, Boii, Trinovantes, Volcae, Eravisci, Venetii, Averni, Brigantes, Scordisci, and Parisi. At their peak in history, the Celtic people inhabited a vast area of Europe, ranging from the British Isles, to Spain, through France, Germany, Belgium, and also into Turkey.

The Celts built no cities or empires and had no written language, so our knowledge of them is varied and we have had to piece together information written about them by Romans and Greeks, ancient historians, and information gathered from legends, folklore, mythology, and archaeology. The Greeks and Romans generally viewed the Celts as strange and uncivilized people, sometimes considering them less intelligent and untrustworthy.Their impressions of the Celts were generally unfavorable because in ancient times, the Romans were on a quest to conquer and rule all of Europe- the Celtic people were a major obstacle for them. But, through studying the evidence we have today, we know that the Celts were highly intelligent people, civilized, and were much more than simple groups of tribes.

The Celts built houses of clay, wood, stones, leather skins,  and mixtures of these materials. Sometimes portions of their homes were built underground for better insulation. Within tribal communities, there would often be a bakehouse that was used by everyone, and the Celts would gather to bake breads in heated dome ovens made of clay. In the homes, there would usually be a central heating fire which was kept lit for warmth and cooking. The Celts were hunters, gatherers, and farmers, and were very aware of the seasons, the cycles of the Earth, phases of the moon, and their lives revolved around the constant changes the Earth would endure.

As in many cultures, the Celts developed pantheons- gods, goddesses, and other heroes- to explain different seasonal changes, natural phenomenon, emotions, and so on. They had gods of the hunt, gods and goddesses of agriculture, love, war, creation, the sun, moon, etc.
The Celts also believed that magick played a big part in their lives and the cycles of the Earth, moon, and sun. They strived to use magick to better their lives and to create favorable changes. Magick was a phenomenon that was neither good nor evil, but neutral. Spells often changed the course of battle, love and the success of crops and hunts- with magick playing both beneficial and devestating roles. The Celts strived to harness the energies they possessed, as well as the energies of the elements, the deities, etc. The Celts feared suffering harm as the result of negative spellcasting, and were careful not to invoke powers that could be detrimental to anyone or anything.
The Celts crafted cauldrons for use in their magickal workings, and often, the cauldrons were protected by a deity. Cauldrons were beautifully crafted from different metals and it was believed that the energy surrounding their cauldrons was powerful and could alter every aspect of their lives when the power was harnessed and directed toward a goal. The Celts were careful in their magickal workings and had a deep respect for all forces that existed.

The Druids were Celtic "priests," and served as communicators between the common folk and the pantheons of gods and goddesses. The word Druid means strong (dru) and knowledge (wyd). All religious rites were performed by Druids. It is believed now that commoners were able to create and direct magick, and possibly cast spells, but the religious ceremonies, rituals, and major spells that impacted the tribes were performed exclusively by the Druids. There is direct historic evidence that Druids existed in the Celtic regions of the British Isles, but no direct proof that they were existent in tribes of Galatia, Italy, and Spain. However, there is no reason to deny that Druids existed in these tribes as well. The Celts travelled and had kinship with each other and communicated with Druids and common people of all tribes they encountered.

The Druids were not just priests, but were the law makers and enforcers as well. The Celts had disputes similar to ours today- over personal property, injury, rape, fraud, murder, marital law, contractual law, and much more.
Different people of different social standing had different rights under Celtic law. The higher your social standing, the more privileges you had. The Celts had the Nemed rank (craftsmen, judges, physicians, poets and bards, and anyone considered to have a noble status were "Nemed" folk), Doernemed (all freemen- farmers, and craftsmen who were not considered in the Nemed rank- these were free people but with less freedom than the Nemed),  and there were different ranks among kings, noblemen, and lords, as well as people who were considered to be "unfree."
Sages and Seers also existed in Celtic culture- these people had constant contact with natural and supernatural forces, had gifts of prophecy and healing, and were highly respected in the tribes and communities. These sages and seers often acted as counsellors and spiritual healers. The most famous of these is Merlin- the spiritual advisor of King Arthur. Although these Sages were highly respected, they often felt bound to nature and preferred to roam the wilderness in solitude.

This is just a brief overview of the Celts, and much more is to be learned about these fascinating people. Some of my knowledge was gathered from the books Celtic Mythology, by Arthur Cotterell and Celtic Myths and Legends, by T.W. Rolleston. These are two of my favorites.
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The Celts