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Rooted deep in times long past, Druidry was alive with the sacredness of the Natural World. The living waters of rivers, springs and wells were venerated because they were believed to have both magical and curative powers. Holy Ground and Sacred Site Spaces suffused the "trifold land-sea-sky divinity" that was intrinsic to the Wholeness of the Celtic Druidic Natural World. The divine radiance and empowered grace of Sacred Groves, Healing Springs, Holy Lakes and Hallowed Hills further sanctified the Druidic Celtic landscape. Most of the Celtic artwork depicted the Druidic reverence and respect for Nature in the elaborate entwining plant (flowers, leaves, trees, vines) and animal (birds, deer, dolphins, griffins) motifs; as well as, in the dynamically intricate designs (chevrons, knotwork. labyrinthine patterns, spirals). The vibrant diversity of Celtic Druidry influenced artwork permeated all areas of daily life from the stylized animal heads on the open ends of a neck torc to the swirling vegetative carvings on a the handle of a bucket. Some of the most superbly crafted and enchantingly enduring of the Druidic Celtic tales were Shamanic in Nature. Storytelling about Taliesin and Fionn mac Cumhail, was richly textured with symbolism regarding alternate realities, animal totems, divination, drumming, ecstatic dance, journeying, healing, oracles, shamanic trance, shapeshifting, soul loss retrieval, spirit guides, transformation and vision quests.
The primary purpose of the Celtic Druidry symbology was to elicit spiritual growth and quickening; as well as, to enhance the process of obtaining Natural and Otherworld Wisdom through oracular divination. Animal Totems that recurred frequently in Druidic Storytelling were Bear, Boar, Cow, Hare, Horse, Hound, Mare, Raven, Salmon, Otter, Owl, Pig, Seagull, Stag and Swan. The vibrant diversity of Celtic alchemical art permeated all areas of daily life from the stylized animal heads on the open ends of a neck torc to the swirling vegetative carvings on a the handle of a bucket. The spiraling, swirling shamanic symbolic patterns which the Celts utilized to express their spiritual connectivity with the sacred mysteries, mirrored the inspirational beauty and harmony of the Natural World and Animal Totem Communications. This patterning was also reflected in a wide range of Celtic artwork from small sacred objects to huge stone monuments; while, the Celtic penchant for fluidity and curvilinear design was illustrated by the 109m long Animal Totem, the White Horse which the Druidic Celts carved into was carved into into the hillside overlooking the green of the countryside above Uffington as a powerful totemic sign of hopeful renewal of home and hearth. The lasting beauty and noble carriage of the Mare stood for the possibility of joyful revival and renewed wholeness. The Mare was an Animal Totem lamppost, shining healing hope into the darkness of hurtful abandonment, traumatic betrayal, dangerous indignities, and hurtful wounds.
The first Celtic Shamans, the
Tuatha Dé Danann (the people of Danann) were well versed in alchemical
traditions and the magical arts. Many Celtic tales focus on the ability to
shapeshift or to morph or phase from the shape of a human into (metamorphosis)
that of an animal, bird, or fish for purposes of knowledge, initiation,
training, travel, reconnaissance, or escape.
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