I haven't seen a post here in a while so I thought I ll try and post something even though my knowledge is quite limited regarding this path. The followin information were originally given to me in Finnish while I was studying about Suomenusko (finnish faith).
Celtic dieties
The names of the Celtic gods were pointed to their duties, and their own very natures. Most of the Celtic deities were tribal dieties mostly, who had a particular place, in the tribe of the region bound. Scientists have discovered more than 350 different Celtic dieties, the majority of which are presented only once engraved on the stones. The only way to explore the Celtic deities tasks is to examine the names.
The Celtic deities are divided into three categories:
- Earth Goddesses
- The tribal gods
- The warrior gods
Tribal Gods symbolism is often associated with heaven. This can be noted in the statues fount that represent the deity holding in his hand the sun spinning or standing on top of a high pillar. Custodians of tribal land were female goddesses.
Warrior Gods were described as representing masculinity and strength. Virility, health and strength presented, for example, by describing the gods and goddesses sometimes wearing horns. The horns of rams' horns, for example, ranged from a bull or deer horns.
The Celts worshiped and treated their Gods with great respect. The gods were asked for help and advice. Sacrifices were present in the religious practices. The sacrificies were carried out in the temples mainly using animal bones. Human life stages and turning points were also celebrated. In Irish folklore, in man could be reborn as an animal or a human figure.
The Celts also believed in nature spirits, who were, for example, mountains, rocks, and rivers. Those beliefs have survived to this day and are particularly strong in Ireland. Respect for the old beliefs has also continued in the Christian period.
Sabbats
Druid's turning point is Samhain, an ancient Celtic New Year celebration. Samhain marks the end of the summer and is now located at the turn of October to November. Samhain was the day that the line between the spiritual and pfysical world was thin and therefore spirits were closer to humans at that day. Druids used to make bonefires in order to banish bad spirits and attract kind ones.
Imbolc, was a feast celebrated in early February. It was a celebration for the goddess of fertility and healing.
Beltaine is in the first of May to around the Spring Festival.
First half of August is also celebrated . It is a harvest festival, whose name derives from Lug-god.
In addition to the four seasons celebration modern Druids celebrate the year's quarters ie the winter and summer solstice and the spring and autumnal equinox.