The writing of Celtic lore by her people was subject to a gias (prohibition) until the existence of texts from AD 1 onward. This secrecy would account for the druids not being mentioned in detail earlier and, in its’ day, would have served to protect from wider knowledge of Celtic cultural and religious practices during periods of expansion and/or conflict. However - a double-edged sword - the same protectionist policy makes its' accurate re-construction in modern times near impossible.

(Although there is evidence to support the existence of druids in Gaul at this time, it is generally accepted that they originated in Britain).

Of the Celtic texts written after the christianisation of Roman Europe and Britain, these could certainly be seen as somewhat biased in favour of the expansionist policies of the new religion. Of the roman, Greek and Latin texts recovered much was written through the eyes of those at war with the Celts, most especially during the campaigns of Julius Caesar, and could be interpreted as pro-roman propaganda.

The much romanticised, ‘Arthurian’ view, of the druids is that of sage white robed and bearded magicians. Of Merlin, Arthur Pen-Dragon and fabled Avalon. Alternatively, and less romantically, of tree-hugging shaman performing ritual sacrifices within stone circles at the height of the summer solstice, reading the future from the entrails of their victims.

The actuality is likely to differ.

Evidence would suggest that that there was a three tier Druid ic‘Caste’. The Druids; the Vates (or Seers), and Bards. One interpretation of this ‘triumvirate’ might be: -

Druids - Dryw (Welsh), the acknowledged pinnacle of the intellectual caste in Ancient Celtic society, venerated for their skills and knowledge of the natural sciences. Their knowledge was such they were professed ‘to know the greatness and shape of the earth and the universe and the motion of the heaven and stars’.

Their knowledge was extensive, particularly of nature, medicine and astrology that they might appear to the people as magicians. They have been described as judges, moral philosophers, physicians, and astrologers.

Primarily responsible, as guardians of the Celtic culture and histories, for the spiritual and moral guidance of the people. They would arbitrate between warring clans often submitting their counsel before the first blows could be struck. Often warrior kings and queens themselves, there being no automatic right of succession, they were the trusted advisors and tutors to successive Celtic leaders.

Vates (or Seers), responsive to the Religious and superstitious needs and observance of ritual practices of an otherwise warlike, impetuous people. Perhaps, another level of civilising controls?

Human sacrifices, though not an uncommon practice in any culture of the day were, though not personally performed by the Druids, thought to be looked on more favourably by the god’s were, as skilled interpreters of nature and theological matters, one present.

The Bards, most likely of the druid ic caste to travel widely, were responsible for, in an informative yet entertaining oral transcript, recounting the histories and folklore of the clans. Also, as the least conspicuous triumvir, possibly the best placed to gather and relay intelligence throughout the Celtic world?

Far from being a barbarian race, the druids were responsible for the maintenance of training centres for the education of all the Celtic peoples. Training for ‘would be druids' was longer and much more laborious taking some 20 years of intensive study, and the committing to memory of Celtic history and Druid ic lore. Such was its reputed value that the god’s themselves submitted to their tutelage.

They were the teachers of wisdom who knew the soul of man and the universe, that they were indestructible; that humanity was an integral part of the fabric of earth and nature, maturing within and nurtured by it.

In some early Christian writings it is written that with the advent of the new religion, and the ‘one God’, that the druids simply ‘chose’ to disappear, that they surrendered to the inevitability that was their decline. As they themselves supported the ideal of ‘one God’, albeit supported by various local ‘clan’ gods, it would appear that though the delivery system may have differed the original ‘moral and philosophical message’ was very similar.

Whereas early Christianity (before it became a murderous patriarchal political force) offered salvation for brotherly love, the Druids represented harmony with nature, natural justice, honour, and order. With only the title of bard remaining in common use to this day the belief that they simply melted into the background, observing until such time as their knowledge was needed again, seems more palatable.

Note: Distrust any 'self-proclaimed' Shaman whose wisdom is not freely given.

Author: MD Purnell

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