The Druids and Their Symbolic Legacy
The Druids were revered by the peoples of the ancient world, looked upon as wise beings and spiritual advisors. They served as the spiritual backbone of what we now refer to as the Celtic-speaking peoples, otherwise known as the Western branch of Indo-Europeans. While little to no native writings exist to break down the ancient religion of the Druids, fragmented legends and symbols have allowed scholars to piece together their belief system.
The Druids followed a polytheistic religion of various gods and goddesses, over 400 in the Celtic world, many associated with natural phenomena and other aspects of life. One of the most widely venerated deities was Lugh, who was worshipped from Ireland to Gaul and possibly across Anatolia under various aliases. Lugh was thought to represent the sun, light, and possibly even storms – all sacred to the Druids and Celtic peoples.
Another deity heavily associated with the Druids’ belief system was Cernunnos, who represented nature, fertility, and resurrection, and was considered the god of all things wild. The Druids also had a belief in a supreme god, suggesting they followed a Henotheism religion, meaning they believed in one supreme god from which all lesser deities were created.
The Druids were recognized as some of the greatest astronomers of the ancient world, closely following the four major astronomical events – the winter and summer solstice, and the summer and winter equinoxes. They also had what is referred to as cross-quarter days, which fell during the middle of the previously mentioned astrological events and held both physical and spiritual meaning.
The Druids did not write lengthy manuscripts, but instead used symbols to express items in nature and in life that were of vital importance. In Druidic Ireland, every tribe had a sacred tree or bile which they deeply revered as a sacred part of their homeland. The Ogham alphabet, Ireland’s and Britain’s pre-historic writing script, was made up of individual sigils each represented by a tree.
Another sacred symbol held by the Druids was the equal arm cross, commonly referred to as a sun cross. Various bronze discs of this ancient symbol and stone carvings have been found all across the Celtic world, including many in Britain and Ireland. The Druids would take branches from a sacred bile or tree and create an equal arm cross, as it was thought to be a physical representation of their supreme deity or great spirit.
The serpent has been worshipped as a symbol of great wisdom in many ancient cultures, but the Druids did not worship the serpent as others did. The association of Irish Druids with snakes is somewhat unusual, as there are no wild snakes on the island of Ireland today, and most historians believe that serpents have never lived there. One theory points to the tale of Saint Patrick, who is said to have rid the entire island of snakes, which scholars now believe was the replacement of Druidic beliefs with those of Roman Catholicism.
The triskelion, also commonly referred to as the triple spiral, is another symbol that’s been heavily associated with Druidic beliefs. It can be found carved at one of Ireland’s most sacred sites, Newgrange, as well as on bronze age shields and decorative pieces. The Druids believed in three worlds or realms – the Otherworld, the realm of Earth, and the realm of the sky where the stars lived and watched over humanity. This philosophy has led many historians to believe that the three spirals in the triskelion represent the continuous motion of both the physical and spiritual worlds.
Deciphering the Symbols of Ancient Belief Systems
The symbols used by ancient civilizations, such as the Druids, provide valuable insights into their belief systems, religious practices, and cultural worldviews. By understanding the meanings and significance of these symbols, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of these ancient belief systems.
The African traditional religious system has several foundational beliefs that are essential for understanding Christian spirituality within an African context. These include the belief in impersonal mystical powers, spirit beings, divinities/gods, and a Supreme Being. Each of these beliefs has a profound influence on the worldview and practices of traditional African societies.
The belief in impersonal mystical powers is dominant and pervasive in traditional African religious thought, with the whole of creation, nature, and all things and objects believed to be consumed with this impersonal power. This power is often referred to as mana, life force, vital force, life essence, or dynamism. The manifestation and use of these impersonal powers are related to the practices of medicine men and women, diviners, and seers who use natural objects, plants, and animals for medicine, magic, charms, and amulets.
The belief in spirit beings is another foundational aspect of African traditional religions. These spirit beings are believed to dwell or inhabit certain trees, rocks, mountains, caves, rivers, lakes, forests, animals, human beings, the skies, the ground, and other sites. The spirit beings are usually divided into two categories: the spirits of the dead elders, the ancestors, and the non-human spirit beings. These spirit beings are endowed with certain powers and can be manipulated to serve humans or bring them harm.
The belief in many divinities is also prevalent in some parts of Africa, with some ethnic groups having an elaborate pantheon of divinities. These divinities are often mythological figures, tribal heroes or heroines, and cover different aspects of life, society, and community, such as the sea, waters, rain, thunder, fertility, health, or sickness.
Despite the belief in many divinities, most traditional Africans also have a concept of a universal God or Supreme Being. However, this Supreme Being is often not actively worshipped, with the divinities, gods, and ancestors receiving more direct attention and sacrifices.
The philosophical foundations of traditional African belief systems, such as holism/organism, spiritualism, dynamism/power-consciousness, and communalism, further shape the worldview and practices of these ancient civilizations. These philosophical frameworks govern the law of harmony, law of the spirit, law of power, and law of kinship, respectively, which permeate every aspect of traditional African life.
The study of ancient symbols and belief systems, such as those of the Druids and traditional Africans, provides a window into the complex and nuanced worldviews of these civilizations. By understanding the meanings and significance of these symbols, we can gain valuable insights into the cultural, social, and spiritual dimensions of these ancient belief systems, and how they continue to shape the modern world.
The Lost Kingdoms is dedicated to exploring the mysteries of ancient civilizations and their enduring legacy, including the deciphering of ancient symbols and the unraveling of complex belief systems. Through our research and analysis, we aim to shed light on the rich cultural heritage of these societies and their profound impact on the course of human history.
