The Raven’s Retreat » Witchcraft And The Ancient Celts

September 10, 2006

Witchcraft And The Ancient Celts

Just some thoughts, since I’ve been in a conversation about the Druids and Celtic peoples with a fundamentalist Christian who thinks the Celtic culture had a relationship with witchcraft, her whole argument for not wanting to learn anything about it.

The Celts were not witches or conjurers in the definition we use today. They were nature-lovers. They were herbalists. They were teachers and storytellers. The magic they believed in came from the Gods…not from them. They performed rituals in celebration and thanks to the Gods, yes. But so do Christians. They believed in prophesy. But so do Christians.
Besides, the definition of the biblical “witch” is poisoner…one who poisons someone with their words or potions. The Celts did not know of magic in such a way. The Gods performed the magic, while the Celts relied on the Gods to protect them with that magic. That’s why they were considered a warrior culture. They went to war to protect their lands and to conquer other lands…but relied on the Gods’ magic to see them through.

Now witchcraft is a whole other thing. The defination today is not the same as it was when people were being accused of it. Back then, anyone who was a midwife, herbalist or doctor was considered a medicine-man/woman…or witch by the Christians. Women, men, and children were tortured, burned and hung for being nothing more than the people we praise for saving our lives today. The witch hunts had nothing to do with being a pagan…as many of the people killed were actually Christians! Especially at the Salem Witch trials. They had everything to do with being accused by someone who had a beef with you…all because of one book written by two monks…Malleus Maleficarum - The Witch’s Hammer.

Witchcraft today is all about finding the inner spirit. Realizing we are one with God, the universe, the earth, and every living thing. Realizing that we and everything around us are made up of energy…and that energy can be manipulated to bend with our will. If we concentrate on something hard enough…send enough energy to it, it will manifest. But not without mundane (non-magical) work to help it come to fruitation. For example, if you do a ritual for money…expect to actually get off your butt and look for a job. You don’t get something for nothing…it never works that way. Basically magic is just a way to help push something along.
Of course, there are people who use it for ill…against others, to control others…what have you. But we can’t judge the whole on what some people think is “right”. There are ethics to everything we do…and consequences when something unethical is done.

Think about this: have you ever thought really hard about something…hoping it would come true…or be? Have you ever sent out positive thoughts and well wishes to someone who was or wasn’t in the same room or even the same state as you? Have you ever prayed for someone to get better…sending out positive thoughts to them? If you answered yes to any of those questions (or any that come to mind like them) then you have practiced witchcraft as it’s viewed by new agers.
Have you ever mixed up some herbs in your dinner? Have you ever had an herb garden…or any garden for that matter? Have you ever helped coach a friend in childbirth….or had a friend/husband coach you? If you answered yes to any of those questions (or any that come to mind like them) then you have practiced witchcraft like those who were accused by the Christian inquisitors.
We all practice magic almost everyday without ever realizing we’re doing so. To condemn it is to condemn human nature. To condemn it, no matter what your faith is, is to condemn yourself.

The Druids were not witches. They were the spiritual teachers of the Celts. They related stores about the Otherworld (in that respect, they were very similar to today’s preachers in church…though they taught that one does not need any intermediaries to get to the Otherworld…ie: someone like Jesus). And they fortold events by things that happened in nature…such as which direction such and such bird was flying, if it was singing, ect. That was basic prophesy…which is exactly what Christains believe Jesus to have done. That’s about as close to witchcraft as they came. They didn’t cast spells…they didn’t think like we do…the whole bending of the energy with will stuff. They didn’t cast evil spells on their enemies…they believed that’s what the Gods did. All throughout Celtic mythology there is a theme of heroes and Gods. It was always the Gods that decided the outcome…that cast the magic…never the Celts themselves.
So therefore, the ancient Celtic culture had no relationship to witchcraft, other than the beliefs they held of their Gods. They didn’t rely on witches…as a witch in today’s terms didn’t exist then…unless you do want to use the medieval term…which was anyone who could help cure the sick. To say that…witches exist as our modern doctors, midwives, nutritionalists, herbalists, and anyone else in the field of medicine. They did rely on soothsayers (prophets)…but so do Christians. The accusations of witchcraft came long after the Celtic culture was already predominatly Celtic Christian anyway. Like I said…many “witches” were innocent Christians! And the others were just country folk helping who they could by fixing them an herbal packet for some sickness or other.

In other words, witchcraft isn’t what Christians (or most people, for that matter) have been lead to believe it is. Most Christians like to relate evil spirits with witchcraft…and witchcraft with all ancient non-Christian beliefs. Neither is the case. Necromancy and demonology and things dealling with spirits that have an evil energy have nothing to do with what witchcraft was considered in the past…and what it is considered today. Many ancient cultures didn’t hold a belief in witchcraft, other than being herbalists. The biblical version of witchcraft is one who poisons others…either with words or things. An herbalist could very well be a “biblical witch”…but let’s not judge all who practice positive witchcraft…which includes everyone who has ever done any of the things I listed above.

Filed under: Religion — Ravyn @ 3:33 pm |

Comments so far:

Comment by Willi kruger

# December 12, 2006,

I enjoyed your article regarding the Druids. There is a huge knowledge gap amongst people regarding the past and our times. Most Christians does not know the Bible well, only verses to support them.

But most of all most Christians does not have compassion, and when they have they waste it on scoundrels like Suddam Hussein.

Comment by Ravyn

# December 13, 2006,

Thanks for your comment Willi. There is definitely a knowledge gap between many Christians and those of other faiths. And even between many Christians and the Bible. It’s sad that one belief can evoke so much fear of other beliefs to the point of one purposfully remaining ignorant to the rest of the world….both modern and ancient. Let’s hope that one day everyone will come to realize that one person’s personal belief isn’t any better than another person’s. Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Comment by Willi Kruger

# January 15, 2007,

Found this post by accident….. another willi kruger?

Comment by Ravyn

# January 15, 2007,

Hmmm….that’s interesting.

Trackback by Buy lexapro.

# November 18, 2007,

Buy lexapro.

Buy lexapro.

Trackback by http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/history/anderson/index.html.php?190/japan-my-girlfriend-webcam.html

# November 19, 2007,

japan my girlfriend webcam

C6D8Ot0 | black free xxx cam

Trackback by http://spider-babe.aguldyiazt.info

# November 20, 2007,

spider babe

wjdnMt0 | bikini babes sex

Trackback by http://anal-sex-porn-stories.trigoshnoa.info

# November 20, 2007,

anal sex porn stories

jH0UCt0 | cumshot porn videos

Trackback by http://hot-anime-chick.aguldyiazt.info

# November 20, 2007,

hot anime chick

OSgPet0 | asian ladyboy oral galleries

Trackback by http://incredibly-busty-blonde-babes.aguldyiazt.info

# November 20, 2007,

incredibly busty blonde babes

JVh0Vt0 | make your own free dildo

Trackback by http://japanese-ladies-gallery.burcucir.info

# November 20, 2007,

japanese ladies gallery

j5PGIt0 | naked asian babe

Trackback by http://www.newschallengeblog.org/wp-content/plugins/podpress/getid3/?200/blonde-cassidy-webcam.html

# November 21, 2007,

blonde cassidy webcam

8U4iSt0 | chatting nude webcams

Trackback by http://facial-hair-styles.dolvowruti.info

# November 21, 2007,

facial hair styles

HuoJOt0 | very painful asian anal

Trackback by http://100-asian-porn.burcucir.info

# November 21, 2007,

100 asian porn

n3B12t0 | anal spanking video

Trackback by http://extreme-anal-penetrations.trigoshnoa.info

# November 21, 2007,

extreme anal penetrations

0gNn2t0 | anal creampie orgy

Comment by plane discount tickets

# November 22, 2007,

plane tickets mexico plane andorra tickets

Comment by mencs sezrglhnv

# November 24, 2007,

djmqzlocx mbvzg ijpsb igtuovmf xcsoaqjnz qirxefsdc jfdhvl

Comment by dfheknsum hzwpnavjm

# November 24, 2007,

qsvkzwgoc wcbo vfpah ytahu vzqswiay snxjpioy afnrvx http://www.gqbzy.uynx.com

Trackback by online dating agencies

# November 25, 2007,

online dating agencies

DesignSessions Community

Trackback by online rivotril

# November 25, 2007,

online rivotril

Food Safety and Inspection

Trackback by carbon dating

# November 25, 2007,

carbon dating

driving, operating machinery

Trackback by cheap diazepam

# November 26, 2007,

cheap diazepam

start you weight loss

Trackback by Percocet withdrawal.

# November 26, 2007,

Effects of long term percocet use.

Percocet. Buy percocet online without office visit. How long is percocet in your system.

Trackback by http://webdevdigest.net/wp-content/themes/Milc3/i/?210/webcam-gratis-sexo.html

# November 26, 2007,

webcam gratis sexo

HyezMt0 | girls sexy webcams

Trackback by http://envoisolutions.com/wp-content/themes/classic/js/?211/anal-webcams-sex-chat.html

# November 26, 2007,

anal webcams sex chat

N5yLAt0 | shemale sex webcam pictures

Trackback by Counting currency lesson plan for retail sales.

# November 29, 2007,

Counting currency lesson plan for retail sales.

Currency sales. Counting currency lesson plan for retail sales.

Comment by swissreplica

# November 30, 2007,

registered FAR software may not

Comment by christmasmusictodownload

# November 30, 2007,

definition, “control” means

Comment by christmasmusics

# November 30, 2007,

of such

Comment by petcarrier

# November 30, 2007,

a non-exclusive license to

Comment by christmaslingerie

# November 30, 2007,

trial version, may be

Comment by replicaprada

# November 30, 2007,

distribution of FAR without written

Comment by christmaslightshows

# November 30, 2007,

control with

Comment by neopets

# November 30, 2007,

rented or leased,

Comment by christmasofficeparty

# November 30, 2007,

source code, documentation source, and

Comment by swissreplicawatches

# November 30, 2007,

receiving it

Comment by tiffanyreplica

# November 30, 2007,

mean the union of the acting

Comment by christmasmusicsheets

# November 30, 2007,

of this

Comment by christmasornamentpersonalized

# November 30, 2007,

leased, but may be

Comment by christmasornamentwholesale

# November 30, 2007,

shall mean the

Comment by christmasornamenttree

# November 30, 2007,

package is

Comment by breitlingreplicawatches

# November 30, 2007,

software is an

Comment by christmaslawndecorations

# November 30, 2007,

The registered FAR software

Comment by replicaoakley

# November 30, 2007,

for making modifications, including

Comment by replicaoakleys

# November 30, 2007,

or indirect, to cause the

Comment by replicarings

# November 30, 2007,

making modifications, including but not limited

Comment by replicajerseys

# November 30, 2007,

use FAR

Comment by christmasinthephilippines

# November 30, 2007,

FAR without written permission

Comment by freecomposerringtones

# November 30, 2007,

limited to software

Comment by christmasmusiccd

# November 30, 2007,

transferred, if the

Comment by christmasmusiclist

# November 30, 2007,

and all previous versions.

Comment by christmasmusicboxes

# November 30, 2007,

may charge a fee

Comment by freecingularcellphoneringtones

# November 30, 2007,

terms of this

Comment by christmasmemories

# November 30, 2007,

to software source code, documentation

Comment by persiancat

# November 30, 2007,

may charge a fee for

Comment by christmaslighting

# November 30, 2007,

form for making modifications,

Comment by christmasornamentboxes

# November 30, 2007,

No person or company

Comment by christmasminilight

# November 30, 2007,

such entity. form shall

Comment by christmasnativitysets

# November 30, 2007,

or management of such entity, whether

Comment by christmasmountainwisconsin

# November 30, 2007,

preferred form for making modifications,

Comment by christmaslightsbulb

# November 30, 2007,

on one computer (i.e. a single cpu) for

Comment by christmasornamentpatterns

# November 30, 2007,

or indirect, to

Comment by christmasornamentphoto

# November 30, 2007,

union of the

Comment by christmasmusiclyrics

# November 30, 2007,

company may charge a fee

Comment by christmasneedlepointkits

# November 30, 2007,

transferred, if the person receiving

Comment by christmaslightanddecoration

# November 30, 2007,

the update and

Comment by replicapurse

# November 30, 2007,

granted a non-exclusive license

Comment by wholesalereplicahandbags

# November 30, 2007,

but may be permanently transferred,

Comment by christmaslighthouse

# November 30, 2007,

be rented or leased, but

Comment by replicajewelry

# November 30, 2007,

or more of the outstanding

Comment by christmaslightdisplay

# November 30, 2007,

person receiving

Comment by christmasmusicfreedownload

# November 30, 2007,

time. The

Comment by replicashoes

# November 30, 2007,

is an update, the

Comment by persiankitty

# November 30, 2007,

mean the preferred form

Comment by christmasmusicdownload

# November 30, 2007,

and all previous versions.

Comment by lgringtones

# November 30, 2007,

transferred, if the person receiving

Comment by christmasrecipes

# November 30, 2007,

making modifications, including but not

Comment by kyoceraringtones

# November 30, 2007,

is an update, the

Comment by petgrooming

# November 30, 2007,

entity. form shall mean

Comment by designerreplica

# November 30, 2007,

trial version,

Comment by christmasparade

# November 30, 2007,

is not

Comment by petdoor

# November 30, 2007,

versions. The FAR unregistered trial

Comment by makeringtones

# November 30, 2007,

distributed, with exceptions noted below,

Comment by freesamsungringtones

# November 30, 2007,

the distribution package is not

Comment by petclothing

# November 30, 2007,

package is not

Comment by christmasmiracles

# November 30, 2007,

Comment by christmasmusiconcd

# November 30, 2007,

permanently transferred, if

Comment by christmaslightwholesale

# November 30, 2007,

and all other entities

Comment by christmasmusicforguitar

# November 30, 2007,

the union of the acting entity

Comment by replicadesignerpurses

# November 30, 2007,

granted a non-exclusive

Comment by christmasornamentstomake

# November 30, 2007,

trial version, may be

Comment by replicadesignerbags

# November 30, 2007,

files

Comment by christmasmp3s

# November 30, 2007,

direct or

Comment by christmasminiatures

# November 30, 2007,

non-exclusive license to use

Comment by christmasnativityset

# November 30, 2007,

otherwise, or ownership of fifty percent(50%) or more of the

Comment by christmasornamentscrafts

# November 30, 2007,

a time. The registered

Comment by christmasneedlepointstockings

# November 30, 2007,

on one computer

Comment by christmasmantle

# November 30, 2007,

without written permission from the

Comment by christmasornamentswaterford

# November 30, 2007,

of the acting entity

Comment by christmasleglamp

# November 30, 2007,

shall mean the preferred

Comment by christmaslightshouse

# November 30, 2007,

rented or leased, but may

Comment by christmaslancashireparty

# November 30, 2007,

be freely

Comment by christmaskrinkles

# November 30, 2007,

to use FAR on

Comment by christmasknitstockings

# November 30, 2007,

trial version, may be

Comment by christmaslawndecoration

# November 30, 2007,

not be

Comment by christmasplate

# November 30, 2007,

provided the distribution package

Comment by christmassantas

# November 30, 2007,

form for making modifications,

Comment by fakeeyelashes

# November 30, 2007,

software source code, documentation source, and

Comment by christmaspuzzle

# November 30, 2007,

permission from the copyright holder

Comment by fakeshoes

# November 30, 2007,

an update, the transfer must

Comment by christmaspajamas

# November 30, 2007,

entities that control, are controlled by,

Comment by freesprintrealmusicringtones

# November 30, 2007,

ownership of such entity.

Comment by christmasprograms

# November 30, 2007,

whether by contract or otherwise, or ownership

Comment by fakeice

# November 30, 2007,

distributed, with exceptions

Comment by fakeleather

# November 30, 2007,

with exceptions noted below,

Comment by christmaspackages

# November 30, 2007,

is not modified. No

Comment by christmasshoppe

# November 30, 2007,

that entity. For the purposes

Comment by christmasshoppingonline

# November 30, 2007,

controlled by, or are under common

Comment by fakefur

# November 30, 2007,

leased, but may

Comment by christmaspartygame

# November 30, 2007,

FAR software may not be

Comment by faketeeth

# November 30, 2007,

charge a fee

Comment by christmasplays

# November 30, 2007,

be freely

Comment by petclothes

# November 30, 2007,

permanently transferred, if

Comment by christmaspresentideas

# November 30, 2007,

the person receiving it agrees

Comment by christmaspartygames

# November 30, 2007,

the update and all previous

Comment by christmasportraits

# November 30, 2007,

the person receiving

Comment by christmasoutdoordecorations

# November 30, 2007,

time. The registered FAR software

Comment by christmaspartyfavors

# November 30, 2007,

are controlled by, or are under common

Comment by fakebape

# November 30, 2007,

include the update

Comment by christmaspartydresses

# November 30, 2007,

distributed, with exceptions noted

Comment by christmaspartydecorations

# November 30, 2007,

package is

Comment by petclassified

# November 30, 2007,

for making

Comment by christmaspartyinvitation

# November 30, 2007,

FAR software may not

Comment by fakedesignerbags

# November 30, 2007,

not modified. No person

Comment by christmaspalmtree

# November 30, 2007,

fee for the distribution of

WordPress database error: [Lost connection to MySQL server during query]
SELECT DISTINCT comment_author_email FROM ravyn1comments where comment_author_url='http://currencyrate.xforum.se' LIMIT 1

http://www.ravenmoondesigns.com/blog/wp-content/gravatars/gravatar_celticwinter.jpg' alt='' class='gravatar' width='80' height='80' />

Trackback by Currency conversion chart.

# November 30, 2007,

Currency converter.

Currency. Currency converter. Currency exchange. Foreign currency. Currency conversion.

Comment by christmaspicturetocolor

# November 30, 2007,

of fifty percent(50%) or more of the outstanding

Comment by christmasscenes

# November 30, 2007,

of this license. If the

Comment by fakedesignerhandbags