Druid Tools and Ritual Implements

Curved blade; sickle or scythe: Pliny, a Roman historian, recorded a Druid ritual in which mistletoe was cut from an oak tree by a Druid in white robes, using a gold sickle. The mistletoe was to be caught in wicker baskets and not allowed to touch the ground. One must not assume (as apparently Pliny did) that all Druid rituals involve the use of mistletoe, scythes, and white robes; and what is more, gold is too soft a metal to be used as a cutting tool. In modern Druidism the curved blade has entered common use as a cutting implement, for harvesting particular plants and herbs at particular times of the year. Its cutting action in ritual is not so much one of taking down, but of releasing and freeing, as in "to cut free"; the energy freed by the cut plant is sent on to the Gods or blessed upon the assembly. Its shape is also reminiscent of the crescent moon.

Druid Rod: Some legends show Druids using wands, staves, and rods to direct their energy when working magic, usually when cursing or shape changing. It was made from hazel and had to touch the thing that it was directed at.

Bell Branch: This was traditionally a silver tree branch with gold bells attached to it. The sound of the bells is pleasing to the Gods and attracts their attention, while at the same time it is offensive to the ears of malevolent spirits who are thereby driven away. Many stories of heroic adventures begin with a goddess inviting the hero into her Otherworldly realm by giving him a branch of silver with bells, apple blossoms, or fruit growing on it. Modern Druids use the Bell Branch to make calls to spirits and deities, and to purify a person on a spiritual level, to announce the beginning and the ending of a ceremony.

Crane Bag: The only mythological reference to this ritual object is of the Crane bag that belonged to Cumhall, father of Fionn Mac Cumhall, which Fionn had to recover when it was stolen. It contained many treasures from such deities as Manannan and Giobhniu, and would be full at high tide and empty at low tide. Its function appears to be similar to that filled by the medicine bundle of native north americans. The poet W.B.Yeats mentions a "bag of dreams" in his poem "Fergus and the Druid".

Cauldron: Two prominent Celtic deities have magical cauldrons, the Irish Dagda and the Welsh Cerridwen, both of these cauldrons possess the property of granting wisdom to any who drink from it. Archaeologists have uncovered several cauldrons and buckets that may have had ritual uses; this conclusion is based on how they are decorated. Modern Druids use cauldrons to make or distribute offerings.

Druid Egg: The Druid's Egg is described mythologically as a small object formed from the dried spittle of serpents, and possessing magical healing qualities. Pliny (a Roman historian) said he was shown one of these by a Druid from Gaul, who told him it was called an "anguinum". The existence of eggs in Druidic mysticism causes some scholars (and new-age fiction authors) to believe that the Druid's creation-myth was the same as the Sumerian creation story, in which the world was hatched from a divine primordial egg. It is not a widespread tool in modern Druidism, although it is used by some as a ritual implement for "grounding", or, drawing unhealthy energy from a patient into the egg where it is supposed to be incubated and transformed ("hatched") into positive energy.

Animal and plant remains: There is no doubt that ancient Druids used animal and plant remains for decorative, medicinal, and religious purposes. One ritual called the Tarb Feis requires the Druid to sleep under the skin of a freshly killed bull, so that the spirit of the bull can send prophetic dreams to the sleeper. Some Druids used colorful bird feathers in their cloaks to denote their rank. On continental Europe, Druids used mistletoe for its magical healing quality (ironic since mistletoe is poisonous!). The use of sacred plants in old European paganism was so strong that the Catholic Church forbade the presence of mistletoe and holly in its churches.

Musical instruments: Musical instruments are, of course, constructed entirely from animal and plant remains. The myths make frequent reference to harps in particular, and the Celts may also have used drums, but with reference to old Celtic religion, these tools are in the domain of the Bard rather than the Druid. But just like the Bards themselves, musical instruments were certainly a part of public Druid ceremonies.

Stones: A ring of stones in the ground was the most probable "temple", or place where religious ceremonies took place. Many stone circles are named for Druids, such as Drombeg Circle in West Cork, Ireland, which is also known as the Druid's Altar. It is difficult to speculate if the ancient Druids attributed particular qualities to particular "species" or rock or crystal, but many modern Druids employ the correspondences of modern occultism and witchcraft to good ends. Stones could channel, store, and direct earth-energy, and thus were used for markers, set in circles, and libations were poured over them in sacrifice.

Celtic Tree/Astrology

Jun 25 to Jul 04 Dec 23 to Dec 31 APPLE TREE (Love) - of slight build, lots of charm, appeal, and attraction, pleasant aura, flirtatious, adventurous, sensitive, always in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, scientific talents, lives for today, a carefree philosopher with imagination. May 25 to Jun 03 Nov 22 to Dec 01 ASH TREE (Ambition) - uncommonly attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, can be egotistic, very reliable and trustworthy, faithful and prudent lover, sometimes brains rule over the heart, but takes partnership very seriously. Dec 22 BEECH TREE (Creative) - has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.) June 24 BIRCH TREE (Inspiration) - vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly,pretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere. Feb 09 to Feb 18 Aug 14 to Aug 23 CEDAR TREE (Confidence) - Of rare beauty, knows how to adapt, likes luxury, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self confident, determined, impatient, likes to impress others, many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waiting for the one true love, able to make quick decisions. May 15 to May 24 Nov 12 to Nov 21 CHESTNUT TREE (Honesty) - of unusual beauty, does not want to impress, well-developed sense of justice, vivacious, interested, a born diplomat, but irritates easily and sensitive in company, often due to a lack of self confidence, acts sometimes superior, feels not understood, loves only once, has difficulties in finding a partner. Jan 25 to Feb 03 Jul 26 to Aug 04 CYPRESS TREE (Faithfulness) - Strong, muscular, adaptable, takes what life has to give, content, optimistic, craves money and acknowledgment, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered, unruly, pedantic, and careless. Jan 12 to Jan 24 Jul 15 to Jul 25 ELM TREE (Noble-Minded) - Pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, loudest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical. Jun 14 to Jun 23 Dec 12 to Dec 21 FIG TREE (Sensibility) - very strong, a bit self-willed,independent, does not allow con tradiction or arguments, loves life, its family, children and animals, a bit of a social butterfly, good sense of humor, likes idleness and laziness, of practical talent and intelligence. Jan 01 to Jan 11 Jul 05 to Jul 14 FIR TREE (Mysterious) - Extraordinary taste, dignity, sophisticated, loves anything beautiful, moody, stubborn, tends to egoism but cares for those close to them, rather modest, very ambitious, talented, industrious, uncontested lover, many friends, many foes, very reliable. Mar 22 to Mar 31 Sep 24 to Oct 03 HAZELNUT TREE (Extraordinary) - charming, undemanding, very understanding, knows how to make an impression, active fighter for social cause, popular, moody, and capricious lover, honest, and tolerant partner, precise sense of judgment. Jun 04 to Jun 13 Dec 02 to Dec 11 HORNBEAM TREE (Good Taste) - of cool beauty, cares for its looks and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness and ack! nowledgment in an emotional partner, dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happywith its feelings, mistrusts most people, is neversure of its decisions, very conscientious. Mar 11 to Mar 20 Sep 13 to Sep 22 LIME TREE (Doubt) - accepts what life dishes outin a composed way, hates fighting, stress, and labor, dislikes laziness and idleness, soft and relenting, makes sacrifices for friends, many talents but not tenacious enough to make them blossom, often wailing and complaining, very jealous but loyal. Apr 11 to Apr 20 Oct 14 to Oct 23 MAPLE TREE (Independent) - no ordinary person, full of imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress. Mar 21 OAK TREE (Brave) - robust nature, courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action. Sep 23 OLIVE TREE (Wisdom) - loves sun, warmth and kind f eelings, reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people. Feb 19 to Feb 28 Aug 24 to Sep 02 PINE TREE (Particular) - loves agreeable company, very robust, knows how to make life comfortable, very active, natural, good companion, but seldom friendly, falls easily in love but its passion burns out quickly, gives up easily, everything disappointments until it finds its ideal, trustworthy, practical. Feb 04 to Feb 08 May 01 to May 14 Aug 05 to Aug 13 POPLAR TREE (Uncertainty) - looks very decorative, not very self-confident, only courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely,great animosity, artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean toward philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously. Apr 01 to Apr 10 Oct 04 to Oct 13 ROWAN TREE (Sensitivity) - full of charm, cheerful, gifted without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive. Apr 21 to Apr 30 Oct 24 to Nov 11 WALNUT TREE (Passion) - unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromise. Mar 01 to Mar 10 Sep 03 to Sep 12 WEEPING WILLOW (Melancholy) - beautiful but full of melancholy, attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful and tasteful, loves to travel, dreamer, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with, demanding, good intuition, suffers in love but finds sometimes an anchoring partner

Elemental Correspondences

The Elements typify certain states of matter, but also certain emotional and magical qualities. There are two basic Elemental systems, one from Western culture and one from Eastern culture. The Western set features four primary Elements – Earth, Air, Fire, and Water – plus an optional fifth, Spirit. The Eastern set features five Elements – Fire, Earth, Water, Wood, and Metal. These systems match the myths and magic of their founding cultures, so if you have a strong attachment to either Eastern or Western traditions then you should work with the appropriate set of Elements. If you are still exploring, you may wish to experiment with both to determine which works best for you. Let's take a quick look at these Elements now:

Earth corresponds to North and Winter. Its colors include black, green, brown, and of course all the "earth tones" as well. Associated animals include bulls, toads, bears, and burrowing creatures. This Element offers stability, security, abundance. Earth magic covers financial and fertility spells, herbalism, stone magic, grounding and shielding, hunting magic, and protection spells.

Air corresponds to East and Spring according to the Western system, although in the Eastern system "Wind" relates to the Southwest. Its colors include white, crystal clear, blue, and sometimes yellow. Associated animals include birds, butterflies, squirrels – any flying or arboreal creature. This Element offers clarity, mental acuity, and psychic talents. Air magic covers aromatherapy, feather magic, augury, the summoning of wind, and spells for learning or knowledge.

Fire corresponds to South and Summer according to the Western system, but appears in East according to the Eastern system. Its colors include shades of red and orange. Associated animals include salamanders, lions, and creatures whose lifecycles depend on fire. This Element offers passion, inspiration, and transformation. Applications of Fire magic include love spells, the control of fire, all types of candle magic, most men's magic, and any spell that involves burning something.

Water corresponds to West and Autumn. Its colors include blue, green, crystal clear, and black. Associated animals include fish, water snakes, cetaceans, waterfowl, frogs, and all aquatic creatures. This Element offers intuition, wisdom, and patience. Water magic covers some kinds of healing, fishing spells, most women's magic, the summoning of rain, and some forms of divination.

Spirit goes by many names, with alternates like Void, Akasha, and the Unseen. It corresponds to the direction within and to intercalary or "between" days. Its colors include black, white, and purple. Associated animals include eagles, snakes and other skin-shedding creatures, hummingbirds, butterflies and other metamorphosing creatures, owls, and mythical creatures like the sphinx and the unicorn. This Element offers mystery, power, enlightenment, and other subtleties. Spirit magic covers divination, communication with the dead, interaction with discorporeal beings, personal transformation, and energy manipulation.

Metal corresponds to Southeast and late Spring/early Summer. Its colors include red, white, and of course metallics. Its properties include discrimination, organization, and precision.

Wood corresponds to the Northeast and to late Winter or early Spring. Its colors include green, black, and brown. Its properties include expansion, purpose, and activity.

In order to study the Elements, you should spend time getting to know them. One of the best ways to do this is to make a small shrine, such as a garden outdoors or a shelf full of symbolic items indoors. Spend a few minutes daily sitting in front of your Elemental shrine; meditate on the Element and its properties. If you discover a special affinity for Elemental magic, you can then pursue it in greater depth.

Pagan Holidays

Festivals honor deities, mark anniversaries, and celebrate special people. In modern Pagan culture, we recognize the eight "sabbats" or seasonal holy days observed widely by European cultures:

• Samhain - October 31
• Yule - December 22
• Imbolc - February 2
• Ostara - March 20
• Beltane - May 1
• Litha - June 21
• Lammas - August 1
• Mabon - September 23

In addition to the sabbats, many Pagans also celebrate "esbats" or lunar rites. However, modern Paganism draws from African, Native American, Australian, Oriental, and other cultures too. You can find unique holidays from these traditions mentioned in books on individual cultures; or look in the SageWoman calendar. Still, the eight sabbats give a good overview of Pagan festivals, so let’s take a look at those:

Samhain: This holiday begins the Pagan year. Popular motifs include costumes, skeletons, pumpkins, bonfires, and scary games. The colors black and orange dominate as do deities associated with old age/death. Festival foods include candy, apples, pomegranate, and hot mulled cider. In Samhain rituals, Pagans often seek to explore death or honor those who have passed on.

Yule: This holiday marks the longest night of the year. Popular motifs include evergreen trees, mistletoe, gifts, reindeer, and bells. The colors green and red dominate as do deities associated with the sun/rebirth. Festival foods include Yule log cakes, wassail, goose, and cookies. In Pagan rituals, people may honor the Goddess and Her Son, or the Oak King and Holly King.

Imbolc: This festival celebrates conception/inspiration. Popular motifs include candles, wheat sheaves or crosses, and flowers. The colors yellow, white, and light green dominate as do Maiden Goddesses, Brigid. Festival foods include bread and candied flowers. Pagan rituals often focus on the lengthening days, quickening, and creative pursuits.

Ostara: This holiday highlights the balance between day and night. Popular motifs include rabbits, baskets, spring flowers, and games with children. Pastel colors dominate as do Gods and Goddesses in youthful aspects. Festival foods include eggs, fluffy cakes, roasted rabbit or hare, and fresh greens. Pagans often work with fertility magic at this time.

Beltane: This festival celebrates warming weather and romance. Popular motifs include the May Pole, dancing, ribbons, and general revelry. Bright colors like sunshine yellow and apple green dominate, along with young Goddesses and Gods in courtship. Festival foods include May Wine, dark oatmeal cookies, and all types of fruit. In this festival Pagans celebrate the courtship of Goddess and God, and consider the delights of polarity.

Litha: This holiday glorifies in ascendant light. Popular motifs include sun discs, summer flowers, and marriage rings. Summer colors like turquoise and hot pink dominate as do solar/sexual deities. Festival foods include melons, fruit drinks, and destiny cakes. Here Pagan rituals may focus on solar or sexual elements, or both, with an emphasis on consummation.

Lammas: This solemn occasion falls at a time when the fields are reaped but the entire harvest is not secured. Popular motifs include grain, cords, ears of corn, and scythes. Dark autumn colors like rust and pine green dominate; the principal divinity is the dying Corn God. Festival foods include bread, beer, and current harvests. Most Pagan rituals mourn the God's death and prepare for his later rebirth.

Mabon: This compliment to Ostara marks the balance of light and dark with lengthening nights. Popular motifs include fallen leaves, balance scales, and gourds. More festive autumn colors like saffron, orange, and chocolate dominate along with various herd/harvest deities. Festival foods include sausages, breads, and squash pies. Now Pagans typically give thanks for what they received or accomplished during the year.