Further Study
The Celts divided their year into four parts.
Goal:
Goal:
The Celts divided their year into four parts, and the beginning of each part was marked by a festival. Samhain was the festival for the New Year; Beltane celebrated the beginning of May. It marked the time when the cattle were sent out to graze in the open again after being sheltered and fed in the farmhouse all year. Bonfires were part of this festival as the cattle were driven between them. Imbolic was celebrated on February 1st to note the start of lambing season and Lugnasad (August 1st) celebrated the time the crops began to ripen in the field. Check these festivals out!
Experiential work: Most Celts were farmers who relied heavily on the
seasons and the forces of nature for survival, so their religion was closely
related to their natural surroundings. Many of their gods and goddesses were
associated with trees, stones, lakes and springs. Over all these deities
reigned the Earth Mother. The oak tree was the most sacred tree and certain
groves of trees were as sacred to the Celts as churches or temples are to us. With
this in mind, go explore nature today. Find a place near you that can serve as
your "sacred" place. If an ancient Celt came to your area, where
might you take him in nature? Go there. Sit quietly together. Experience this
place with all your senses. What do you see? Hear? Taste in the air? What does
the ground feel like where you are? What would the Celts say about it?