Divination and Magic
Searles O'Dubhain

Sun Dec 17 11:56:58 2000
How did the Druids divine the future? How did they practice magic? What is known about their practices?  These are all topics I hope to discuss with everyone here. I think we each have a piece of the puzzle in our grasp and that if we come together with our knowledge, we will find that we also have many of the answers.*p*Regarding divination:*p*There are the three forms of imbas (prophecy) that the Druids and the Filidh were known to study in their schools and to practice among their people: Teinm Laegda, Dichetal do Chennaibh and Imbas Forosnai. There is also a form of lot casting called crannchur as well as the use of Ogham (along with imbas) to construct and divine prophetic sayings.*br* *br*Regarding magical energy:*p*The Irish Celtic form of magical energy was called brícht and bríg.  There are also some who characterize another form of magical energy as being called bua. I believe that these forms of energy were called and shaped through poetry and sound as well as names (i.e. spells).  To fully implement them required a kind of becoming and a venturing into realms of hazard to states of being through a validation of personal truth or destruction through falsehood.*p*This energy seems to have a flow to it that is most often observed at in-between times and places. The idea in Celtic magic was to take advantage of (and ward against) the turning of the daily, the seasonal, the monthly and the yearly cycles. This is why dusk and dawn are so important. It is also why the quarter days are at the beginning and ending points in the Earth's seasons rather than in the middle of them. In terms of the Moon and the month's cycle, this is why IMO the Druids harvested the mistletoe on the 6th day of the New Moon.  That is when the bright half of the month actually begins to dominate over the darkness. Those are times that magic is most easily accomplished (or required) because they are times of uncertainty and have a high potential for change. Elections and the times surrounding them seem to also fit into this in-betweenness and uncertainty.  I think that now would be a good time to work magic. Magic can also be performed at anytime that skill and intent come together with spiritual energy and focus of mind.*p*Regarding the similarities and differences between Wiccan magic and traditional Celtic magical practices:*p*Most of the folk aspects of Wiccan magic seem to draw heavily on Celtic and Indo-European folk and magical practice. As a result of this, I see Wiccan magical actions as having many similarities to Celtic magical actions.  Perhaps the difference between the two is more in their cosmology than it is in the goals and the way in which spirit is involved?  The main difference between the two is in the way that space is defined and understood to have elemental qualities that are unique to direct.  Celtic ritual deals with three worlds, circumnavigation, directions, cities, parting of the veils, ancestors, deities, nature spirits, hallows and dúile, while Wiccan circles have many of these same aspects, the focus seems to be more on Ceremonial Magic types of interpretations of them than natural and macro/microcosmic relationships. This is why the winds are important to some aspects of Celtic ritual (as harbingers of change and the voice of the deities) while they have a smaller role in Wiccan circles. There are a lot of other differences more in degree than in substance but this message is long enough for now.  I'm hoping that more of you can contribute your thoughts and experiences on these topics as your own inspiration and eloquence moves you to share.*p*Searles*br*