The Story of the Celtic Tribes

Theories of where the Celtic and Scandinavian tribes came from - Chapter 1

Well there are many theories as to where these tribes came from and where they all spread to.  Instead of arguing here, I shall just say go and read the many theories yourselves.  I shall however give you a starting point, from my research and opinion.   I first say disregard all outdated information.  The newest information we have is that originally they were all one people who spread out across Europe & became many cultures.  They did not come from elsewhere, nor did the Picts or the beaker people.  The DNA project started in British isles in the late half of 2000's shows us hard proof evidence that that the bodies found previous to the ice-age and those afterwards (see cheddar man) are the exact same people who only moved down, when the ice age hit, to Spain & area, then back up to Gaul and other areas afterward.  They never met until they grew again until later and, if this is the case, they very well could be the persons who built Stonehenge. 

So don't read from outdated books, keep up with the new info and quit passing on info just because someone else said it. There is so much that is out there on many Celtic sites that has repeated nonsense, especially about the Gods, and calendars and more.   Don't repeat any knowledge until you've studied the texts yourself and the many opinions of scholars who've dedicated their lives to this research, so you can make an educated opinion.  I feel sorry for those new seekers trying to make a go of it and their mentors are persons who continue misinformation like the new-agey Celtic Reconstructionalists saying there is no proof that the Celts had the 4 directions in their believes and,...blah, blah..  Well definitely they did not practice Gerald's modern religion of Wicca and the way they use the four directions, so they are right in that way but come on, they were surrounded by people almost worldwide that had the four directions, including the first nations people and it just happened to not be in the Celtic tribal beliefs.  I would say  not true by common sense alone.

Most just plain can't read between the lines and weigh  theories. I am so happy and you who love their ancestors should be too that we know for an absolute fact now, that the Northern Europeans were already there, both pre and post ice-age. (See documentary "First Canadians"  DNA evidence Brian Sykes and much more that has been discover, too many to list. We also have proof that Celtic DNA is now found in some of the tested Canadian first Nations tribes - the Ojibwe for one, mixed with Asian.)

The DNA traced back to seven mothers.  This group eventually grew, split and moved to different parts of Europe, forming distinct different cultures but they all maintained similar beliefs which join them.  Greeks, Romans, Germans, Franks, Gauls. Britons, Scandinavians & so on.  The distinct customs and values evolved around the type of terrain and environment the tribe lived in.  Much evidence shows these tribes mixed blood constantly with other tribes and unlike popular assumption, they lived quite peaceful, prior to the famous 'Viking era' around 800 CE. 

I personally don't recommend reading all of the rigid or new age sites of amateurs or new faiths as they tend to pass on the same old information sited by others and form a narrow view.  Most focus on written proof in the writings of classical chroniclers and use only the Christianized Celtic myths which none have really read them in whole except for pieces found as it is very clear to me that they do not have an understanding on how to read them.  If one studies many cultures instead of their own, trying to be "different" they would soon find that they are so similar it isn't even funny.

I've also found that they totally neglect to look to other resources, which are written by the Celts themselves in Latin or Greek.  Yes the Celts wrote down things and were highly literate in these languages.  Another misnomer is that there is hardly any information or books to go on.  My gosh there are over 150 books still sitting around waiting to be translated.  We also have a huge text, the Brehon laws, welsh laws and the coligney calendar.  Yet not one of those persons has actually read anything with substance, instead reading new-age garbage.  There are even whole Celtic communities here in Canada in Nova Scotia and so on.  But alas, most new faiths or authors, cashing in on the Celtic train revival, don't have the ability to read between the lines or be bothered to put in the work of hard study.  Having said this I too was the same I admit, and 15 of my 30 year journey was spend 'assuming' right along with the rest of you but it because I was able to see the differences that Wicca was becoming as compared to the eclectic stuff out there now, this inspired me to change my path.  

I am now from the Maers Khohias Tradition which has nothing to do with Wicca.  I even studied my own family tree and on this new journey learned more than I had listening to others.  I also learned that many will argue and some will even abuse but I know what I've put the work in and what others think doesn't matter to me now. 

I will no longer go by what everyone else said.  I was wrong.  For example, We know for sure now that the Celts embraced and adopted many things and they were not a 'race' of people but were made up of many who joined along the way.  There is no such thing as one belief among them some umbrella "Celtic spirituality"  that is just naive.  That is like saying the First nations people follow one "Native spirituality".  They would laugh you off the reserve.  Each tribe has their own Gods, rituals, ways and beliefs.  But, It seems it is just human nature when one wants to to break away from their (parent) group, they want to be 'different', especially if they disagreed with their (parent) mentor.  Whether it was because of a falling out or other reasons, I say modern people can not even begin to understand a tribal people until they learn how to think tribal and not in the same ways as single family units do today.  it is more work to keep a diverse group together and easier to walk away.  No one wants to do hard work and learn dynamics of keeping a functioning and healthy group.  We all must focus on the similarities and stop segregation.

So below, I've listed tribes, some well known, some not, but one can develop a knowing about each tribe changing their legends according to their own areas terrain and experiences by reading many cultures not just one. To me it's very obvious, as you will see, they were once one people.  Even if you have a different belief as I , if one learns to just listen to another without denying first, we learn alot more.  This is a hard skill to learn.  Its called true listening which is without any preconceived ideas or skepticism, then researching on your own and bringing in new thought.  Just because a so called scholar, including myself says something does not mean he or she is correct.  It is only our opinions based on our materials found, our own life experience, beliefs within and so on.  Many factors to consider.  Being different is to be embraced and everyone opinion matters and in the end, its all  choice.

People trying to find their own identity and place in a lost tribal society, refuse to acknowledge we are all one human race ,all with the same basic needs and fears. The more we try to understand another through their eyes and focus on our similarities, instead of differences, the more we shall move to a new era and finally move away from following in the footsteps of the Bible denominations whose religion has killed and harmed more people in the fight to be 'right' and the 'only' way.

Pagan to Christian

The Celtic tribes in remote areas kept part of their traditions well into the 17th century and possibly beyond but remember, by the 400's, it was Celtic Christianity that was formed on old pagan beliefs.  Celtic Christianity was completely different than Roman Christianity which grew more rigid and became now the Roman Catholic faith which split into many more.

The Celtic tribes in the more central areas, touched by Roman influence were converted eve earlier, but remarkably the islands had their own style.  We call it a "Celtic church", and this term does not refer to the people but to a style of Christianity. People must not group the Celts as one spiritual group prior to this as they were a tribal peoples and thus those that are trying to find 'Celtic spirituality" are looking for something non-existent.  That is like one saying they like Native spirituality.  Which Native tribe??  Every one is completely different, with their own gods, rituals and belief system.

As for Celtic Christianity, Pelagius was a famous Priest who preached the style closest to what they believed but the whole point is that miraculously, from the evidence found, they maintained many of their traditions through a Christian twist.

Seven Celtic Nations

   (the actual Celtic placenames & accepted Languages)

1) Alba -the old word for Scotland (people).

2) Cymru - Wales

3) Kernow - Cornwall

4) Mannin -  Isle of Man 

5) Galicia -  are Spanish Celts - Spain area 

6) Briezh -  Brittany

7) Eire - (Erin)  Old word for Ireland. 

Now the following are the accepted 7 Celtic Nations today but please keep in mind that these nations spread out much wider then the above areas and thus, the above is only depicting the major settlements of languages.

In each one of these nations, are again split into smaller groups called Tribes (Tuatha = tribe in Irish, Llwyth = in Welsh).  Each tribes developed their own and sometimes entirely different rites for funerals, births and other life and seasonal events.  Even their Gods were different in every tribe but even though the names changed, the memory of earlier stories about them, every tribe maintained similar themes. Now just because we name the accepted 7 nations of 'Celtic' areas, keep in mind that Celts also lived in Greece,  Italy, Belgium, Germany, areas of Denmark, into Asia, as well as Turkey and Australia.  To understand the breakdown can be quite a daunting task, so I will try and break it down in simple terms.

Each of their God's personalities also depended on the type of terrain they lived in, astronomy lore and what ancestors they chose to be descendant from - animal, nature or these turned into hero Gods, and of course their particular rituals.  These became incorporated as their own genealogy collection stories, each nation having their own unique collection.  For the Welsh it is the Mabinogi,  which is the proper name.  It has been misprinted  but more commonly referred to as the Mabinogion.   Each group or family of Gods assigned to each area or tribe.  For example the Welsh people  hold stories of Danu which was, most scholars agree, one tribe, where the stories of Llyr would be another tribe branched off.

So if I did not confused you too much, these regions are sub-divided even further, some with even smaller fines but the whole made up a tribe. 
What Happened to the Celts?

Well according to so many new age websites, they disappeared and there are very little remnants left to study.  What?  Oh my gosh there are still over 150 manuscripts just sitting there waiting to be translated, and many remote places still hold on to performing the traditions today.  The law books hold a wealth of information and are absolutely full of detail, giving us much incite on their daily life, virtues and rituals.  One only needs travel to Nova Scotia, Cape Breton and the like to also hear tales of those who came over.  I for one am of Scottish and Norse descent.  Heck the Scots pretty much made Canada.  The poor Irish fate was just as traumatic and some came here to Canada and the rest to the United states.  Moral;  Don't believe all you read!!  I tell my students all the time, to listen to me but always remember I am but one perspective.  New info comes all the time.  Just as a doctor should upgrade his knowledge, so should a Celtic scholar.  One day this information might become stagnant.

I also read a bunch of hog was that the Christians were so cruel they came into their country & wiped out the Celts and their religion.  The truth is that most of the mainstream Celts embraced Christianity wholeheartedly.  Yes there were also tribes in more remote areas who held on to pagan beliefs but both religions were very similar and they lived in harmony until much later.   The key is to remember that Celtic Christianity was totally different than Roman Christianity which turned into Catholicism.   Europe lived ate and breathed religion when the new faith came.  

When these horrific atrocities occurred, the witch hunts and later the Maleus Malificarum, this was not in the thriving Celtic period.  It was the English, Irish, Scots and Scandinavian people that were the ones who became cruel to their own people who did not follow Roman Christianity.  With Queen Elizabeth the 'Protestant' (Anglican) queen, she tolerated both faiths.  Even here for a few hundred years more into the 17th century in the very remote areas  people were still practicing pagan rites.
Although there were no more tribes, the same fighting between them remained the same except  it was no longer sending their sons to raid cattle for initiatory purpose and so on, but it was now religious wars which still go on to this day.  The English, which now are a mix of Spanish, French, Scots and mostly Norse people  (just look at the monarchy), in these earlier centuries considered  themselves 'civilized' and actually found the people who were in Scotland then, Highlanders especially, barbaric.  Sadly once all  Northern European tribes, the 'civilized' ones ended up killing many of their own kind.  They even tried to breed the culture out of the Scottish/Pict people by demanding the sons of Chieftain hereditary to be taught in English schools.  Later, the Highlanders had  even more atrocities happen to them - starvation, slavery, and almost genocide. 

In the clearances, most Scots moved to Canada and most Irish to the States.  Many married or joined with the local 1st Nations tribes forming the Metis, as they felt akin and held some of the old values .  Later  there was war over Canada when the strict fundamentalist French and English people came.  As said, these Celts had been both politically and religiously indoctrinated so long and more so than these others.

Like the First nations ways and beliefs were almost eradicated, most of the Northern European tribes were as well before them.  In fact, a high percentage of us who are of from European descent, have totally lost our connection to our ancestors, nature and our own culture and rituals.  Did you know our ancestors beliefs are parallel to the 1st nations people.  Go ahead and have a look around at the rest of the site, and discover the fascinating world of our Ancestors.  Check out the tidbits of information at our store as well.

Let's quit the whining about who did what to whom, whose right and whose wrong and just embrace the parts we like and get on with out own growth, and our own tribes.  Every tribe was different!!

by LaurieLee


Copyright June 12, 2010

Who Invented the Runes - Germanic, Anglo-Saxon or Norse Tribes? What are they?

Is there really Differences between Germanic and Norse

& their Claim on the Invention of Runes

by Laurie-Lee Mills

The fight over the Runes, being mostly claimed by either Norse or Germans, is just plain silly. There are some people who believe that Norse and German are separate people and others believe the Germans are Norse. It gets so complicated because these seekers tend to look at the area on the map today and totally overlook migration dates nor do they realize there were no such borders in ancient times. In actuality, all the tribes of Europe are one people who spread out to different areas and slowly DNA changed to suit their surroundings and life style. This has been proven by one of the worlds leading DNA experts Brian Sykes. Check my DNA story.  Besides the fact is there is no such thing as a pure race then and especially today, that is a whole other issue and not the topic. Today, we are trying to find the truth about Runic origin BUT in order to do so we have to discuss the differences of these peoples.

It is a dire fact, that before the formation of independent national identities, there was no divergence in each region's cultural traditions, as there is proof globally. Every bloody culture in the world have the four directions, gods each representing the same things (tribes had different names but similar stories), and all had similar beliefs and traditions. This too is argued about by many people who only study one culture.  if they study them all they would discover this and we  can see that there is no reason for argument.  We are all one.  Each tribe developed their own clothing style and so on so but there is no exactness or an umbrella sameness with a culture.  Whether you study African beliefs, Celtic beliefs, Norse or Scandinavian culture - there is no set of beliefs for it.  Why?  Every single tribe had their own Gods they believed they descended from. In other words every single tribe is different yet similar.  Check the 1st Nations people and see for yourself.  There is no North American Indian belif system.  Each and every tribe has their own and would be insulted if you expected Pawnee for example, to be the same as Cree. So quit arguing people. Lets have the world focus on the similarities like we do in Maers Khohias. In Maers Khohias, we focus on similarities and embrace the world as a whole.  Come join us, our ancestors are calling.   Although I wrote another article on this it is important to this topic to briefly skim again.

So we've established that each Germanic tribe, was separate and unique forming their own commonalities but it is the similarities of religion, language, and culture which is the same as the Ancient Greek, Celts, Romans and Scandinavian cultures. Yet somehow this pan-Germanic faith is what modern day 'Heathens' have now called Asatru which is a Norse religion. Yet ancient Germanic people were not at all Norse. Early Germanic peoples came up from Spain after the ice age and had already created powerful empires in Spain, Carthage, France, England, and Italy before they stayed in what is now thought to be German territory.  They were Celtic as that is exactly the place the Celtic cultures were at an earlier time. Now check out the waves of migration - The Germanic people are also called Teutonic which were Gothic styled persons and they were Celts. The Franks are a mix of Germanic peoples who moved down into the area now known as France and mixed with those called the Gauls, also Celts. They mixed blood with the Salians. Frisians are ancestors of modern day Dutch.  The Alemanni, Burgundians, Franks, Lombards (ancestors of Northern Italians), Visigoths (from Spain and Portugese) Spain is where Celts back came from after iceage - proven from DNA now), Angles, Jutes and Saxons (all mixed and became Anglo-Saxons (later the English).  All branches from the same tree, speaking similar languages. Are whites a pure race?  I think not.  There were no borders of today either.

Moving along to the 6th century until the 11th.  Some of the Germanic tribes, Angles, Jutes and Saxons (but not the Franks), decided to conquer the eastern British Isles. In this move they subjugated those the British Celts (Bretons, Iceni and more) and thus created the English speaking Kingdom.  These groups of people overtime became Anglo-Saxons. By the 10th century, the early foundations of the Danish, Norwegian (Norway), and Swedish nations began changing their pagan (nature beliefs) beliefs to the spread of Christianity (man made beliefs).  They were all to converted by the 12th century.

Norsemen were the Danes, Norwegian and Sweden only thus Asatru is not Germanic at all. A must know for all Asatru people is this - The Pan-German movement was stated by a German named Alldeutscher Verband who was an extreme nationalist and started a political interest organization officially founded in 1891. It was done because of the Anglo-German Agreement. A Treaty signed the year before on the 1st of July 1890. It was an agreement between the UK and the German Empire concerning mainly territorial interests. I do not think the “modern “Heathen faiths” realize that implication as 95% of newbies are not traditionally trained anymore.  So Asatru should stay far clear from that. Sadly, most of these uneducated groups, started after pushing away from the new eclectic style Wiccan groups in the 1990's.  We see all of a sudden heretical or fam trads, and fairy faiths and a whole bunch of other nonsense.  Claiming a heretical line is so far fetched as we all come from Europe and not one family has proved yet, that they had any tradition intact from ancient times.  This is because somebody started the allowance of non-traditional making it okay to skip proper procedures and start “Self-Initiations. So in the 2000's modern day Scandinavian & Celtic reconstructional groups began popping up. 

The Norsemen spoke Old Norse, which they even called dönsk tunga (the Danish tongue) not German. If you are interested in this stuff, please direct your attention to a wonderful URL – http://euroheritage.net/eddaintro.shtml. Here you can see clearly the mix of Celts and Viking cultures.  Now that we have that settled, lets get on to the 'claiming of the Runes;

Runes who claims to have Invented them?
Now during the period from 550-750 AD, rapid linguistic changes occurred, as it seems there was a split in the Danes related to Swedish tribes. Some went south and west. During this time their language was no barrier in communicating with tribes across the lands; from Greenland to the Baltic, nearly the same language was spoken throughout, yet each tribe's homeland could be identified by his accent. Then a significant difference changed between the Norse (Sweden and Denmark) and West tribes (Norway and the Atlantic settlements such as Iceland).

Runes were finally replaced by the Latin alphabet by the 11th century everywhere on the continent. Runic language survived along with the Odinic religion in the isolated princedoms of Iceland by Canada until the 16th century. Even their Skalds, (Norse equivalent for a Celtic Bard - poets), immortalized and codified their heritage and myths in the Nordic Eðða from the 13th-15th centuries. Snorri Sturlusson (1178-1241), is the person who documented this belief system in a text book to learn about Priestly poetry. The writings offer the main source for modern Odinists today. 

The Norse might be the people who created the Runic Alphabet but no one knows for sure.  Obviously one man in a tribe created them but which area they actually came from. We will NEVER know.  We do know that Runes were used for centuries since Christianity became popular in about the 500's, especially in the Sweden area.  

Odinic remains can also be found in landmark churches called “The Stavkirke” (Stave-Church) found all throughout Scandinavia areas where Pre-Christian religious beliefs lasted longer than other areas of Europe. Some more Primitive ones have been found in Russia, Ukraine, and Germany, unfortunately Christianity destroyed most in their wake of trying to destroy any trace of previous knowledge and to control the people and keep them ignorant of their crimes.  In fact, Christianity, has done more killing and crime than any other religion throughout history, including sacrifices and rituals.  Yet people are scared of pagans...funny.

Still the Runic alphabet, although used the longest in Sweden and Odinic areas, cannot be claimed as their own.  Why?  Well just as many inscriptions have been found all over Europe in Celtic areas as well, Runes are found carved into historical buildings and statuary and not just in northern Europe, clearly showing the extent of mixed blood and roaming of peoples over Europe.

The evidence of the runes symbols origin is forever shrouded in mystery.  Having read above, and now knowing that no one is of pure race, no one can really 'claim' them.  But we do know, obviously, that the inventor was a Priest like person whose creativity was inspired by the Divine Gods and their lessons of scholarly coded poetry, learning different metres and kinds that we see in the Eddas.

The Runic alphabet, the Runes' meanings, and spiritual significance (divination):

Much of the religiosity in Europe in both in what is called Celtic area & Scandinavia area centered around fertility cults. It must be remembered that fertility in ancient societies referred to crops, childbirth, rebirth and tribal growth with healthy families as opposed to the sexual and lustful perversion association that it has acquired today from Ignorant Christians who have not educated themselves in this study.  In their defense, persons do tend to see this from their own religions view, instead of seeing it through another's eyes which the information is intended to be viewed with. It can be assumed that Runes were likely used for fertility and placed on personal altars, shrines and graveyards to maximize chances of conception and rebirth a soul.  Intercourse of people and animals were considered normal and not shameful and this mating rites of spring would enhance the intentions of the spells (prayers).

In Odinic beliefs there is a Odin Rune. This specific Rune had religious significance and evolved into the Runic letter for the sound "O". Thor has his own Rune that evolved into the sound "Th". In the Icelandic alphabet today, the letter is still used for the same sound. This here is the best proof of all of where the Runes came from. Tyr and Thor are arguably the oldest of the Germanic Pantheon, not Norse. Thus it was shared by Celts and Norse alike. Whatever the tribes pantheon was, or is today lol, you can find the similar God or god family and use the rune for them.

Possible Time of the Runic alphabet:

Runic symbols probably existed before the Romans even built a state, written in sand or carved on wood. These symbols were religious in nature, thus carried magic which was the belief at the time. Often warning and bindings were cast on these. Messages for people. Writing written down became truth and powerful. The earliest evidence of Runic dates from the 2nd century CE/AD. It is difficult to know whether these Runes were done for either to its religious meaning or an abbreviation of the engraver's name. The overwhelming majority of Runestones and artifacts with the Runic alphabet are in Scandinavia, especially Sweden. But Germanic tribes seem to have a far greater emphasis on the war gods used. Nonetheless, the religious myths percolated throughout the Germanic regions, and thus could be the reason they appear in northern Sweden. We know Swedish Viking raids happened often. But I think it is safe to assert that the Runic alphabet was created in either Sweden or Denmark, as the two regions frequently exchanged rulers. Equally so, the highest cultural cultivation of the Odinic religion seems to have occurred in Sweden, including elaborate temples and a written script with religious significance for each symbol, and a firm emphasis on intellectual aspects such as wisdom and knowledge (versus the simplicity of war).

The appearance of Odin as the central god of the Germanic pantheon shows nice trading and exchanges of ideas. As They had Woden, which their name for him. It may have been that Odin was an actual historical Swedish king. But in their religion it is Odin who is attributed with creating writing as he learned the secrets of the Runes. Any sacred knowledge given one must sacrifice and give back thus Odin has one eye. As does Uther, Balor and many other Gods across the continent. All based on the same beliefs. This might have come from the Druids or Gothar. We know that they covered one eye and stood in a peculiar way when performing magic of the otherworld seeing.

The Runic alphabet definitely does not come from Roman tribal families. It bears almost no commonality with Latin, and the Romans were never able to conquer the Germanic tribes of Germany, let alone Sweden. Besides, in the first centuries CE, the Germans gradually ate away at the Roman empire but in time Germans became increasingly involved in the Roman army, frequently seizing entire spheres of the empire for themselves (such as the Gallic Empire - Franks).

Now when I looked at the ancient Phoenecians (Semitic peoples from Lebanon in which Hebrew derived from), oddly, the Runic symbols bear a striking resemblance to their symbols. Phoenecians were a major maritime empire, and became defunct with the obliteration of Carthage by Rome in the 3rd century BCE. Celtic & Viking tribes however, were often semi-nomadic, and may have ventured. Another theory is that it derived from the ancient Etruscan script that has yet to be translated. The Etruscans were an ancient Greek-influenced Italian people in northern Italy. They became altogether assimilated into Italian culture in Rome by the 4th century BCE. Another strange phenomenon is the existence of Hungarian Runes. Hungarian tribes migrated from central Russia from the 9th century CE onward into the Slavic realms of Central Europe, and may or may not have originally descended from the Slavs. Their system of writing appears to be strikingly similar. Ttheir king was converted to Catholicism in the 11th century and their Runic alphabet abolished in favor of Latin script. The Fact remains that many of the Runes are literally identical in both Hungarian, Germanic & Norse script cannot be entirely coincidental.

Now the last evidence must be written as well. Central Asian Turkic Runes. 7 CE inscriptions have been found throughout western Mongolia and Siberia with bizarrely familiar symbols that are common to both Norse, Germanic and Hungarian Runes. The Life Rune, the Swastika (the sun power as it moves around the zodiacs path), and the distinct Rune of Odin seem to have been used in Central Asia as well. They belong to the Turkic populations west of Mongolia, and were likely borrowed from the earlier Sodgian alphabet of their Iranian predecessors. It is unusual that the Othala Rune, a very uniquely Viking symbol, would appear in the desolate plains of the east thousands of miles away, but it is likely more than coincidence as proven by the appearance of the Swastika all over the world's ancient cultures. We were all one!!

What are Modern Celtic Totem Stones for?

The Celts believed the animals had magickal qualities and that each were manifestation from a particular God or Goddess in Earth form. The Boar for Cerridwen, Stag for Cernunnos or the Raven for the Morrighan are examples. They even chose animal, plant or tree totems to represent their tribes or clans. Trees? Yes the Celtic legends suggest that some tribes believed people were created from the trees. Other clans thought their mother was the source they lived by like Boann, the river which gave them life water and food.

Humans could be nourished by & learn quite a bit from each animal and get help from its spirit. They would thank the animal for sharing its gifts in the circle of life. The ancients were closer to nature then modern day persons. They'd listen to nature and watch the physical animal in its natural environment, and dress like them to dance with their spirit.

We can do this too, to begin to attune with nature again by learning about each animal and using totem stones as a starting point. By holding a Celtic Totem Stone & focusing your thoughts on it, brings appreciation for these teachings forward.

The making of the Celtic totem stone is done ritually. The space is cleansed of all other negative residual energy and spirit is invited to send attribute energies and teachings of the animal to rest in the stone before the painting of it. The practitioner is totally focused on the task at hand as well, in trance like mode. Stones then become Spiritkeepers of the past and present.

Real Shamanic Makers of these stones are hard to come by as there are many charlatons out there, that make no ritual. At the Celts and Vikings Store, each Celtic totem stone is handpicked by myself as the ritual starts from this point. Nature spirit is asked to guide the 'Vates' type roles of our tribe to the right stone. The Celtic totem stones are tagged and brought back to our sacred areas, a trance journey is done to see which spirit energy chooses to reside here.

The Celtic totem stones become individuals and should ALWAYS be treated respectfully as spiritual beings at all times. We Keep the totem stones in their own personal pouch, made just for them, in the proper colours and material. Some material does not go with the particular animal spirit and is a mistake often made with those untrained book taught persons.

When it comes to choosing one of our Celtic totem stones, most people go for their favorite animal or an animal they chose themselves to be their "power animal". This is not the way. You may want a particular animal quality, but they are not necessarily the one you need. The best way is to not look and choose, or put your hand across them all, not looking and take the one that draws you there.

Having said this, the best way to go, is to have several different Celtic totem stones, just like the tarot, and once every 3 moons choose one and work with it. I mean really work with it and fix the things within to watch the results in your outer world. Depending on the type of occasion presented the spirit will come for the right time. Choose no more frequently then 3 moons, as this is the time needed to work on a single thing and rid self of a stale or old belief no longer needed or was an untruth you carried around.

By LaurieLee Mills

Copyright February 09, 2012

History of Walking Sticks

The cane or walking stick, by the 1800's, was very much a part of a Gentleman’s formal attire. You didn't leave home without it. It was so popular that members of certain posh organizations had to have one. Military personnel, the Freemasons and many fraternities had the walking stick. The walking cane became a tradition in many places. But did you know that its history goes back long before this.

It was also used by Druids and Celtic warriors as a symbol of authority or a support for an exhausted traveller, or a weapon. For a Celt, it is an extension of one's own arms and reach; as a pole to vault over creeks, or a deep ditch. Celtic Druids (Shamanic persons) used a staff as both a symbol of leadership and as a tool for spiritual journey. Often carved with mystical symbols, Celtic runes, stories of Gods or animals, history of their territory or tribe, record a great battle, mythical beasts and magick. These were the Shamans tool to help guide the path of his/her workings as well as the clan they administered too. Used in many religious ceremonies and ritual throughout time. It was a form of status and the type of wood used depicted the rank of the person in the ancient tribes.

Shorter ones were called a sceptre and the tall ones a staff or stave. Travellers used the walking stick or staff for practical duties as well such as carrying their travelling packs over the shoulder, or heavy loads across both shoulders. It's been used to defend against attack, or even to gain an upper hand in a battle. It really replaced the sword which was the coveted thing prior to the walking stick. The walking stick was always a sign of respect given to the oldest or wisest citizen, and was carried not only as a functional support for walking but as a means of defence.

Walking Sticks are now coveted as collectors items and family heirlooms. The walking stick tall or short, have been part our society for thousands of years. Walking stick status today is still done by how elaborate the walking stick is -- the symbols that are painted, wood-burned or carved into it. They are referred to as bragging staffs or staves. Both spellings are correct. They are a kind of like a totem pole depicting the life of the bearer, a record of ones long journey. If you go to the Masonic Museum, you can see an example of what I speak of, & each provides us clues to the ancient members accomplishments.

The staff can also be used to carve a story of any kind or one of mythology. Keeping a record of events in the carvings of a staff can be traced to the ancient Norsemen. Carving runes to tell a story or tale along it's shaft was a practical and common practice amongst these travellers. It was also used for numerical information, like the length of a measurement, a journey or trade. This numerical journal was called "skor". This method actually carried into modern day and we use it to keep 'score' during a game. This method of carving isn't unique to the Norse. It was done by many surrounding cultures. A popular walking cane today is based off of the walking staff with hook on the top which was associated with the shepherd and children of the Gods. The Shepherd was once a healer with his Staff turning into snakes. He was called Orphiuchus but the constellation picture has now changed to the Hero God Orion.

Walking sticks make a great gift. Master Craftsman Brahva, the founder of Maers Khohias and the owner of The Celts and Vikings Store, enjoys her work in her spare time. Each stick is made with a story in mind and a good energy put into the item. Any individual coming in to the store has the opportunity to choose their own personal statement by the staff they carry so it is important that she leaves some staves plain so they can choose what they'd like to see for décor, and see which one calls to them. Sometimes she feels the wood just sings to her and it becomes what it wants to be. Symbols are either carved, painted, or burned into the walking stick until the walking stick says no more. Brahva specializes in producing quality walking sticks containing as many personal distinctions as possible that the customer wants. Staffs can be topped with a totem of family or energy of the walking stick.

Collectors in Canada boast to have one of Brahva's staffs in their possession. Collecting walking sticks of all sizes is a growing hobby once again. It is a great investment. This leap in value sparked a new interest in handmade canes, both antique and new.

Custom walking sticks are available with anything the customer wishes. Most personalized canes sell at $150, with some custom works upwards of $300. Staffs are mostly shipped in Canada, but can be shipped anywhere should the customer wish to pay extra for shipping charges. The investment is very reasonable for a one of a kind item.

Brahva says a Walking Stick is also called a spirit staff and all have a magickal aura surrounding them, each with its own personality, depending on the type of wood. Once you receive a staff or one calls to you, you must find its name. Listen and it will tell you through the Universe. Once you name one, you feel more of a connection as the ancients did. There is a certain way to use the staff in Celtic ritual. Brahvas also teaches Classes on this subject and much more. The Celtsd and Vikings Store is more than 'just' a store.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR STAFF

Trivia; In most modern Northern European Traditions, meaning those of non-eclecticism, you may not carry a Staff unless a person is one of the Druid classes of priest/priestesses, which can take up to 20 years of study. In this society of fast info and consumerism, most do not grasp this concept, and want everything now. The Walking stick that is given through process has much greater meaning and feeling of accomplishment than one not earned.

For everyone else, a walking stick or staff can be shaped to look like horns or prongs or topped with actual antlers of a deer, a skull of a small animal and decorated with leather, feathers, stones, and/or beads. The staff is unique to it's owner, giving special meaning to that person's life. A staff will call you by drawing you towards it. Some people like to decorate it as they desire so some are always left plain, just for those types.

A Walking Stick Staff take a long time to make from the time they are brought home to the finished product. Brahva always makes sure the grove is able to replenish and does not take more than is necessary. The Staff takes 30 to 60 days in a dry place and then 3 to 9 days to make, depending on how intricate the design. Just like wood has its own magical traits, so does the metals, stones, shells and symbols put on them.

A staff can be Consecration for a specific purpose so it acts as a talisman for the person it is being bought for - house decor, reenactment, modern pagan, respect of an elder in your family, wedding and so on. Consecration is a cleansing of their staff from all the energized of others who might have touched it, in a sacred ritual, then dedicated and charged with Divine energy to do whatever is asked for the new owner that shall receive it then wrapped immediately so no one else touches it. When the receiver gets it, he/she imprints their own energies upon the wood so make sure they are in a great mood. This process should be done afterwards, once a year, to clear the energy off the staff that has been sitting around as it will pick up all energies from any arguments, negative persons and so on around it. For an extra fee of $20, Brahva will do this for you!!

LaurieLee Mills

with permission

Copyright 2011

Celtic Modern Months

January –  Irish = Enáir. Scottish = an Faoilteach. Manx = Jerrey Gheuree. Welsh = Ionawr. Cornish = Genver. Breton = Genver.

February - Irish = Feabhra. Scottish = an Gearran. Manx = Toshiaght Arree. Welsh = Chwefror. Cornish = Hwevrer. Breton = C'hwevrer.

March - Irish = An Márta. Scottish = an Márt. Manx = Mayrnt. Welsh = Mawrth. Cornish = Meurth. Breton = Meurzh.

April  - Irish = An t-Aibreán. Scottish = an Giblean. Manx = Averil. Welsh = Ebrill. Cornish = Ebryl. Breton = Ebrel.

May - Mai Fodla = Red earth month (fertility) Irish = An Bhealtaine. Scottish = an Ceitean. Manx = Boaldyn. Welsh = Mai. Cornish = Me. Breton = Mae.

June - Irish = An Meitheamh. Scottish = an t-Òg-mhios. Manx = Mean Souree. Welsh = Mehefin. Cornish = Metheven. Breton = Mezheven.

July - Irish = lúil. Scottish = an t-luchar. Manx = Jerrey Souree. Welsh = Gorffennaf. Cornish = Gortheren. Breton = Gouere.

August – Irish = Lúnasa. Scottish = an Lúnasdal. Manx = Luanistyn. Welsh = Awst. Cornish = Est. Breton = Eost.


September –Irish = Meán Fómhair. Scottish = an t-Sultain. Manx = Mean Fouyir. Welsh = Medi. Cornish = Gwynngala. Breton = Gwengolo.


October -  Irish = Deireadh Fómhair. Scottish = an Dàmhair. Manx = Jerrey Fouyir. Welsh = Hydref. Cornish = Hedra. Breton = Here.


November - Irish = Samhain. Scottish = an t-Samhain. Manx = Mee Houney. Welsh = Tachwedd. Cornish = Du. Breton = Miz Du


December - Irish = Nollag Scottish = an Dubhlachd Manx = Mee Ny Nollick Welsh = Rhagfyr. Cornish = Kevardhu Breton = Kerzu


by Brahva
from M.K. texts
2002