Fact: The use of the sickle by modern Druids is a romantic construct
based on a line (or, more politely put, a metaphor) fed to Pliny and hence
to Caesar on the part of a Druid of long ago. He was attempting to
speak in metaphor, and the Romans didn�t quite get it, and apparently
neither have many modern scholars who concern themselves with
Druidry. While it might be a useful and symbolic tool for the herbalist
or sacrificer, in general ritual, it serves little purpose.
Incidentally, the tale told to Pliny related how Druids, in long white
robes, climb trees (which would be a gymnastic feat worthy of an audience,
no question to that), and with golden sickles (anyone who knows anything
about metallurgy knows that gold is a very soft metal), cut the mistletoe
from the oak (as far as I�ve been able to tell from my personal research,
mistletoe doesn�t often grow in oaks). Like I said, clearly a metaphor.
Fact: Mistletoe does in fact have healing properties, and was most likely
used by the Druids particularly at the Winter Solstice. However, it is
more important from an herbal standpoint (and also somewhat symbolic)
than anything else.
Fact: Of �tools� used by the Ancient Druids, we may be certain only of
the following: trees (and, therefore, groves), cauldrons and/or wells (most
particularly the latter), and the Druid Egg. They also used circles of
standing stones (although this may or may not have been as widespread
as has been suggested), animal skins and fibers (as in the Tarbh Fheis, and
the tugen), and perhaps harps and staffs. Most of the other trappings
of the modern Druid either stem from a romanticized version of Druidry
or have been grafted onto Druidry from paganism (Wicca, etc.).
Fact: All you really need in Druidry are Land, Sea, Sky, and yourself--in
other words, some representation of earth (preferably a tree or stone),
some representation of water, and some representation of fire and/or air.
The Sacred Three: Cauldron, Fire Bowl, and Tree/Branch/Stone
Cauldron: The Cauldron or Chalice represents the element of water
and, therefore, the Sea. The Sea is the province of the Sidhe (the Faeries;
in Welsh, Bendith Y Mamau--�Mother�s Blessing�) and the Spirits of
Nature.
It is also one of the four Treasures of the Tuatha De Danaan.
Belonging eventually to Dagda, it was originally given to the Tuatha by
Senias (of the �High Air�). It represents wealth and abundance.
Within the Cymric (Welsh) Tradition, the cauldron is sacred to
Cerridwen, the Mother of Poets, and is the source of knowledge, wisdom,
and inspiration (Awen; Sacred Truth). By taking in the Greal brewed by
Cerridwen in her cauldron, Gwion is propelled through a course of events
which lead to his eventual rebirth as Taliesin.
The cauldron is also associated with Bran the Blessed in the
Mabinogion--Bran�s cauldron had the ability to bring back the dead.
Therefore, once again we have a theme of regeneration and rebirth.
Therefore, the cauldron may be said to symbolize the process of birth,
of growth; of emergence into the light.
It is associated with the times of dawn, Imbolc, and Spring Equinox.
Fire Bowl (or simply Fire): The Fire Bowl, Candle or other fire source
represents the element of fire, and, therefore, the Spirit and Sky. The
Sky is the province of the Deities (the Shining Ones). Fire is joined in
symbology with the Wand/Staff and the Sword.
Within the Cymric Tradition, fire is particularly associated with Lleu
Llaw Gyffes (Lugh), who is identified as a Sun God, rather along the lines of
Apollo in the Greek Tradition.
Tree/Representation of Tree/Silver Branch/Stone/Druid Egg:
These implements represent the element of earth and, therefore, the Earth
and the Land of the Dead. This is the province of the Ancestors and
Beloved Dead, and also the place in which we live, worship, and work.
We know from historical record and from myth that the Druids
practiced in groves and held the trees in particular regard. The
representation of a tree is as historically acceptable as a tool as an actual
tree. The Silver Branch, represented in Celtic Myth, has been associated
with Otherworld Journeys (Imramma) and is therefore an excellent symbol
for the coming together of the Three Worlds.
The Stone is one of the Four Treasures of the Tuatha De Danaan.
In Celtic (Irish) lore, we are told that the Stone of Fal would cry out when
sat upon by the rightful ruler of Tara. It was originally gifted to the
Tuatha by Morias (�Great Wisdom�). It represents sovereignty, wisdom,
virtue, and destiny.
The Druid�s Egg is also spoken of in historical record, and was
probably actually a sort of crystal ball, used as a focus for concentration
and meditation and possibly also for scrying. According to tradition, it was
formed from the spittle of a mass of serpents. Thanks to this, it came to
symbolize metamorphosis and renewal of life. It also served as a protective
amulet.
The Stone/Tree/Representation of a Tree/Silver Branch may be
said to symbolize the root, the earth, the chthonic source of life.
It is associated with the times of midnight, darkness, and Winter
Solstice; the moment of conception, and the moment of death.
Personal Tools
Wand/Staff: The Wand or Staff represents the element of fire (as in
the Tarot) and corresponds to the Spear of Lleu Llaw Gyffes
(Lugh--within the Four Treasures of the Tuatha De Danaan; originally,
this spear was gifted to the Tuatha by Urias [�Way of the Noble
Nature�]). It represents victory and the Path or the Way (as with
Taoism).
Within the Cymric Tradition, the spear is again of Lugh (Lleu Llaw
Gyffes), in this case, his magical spear, which was the only way by which he
could be slain. Lleu�s spear led to his sacrifice and threefold resurrection:
first as grain, then as an eagle, and finally as the sun (Lord of Gwynedd).
Therefore, the spear may be said to symbolize the creative outpouring
of the mature individual.
It is associated with the times of noon, light, and Summer Solstice.
It also represents the peak of abundance, the crown of the head, and
the realization of art.
Because of its symbology, the wand may be used to bring things into
being--it is a conduit for energy through which manifestation takes place.
The wand or staff is also associated with Math ap Mathonwy and
Gwydion ap Don, the Lords of Magick.
Sword/Dagger: The Sword or Dagger corresponds to the element of
air (as in the Tarot) and coincides with the Sword of Nuada within the
Four Treasures of the Tuatha De Danaan. Originally this sword was
gifted to the Tuatha by Arias, the golden-haired poet (�Great Ocean�).
Within the Cymric Tradition, the Sword is associated primarily with
Arthur (and through him, the Mabon), as well as Bran and Gwynn ap Nudd.
Therefore, the sword may be said to symbolize the subtle power of
discrimination and Truth.
It is associated with the times of evening, Autumn Equinox, harvest,
and cutting away.
It also represents the return to the source.
Because of its symbology, the sword or dagger may be used to
harvest (i.e., herbs, etc.). It may also be used in ritual to delineate between
two things: light and dark; inside and outside, etc. On the altar, it
generally lies between the fire-source and the cauldron as a representation
of the Center, and, therefore, Truth.
The dagger is also an important symbol in the Naming Rite of our
Grove, representing the birth-right. In the Celtic world, everyone received a
dagger at birth, symbolizing their connection to and protection by the
Deities. It is a symbol of sovereignty.
The Crane Bag: In Irish Mythology, the Crane Bag was in the
possession of the family of Fionn Mac Cumhaill. This bag was originally
crafted by Manannan (the God of the Sea), who corresponds with
Manawydan ap Llyr in the Cymric Tradition. It also corresponds to the
Grail of Arthurian Legend, and, therefore to the Mabon--the True
Grail, as described in the Mabinogion.
The crane is a bird associated with letters and the alphabet, linking
the Crane Bag to the source of poetic and bardic wisdom. The crane is also
associated with death, rebirth, and the path between the worlds and,
therefore, with Imramma--Otherworld Journeys.
In Cymric Tradition, there is a further association between such a bag
and bardic wisdom--Cerridwen sews the babe Taliesin into a leather bag
(coracle) and throws him into the sea.
This bag contains items which hold special, and perhaps secret,
importance for its possessor. This may be stones and candle drippings, or it
may be small bits of poetry, or other things. It is probably the most
personal object a Druid can possess, and is particularly important to those
who choose to follow the Bardic Paths.
It is suggested that one wait until they fully understand the purpose
of the Crane Bag before undertaking the making of one. A person�s Crane
Bag�s contents should probably kept secret. In my personal experience, the
divulgence of the Crane Bag�s contents to another has symbolized the
ultimate bond of trust--they are seeing the symbols of the owner�s soul.
Bell: Three tokens of a blessed site: a bell, singing of sacred songs, a
synod of elders. (Irish? Triad)
The sound of bells is pleasing to Faeries and the Deities. The ringing
of the bell signifies the beginning of ritual and the entrance into sacred time
and place. |
