02/01/10 - 03/29/10 - Online Workshop - Druids: The Ancient Priesthood of the Celts with Sharron Gunn

 

Class Title: Druids: The Ancient Priesthood of the Celts

 

Class Schedule: 1 February - 29 March 2010
Workshop Type: Research for historical or fantasy novels
Registration: www.celtichearts.org/workshops.html

 

Class Description:
Shrouded in mystery, the ancient religion of the Druids continues to fascinate people today as much as it did  the Romans and Greeks. The druids, respected soothsayers, healers and political advisors, were the most enlightened and civilized influence in northern Europe until the advent  of Christianity.

 

The Celts believed the natural features of the earth were inhabited by gods and goddesses. They venerated oak groves, but also performed rituals on hilltops, and by streams and lakes.

Fire was associated with several divinities, and each of the four seasons began with a fire ritual: Imbolc (spring), Bealltuinn  (summer), Lughnasadh autumn) and Samhainn (winter). Many rituals of the druids existed until the 18th century in Gaelic Scotland and Ireland although the people who were the cultural heirs of the druids did not recognize themselves as such.

Neo-druidism was a creation of 18th-19th centuries -- different groups recreated the religion of the druids as best they knew how; one well-known group worships at Stonehenge each year at the summer solstice. Make of the information what you will! But please treat the ancient beliefs with respect.

 

Outline:

 

1. Classical Writers
2. Celtic Gods and Goddesses
3. The Sacred Mysteries
4. Philosophers, Soothsayers, Healers,
5. Sacral Kingship
6. Praise and Curses
7. Lifestyle & Education
8. Influence on Christianity
9. Neo-Druidism

 

Instructor Bio

 

Sharron Gunn has taught Gaelic language and history as a non-credit university course and French in high school. French has earned her enough to eat and stay warm, but Gaelic is her true love and avocation. She has an honours degree in Scottish History and Celtic studies from the University of Glasgow.

 

She was born on the east coast of Canada where many people are of Scottish, Irish and French origin, and learned Gaelic from her grandfather who may have been descended from a dynasty of Gaelic poets. In the Scottish Highlands and Gaelic Ireland you could earn very good money writing poetry a few centuries ago. Imagine that, all you struggling poet-songwriters!