Principal Beliefs

 

--Animism

 

Animism (from the Latin word ‘animus’ meaning “soul, life” ) is the belief that even all non-human entities such as -animals, plants and inanimate objects posses a spiritual essence.

 

The Ancient Celts were animists. They honoured the forces of nature so much because they believed the divine manifested in all aspects of nature. They believed that many spirits and divine beings were present in the world around them and they believed that humans could establish a connection or relationship with them.

 

The Ancient Celts had particularly strong beliefs in the spirits who inhabited the mountains, forests, sky, and waters so much so that there were a few gods and goddesses for each. (These will be shown in supernatural powers and deities)

 

READ MORE ABOUT ANIMISM HERE

 

 

 

--Reincarnation (1)

 

The Ancient Celts believed strongly in reincarnation.

They believed that when a person died, their soul would leave their body and venture in the realm of spirits.

After a while of rest in this realm it was believed that the person’s spirit might be re-born into a new baby, or perhaps even an animal or plant. None of these things happened quickly or right after the time of death of the person.

 

The Celts believed that after the person died and their soul left their body and entered the spirit realm then the spirit would then have to stay close by to the deceased body until the flesh of the body rotted away. Once the flesh of the body rotted away, their spirit was set free to do as it pleased and it was possible for the spirit to protect their loved ones.