>>10943 What perhaps most characterized the ancient Druids were the spells through which it was believed that they gained their magical powers.
They used to meet during a full moon night, near a sacred mound or grove, and if possible during a lighting storm. A circle with elements of the Dragon was traced upon the ground.
During the ritual, the priest held his wand high up in the air, while chanting a sequence of magical words loudly pronounced in each of the four directions. Incantation was a method used to summon the great Dragon from which they received their unusual powers. The power was a form of energy that moved through the Druid's body and enabled him to perform magic.
The serpent was, as in many other cultures recognized as a symbol of wisdom and strength.
The Celtic Druids used to pronounce,
"I am a Serpent. I am Druid."
No country in Europe is more associated with the serpent than Ireland.
Ancient sources tell the priests were capable of weather manipulations. During the Roman and Christian invasion of Britain, the Druids are said to have cast horrific spells, which resulted in severe climate changes such as heavy flooding and snowfalls.
This made it more difficult for the invaders to reach the island, although they finally overcame these obstacles. On the coastline of the Menai Strait, the soldiers became terrified and paralyzed as they watched the Druids casting spells upon them.
Tacitus related as follows:
"On the coastline, a line of warriors of the opposition was stationed, mainly made up of armed men, amongst them women, with their hair blowing in the wind, while they were carrying torches.
Druids were among them, shouting terrifying spells, their hands raised towards the heavens, which scared our soldiers so much that their limbs became paralyzed.
As a result, they remained stationary and were inquired. At the end of the battle, the Romans were victorious, and the holy oaks of the Druids were destroyed."
The Druids were also renowned soothsayers and they were familiar with the secrets of levitation.
It is therefore not particularly surprising that the locals, who were regularly, confronted with these "miracles" considered these Celtic priests to be true magicians, standing in direct communication with the ancient gods themselves.
