The 7 Celtic Nations

The Seven Nations of the Celtics

Click on the links above to access our History, Facts & Fiction, Links and Products pages about each of the Seven Celtic Nations.  For more interesting information click on the links below.  The Celtic Facts & Fiction link has hundreds of articles available for your reading pleasure.

[Celtic Fact & Fiction] [Celtic Legends] [Celtic Knotwork & Meanings] [Celtic Culture & Customs] [Celtic Trivia Quizzes] [Holidays & Celebrations] [Celtic Traditions and Projects] [Celtic Tips n Hints]

• To the ancients, the Heavens appeared to wheel overhead, turning on an axis which points to the north polar stars. At the crown of the axis, a circle of stars revolved about a fixed point, the Celestial Pole, which was believed to be the location of Heaven. At the base of the axis was the Omphalos, the circular altar of the Goddess' temple. The universe of stars turning on this axis formed a spiral path, or stairway, on which souls ascended to Heaven.

• This Sun-wise, clockwise, or deiseal (Gaelic), motion of the spirals represented the Summer Sun. The continuous spirals with seemingly no beginning or end signified that as one cycle ended another began ­ eternal life. The spiral's never-ending, always expanding, motion also symbolized the ever- increasing nature of information and knowledge. Many of these symbols often also appeared in triplicate, a sign of the divine.

• In addition, the seasons of the year were thought to be part of this cycle. In Gaelic, the names of the four seasons date back to pre-Christian times:

  • Earrach for Spring

  • Samhradh for Summer

  • Foghara for "Harvest" which refers to Autumn

  • Geamhradh for "Winter

• The Celtic Wheel has two main fire festivals for purification and good fortune: Samhain and Beltane ­ the beginning of Winter and the beginning of Summer. To the Celts, and most pastoral cultures, the year actually had two seasons instead of four. Subtler divisions of the year concerned crop-raisers rather than cattle-raisers. The Druidic tradition also celebrates two other fire festivals: Imbolc, and Lammas. Five additional sabbats have taken their place amongst the ceremonies over the years (listed here by their Druidic names where possible): Alban Arthuan (Winter Solstice), Alban Eiler (Vernal Equinox), Ostara, Alban Heruin (Summer Solstice), and Alban Elued (Autumnal Equinox).

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