STORY, LEGENDS, AND MYTH

The ancient myths constitue the most powerful and sacred part of Celtic folklore. They represent the collective and individual quest for the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, while also incorporating historical records or real people and events. Spiritual and cosmological wisdom are hidden and preserved in these stories, and they were used for teaching the mystical traditions to Druid initiates.

The great Celtic myths and legends were epic in scope and form. During the long, dark months of winter in ancient Celtic times, a storyteller would recount parts of such a tale each evening for several weeks. The most important of these legends appeared in collections or cycles of stories with linked content. Today, these myths still serve as poetic and dramatic images of our own spirituality, and can be used to rpovide meaning and inspiration, especially during testing times of initiation, transition, or crises. Their wisdom can be applied in a number of ways. Since they work with the unconscious as well as the conscious mind, simply telling or hearing them can bring value. Their content can also be studied in order to gain lessons for life, or appropriate stories may be drawn on to help deal with particular life situations or issues.