Celtic Magical Beliefs are firmly rooted in the Earth herself and in the elemental spirits that are the very essence of all Nature. This includes the four basic Elements which make up Nature: Earth, Air, Fire and Water.
The ancient Celts had a vast knowledge of, and respect for, the healing and magical qualities of plants, stones and symbols. They knew and used the power flows of the Earth, trees and special outcroppings of rock. They called upon the elemental spirits, the 'little people' of the Irish, the gnomes and fairies of the British.
But perhaps the strongest belief, alomost unique among ancient peoples, was their devotion to the Great Mother, the mother and warrior goddesses. In fact the Celtic peoples, before Roman and Christian intervention, were one of the few races to give their goddesses equal footing with their gods.
This is not to say that other pagan religions did not honor the Great Mother. But upon close inspection you will find that the male deities of most other pantheons were considered more important, more powerful. The goddesses were allowed their place in worship so long as their followers did not try to usurp the prime position of power which was always held by a male deity.
The goddesses of the Celts did not hold a secondary position in their worship of their legends. This respect blend over into Celtic society. As a result Celtic women were highly respected, having many rights of property, person and status. Priestesses were held in honor. Women were warriors as well as mothers, and had equal rights with men.
