The voice in Druidic magic is truly an instrument or tool, and it was through the voice that magical change could be brought about. A change of consciousness could be self-induced in the Druidic bard and this would then allow for the spontaneous transmission of wisdom – a kind of channeling – which often took the form of poetry. This poetic tradition known as Rosanna (vision poetry) was used in magical incantations. The poetry itself was intended to be ambiguous to the uninitiated and was full of arcane and archaic references.
Ultimately they were spells in the true sense of the word, that is, magical words designed to have a particular effect. Unfortunately, in some later magical traditions, the purity of true Druidic poetry descends into mere doggerel verse.
The concept of the triad is central to Druidic culture and has become a rule in much of their later recorded poetry, which gives form to a basic belief that everything has a threefold nature. Knowledge, Nature, and Truth lead to wisdom and the bardic tradition allow this to be taught to the masses. The Druidic moral code is based on the premise that each person, not fate or the will of gods is responsible for his or her conduct. It is characterized by a sense of fair play, honor, and justice. The myths and tales of the heroes of old gave a strong sense of this, to people who often needed extreme courage just to survive.
As with all belief systems based on a closeness to nature, there were certain times of the year when the people were closer to the Otherworld and they were inevitably aware of the power, majesty, and implacability of Nature herself. Fire worship was an integral part of the Celtic Druidic tradition, both as a life-giving force and also as a potential destroyer or cleansing agent. The ritual ‘Need Fire’ lit at the important festivals expressed the high esteem the Celts held for fire, as a source of inspiration as well as light. (It is interesting that on 2 February at Imbolc, the feast of Brighid – who was also the Celtic goddess of poetry – is based on the maintaining of the eternal flame.)
Druidism demonstrates the management of both low and high magic, for it is within the differing states of consciousness that a particular type of magic becomes possible. We have seen that a central teaching in Druidism is a personal responsibility for one’s actions. The use of offerings, prayers, sacrifices, rituals, taboos, and other physical means to communicate with – and influence – divine powers is a carefully thought-out act of responsibility.
The deliberate nurturing of the powers such as clairvoyance and the calling of Elemental powers to help others, the ability to bring unjust war to an end, and the knowledge of natural patterns and influences suggest that the Druid’s powers were a function of his place in his community. It was a chosen path of service. In other words, he chose to become a Druid and work through the various initiations of bard, prophet, and ovate.