Celtic: The Historical Vates

 Celtic: The Historical Vates

The Vates (Seers) Very very is little is written from a historical point of view about the Vates. Even the name is influenced by the Romans. Celtic mythology however points out that the Vates or the 'Seers', were in some form a sub-order of the Druids. They were the visionaries, who had the gifts of being psychic, but for whatever reason were not chosen to become Druidic priests.   The Druidic Order was a very select group of individuals. And considering the benefits or perks of being a Priest, not everyone was accepted into the order. It is theorized then, that the Vates were those individuals who were seen as gifted candidates, and who's talents could be utilized for the betterment of the community. Unlike the Druids and Bards who required formal education for many years, the only requirement for a Vates was the ability to be a seer.   The Celts viewed the world as a very magikal place. Believing that all events were meaningful. Significant dreams were remembered and interpreted to gain larger meaning of the person or even the community within the magikal world. They believed that all things in nature, seen and unseen could also be learned from. They could learn about the future from observing birds flying over a village, the behavior of certain animals during certain seasons and so on.   This 'reading' of the signs was the job of the Vates. Their divination came in many forms, from watching the animals and nature, to casting stones or specially carved sticks, then observing and interpreting the pattern they made. From these omens, they were able to guide the Druids, and the members of their community in the decisions and choices they made.