I’ve always had a passion for the ancient Celts.
I can’t really say when it all began, but as I mentioned at some point on World Of Celts (my platform/blog for everything Celtic), there was something about the mystery that surrounded them, how they are such an enigma even to this day for historians and archeologists alike. How their wilful – and puzzling – choice to leave no written records ultimately sealed their memory across the sands of time. Some people find this the most difficult or frustrating aspect about studying them, but for me it’s the opposite.
There’s so much information about other cultures, ie. Vikings, native Americans, Egyptians, etc., but when it comes to the Celts, there’s only so many books you can find, online or otherwise. After you cross the threshold or scarce academic resources, all you can do is speculate, wonder and question, try to connect the puzzle pieces.
Frankly, everything about them fascinates me. Their art style, imitating the geometry of the natural world and so distinctly unique – the same spiral patterns I had been scribbling in sketchbooks since a child and only later realized, which still puzzles me. How everything was made by hand, with such exceptional care and skill.
How they were fearless when it came to death, because they believed in the immortality of the soul and that they would just reincarnate again, so it was of no consequence. Their profound reverence and close connection with nature, their belief in animism, that everything in the natural world carried a life force of its own.
Their pride, integrity and principles. Their appearance was of high importance, both in therms of hygiene, grooming and fashion and jewelry; or when it came to fitness (those that exceeded a given size were punished), no self-respecting Celt would let his muscles go soft; or when it came to sexuality they were open and comfortable and confident, as a Celtic woman is quoted by Cassius Dio in replying to a Roman woman (“We fulfill the demands of nature in a much better way than do you Roman women; for we consort openly with the best men, whereas you let yourselves be debauched in secret by the vilest.”).
Mastering both their mind and body was a prerequisite. Women and men were equal and both could fight in battle. And all this, was 2000+ years ago. My initial impression of the Celts as barbarians (as presented by the strategic Romans) was changed forever – that the opposite was true. They were in fact a very intelligent and sensible group of peoples, and I fell irrevocably in love with them.
For over 6 years I have been continuously studying and researching them, slowly but surely growing my Celtic library, and sharing my appreciation for it via World of Celts, as I couldn’t find any other blog dedicated to them exclusively.
As a writer and artist, I’m also working on a fantasy series based on Celtic mythology called Arcanum of Thorns, and creating artwork on the same subject, and occasionally craft Celtic jewelry using copper, making replicas of original archeological discoveries.
I have further plans, to contribute in a greater way… Perhaps help support Celtic festivals, pursue a Doctorate in the same vein, or open up a crafts shop with replicas of original jewelry one day, or many more.
Either way, I feel lucky to have something I’m so passionate about. Nowadays it’s so rare to have something that sets your blood on fire, that makes you happy and fulfilled. The time of apathy and disinterest being fashionable has passed; and I’m glad people are becoming more focused over enthusiasm, excitement, sharing and pursuing their passions and interests. I have countless interests, but the Celts I will always hold dear to my heart.