The History of Initiation - The Masonic Trowel

DOCTRINES OP THE DRUIDS. 161
was perpetuated in these rites ; perverted, indeed, and
localized, like that of most other nations ; and the circumstances
attending this tradition appear to have pervaded
their most solemn rites and ceremonies. The
doctrine of transmigration formed a leading feature in the
Druidical system, 56 and was extended to the belief that
the departed soul of a virtuous individual possessed the
secret power of infusing itself at pleasure into any substance,
whether animate or inanimate. 57
The Druids cultivated, and taught to their disciples,
many of the liberal sciences, 58 and particularly astronomy,
in which they attained a considerable proficiency, dis-
played in the construction of their religious edifices.59
Banawg, or the oxen of Hu Gadarn, was emblematical of the sun drying
up the waters from the face of the earth; (Ibid, viii., 13,) for Hu was
the helio-arkite deity; and the assurance of preservation, commemorative
of Noah's rainbow, (Ibid. ix. 13,) was undoubtedly symbolized
in the Chair of Ceridwen.
5(5
c. 14.
Cesar, de bel. Gal. 1. vi.,
07 Hence a deceased friend could give force to a warrior's sword ;
could occupy his shield, or avert a flying javelin, armed with destruction.
This is amply illustrated in the poem of Cynddelw, addressed
to Owen Cyveiliawy, Prince of Powis. (Dav. Dru., p. 15.) "In the
form of a vibrating shield before the rising tumult, borne aloft on the
shoulder of the leader in the form of a lion before the chief with the
mighty wings in the form of a terrible spear with a glittering blade
in the form of a bright sword spreading fame in the conflict, and over-
whelming the levelled ranks in the form of a dragon (banner) before
the sovereign of Britain, and in the form of a daring wolf, has Owen
appeared."
58 Alcuin. an Anglo-Saxon writer, says, that in these early times a
liberal education .comprised grammar, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry,
music, and astrology. (Ale. Gram, apud Canis., torn, ii., par. i.. p. 508.)
Aldhelm extended it to the seven liberal sciences of Freemasonry.
(Aid. de laud, vir., p. 331.)
It must be confessed, however, that at the period of the Roman invasion
under Cesar, the people were still extremely rude in their diet
and mode of life. 1. (Strabo, 4, Diod. 1.
Sic., 4.) Some^went entirely
naked; Xiphil., 1. 21.) others were clothed in the skins of beasts;
(Cesar, 1. 5, c. 14.) and the state in which they were found, induced
the Romans to style them barbarians. 1. (Herodian.. 3, Pomp. Mela.,
1. 3. c. 6.)
59 The time of celebrating public worship sprang from an application
of this science. Thus their ordinary times of devotion were regulated
and the more solemn quarterly assem-
by the phases of the moon ;
blages took place when the sun arrived at the equinoctial and solstitial
points ; (Stukeley, Abury, p. 68,) which at the era of their establishment,
about 4000 years ago, corresponded with our 1st May. which
was their grand annual festival, the 19th August, 1st November, and
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