Gaulish Polytheism

We, the Gaulish community, consist of many different viewpoints just as the ancient Gauls did amongst its many different tribes. As such, we are not claiming to be the voice or authority of the various Gaulish communities but we are presenting what already is known in a way that gives a unified standard for values, virtues, and morals. Just like the ancient Gaulish tribes, one thing binds us together and gives us unity: the values that allow us to honor the gods (Dēuoi), to commit no misdeeds, and to exhibit the qualities of proper behavior. These three principles which we call The Three Laws (Trirextoues) were established by the ancient Druids (Senodrūides) and they are essential today as the basis for our community and individual lives.

The Gaulish community is not and has never been defined by blood, race, or place of origin. The gods (Dēuoi) welcome all and so do we. Like the ancient Gauls (Senogalatīs), we not only stand against tyranny and oppression but we also actively fight against these institutions. We as a community and as individuals absolutely will not tolerate, to any degree large or small, disguised or open: the folkish, neo-nazis, Islamophobic, homophobic, racist, or any of the other small-minded hate groups and individuals who seek to attack our community; or, worse yet, seek to attack our community using a twisted and false view of the culture, language, and/or religion of the ancient Gauls (Senogalatīs). Our virtues stand as weapons to be used against the words and actions of these enemies.

Our community is one which welcomes a person with open arms regardless of one’s race, sexuality, gender, disability, or anything else which others may view as making those individuals different. One is cast out from the Gaulish community because of their words and actions, not because of who or what they are.

Below are the tools we use to forge a healthy and respectful community; these being the virtues left behind by the Gauls (Senogalatîs,) which we call The Nine Virtues (Nauan Nertoi):

PietyThe quality of being religious or reverent. By honoring the Dêuoi, we bring ourselves closer to them. In doing so, it helps us learn all other Virtues. Piety is the Duty of Respect.
FriendshipA state of enduring affection, esteem, intimacy, and trust between two people. We forge connections and bonds with others through friendship which strengthens our communities.
HospitalityThe friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. Through being hospitable, we reach out a hand of generosity that opens a place for friendships to form.
BraveryBravery is seeing a dangerous situation and immediately reacting without thinking. With Bravery we can defend our spaces. It is doing something because you know it needs to be done no matter the outcome.
CourageCourage is seeing a situation or a dangerous or scary experience and acting, even though you’re scared. Courage is doing something in spite of fear, it is living up to the virtues even when it is inconvenient or when everyone around you disregards them.
ResourcefulnessResourcefulness is finding quick and clever ways to overcome difficult situations. The ability to act with the virtues and resources around us so that we can manage a situation in the best way possible without many complications.
PolitenessPoliteness is behavior that is respectful and considerate of other people. The pleasant nature of words and actions helps nurture a community of mutual respect. Good manners prepare us for good deeds.
No GossipCasual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true. Refrain from talking about one another in a negative light that spreads false reputations and images that are harmful to one’s character and to the greater community.
Relevant SpeechAbstaining from false Speech, slanderous Speech, harsh Speech, and abstaining from idle chatter. Relevant Speech is knowing when and how to speak. It is also letting the other virtues guide us in the action of our voice. Ogmios teaches us the nature of Eloquence in our speech. Our speech carries all other virtues.

Our values pertain to three realms in one’s life: our relationships (with the Dēuoi, others, and self); the personal qualities we exhibit; and our behaviors which are visible to all.

  1. Relationships to Exhibit
    The relationships we form with all those around us are the foundation. We show reverence to the gods (Dēuoi), form friendships amongst ourselves, and adhere to proper hospitality to those we don’t know. All three of these are based on the idea of reciprocity, a gift-giving process which consists of the simple idea:  I give so that you may give. These gifts we share with one another range in such diverse forms as gift offerings to the gods (Dēuoi) to the gifts of physical objects to the gifts of proper conduct and respect with one another.
  1. Qualities to Exhibit
    There are also qualities that we exhibit from within ourselves. We must exhibit bravery to react to hostile situations without hesitation, courage to react to hostile situations despite any fears we may have, and the resourcefulness to overcome any obstacles that confront us. These qualities ensure we can defend ourselves against the words and actions of those who would cause us harm.
     
  2. Behaviors to Exhibit
    Finally, there are behaviors we strive to exhibit with those we know and those we don’t know: We strive to always behave politely to others. We strive to not spread gossip or rumors about others. We also strive to use speech which is relevant both for ourselves and others and in a manner without hubris, or arrogant malice.

The above values are the ones we consider most important but there are also others. These values allow us to be proper individuals who respect others even when our views differ. As long as the other person or persons does not intend harm or exhibit hate, these are the core values that allow us to exist as a community. The gods (Dēuoi) are the foundation of our community but these values hold our community together. 


“Our Carnux Blows Loudly and our Dēuoi are many.”

“A life of virtue is the manifestation of a life touched by the gods.” (Biuiton īani essi areuelītus biuiti rintos Dēuobis)