The Celtic view of the Otherworld consisted of three distinct realms, these being Sea, Land and Sky. Each realm held certain correspondences. Through our ritual we gain an understanding of these realms and seek to forge relationships with their powers and inhabitants. The Celts believed these three realms over-lapped and combined in such a way to make up the whole of existance. Within each realm are other places where deities and other beings dwell. Each of these "minor" realms have attributes which we should become aquainted with.
This is the realm where most of the Gods and Goddesses dwell. This is the realm of the future and is the place that grants inspiration, creativity and wisdom. The realm of sky is the pathway of the Sun, Moon and constellations, as well as the wind and weather.
The Realm of Sky contains several minor kingdoms known as "plains" which are:
Magh Findargat-The Plain of Silver which grants light and hope.
Magh Imchiunn-The Plain of Kindness which grants kindness and tenderness.
Magh Argetnel-The Plain of Clouds which contains the powers of the weather and grants and reveals mysteries.
Magh Mel-The Plain of Triumph which grants creativity and inspiration.
Magh Ildathach-The Plain of Many Colors which grants sights and senses.
Magh Airthech-The Plain of Bounty which grants all riches.
Magh Ionganaidh-The Plain of Miracles which grants miracles.
Magh Sen-The Plain of Ages granting beginnings and wisdom.
The realm of the "present." This is the realm of humans, plants and animals. The Gods and Goddesses responsible for the forces of nature and the power inherent in the land also dwell in this realm. The four sacred cities and the five cardinal directions also exist here.
East-granting prosperity and change.
South-granting poetry and music.
West-granting knowledge.
North-granting battle and resolve.
Center-granting sovereignty and kingship.
This is the realm of the Ancestors and Gods and Goddesses responsible for the cycle of life, death and rebirth. This is the realm of the "past." The minor kingdoms which make up the Realm of Sea are known as "lands" and are as follows:
Tir na mBeo-Land of Eternal Life granting eternity and history.
Tir na mBan-Land of Women granting beauty and pleasure, also maternal traits.
Tir fo Thuinn-Land under-wave granting fear and attitude.
Tir na n'Og-Land of Youth granting needs and rejuvenation.
The realms of Sea and Sky each have influence in our realm of Land, for the cycle of the season, area direct effect of the cycles of the Sun and Moon. Also, the life and death cycle as influenced by the realm of Sea. Many Gods and Goddesses have influence in all three realms. Even our realm of Land has it's influence on the other two realms, for caves, burial mounds and wells and springs are entrances to the underworld while trees which exist in our realm are viewed as linking all three realms together.
