Pliny the Elder records in Naturalis Historia 28.25 that:
In worship, we [Romans] raise our right hand to our lips and turn our whole body; the Gauls, however, consider it more effective to turn to the left.
It’s unclear whether the Gauls also raised a hand to their lips, but the contrast implies a shared gesture, modified in direction. Romans raised their right hand and turned, presumably to the right, as that side was considered auspicious. If Gauls turned left instead, perhaps they raised their left hand, reflecting a reversed or liminal gesture—one that might have been magical or spiritually distinct.
In Roman custom, the right hand symbolized trust, oaths, and visible action (as in handshakes). The left side was linked with spirits, omens, and the unseen. Similarly, in Vedic and Tantric systems, the right is “active” while the left is “receptive”. This polarity echoes what we see on the Gundestrup Cauldron. Taranos holds a wheel in his right hand—perhaps symbolizing cosmic order or fate in motion. Carnonos holds a torc or ring in his right (authority, oaths?) and a serpent or spirit in his left—possibly a chthonic being, tamed or invoked.
From these insights, we have developed a ritual gesture inspired by Pliny’s report, not claiming to reconstruct a Gaulish rite.
Molātocridiū (praise with the heart)
A Gesture of Reverence and Blessing
- Place the left hand on the navel –
This honors Dumnos (the Deep World), the roots of Drus. It grounds the self in stillness and depth. - Draw the hand upward to the chest, then trace a slow sunwise circle across the chest –
This honors Bitus (the Middle World), the trunk of Drus. The circular motion symbolizes the divine wheel, the cycle of being, and the harmony of the living world.
(Those with limited range of motion may make a small circular motion with the wrist or even visualize the motion if movement is difficult.) - Continue the movement upward from the chest to the lips, and kiss the fingertips –
This honors Albios (the Upper World), the branches of Drus. The kiss is a devotional act—silent praise offered from the heart through the hand. (Alternatively, one may touch the lips lightly or simply incline the head in reverence.) - Step with the left foot and turn sunwise (dexsiuos) once in place (or three times). The turn symbolizes passage through a spiritual threshold. Starting with the left and moving to the right reflects our entry into sacred space. (If turning is difficult, even a slight pivot, shift in posture, or mental “turning” with breath or focus can fulfill the gesture.)
- Extend both palms outward and upwards towards the sky or downwards to the earth, opening yourself up.
- * This step is optional depending on your mood.
Say a Uēdiās (prayer). You can find a list of them here. - With the right hand, give another Kiss of Offering — this time a declaration rather than an invocation. Sertom ē — “So be it.”
- Gesture Path – Navel (Dumnos) → Chest (Bitus) → Lips (Albios) – a journey through the realms.
- The Circle – The wheel of life, of virtue, of praise, and the balance of all things.
- The Turn – A subtle act of transformation, aligning oneself with cosmic order.
This gesture may be performed:
- When entering or exiting a holy place
- In the presence of idols, sacred symbols, or natural sites
- Before, ritual, or moments of meaningful transition
- Or as a personal devotion anytime connection is sought
A mention of symbolic orientation
Left – Giamos, Magical, liminal, receptive, chthonic, Otherworldly.
- Associated with mystery, transformation, and spiritual power.
- Used for blessings, enchantments, offerings to spirits, and connecting with the unseen.
Right – Samos, Mundane, active, declarative, celestial, social.
- Used for salutes, wielding tools, invoking the gods, and expressing clear intention.
- Associated with oaths, action, public ritual, and visible divine order.
The right declares; the left invokes
Bessus Nouiogalation 