The Ovates, in Celtic paganism, were those who performed divination and were philosophers of nature. Although there is not much information on these people, we do know that they were highly educated and were considered the doctors, shamans, or healers of the Celtic tribes.

According to Julius Caesar, who only had secondhand information, the Vates (as some call them) would use animal intestines or augury to practice divination. The bull was especially valued for it's strength and stubbornness and was used in many divination ceremonies. Augury also involved the use of watching birds directions, feather colors, and many other aspects.

The Ovates practiced their beliefs in much of the same ways that Wiccans practice theirs.  They were skilled in herb lore as well as surgery from amputations to brain surgery. Dream interpretation was extremely popular as it is today. Omen sticks tossed to the ground were analyzed for divination and is still used in the East.

Resources

The Druids by Peter Berresford Ellis (1994)