Unveiling the Secret: Wiccan Practices in Celtic Fantasy Novels

Wicca is a modern pagan witchcraft religion that often draws on Celtic traditions. Celtic tradition literature, which includes ancient texts such as myths, legends, and folklore, often serves as a source of inspiration and guidance for modern Wiccans practicing in the Celtic tradition. The Celtic tradition values nature, honoring the cycles of the seasons and the Earth, and emphasizes the connection between humans and the natural world. In Celtic tradition literature, there are many references to nature-based rituals, spells, and magical practices, which align with the core beliefs and practices of Wicca. The ancient Celts believed in the existence of deities and spirits that dwelled in nature, and they worshipped them through rituals and offerings. This belief in divine beings and the reverence for nature remain central to contemporary Wiccan practices rooted in the Celtic tradition.

Monday through Saturday, December 26-31

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This belief in divine beings and the reverence for nature remain central to contemporary Wiccan practices rooted in the Celtic tradition. One of the main ideas in Wicca is the concept of the Triple Goddess and the Horned God, which are often associated with Celtic deities such as Brigid, Cernunnos, and the Morrigan. The Triple Goddess represents the phases of the moon and the different stages of a woman's life, symbolizing maiden, mother, and crone.

Sing to the animals at Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic

The Brookfield Zoo has been attracting loyal visitors to its Holiday Magic lights festival since 1981.

This year's Holiday Magic will be from 4-9 p.m. Dec.2-3, 9-10, 16-17 and 26-31. The zoo opens at 10 a.m. It is free with zoo admission.

Carolyn Wilkin, events manager at Brookfield Zoo, said that a lot of the traditional elements will return for the 36th year of Holiday Magic, including a model railroad display and the popular 41-foot LED Talking Tree.

"The kids can meet with Santa on the dates prior to Christmas. We have ice carvers that will be out, we have our magician that will be out every night, we have community performances in our Holly Jolly Theater; everything from singing groups to dancing groups," she said. "We do Singing to the Animals … there's a whole bunch of activities that we have during Holiday Magic in addition to all of the light displays."

In addition, the zoo restaurants and food stands will be open with full menus.

"We have over one million lights that we put up throughout that entire zoo, so we kind of cover the zoo from every end," she said. "There are lights in the trees, and this year we actually have a couple different bigger displays so we will have some 3-D light-up animals that will be on the main walkways of the zoo."

Wilkin said Holiday Magic started in 1981 as a small event.

"It was just something to remind people we were open 365 days a year … even on Christmas Day," she said. "It was an event to remind people that we're here and we're relevant even in the winter."

In the beginning, there were about 20 trees lit throughout the park, she said.

People from all over come to Holiday Magic, said Elizabeth Sterchele, assistant events manager.

The Brookfield Zoo’s annual Holiday Magic runs selected nights from Dec. 2-31. In addition to trees decorated by community members, the Zoo boasts lighting displays and decorations. ( Brookfield Zoo )

"Last year after 4 p.m. when Holiday Magic starts, we had 99,000 people in the park over 12 days. It's a huge impact. On our biggest day, we had 26,000 people the day after Christmas. It was a big crowd."

"It is definitely an event that draws from all over the entire Chicagoland area," Wilkin agreed. "Since it's been around so long, it's a very traditional event. People who came here as kids are now bringing their kids back. It's a really family-focused event."

Sterchele agreed. "We get people who tell us that years ago they used to come as a kid and they just can't believe how much it has changed and grown and how big it is," she said. "We sit on about 216 acres and we pretty much light up about 90 percent of the park."

"I think one of the most unique things about it is that is has been around for so long," Wilkin said. "I came every year when I was a kid, I participated in the community tree trim and now many years later I'm back heading it up."

Families can come early in the day and still not see everything the zoo has to offer, Sterchele said. And the nighttime is a totally different experience.

"The animals are out. We do special Zoo Chats and Sing to the Animals," she said. "There are different activities that involve the animals so people get to see them at different times than normal. They're seeing them in the evening and interacting with them in a different way, which is really neat, and I think that is really unique to us because there's not many places you can have that experience with the animals."

It's fun to see the animals in the evening, she said, and if there is snow on the ground for them to play in, that's even better.

Wilkin said they try to incorporate new elements into their lighting displays each year, be it through spotlights or laser light shows.

"It's a good mix of the old and the new. And we involve the community as much as we possibly can," she said. "There are four or five performances every night of community groups that come in and perform."

The community tree-trimming event, which occurs the weekend before Thanksgiving, is the official kick-off to Holiday Magic, she said. Community groups come in and deck out their own trees in whatever theme they dream up.

Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic features over a million lights. ( Brookfield Zoo )

"Last year we had 535 different community groups that participated and 56 corporate groups, so we're hoping to hit the 600 mark this year," Wilkin said. "Of course, we get a lot of groups that decorate trees in memory of folks. There's a lot of families that … decorate a tree in honor of a loved one that they've lost. So those trees are always kind of heart-wrenching. We have some families who want a specific number every year because it has a special meaning to them. There's a woman who calls every year and wants a specific number, and it was her son's basketball number on his jersey. So she gets that tree every year."

On a sunnier note, a groups of Parrotheads (Jimmy Buffet fans) will decorate trees in a tropical island theme.

"Something really creative is we had a group last year that put LEGO on their tree. They made ornaments that looked like LEGO," Wilkin said. "People get really creative, it's really fun to see. We've even had trees that have been used for marriage proposals."

"One of the dance groups put ballet shoes on their tree," Sterchele said. "They're one of our groups that perform at the Holly Jolly Theater."

Holiday Magic is a tradition in the Chicago area, Wilkin said. People constantly tell her they come every year and have a routine down.

For Sterchele, she loves to see the reaction of the children.

"When little kids come in and see the lights and the magnitude and scale that we do everything … they kind of have a drop-jaw moment like, 'This is so cool!," she said. "It's neat to see little kids get so excited about it. And big kids too."

"It's fun for the whole family and a way to get people out and active," Wilkin said. "Whether you're here on a date or you're here with your little kids or you're here with grandma and grandpa — it works for everybody."

The Magic ends Dec. 31 with the annual Zoo Year's Eve celebration. There is a ball drop at 8 p.m. and activities include a DJ, games and more.

Annie Alleman is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.

Holiday Magic

When: Dec. 2-31

Where: Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield

Tickets: Adults: $19.85; seniors 65 and over and kids 3-11: $14.50. Parking is $12

Holiday Magic is a tradition in the Chicago area, Wilkin said. People constantly tell her they come every year and have a routine down.

The Horned God, on the other hand, represents the masculine energy and the wild nature of the wilderness. Celtic tradition literature often portrays these deities in their various forms and guises, providing Wiccans with a rich tapestry of stories and archetypes to work with in their spiritual practices. These stories also highlight the importance of balance and the interplay between light and dark, as well as the cyclical nature of life and death. Moreover, ancient Celtic texts are filled with references to magical practices, such as the use of herbs, crystals, and divination tools. Wiccans in the Celtic tradition often incorporate these practices into their rituals and spellwork, believing in the power of nature's elements and the importance of aligning oneself with their energies. Overall, Wicca in Celtic tradition literature intertwines the modern practices of Wicca with the ancient Celtic beliefs and rituals. It draws on the wealth of knowledge found in Celtic tradition literature, providing Wiccans with inspiration, mythology, and a deep connection to ancestral spiritual practices. By incorporating the values and wisdom of the Celts, Wiccans in the Celtic tradition strive to live in harmony with nature, honor their ancestors, and connect with the divine energies present in the world around them..

Reviews for "Pagan Practices: Wicca's Representation in Celtic Literature"

1. Jane - 1 star

I was greatly disappointed with "Wicca in Celtic Tradition Literature". I expected a deep exploration of the intersection between Wicca and Celtic mythology, but instead, I found a superficial overview that barely scratched the surface. The author failed to provide any meaningful insights or connections between the two, which left me feeling frustrated and unsatisfied. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a comprehensive examination of Wicca in Celtic tradition.

2. Mark - 2 stars

While "Wicca in Celtic Tradition Literature" had its moments, it ultimately fell flat for me. The author seemed more focused on listing various Wiccan practices and Celtic myths rather than truly delving into their integration. The lack of depth and analysis left me wanting more substance and left many questions unanswered. Additionally, the writing style was dry and lacked the engaging tone I had hoped for. Overall, this book missed the mark and was a letdown.

3. Sarah - 1 star

I found "Wicca in Celtic Tradition Literature" to be a shallow and poorly researched book. The author made sweeping generalizations about both Wicca and Celtic tradition without providing any evidence or proper citations. It felt more like a collection of random thoughts rather than a cohesive and informative read. The lack of scholarly rigor and depth made it difficult for me to take the book seriously. I would advise readers to seek out more reputable and well-researched sources on the topic.

4. Paul - 2 stars

As someone interested in both Wicca and Celtic mythology, I was excited to pick up "Wicca in Celtic Tradition Literature". However, I found the book to be lacking in substance and failed to offer any new insights into the subject matter. The author seemed more focused on providing personal anecdotes rather than providing a thorough examination of the topic. I was left wanting for more in-depth analysis and less personal musings. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a comprehensive exploration of Wicca in Celtic tradition.

From the Caves of Ireland to the Bookstores: Wicca's Presence in Celtic Fantasy Fiction