Celtic pagan celebrations are ancient, nature-based festivals that have been observed by Celtic cultures for thousands of years. In 2023, these celebrations continue to be an important part of the Celtic tradition and are celebrated by modern practitioners of Celtic paganism. One of the most significant Celtic pagan celebrations in 2023 is Beltane, which is held on May 1st. Beltane marks the beginning of summer and is a time to celebrate fertility and the abundance of the earth. It is traditionally celebrated with bonfires, dancing, and the weaving of Maypoles. People may also participate in rituals to honor the gods and goddesses associated with Beltane, such as the Celtic god Bel or the goddess Brigid.
This Samhain retreat will center around the themes of welcoming in the winter season and the witches’ new year, honoring the death and decay of the natural world, working with the spirit world, embracing the archetype of the witch, and claiming your magic and power.
If the planned shuttle time does not work for you based on your arrival time into Dublin, you will need to arrange transportation to the venue at your own expense if this is the case, please contact me I can suggest the best options for you. Pagan Holidays Holy Days worldwide are coming back to a more general use and understanding, with folk often asking questions about whether Christmas is a Pagan Holiday it is, sort of , and observing the 8-fold Wheel of the Year.
People may also participate in rituals to honor the gods and goddesses associated with Beltane, such as the Celtic god Bel or the goddess Brigid. Another important Celtic pagan celebration in 2023 is Lughnasadh, which takes place on August 1st. Lughnasadh is a time to celebrate the harvest and give thanks for the bountiful crops.
Irish Pagan Holidays
Pagan Holidays (Holy Days) worldwide are coming back to a more general use and understanding, with folk often asking questions about whether Christmas is a Pagan Holiday (it is, sort of), and observing the 8-fold Wheel of the Year.
The current Neo Pagan calendar (and its primarily Wiccan holidays) is ostensibly based off the ‘Celtic Wheel of the Year’, as the early creators and authors of our modern traditions were very fond of their romantic notions of Celtic culture, and very sure that it was ok to just… take what they wanted, and change or use it however they wanted.
The problem with this (one of the problems) is that we now have a sort of tangled, much mangled, view of the original pre-christian Irish Pagan festivals, that even many Irish Pagans adhere to.
In this post, I’d like to break this down a bit, and clarify some of the basics, so that we can (hopefully), start fresh. With a somewhat cleaner slate for Irish Pagan practice. Le do thoil.
It is named after the god Lugh, who is associated with skill and craftsmanship. During Lughnasadh, people may participate in rituals and ceremonies to honor Lugh and ask for his blessings for a successful harvest. This celebration often involves feasting, games, and the making of corn dollies. Samhain, which falls on October 31st, is another significant Celtic pagan celebration in 2023. It is commonly known as Halloween and is a time to honor the ancestors and the spirits of the dead. Samhain is considered a time of liminality when the boundaries between the living and the dead are believed to be thinner, allowing for easier communication with the spirit world. People may light bonfires, wear costumes, and leave offerings for the spirits. Divination practices, such as apple bobbing or reading tarot cards, are also common during this celebration. Overall, Celtic pagan celebrations in 2023 continue to be important cultural and spiritual events for modern practitioners. They provide an opportunity to connect with nature, honor ancient traditions, and celebrate the cycles of the year. Whether commemorating Beltane, Lughnasadh, or Samhain, these celebrations offer a glimpse into the rich and vibrant history of the Celtic peoples..
Reviews for "Celebrating Yule: Winter Solstice Festivities in Celtic Paganism in 2023"
1. Jonathan - 1 star
I attended the Celtic pagan celebrations in 2023 and it was a complete disappointment. The event promised a unique and immersive experience, but it was poorly organized. The activities were uninteresting and there was a lack of authenticity. The vendors were selling overpriced items that were mass-produced and had no connection to Celtic culture. Overall, it felt like a money-making scheme rather than a genuine celebration of Celtic pagan traditions. I would not recommend attending this event.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I was really looking forward to the Celtic pagan celebrations in 2023, but it fell short of my expectations. The main issue was the lack of organization. The event seemed chaotic and it was difficult to navigate through the different activities and performances. Additionally, the entertainment was underwhelming, with amateur performers who lacked the skill to captivate the audience. The overall atmosphere felt forced and not at all reminiscent of the rich Celtic culture. I was left feeling disappointed and would not attend this event again.
3. Mike - 3 stars
The Celtic pagan celebrations in 2023 had potential, but it failed to live up to it. While there were some aspects that I enjoyed, such as the live music and the attempt to recreate a medieval marketplace, there were also significant drawbacks. The event felt overcrowded and it was hard to fully engage with the activities due to the large number of attendees. Additionally, the lack of information and educational resources on Celtic pagan traditions was disappointing. It would have been beneficial to have more workshops and demonstrations to truly learn about the culture. Overall, the event was average, but there is definitely room for improvement.