Celtic paganism is an ancient spiritual practice that was prevalent among the Celtic people of Europe before the spread of Christianity. It is a nature-based religion that is deeply rooted in the natural world and the cycles of the seasons. Learning the ways of Celtic paganism allows individuals to connect with their Celtic heritage and tap into the ancient wisdom of their ancestors. One of the main principles of Celtic paganism is the belief in a divine connection between humans and the natural world. The Celtic people saw everything in nature as sacred and believed that each element had its own spirit. By studying Celtic paganism, individuals can learn how to connect with the spirits of trees, animals, rivers, and other elements of the natural world.
Sacred sites were given statues and artworks representing gods, particularly tall wooden, often featureless figures wearing metal torcs and representations of heads. Gods were not commonly represented in stone it seems prior to the Roman conquest, a period that also saw standing stones carved into pillars and domes and decorated with reliefs of heads and vegetal designs.
Gods were not commonly represented in stone it seems prior to the Roman conquest, a period that also saw standing stones carved into pillars and domes and decorated with reliefs of heads and vegetal designs. However, these are generalisations, and as with other areas of Celtic culture, it is important to stress that there were great variations both as the Iron Age period developed in Europe and in terms of geography.
By studying Celtic paganism, individuals can learn how to connect with the spirits of trees, animals, rivers, and other elements of the natural world. Another important aspect of Celtic paganism is the celebration of the seasonal cycles. The Celtic calendar is divided into eight festivals, known as the Wheel of the Year, which mark the changing of the seasons.
The Beginner’s Guide to Irish Paganism (Series)
But every month, there are 1,900 searches on Google for the topic ‘Celtic Paganism’, which in broad terms also covers the main theme of this blog, Irish Paganism (which gets 390 searches itself).
So, 390 of you lovely people each month – plus at least a portion of those 1,900 who search for Celtic Paganism, I’m sure – are looking for information on Irish Paganism?
And, with a few notable exceptions, what you’re finding is shite.
The majority of what has been available (prior to the Irish Pagan School online courses!) has been poorly researched and unreliable misunderstandings from outside the culture at best, and at worst – full on cashing-in cultural appropriation.
I’d like to help change that for you.
Learning the ways of Celtic paganism allows individuals to participate in these festivals and honor the natural cycles of life and death, growth and decay. Celtic paganism also places a strong emphasis on ancestral reverence. The Celtic people believed in the importance of honoring and respecting their ancestors, as they saw them as a source of guidance and wisdom. By learning the ways of Celtic paganism, individuals can connect with their ancestors and learn from their experiences. There are various ways to learn about Celtic paganism. Reading books and studying academic resources is a good starting point, as it provides a solid foundation of knowledge. There are also online communities and forums dedicated to Celtic paganism where individuals can connect with like-minded people and share their experiences. In addition, there are practical aspects to learning Celtic paganism. Participating in rituals and ceremonies, such as the lighting of sacred fires or the placing of offerings in nature, can help individuals deepen their connection to the Celtic spirituality. Some may choose to undergo training with a Celtic pagan priest or priestess, who can guide them on their spiritual journey. Overall, learning the ways of Celtic paganism is a deeply enriching and meaningful experience. It allows individuals to reconnect with their Celtic roots, honor the natural world, and connect with the wisdom of their ancestors. By embracing the spiritual practices of Celtic paganism, individuals can find a sense of belonging and purpose in their lives..
Reviews for "Celtic pagan myths and legends: tales of gods and heroes"
1. James - 2 stars - I was really excited to learn about Celtic paganism, but this book didn't deliver. It was poorly organized, with jumbled information that was hard to follow. The author seemed to assume that readers already had a solid understanding of the topic, leaving out important explanations and context. I was disappointed with the lack of depth and meaningful exploration of the subject matter. Overall, I felt like this book was rushed and lacked the quality and thoroughness I was expecting.
2. Sarah - 1 star - As someone who wanted to learn about Celtic paganism from scratch, I found this book to be utterly confusing. The author jumped from one topic to another without proper transitions or explanations, making it difficult to grasp the concepts. Additionally, there were several grammatical errors and typos, which further distracted me from the content. I was hoping for a comprehensive guide, but instead, I struggled to make sense of this book. I would not recommend it to beginners or anyone looking for a well-structured and informative read on Celtic paganism.
3. Michael - 2 stars - Although this book claimed to provide a guide to Celtic paganism, I found it to be shallow and lacking in substance. The author only scratched the surface of the topic and failed to explore the deeper aspects of the religion. The information provided was basic and didn't go beyond what I could easily find with a quick Google search. I was seeking a more in-depth understanding of Celtic paganism, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations. It felt like a quick and superficial overview rather than a genuine guide to the subject.