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Rejoinder to 'What exactly is a ...'

Morchu — Tue, 06 May 2008 21:27:52 GMT

Ta2 JoYnT's thread 'What exactly is a ...?' has gotten me thinking about this question and I would like to open for discussion some ideas that have occurred to me.

First, his statement that 'pagan' is an uncomfortably Christian term raises some of my own issues with our common developing understanding of what constitutes alternative spirituality founded in and informed by Celtic pre-Christian culture. Both 'Celtic' and 'Pagan' have certain resonances and my experience has been that these terms are deployed more as a means of sparking a resonant connotation than citing a donotative definition.

In other words, 'Celtic Paganism' doesn't mean that those who practice this kind of alternative spirituality - whatever that may be since one of Paganism's strengths is its endless and celebratory diversity - ARE Celts according to the hostorical definition of these terms, practicing the rites observed prior to the conversion period. Instead, 'Celtic Pagan' evokes a whole package of associations that are interpreted in endless ways, some of which are not rooted in historical but literary reality. In such a complex and ever-shifting lexical arena, the term Celtic Pagan is free from the constraints of historicity - constraints the Celtic Reconstructionists are currently wrestling with - to explore all the myriad meanings and implications of the term 'Celtic'. It's very exciting!

Of course the term 'pagan' has its coinage in the Christian past, but that is precisely the point. Now the term specifies a point of view deliberately outside of the modern Judeo-Christian (even Islamic) paradigm, emerging from a period when that paradigm was seemingly ubiquitous. The term Pagan originally came to mean non-Christian by connotation, since only those living in the countryside (the very meaning of 'paganus') continued to follow the older tradition (agricultural communities always tend to be resistant to such cultural changes, and Christianity was, at first, an urban phenomenon). Now that association with ruralism ties its modern alternative spiritualities to the land through a conscious promotion of 'green religion' - as it were.

I offer these thoughts in order to see what you, our immediate community, thinks. My own Celtic Paganism is still budding and ever-changing. I would thus be very grateful for any words anyone may offer.

posted in Celtic Pagans - 27 replies

Why Wicca Is Not Celtic

Tue, 15 Nov 2005 10:32:00 GMT

The following is by no means an indictment of the religion called Wicca. Wicca is indeed a valid and powerful path for those who truthfully walk it and understand it. However, there is a body of people who believe that Wicca is the descendant of the religious ways of the Gaelic or other Celtic peoples (or 'Celts' as a general nomenclature). This simply is not the case.

The following is a brief comparison of the Wiccan religion and Celtic religion. The purpose of this exercise is to dispel the notion that Wicca is Celtic, or derived from Celtic religion. It is by no means to be taken as an in depth survey of either religion. There are a great many questions that could be answered for people if they would visit with the elderly people in the rural areas of the Old Countries, or at least read books written by solid academians instead of profit oriented, new age writers. We will place at the end of this article the sources that can be used to substantiate what is said herein. I encourage you to investigate each source given, to check the veracity of the statement for yourselves.

When we talk about Celtic religion, we must define what we are talking about. Precisely put, we are talking about religious beliefs, practices and worldviews that existed in Gaelic and other Celtic cultures, as these developed as natural manifestations within the cultures. While this would include Celtic Christianity, for this article we are addressing Classical (pagan) Celtic theology. The pagan methodology and understandings of Gaelic spirituality survived the coming of Christianity and have continued to this day within the ways of people who are by and large nominally Christian. This is however, where Gaelic Traditionalists, both pagan and Christian, look when establishing their beliefs and methodologies.

An example of what existed in Classical times, when compared with what began afterward, is the use of the Maypole. Prior to importation by Germanic invaders, the Maypole was not in use in Gaelic lands. The High Days, which were fire festivals, saw people gather at the local river to make votive (in an anthropological sense) offerings, as well as light bonfires on the hilltops. It wasn't until the coming of the Saxon that the Maypole came to Gaelic lands, and even then the use of the Maypole stayed in the areas where there was a Germanic population, and was not adopted by the indigenous Gaels.

The spirituality of the various Celtic peoples has not changed. The Gaelic peoples still recognize that there are spirits of the Sky, the Sea and the Land (X). It is only in their official methodologies concerning the Upper Realm that concepts and methodologies have changed. The Three of Power can still be found in prayers and incantations such as recorded by Alexander Carmichael at the early part of the 20th century. Yet there are a great many who claim that things that have never been a part of the Celtic paradigm are Celtic. Wicca seems to be a religion that is particularly prone to this. The people who make the statement that Wicca is Celtic are usually of two sorts. These are the new people who either for their own reasons truly believe this to be the case, or they have fallen prey to some unscrupulous teacher who uses the allure of things "Celtic" to draw in new students or ensure profits. In both cases the problem is exacerbated by the fact that solid information is not easily accessible to the general public. The people who fall for the antics of the unscrupulous teacher usually do not have access to the information it takes to refute the falsehood. All religions have these types, and the fact that these will also exist within Wicca should not serve as a reason to condemn that path.

People who, with utter conviction, state that Wicca is a Celtic path usually have derived this idea by one of two common arguments (taking for granted that they haven't been misinformed). The first is conveyed by the person stating something to the effect of, "... _____ (usually Gardner is named) drew upon Celtic lore when putting it together... ." The second statement used is, "...it just *is* Celtic, it's always been Celtic, it's always been in places like Ireland and Scotland." Both of these arguments are easily disproved. The following shall go toward that end.

Traditional Celtic religions, as is the case with all religions, are cultural manifestations. In tribal cultures the people's spirituality is part of their identity and worldview. Gaelic Traditionalism, for example, holds within the Gaelic culture. This just as a Traditionalist Lakota would remain faithful to their culture.

In the Gaelic experience, though regional variants of the name would exist, the Mother of the Gods is Danu, and her mate is Bile. From that union came Dagda and Bride, who themselves are described in some articles of lore as mates. From texts and folklore we see that the Gods were born of that union. The Gods are the First Ancestors of the people, and are individuals. Scholars have noted that when Celtic culture entered an area, the Celtic gods of the Upper Realm went in with them. These then intermarried with the local goddesses of the land (the goddesses of sovereignty). Extant geneaological texts chart how the ancient Gael believed that they originated with those unions. Hence, the very Gods of the people are their First Ancestors.

The various ideas surrounding the ancestors manifest in a host of customs, such as the Feast of the Dead. Also, such concepts as that of the dead reincarnating through blood lines, in conjunction with the customs of the Gaelic peoples, provide a sense of continuity and identity that cannot be missed.

Just as Traditionalists hold steadfastly to their own culture, Wicca tends to draw from various cultures and ideologies. What allows the practitioners of Wicca to put elements from various religions together is the modernist ideology that has at its root the Jungian concept of archetypes. Wiccans tend to work heavily in the idea of archetypes -- "All goddesses are the face of the Goddess". They focus on the traits which various deities share, much the same way a Jungian would focus on the shared traits of heroes in a Jungian analysis. Wiccans also speak heavily on the subject of masculine and feminine dualities (anima and animus), which are central to Jungian theories of personality. Some Wiccans focus on claiming the shadow side, or "dark" side of individuals, which is a straight lift from Jungian theory.

The concepts that are traditionally part of Celtic religions reject this type of analysis and state that the Gods are individuals. Furthermore, as stated, traditional Celtic beliefs hold that the Gods are tied to the people by familial links. As an example, a Gaelic Traditionalist might agree that your mom and their mom (or your tribe's Mother Goddess and their tribe's Mother Goddess) share some traits by virtue of both people being moms. However, it is a mistake to say that just because both people are moms, that they are interchangeable. To the perspective of a Gael, the basic fallacy of extending Jungian analysis too far is this - your mom isn't their mom, no matter how mom-like both people are. Needless to say, one can't hold an archetype relationship to either the God or the Goddess and a direct and intimate personal relationship to your people's gods at the same time. The two ideas contradict each other.

Another of the signs telling of the Jungian foundation in Wicca is the propensity to constantly 'borrow' concepts, icons and sacred relics from other cultures and their religions. This causes a great deal of friction to exist between people of other cultures and Wiccans. This friction manifests itself in such passive things as traditional peoples separating themselves and establishing communities aside from the general pagan one. It also manifests in such things as the literal Lakota Declaration of War against those who "steal" (words the spiritual leaders of that People used) that culture's spirituality. The unanimous opinion of the people in the various traditional forms of spirituality is that Wicca and Wiccans spend too much time "borrowing" everything under the sun and throwing it all together. Yet, to be fair, from Wicca's archetypal-based viewpoint, that's both okay and logical.

From a traditional Gaelic viewpoint, and traditionalists of other cultures say the same things, these practices dishonor the ancestors, distort the fundamental truth ("your mom ain't my mom"), and interfere with the duty that traditional people generally feel to preserve and restore traditional cultures. This is because, to them, Wicca creates a distraction that sidetracks people looking for the traditional ways, as well as sucks up the time, interest and energy of people who might otherwise be helping to find ways to preserve their culture. Wiccans also often present themselves as the "true" Celtic religion, thus preventing some people from ever finding their way back to the path of the ancestors, which would, in the view of a traditional person, honor the gods properly (meaning, as individuals and as the 'First Ancestors'). What most traditionalists find deplorable is that many Wiccans embrace the misinformation regardless of fact and refuse to deal with conflicting ideas or views when faced with facts.

Having established the Jungian foundation that allows for misinformation to remain unchecked in the Wiccan community, let's start dispelling some of the fallacious notions that exist. The first notion to be addressed is, 'Wicca is what the Celts of old practiced.' Toward dispelling this idea, let's state some things that are fairly well established as fact because of the preponderance of evidence.

The first is that modern neo-paganism is highly impacted by, and reflective of, Gardnerian Wicca and its derivatives. The second is that, when Gardner was putting his creation together he drew upon Eastern philosophies, Egyptian ideologies and Judaic ceremonialism, in addition to Celtic lore.

This easily becomes confusing, but when something is made up of components, the whole mechanism is not solely of any one of those components. To state such denotes a severely faulty argument. Let me demonstrate this. For a great many years American Motors Corporation (AMC) put out a whole line of automobiles. These automobiles very often had Chrysler engines, Ford transmissions, Chrysler brakes, Ford seats and, I believe in one instance, even General Motors instrumentation. All of those components, motors, transmissions, seats, etc, were fixed into a body made by AMC. Yet the complete car wasn't a Ford because it had a Ford engine, nor was it a Chrysler because it had their transmission. It was an AMC, a creature all its own. The same is true about Wicca. It has a Hindu engine, an Egyptian torque converter and a Celtic transmission. These things were set in a ceremonial body that, while reflective of the bodies used by the Hermetic Orders, is Wiccan alone. It is a creature unto itself.

Concerning the second argument they use, I direct your attention at two areas. These two areas will suffice nicely in dispelling the false notion that Wicca just *IS* Celtic. The first area is the theology of the two systems.

The two systems, Wicca and Celtic, and in particular Gaelic, contradict each other on several points. These contradictions are enough, as a whole, to form a severe dissonance between the two religions. In Celtic religion, there are three basic spheres. These are the Sky, the Sea and the Land. Each of these has a ruling body. For the Sky, the Sun, for the Sea, the Moon and for the Land, the Earth.

By careful study of the ancient texts, as well as the language itself, we see that the Sun and the Moon are feminine. They are sisters to each other. Though, in some lore, there are traces of evidence that some people believed that, while the Sun was feminine, the Moon was masculine. In Gaidhlig the names of both luminaries are feminine, and in invocations and spells they are both addressed as feminine beings. Yet they can change gender according to which of their attributes is brought to the fore. The nurturing, warm Sun who promotes growth is feminine, the light, as personified by Lugh, is masculine, and the scorching Sun just before Harvest is represented by Balor. This contrasts sharply with Wicca, which is based wholly on a Feminine Moon and Masculine Sun.

Wicca is a religion whose philosophical foundation is Neo-Platonic dualism with a Goddess and a God as archetypes. Not only is Celtic religion vastly different in that it is truly polytheistic, totemistic, animistic, and zoomorphic, but the very processes of reason upon which the whole of the Celtic worldview is based is founded on a tripartite cosmology. In Celtic understanding the world has three independent and free spheres, Sky, Land and Sea. The three realms are both the legs of the cauldron of the world, as well as the three parts of the Tree of the World.

The next area of difference regards ethics. The basic ethical statement of Wicca is called 'the Rede.' The Wiccan rede states, "An It Harm None, Do As Ye Wilt." The nature of the Rede is untenable to Celts. The whole morality of Wicca is "harm none". While it is a theoretical statement, it is one with little real life practice. This is because it's a rule that must be broken just to survive and, as a result, leaves interpretation and application to individuals, and common sense, isn't.

Such statements as are typical of the Rede are not a part of the Celtic paradigm, in which we find a heroic morality. In real life, the term "harm none" is typified by the moralities of Wicca, Christianity, and others where the primary imperative is to not hurt others. Heroic is typified by the Celtic and Norse religions primarily, though other examples exist. Heroic morality is summed up by the Gaelic hero Caelte as, "truth in our hearts, strength in our arms and fulfillment in our tongues". Heroic morality is rooted in concepts of personal honor, responsibility and fulfillment of duty. These are all traits of the Heroic morality, but like the Tao, it is an intangible concept that cannot truly be adequately defined.

Because Wicca and traditional Gaelic spirituality arise out of different analytical perspectives, their moralities -- the "scripts" they create for their adherents -- are radically different. Wicca is a religion that is based on a logical extension of Jungian analysis (and yes, Jung was big into religion) -- thus its sole ethic "Harm none and do what thou wilt" tends to reflect a personal, individualistic practice. Traditionalist Celts living a "heroic" morality focus on heroism, personal honor, tribal honor and duty to the tribe and "Do what you wilt" is the last thing on their mind. That which honor and duty call for is at the opposite end of the spectrum from that which the individualistic bent of Wicca would call.

The vision conceived and portrayed by Wicca, of what comes after this life, is limited and vague. Celtic religion, on the other hand, has a complex and intricate conceptualization of the otherworld. In fact, OtherWorld's interaction in this world is, in many ways, the pivot point of Celtic religion.

Wicca is primarily an invocatory/ecstatic religion that revolves around special rituals. The 'formularies' used by Wicca can be traced back through the lodges of ceremonial magic, and especially the work of Alister Crowley. In Celtic religion, the tenets are votive in nature and stress ethics and morality, only secondary importance is placed on ritual. To Celts, life itself is ceremony, with every thought, word and deed being spiritually significant and magical.

The very foundation of Gaelic culture was the home. The hearth was the cornerstone of the spirituality of the people. In Gaelic religions great emphasis is placed on the sanctity of the home, and strength of the family. Families, to traditional Celtic peoples, include people who have adopted each other. The individuals are encouraged to walk in strength and to fulfill their responsibilities to their families. These components are not found in Wicca.

In Wicca, sacred space is ritually 'created.' To traditional Celtic sensibilities, both blessing the salt and not blessing the salt are superfluous arguments. This is because, to the Celtic mind, humankind can make neither the Gods, nor Their creations, any more or less perfect.

In traditionally based Celtic religions all space is sacred. The Land is the Goddess of Sovereignty, the Mother of the peoples living there, and holy unto Herself. Sacred space is omnipresent, it is the history of a place or some other distinguishing thing that causes certain places to see different religious uses. What is done at a site depends on the natural predisposition of an area or its history. That the ancestors saw things in this way is established through such literary evidence as the Dindsenchas (a book of place histories).

Related to the concepts of the land is that, the Gods that Celts took with them into a new land (Sky Gods/Gods of the People), mated with the Land Gods already in that land. Out of those unions came the oldest Gaelic families, out of which came later Gaelic families. What this means is that the Celts saw the Gods as their relatives. Hence we see one of several manifestations of ancestor veneration. Wicca has no component for venerating or developing a relationship with the ancestors, or the Goddess of the land or other land spirits of the lands in which a people live. These are big items in traditional Celtic religions.

Wicca is an initiatory mystery religion. Gaelic and other traditional Celtic religions are inclusive, with very few initiatory elements. Within Wicca there are various degrees and levels, each having its own mystery, each mystery being revealed by someone in authority. While the scope of this article is not designed to explore religious functionaries in pre-Christian Celtic cultures, in Celtic religion, the declarations of the Gods are found in the Order of Nature. The revelations are from the Gods themselves, and in general, each person with sincerity seeks to understand the natural world (which includes the "supernatural" world) around them and their place in it. There is also the concept of interacting with the natural world as co-inhabitors of the world.

As briefly touched on earlier, Wicca uses the classical elements as a fundamental concept. Celtic religions traditionally do not use the classical elements (air, fire, water and earth) in any way. Some point to the inclusions of the four mythical cities of the Tuatha De Danaan, as recounted in the Lebhar Gebhala Erenn as proof of, or a model of, the use of the elements of the later Greek elements. These folk attribute the four treasures that came from those cities as symbols for those elements. However, scholars tend to think that these may have been included as they were by Christian monks to bring things more into line with the Roman concepts as typified by the Roman Vulgate.

Some will argue that the floor plans of sacred sites support the concept of the use of directions in conjunction with the four elements. First, such associations would be speculation only. Secondly, these floor plans are of the square temples that are found primarily on the continent. This floor plan was carried over to the isles with the Romans, and is found as a part of Romano-Celtic culture. The majority of insular temples were round. Typical of this genre is the important ritual structure at Emain Macha. Archaeological diggings has shown that the site was based on five concentric rings (perhaps associated with the same five circles placed around a newborn) of oak posts, with an opening to the west. Circular sites aren't plagued with such concerns as which side faces which direction. Indeed, the sitting arrangement of the five kings at Tara, indicate an association with the directions, but these need to be addressed within the framework of the culture. This framework would be winds, or 'airts', not the four Greek elements. The airts are still to this day what are associated with the directions, as shown by some of the incantations recorded in the Highlands by Carmichael. The Greek elements were only associated with the Four Treasures in the late 1800's, by the work of the Golden Dawn, of which Yeats was a member.

If we want to address the Four Treasures, we must recognize exactly what is being stated in the texts. Of those treasures, one was the Sword of Nuada and the other the Spear of Lugh. Lugh did not come with the Tuatha De Danann when They came into Ireland. Lugh showed up later on, just prior to the second battle of Maig Tuired. According to the lore, Lugh's Spear was forged by Goibiu. In that battle Nuadh was killed, and it was after the battle that Lugh took the kingship. Hence, by seeing that Nuadh was gone, and Lugh ascended, Nuadh's solar symbol (the sword) was replaced by Lugh's solar symbol (the spear). This helps us to see that the significant number involved is 'three'.

Also as stated, in Celtic culture there are the basic spheres of Sky, Sea and Land. These three realms are three parts of the cosmology of most Indo-European peoples, and are not the equivalents of "earth, wind, fire and water" of the Hellenistic Greek world that has filtered down to the modern era through the ceremonial magical lodges.

The Sky, which is related to Fire, is the realm of the gods of culture, light/enlightenment, order, permanence, purity, and the skills (The Tuatha De Danann). The Sea, which is the realm of the watery Underworld, is associated with chaos, decay, and death through which comes renewal and rebirth (the Fomorri). Regarding water proper, it is through the sacred wells (direct conduits to OtherWorld), from the Waters of Heaven (which maintains during the rule of the truthful king), that the water which encircles the Earth, sustains and maintains the people of the Land. It is here on the Land where humans physically exist, living in contention on the 'plain of sorrow', caught betwixt the above and the below.

The closest thing to an elemental system amongst the Gaelic Celts is what are called the dhuile, as such is defined as 'elements' in Gaidhlig. These are anywhere from seven to eleven, usually nine, items. These range from sun to lightning to rock. The dhuile are a way of understanding the relationship of the person to the cosmos, with each item found in the cosmos relating to a part of the person. Wicca has nothing along these lines. In addition, the fertility nature of Wicca addresses the land Gods almost exclusively. When Gods of the other realms are named, they are usually outside of the place held for them in their traditional pantheons. In Celtic theology, each is held and venerated in their traditional capacity. As far as the directions are concerned, the overwhelming evidence shows that in traditional celtic religion, the directions have always been associated with the winds. Not only is evidence found in texts which record folklore and custom, such as the Carmina Gadelica, but also in texts far more ancient such as the Senchus Mor, the Saltair Na Ran, and the Hibernica Minora. (X)

Wicca places little emphasis on mythology. Yet in Celtic religion, mythological stories are a central feature. These, in fact, form the core of magical practice, teaching and what ritual exists (manifested commonly in 'passion plays'). In Wicca there is no clear teaching of what is required to break past the cycles of rebirth. In fact, within Wicca there is no such concept at all. Yet in Celtic religion, the requirement can be clearly and concisely stated. To fulfill one's duty, to always be honorable and to stand for the truth come what may, while understanding *why* what is honorable is considered so. Students of Aristotle can clearly see the concepts of "personal excellence" within materials from various celtic cultures.

Wicca is a relatively recent addition to the religious paths of humanity. There is a lot of mis-information bandied about regarding it. It is sad that a great many of its followers have to do the religion such a disservice by claiming a lineage that doesn't exist. I would point out the now tired joke about Wiccan grand mums. Celts tend to discount initiation, or any other device through which validity is gained through some person or agency. To a Celt, that one exists is proof of their validity. The only generally recognized 'initiations' are those afforded by the process of life itself, with the two most important being birth and death, with marriage, parenthood and grand-parenthood coming along in a close second place.

Some well known writers have claimed a great antiquity for Wicca. Yet, if it has any age to it at all, then it is through the Wicce, which were Saxon in origin, and patriarchal from the start. These are thought to have been members of the Lodges of Cunning Men. They have nothing to do with the mythological Druids (a product of the British Revival effort of the 18th century). The Wicce have even less to do with the historical Draoi. Such histories, as have connected the two groups of people, are in fact pseudo-histories, or as Margot Adler calls such ideas in her book, Drawing Down The Moon, "myths".

These same writers state that the word Wicca derives from the Saxon word, Witan. However, the Witan was the proto-parliament of old Saxon England. If one wishes to twist etymology in this way, it would be more correct to trace the word witch, back to the word 'wicga', which is Old English for the insect known as the earwig, and which literally means "creepy-crawly".

These same writers state that Wicca was practiced in the Celtic lands, and specifically name Gaelic lands, where these practices were supposedly called "Witta". Yet, from the Gaelic language itself we can see the truth that Wicca is not descended from the Gaelic Celts. The simplicity of this fact is seen in that that there isn't even a 'W ' in the Gaelic language, so neither Wicca nor Witta as a derivation could be Gaelic. As concerns the Gaelic language, the sound [w] does exist in Gaelic, or at least in Old Irish, as a lenited /m/ or /b/, like the [w] in the current pronunciation of Samhain [sawhIn - that's a capital I]. But that never occurs at the beginning of a word. Even in Gaidhlig (Scots Gaelic) the sound is rather like a "wide mouthed 'V' sound" [as in Samhain - SHA-vin].

In technical speak the 'w' does not exist in the language, nor is [w] ever its own phoneme, just an allophone of /m/ or /b/ (depending on the word). Since lenition is rare at the beginning of a word though, it is extraordinarily unlikely that any native Gaelic word would have a [w] at the beginning, and thus 'Wicca' is practically impossible in Gaelic even transliterated into the Roman alphabet.

Likewise, a similar argument exists to show that Wicca did not descend from the Welsh (the representative of the P-Celt branch of the linguistic family). While the alphabet character 'W' does exist in the Welsh language, it does not express the same sound as the English 'W' (white, wig, Wicca, Witta). Instead, within Welsh language, the 'W' expresses the "oo" sound. Thus, within the Welsh the letter W can be pronounced either as found in the English "put" (short) or "soon" (long); or the Welsh "twp" (short) and "rhwd" (long).

The truth is that modern Wicca, as it is most commonly practiced, is a fairly modern construction, dating from the middle part of this century. This was best summed up by Dr. Marilyn Wells, PhD, Anthropology Department, Middle Tennessee State University, who has referred to modern Wiccans as Neo-Wiccans. In other words, there is little to no connection between Gardner's creation and the Wicce of the middle ages, and no connection to the Celts; except for what modern Wiccans have borrowed and incorporated. As a matter of fact, if the veracity of The Pickengill Papers is complete, as many Gardnerians have vouched, then the Lodges of Saxon Cunning Men stood in the place of adversary to the Celtic Wise Women, which also goes to support this essay.

More evidence supporting this can be found in a body of religious laws called the "Law of the Craft". While there are a great number of groups operating who do not use the set of laws that Gardner wrote, these do, however, usually use some derivation. "The Law of the Craft" as it was created by Gardner, and forwarded by a great many people who received it from their grandmothers (a bit of humor), at the least shows the attitude present in the creators of this religion. The undertones still reverberate. There are printed copies of this body to be found in the public domain, in such books as Lady Sheba's Grimoire and The King of the Witches by June Johns. There is also to be found on the Internet, a work comparing several versions of that body of law. There are three items of note, where that law is concerned. They are:

#1 The uniform appellation given to modern Wicca, as a "brotherhood."
#2 The quote,"... as a man loveth a woman by mastering her...".
#3 The quote,"...let her(the high priestess)ever mind that all power is lent...from him(the priest)..." (Her power is absolute in Circle only, and even then lent from the Him [the priest figure])

-parentheses added by author-

All three of these items fly in the face of how women were viewed by pre-Roman Gaelic people. Even the Wiccan law demanding that mature, experienced priestesses step aside for someone younger, soley because of youth, should raise questions as to the motives of the author of these laws. It should also raise questions about their foundation in tradition. The fact is, our ancestor's views towards women were quite progressive for the times, and were close to being on par with modern views. Much to the chagrin of other powers of the time, namely the Romans, women had the right to possess and disburse property. They possessed the right to inheritance, and to chose their mates. They possessed ascendancy to the throne, in some places, above the right of men to do so. They possessed the right to keep and bear weapons, and let it be noted that subjagating an armed populace is indeed a difficult thing to do. It was not until Christianity was firmly implanted that women lost these rights, and the equality of the law concerning women came into question.

An argument can be made by Wiccans that their religion has evolved since Gardner created it. That however only shows more conclusively how far removed Wicca is from anything Celtic. Yet the point must be made that as much of Gardners laws involve liturgy and ritual format, as long as those things are found in Wicca, then even those groups that have put aside Gardners laws are still abiding by them by default.

Other corollary evidence comes from Wiccan statements about themselves. Of the Druids, all that can be agreed upon, based on evidence, was that they were intimately involved in sacrifices. Yet, many Wiccans state that they "..are the priestcraft for the pagan people...". They are even "training clergy". Yet, within Gaelic/Celtic culture all people were considered capable of, and responsible for, the mediation of the Gods on their own behalf. Celtic regard for personal responsibility is amply abundant. This is particularly true as regards to mediating the Gods on ones own behalf, and is so obvious and well known that even pop culture books such as The Celtic Tradition by Caitlin Matthews tell of this truth. This has even been commented on by respected celtophiles such as Peter Berresford-Ellis as being a part of the mindset of the Gaels unto this day.

Even the Triads of our people show where the redactor's hands slipped on occasion, and let go expressions of the feeling among our forebears, that kept priests were an abomination. The idea was, evidently, that the first place we give up our personal power over our lives is to priestcrafts. From there on out, it is one piece of our lives at a time, until we are veritable slaves. Slavery is not a position taken with grace by our people.

This is not to deny the fact that certainly after the coming of Christianity, and probably before, that there were probably orders of Monks dedicated to the service of one or a number of deities. This is only to say that just as there were not temples of the Greek and Roman type, neither were there sacredotes or "clergy", whose functions were to mediate and/or intercede with the Gods on the behalf of other people. The sacrifices that these officiated over were not to appease angry deities. Indo-European sacrifices were for the renewal of the world, which itself according to Indo-European thought was created from the primordial sacrifice of a deity.

In fact, traditional celtic religion was votive/sacrificial in nature. Concepts of votive offerings and world renewing sacrifice, though central to Celtic religion, have no position in Wicca.

When I was asked to write this essay, I was also asked to keep it as short as possible, yet not neglecting thoroughness. This should be enough though, to establish the premise quite securely, that Wicca is not descended form our Gaelic/Celtic ancestors.

Special Thanks To:
Lugaid MacRobert
Marcus Harris
Stephanie Williams

Sources:
Popular Superstitions, Sir William R. Wilde, Sterling Publishing, c. 1995
The Druids, Peter Berresford Ellis, Eerdmans Books
Death, War and Sacrifice, Dr. Bruce Lincoln, University of Chicago
Warriors, Priests and Cattle, Dr. Bruce Lincoln, University of Chicago
Myths and Symbols of Pagan Europe, H.R. Ellis-Davidson, Syracuse University
Myth, Legend and Romance - An Encyclopedia Of The Irish Folk Tradition, Dr. Daithi OhOgain, Prentice Hall
A History of Pagan Europe, Prudence Jones and Nigel Pennick
Celtic Goddesses, Miranda Green, Braziller
The Silver Bough Vols 1-4, F. Marion MacNeill, Maclellan
The Folklore of the Scottish Highlands, Dr. Anne Ross, Barnes & Nobles
The Celtic Consciousness, edited by Robert Driscoll, Braziller
The Carmina Gadelica, Alexander Carmichael, Lindisfarne Press
Celtic Heritage, Alwyn and Brinley Rees, Thames & Hudson
The Tain, Thomas Kinsella, Oxford
The World of the Druids, Miranda Green, Thames & Hudson
Twilight of the Celtic Gods, David Clarke with Andy Roberts, Blandford
Lebor Gebala Erenn Parts 1-5, trans. R.A.S. MacAlistair, Irish Texts Society
Clannada na Gadelica, "A Tripartite World and Triune Logic", Iain Mac an tSaoir, 1997
The Pickengill Papers-The Origin of the Gardnerian Craft, W.E. Liddell, Capall Bann pub
Oxford History Of Britain, Oxford University Press
Dictionary of Word Origins, John Ayto, Arcade, c. 1990
Celtic Women, Peter Berresford Ellis, Eerdmans Pub, c. 1995,
The Women of the Celts, Jean Markale, Gordon Cremonesi, c. 1975
A HISTORY OF WITCHCRAFT-Sorcerers, Heretics and Pagans, Jeffrey B. Russell, Thames and Hudson
Drawing Down The Moon, Margot Adler
The Pickengill Papers, W.E. Liddell
The Celtic TraditionCaitlin Matthews, Element Books
The Celtic World, Miranda Green
Merlin : Priest of Nature, Jean Markale

Some parts of this essay were based on an article by Lughaid MacRoberts, who encouraged the author of this article to utilize his paper, which was copyrighted in 1988.

posted in Celtic Pagans - 96 replies

A Celtic Student's Required Reading List!

MacMorrighan — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:10:02 GMT

Hey guys, here's most of the books (and even one site) that I thoroughly recommend to "Celtic" Pagans (this list was typed from memory, off the top'a my head, so some spellings and itles may be off):

* A History of Pagan Europe", by Prudence Jones and Nigel Pennick
* "European Paganism", by Ken Dowden
* "The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British isles", by ROnald Hutton: Don't take this book very seriously, because it is HIGHLY flawed due to a flawed methodology and unacknowledged BIAS of the highest degree that get's in the way of what MAY have actually happened. In fact, there's so much wrong with his books, as a whole, that I could write an entire article about the problems in his material that is accepted, sadly, as "definative" by the corpus of contemporary Pagans! <sigh>
* "The Stations of the Sun", by Ronald Hutton: Ditto!!!!!!!!!
* "The Gods of the Celts", by Miranda Green
* " The Quest for the Shaman", by Miranda Green
* "The Concept of the Goddess", ed. by Miranda Green
* The Great Queens", by Rosalind Clark
* "Celtic Goddesses", by Miranda Green
* "Dictionary of Celtic Mythology", by Miranda Green
* "Oxford Dictionary of Celtic Mythology", by James Mackillop
* "Celtic Mythology", by Proinsias Mac Cana
* "The Ancient Celts", by Barry Cunnlife
* "Pagan Celtic Ireland", by Barry Rafterie
* "Pagan Celtic Britain", by Anna Rosse
* "The Witch Figure", ed. by Venetia Newall
* "The Lore of Ireland", by Dathi O hOgain
* "Early Irish Myths and Saga", trans. by Jeffrey Gantz
* "The Tain", trans. and comp. by Thomas Kinsella
* "The Sacred Isle", by Dathi O hOgain
* "The Lady with the Mead Cup" (This is still a book on my "To Buy" List!!!)
* "Christianity: The Origins of a Pagan eligion", by Philipe Walter
* "The Celts", by John Collis
* "Celtic Heritage", by the Rees bros.
* "The Encyclopedia of Celtic Myth and Legend: A Source Book", by John & Caitlin Matthews
* "The Celtic Heroic Age", trans. and comp. by John Carey & John T. Koch
* "Cattle Lords and Clansmen", by Nerrys Patterson
* "Carmina Gadelica", by Alexander Carmichael
* "The Gaelic Otherworld: John Gregorson Campbell's 'Superstitions of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland' and 'Witchcraft and Second Sight in the Highlands and Islands'", ed. (with commentary) by Ronald Black
* "In Search of the Indo-European", by James P. Mallory
* Whence the Goddess: A Sourcebook", by Miriam RObbins Dexter
* "Indo-European Poetry & Myth", by M.L. West
* "The Oxford Introduction to Proto-Indo-European and the Proto-Indo-European World", by JP Mallory and DQ Adams
* "Inside the Neolithic Mind", by David Lewis-Williams
* "The Gods and Goddesses of Old Europe: Myths and Cult Images", by Marija Gimbutas
* "The Living Goddesses", by Marija Gimbutas
* "The Druids", by Stuart Piggot

These are all that I can think of, right now... What else would YOU add in an academic vein?

posted in Celtic Pagans - 7 replies

Sheila Na Gig

ellencatalina — Wed, 28 May 2008 20:19:34 GMT

I found this on the internet and it is very compelling to me. Does anyone have any experience with the Sheila Na Gig or any sense of what she represents? According to this article, her image was found on old Celtic churches! Hard to imagine, but true.

www.goddesscafe.com/yoni/sheila.html

posted in Celtic Pagans - 7 replies

Celtic Myth Podshow

Ruthie — Thu, 29 May 2008 00:56:09 GMT

Hi all,

I apologise if advertising here causes offence but I am hoping that
the subject of this podcast will be of sufficient interest to the
subscribers to this list to warrant inclusion.

I produce the Celtic Myth Podshow (http://celticmythpodshow.com) which
is a free MP3 download and aims to tell the stories of Celtic
mythology to its listeners. We have started with the Irish
Mythological Cycle and aim to cover all of the Six Nations in the
series. The by-line of the show is "Bringing the Tales and Stories of
the Ancient Celts to your Fireside" which is the atmosphere we would
like to create. The old legends were recounted orally and only written
down in later years, so by hearing them told we are getting a step
closer to their original presentation and hopefull, meaning. That's
the theory anyway :) Our website also includes Maps of Ireland
with the places mentioned in the stories marked. Many of these places are
still exist and are spiritual centres to many people
You can find these maps in the resources section of the website.

You can find us on itunes or download/listen to the episodes on the website

I hope this is of interest to some

Thank you

Ruth

posted in Celtic Pagans - 0 replies

Reading List

Volva — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 22:38:43 GMT

There was a reading list thread starting under my introductory post, and -- being a writer and an avid reader -- I thought I'd move it over to a post of its own.

What is everyone reading now that they can recommend to people interested in Celtic pagans?

I just finished "Saxons, Vikings and Celts; The Genetic Roots of Britain and Ireland" by Bryan Sykes, professor of human genetics at Oxford University. Anyone else read it? I'd be interested in comparing impressions.

posted in Celtic Pagans - 13 replies

What exactly is a....

ta2jOyNt — Mon, 05 May 2008 05:03:03 GMT

celtic pagan ?
The only reason I ask ..is that I've been a lurker in this tribe for awhile and you all seem very educated in the religious aspects of it all and are well read in the mythos of cauldrons and things that I would, I guess call wiccan !
I'm 100% Irish born in Canada ..my family comes from the county Mayo of Ireland and I don't believe in any of the organized religons as such..although I guess there are some ...good points in they're dogma !
I don't know if it's because I'm Irish with deep gaelic celtic roots or not....but the little I have learned is that the belief system of the Celts in the Earth and Mother Nature and the natural laws of life and death and what goes on around us holds alot more water than any Christian ..Muslim..or even Buddist ideas !
When someone asks or if I'm filling out a questionarie and it asks my religion...I simply state ...Celtic !
I don't really know if they get me or not...it just seems to be the right answer !
I don't like the word Pagan...its a Christian term that seems derogitory and insulting !

Sorry...had ta spout off cause I just don't know where I fit in !

posted in Celtic Pagans - 17 replies

SunFest 08

schellin9 — Thu, 15 May 2008 00:54:12 GMT

June 19-22
SUNFEST—THROUGH THE AGES WITH THE NORSE: presented by Other Worlds of Wonder. This festival will be held near Lincoln City Oregon on the Selitz River. Come join us in celebration of the Summer Solstice. Event includes: A Solstice Ritual, Drumming, Dancing, Bon Fires, Workshops, Family Activities, and Merchants Village. We will be camping where it feels as though the Mother is holding you in her hands. Adults $60, less for children based on age. Please visit www.owow.org for further information and registration. This event helps to raise funds to purchase Pagan Land. OWOW is a 501c3 non-profit organization.

posted in Celtic Pagans - 0 replies

British Druid Order

Ani — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:39:31 GMT

For all who are interested in the Druidic Path... there is some news:

The British Druid Order has come alive again, a bit like a phoenix rising....
Greywolf has been very busy, and is again strong. The Druids' Voice came out recently. The new BDO Website is now: www.druidry.co.uk This is the new forum, but there are not many members yet as it has just been put up: http://www.druidry.co.uk/forum/ These are being cared for, hosted as a gift by a brilliant man - Adam Sargant/Taliesin.

Blessings of the Awen/|\

Ani

posted in Celtic Pagans - 2 replies

when is Beltane?

ellencatalina — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 05:47:06 GMT

If I were to celebrate Beltane, what would be the proper night to do it?

posted in Celtic Pagans - 10 replies

New Tribe, Followers of the Celtic Way

Michy ~ Phoenix of the Flames — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 06:03:54 GMT

Hello.
I just joined tribe.net and have started a new tribe for like minded people who would like to share their knowledge and experiences. I hope it will become a fun and enjoyable tribe, connecting people in harmony. I hope you give it a look.

Blessings, Michy

posted in Celtic Pagans - 2 replies

A quick hello

Anita — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 19:39:51 GMT

Hello, my name is Anita and I just joined. I consider myself an ecletic solitary pagan. I've studied, or I guess it would be more appropriate to say that I am studying a variety of teachings. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area.

posted in Celtic Pagans - 9 replies

You might be a pagan if...

Æri — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 16:47:05 GMT

I found this some where

1. When you're sworn in in court, you bring your own grimoire.
2. Painting yourself blue, spiking your hair, and dancing naked around a bonfire sounds like large amounts of fun.
3. When asked if you believe in God, you ask, "Which one?"
4. You know what "widdershins" means. You know when to apply it.
5. You think The Mists of Avalon should be a religious text. You use it as such.
6. You have friends who say they are elves. You believe them.
7. You commit blasphemy in the plural.
8. Upon dying, your first thought is, "Darn it, not AGAIN."
9. When you say "Mother Nature," you don't mean it in an anthropomorphic way.
10. You know that there are exceptions to the laws of physics. You've caused them.
11 The first thing your guests say is, "My, that's a nice...altar...you have there."
12. You understand the symbolism behind a maypole.
13. You've ever ended a phone call with "so mote it be."
14. Your children go around telling people that "the Goddess loves you."
15. On Halloween, you yell "Happy New Year!" at passers-by.
16. You know that Christmas trees were originally pagan symbols. That's why you bought one.
17. You have a frequent buyer card at the local antique bookstore. The proprietor of said bookstore picks out anything to do with the Celts and saves it for you.
18. You think Mercedes Lackey should be a cultural icon.
19. Gaia is NOT the lady on Captain Planet.
20. You have an entire spice cabinet and you don't cook. You know that laurel and bay leaves are the same thing.
21. In Religion 100, you were disappointed because they didn't cover YOUR gods.
22. You know that there is a right way and a wrong way to draw a pentacle. You can explain the difference.
23. You've spent the last year and a half looking for a familiar.
24. You talk to trees. They talk back.
25. You know dragons and fae exist. You've seen them.
26. You've been seen talking to cats. They talk back. You understand what they're saying.
27. You've seen "The Craft." You know where they were making stuff up in "The Craft." You have explained this to other people. You can do it better than they did it in "The Craft." You know it's a load of crap.
28. You're reading this page. You understand what it's talking about. You have more to add.

posted in Celtic Pagans - 30 replies

How do YOU use your cauldron?

Æri — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:45:05 GMT

Just thought it would be fun to find out what creative things you've all thought up to utilize your cauldron in ritual & such. Also say what size cauldron you are using for a particular use.
Æri

posted in Celtic Pagans - 35 replies

Merry Meet!

Faedra — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:27:54 GMT

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this tribe and I wanted to formally say hello. I'm a lifelong celtic pagan and I live in central NC. I was so thrilled to find a tribe on Celtic Paganism that I just had to join! Merry Part and Brightest Blessings!

posted in Celtic Pagans - 5 replies

Orgy to Honour Cernunnos: Re-Dedication & Re-Consecration of Cernunnos

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:33:22 GMT

Hi Folks, if anyone is in Wales (UK) or near, my Coven on Beltane Eve will be holding a Re-Consecration and Re-Dedication of Cernunnos and will also follow with any orgy of male sex at the foot of His Altar to honour Him. For further information, go to my site at www.sorchartarot.com/homomoot

posted in Celtic Pagans - 0 replies

Introduction

Volva — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:41:48 GMT

I just joined this tribe and wanted to say "hello." I'm the Volva, a Kansas City-based seidkona exploring the intersections of Celtic/Northern European/Wiccan/Pagan/Magickal/Buddhist/Heathen spirituality (and some other things that don't fit into tidy categories that can be summed up in a word or two). Looking forward to getting to know more about all of you through your posts.

posted in Celtic Pagans - 6 replies

An Inconvenient Truth Presentation

WizardsAura — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:41:33 GMT

Other Worlds of Wonder Sponsors
An Inconvenient Truth Presentation
By Official Presenter Ezra Eckmeyer
Sunday, March 23rd @1 P.M.
Multnomah County Library, Midland Branch
805 S.E. 122nd Avenue Portland, OR 97233
Raise your awareness, and discuss strategies each of us can be involved in to address global warming.

This is a fund raiser for Pagan Land
Donations gladly accepted
Questions owoworg@hotmail.com or visit www.owow.org
OWOW is a federally recognized 501c3

posted in Celtic Pagans - 0 replies

Merry Meet to all

Owl — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 02:38:17 GMT

Hello I am new to this tribe. Hope you are all filled with blessings and happy flying dreams!
Blessed be!

Owl

posted in Celtic Pagans - 3 replies

Denoting Celtic Deism?

MacMorrighan — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:09:13 GMT

Hey guys, tonight I happened by the Half Price Bookstore and, as often occures, I found a book that I've been wanting to add to my personal Library for a while, now: TGE Powell's "The Celts"! Anyway, he said exactly what other Celktic scholars have said: that the Celts had a type of inter-tribal religion whereby the singular male god of each tribe (personified by the chiftain, pressumibly) was mated to the tribal land-goddess, rather than having a polytheistic religion as so many Pagans often imagine. Hey, a later scholar (Barry Cunliffe) even used the exact same illustrative examples as he: Th Daghdha and The Morrighan. Moreover, based upon the evidence found in material culture, iconography, and medieval textual sources most (if not all) of the deities we have on record are merely different manifestations of epithets for each other. In other words (which is also based upon my research) The Morrighan is an identity (rather than merely associated with) Anu, as well as Challeach, Eire, Samain, and other named goddesses from the Continent who I can't think of right now.

So, I was wondering, is anyone present, aware of any theologically-based terms or denotations that can describe such a religious belief [examples of the sort of therms I'm after are: henotheism, polytheism, monotheism, et al.] ? I ask, of course, because if I describe it in these terms, and even seem to hint at (despite the evidence of my argument) a schema whereby "all gods are one god, and all goddesses are one goddess" I'd be pilloried as not only a "history revisionist", but a "Fluff Bunny" of the highest degree, because everyone has been told that such a schema is an invented fiction with no bases in ancient history that was advanced by we "Wiccans" (though I do not call myself by that title, because of it's "Fluffy" connotations, these days).

By the way, in re-reading many of my books by noted Celtic scholars (specialists in the field), I see that all of them are firm in their belief that the Insular lit. [the great Irish epics] represent and reflect the ancient Irish paganism to one extent or another, and are filled with evidence of gods and goddesses. But, when one reads Hutton's "The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles" he says with authoritarian zeal that these texts represent no pagan evidence nor present deities of any kind! How can he make these claims when they are no only so extremist, but atypical, and contrary to what actual specialists in the field of Celtic Studies are saying? Personally, I was also skeptical about his claim that he had Miranda Green read his sections on Celtic history when they were so far divorced from his actual views! One wonders what sections of his book she *actually* read? But, sadly, far too many Pagans uncritically cite Hutton, as though he is representative of all of academia (his authoritative voice is obviously detrimental in this regard; would it kill him to admit when he's speculating and use blatant qualifiers when a topic is still opoen to conjecture like European scholars are so fond of doing?!), when he's not--and they just don't understand that, I'm afraid. And, this is most worrisome of all!

Another thing that really bothers me about Pagans, as a whole, is their seemingly desperate NEED to pidgeon-hole certain so-called "Dark"-Goddesses, such as the Kali Ma and the Morrighan! As a result, if one doesn't define them as essentiually blood-thirsty, despite actual evidence to the contrary, they are labled with the upmost scorn! Kali is a primary example of this and contemporary Pagan ignorance to how She is factually worshipped! Unless one views Her as dangerous and threatening (even Deborah Lipp someone castigated me--as she is a Kali worshipper--for suggesting anything to the contrary, despite actual Hindu worship) in spite of the fact that Kali is generally not offered blood sacrifices (unless, of course, by the seeming fringe element) and in a great many districts (even in the US) she is viewed (even physically when Her statues are hewn) as compassionate and loving! But, we Pagans tend to remain ignorant of this evidence, and should we happen to hear it, we disregard it with blatant cavalear! But, my own goddess--The Morrighan--is another story.

In the following article: http://wicca.timerift.net/gods/morrigan.html The author sites one "historian" named TW Rolleston and goes on to claim that "historiants" (plural!) are against identifying the mother-goddess, Anu, with the Morrighan. But, how CAN they be when it's actually in the Irish epics where The Morrighan is listed as another identity OF (rather than a mere alternate "aspect" or association with) Anu! So, what "historians" is she talking about; and how can this Rolleston fellow be against this comperison when it's in black and white? I flipped through the book in question at the Half Price Bookstore, and Rolleston doesn't say; he just claims that another scholar identifies the two deities (as if they are seperate and entirely distinct personas), but he disagrees with such a position. Ugh... Crap like that makes me want to bash my red head in! LOL!

Okay, enough ranting from me, guys. ;o)

posted in Celtic Pagans - 35 replies

Celtic Sexuality

*Pictsie~Hazel* — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 02:16:59 GMT

Have any of you ever pondered the subject of Celtic sexuality? Or wonder if it even exists? I know the concepts of sacred sexuality and sex magic, but recently I have become interested in the idea that maybe the Celts had particular views towards sexuality in general. Now, I am talking of pre-Christian Celts of course. Did sex or sexuality have any role in tribal Celtic society? Did it have any resonance in Druid magic? Do any of you have any suggestions or musings of your own to add to this question? Thanks.

posted in Celtic Pagans - 45 replies

A Goedlic (but probably pan-Celtic) foundation of magical tradition?

Morchu — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 06:26:42 GMT

I hope that I am not overstepping any boundaries here, but I have a question for all here.

Recently I've seen 'the Secret' and 'What the Bleep do we Know?: Down the Rabbit Hole'. In a nutshell, the basic idea of both is that reality is formed predominantly according to our patterns of observation i.e. our expectations on a deep, almost subconscious level, so that we attract everything that we have into our lives. A corollary to this is that our systems of beliefs / world paradigms help shape the world.

So I've been ringing the changes on this one and I think that this is exactly what underlies the medieval Gaelic idea of 'firinne' (roughly trans. as 'truth' – ‘fior flathamon’: the truth of lordship). The 'firinne' of a poet could change the world according to his/her poetry, and the ‘firinne’ of a lord was viability as a nobleman as tested by his ability to 'see' otherwise impossible but impeccably just knowledge (Finn MacCool and his thumb of knowledge). It seems to me like one’s ‘firinne’ was the measure of one's ability to 'affect the quantum field' - as they say in 'What the Bleep...' and thus the measure of what we call ‘magic’ in English.

I don’t know … what do you think?

posted in Celtic Pagans - 5 replies

Celebrating Imbolc

*Pictsie~Hazel* — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 03:54:06 GMT

So when does everyone plan on doing their Imbolc celebrations/rituals? I am attending my public ritual on Saturday, but I want to do my own by myself. It will have to be after the calendar date of Imbolc, but does that really matter? I am planning on going out to the woods and having a little vigil/ritual there for Brigid, and then going back home and lighting a candle in her honor. What are everyone else's plans?

posted in Celtic Pagans - 33 replies

Gay Witchcraft and Sex Magic Workshops in the Celitc land of Wales-the spiritual home of the Craft!

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 10:20:45 GMT

Hi folks and Merry Meet from the Celtic land of Wales-the true spiritual home of the Craft. I'm not sure whether my workshops here in Wales would interest anyone..the HomoMoot (Copyright 2007) workshops are held each month. For more info' go to the site at www.sorchartarot.com/homomoot

Blessed Be.
Julian.

posted in Celtic Pagans - 26 replies

"Celtic Causeways"?!

MacMorrighan — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 22:28:08 GMT

Hey guys, calling all CELTO-PHILES!!! A while back (well, within the last 5-6 years) I happened to record a prgram on the Discover (or some other) Channel by the name of "Celtic Causeways". Sadly, before I realized what potent relivence it might yield for a number of research projects (I think this was slightly before I started researching an Morrighan in any great detail) I taped over it!!! Ugh... Anyway, I'd love to be able to watch it again, to see what scholars were involved, and if they have written any articles about their findings! All I recall of this ep. is that it provides more evidence for Celtic ritual-belief and practices during the Iron Age: The Celts frequently made causeways (which are functionally more like piers, rather than bridges) where the devoted would usually go in order to deposit votive offerings to the gods, or spirits of the Otherworld that reside in the water. These rites also seem to be somehow associated with the lunar eclipse, because they were able to figure out that this causeway was usually repaired during the year of an eclipse! I also remember that some of the beams or posts employed during the construction happened tpo be made from honeysuckle. Anyway, this was all that I happen to remember from this ep. Soooooo...I was wondering if anyone might have happened to record this program, also, and be able to dub it onto a DVD for l'il ol' me? ;o) It never hurts to ask.

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Celtic Pagans - 0 replies

Reiki Healing

Veronica — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 04:12:04 GMT

Blessed Be and Merry Meet. I am pleased to announce that I'm one class away from being a Reiki II Practitioner. Message me if you would like a Reiki Session. Distance or in person if possible. It would be my pleasure.
Feel Good,
Veronica.

posted in Celtic Pagans - 5 replies

Brigid's Cross materials...where to find?

Arun-once-was-ZyGoat — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 01:29:23 GMT

Greetings!
A group of us who are organizing an all-night dance celebration for Imbolc at the Crystal Temple here in Portland are going to make Brigid's Crosses to decorate the space. I have not made them before and am curious as to where or how to acquire the reeds or bullrushes or other materials traditionally used. Any suggestions?
Anyone know where these may be harvested, or if that is not possible, purchased?
thank you and blessings.

posted in Celtic Pagans - 4 replies

Hey all you pagan faire goers! Help!

Mel — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 02:12:59 GMT

Folks,

It has been a toughie last end of the year for this one. Just before samhain my step-mum crossed over. Buried her before Thanksgiving. Now having to be over at my dads home 3-4 days a week, looking after him, and already dealing with other problems. Lost the vision in my left eye. Had to postpone weight loss surgery. Having to deal with worthle4ss free advice of mid western relatives.

Not sure if I can work Southern Faire. Money issues, student loans,( just got my Master's Degree), and relatives wanting me to move in with my dad, which would really be the death of me! And i mean it, all ways socially, spiritually and means of privacy. I've told my relatives it ain't happening. I will be there a few days weekly, but not moving to an area and jsut leave behind where i've been anchored and know where everything is.

These people act like it's so fucking easy to do that. just pick up, leave and move somewhere where you have nothing in common with. OK, let one of them leave Missouri and do that. Faire is where I live, and don't see these people except at Faire. So, I might see if i can change my schedule, because I will NOT attend as a customer.

could use some spiritual uplifting to the God/dess/es for a little (actually a hell of a lot) help and assistance, and wisdom here, folks. Help!!!!!

Love you all,

Mel

posted in Celtic Pagans - 1 reply

Just wondering...

christine — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 23:53:19 GMT

what is the Pagan view point on suicide?

posted in Celtic Pagans - 57 replies

fight against christian elitism - a call for aid

Brenda — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 23:25:50 GMT

Hello All,

I will try to be short and simple. I have chosen because of the extremely fundamental culture (near fascist) that can be found in public schools, and some issues with my outwardly protesting son.(He who would not raise his hand to the under god part of the US pledge)I chose an online virtual school.

Things have been pretty good, but all of sudden more and more teacher events are being scheduled in christian churches. They are meeting soon to administrate on my very well laid out concerns regarding the separation of church and state. The clear violations of my children's civil liberties and there by abuses to them.

So today instead of less I see more......... including a Spelling Bee, and a trip for school for "face to face" credit for get this........ The Creation Museum. Or as I call it the museum of christian denial and hack science.

If you can call on the goddess, and send out your prayers, thoughts, and good will on this I would truly deeply appreciate it! I will be good. I have good friends in some of the right careers to help.

Spiritually though it is monumental and if they do not see light, It will be a huge legal case.

I stand strong. I no longer allow my boundaries to be crossed. I have drawn my lines at the law, now they will retreat or be at war.

Thanks for reading, and more,
Brenda

PS If you see may see this request in other venues, I am working it. ;)

posted in Celtic Pagans - 36 replies

Morrigan

Jade Moon — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 21:37:39 GMT

Sometime ago i read a thread on this tribe about Morrigan and i was fascinated by the incredibly accedemic turn it took, some of you may remember. I woul dlike to point those of you who are interested to a post pointing to my friend Yuris blog. He is an artist and met Morrigan whilst out searching for her to inspire his painting please read his article it is truly fascinating. Thank you

posted in Celtic Pagans - 4 replies

by Fox --- The Ancient Celtic Otherworld

FyreChyld — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 16:15:14 GMT

Thought some here may enjoy this and indirectly touches on the subject of why Wicca is not Celtic.

http://www.adf.org/articles/cosmology/otherworld.html

"Much of the thinking that resulted from this course of events has been passed down through the centuries to us in folk tales and continues to distort our views of ancient cosmology today. Many of these ideas even continue to be upheld and promoted by modern Neopagan lore as tales are retold and studied for use in revivalist movements. "

Wiccans have adopted a lot of the distorted forms of these old myths.

posted in Celtic Pagans - 0 replies

season's greetings

Mr_Rathuns — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 19:15:37 GMT

some of you were raised with christmas for the winter holiday, and chose something else. some of you didn't choose something else, but added on something else. whatever your definitive holiday thing is, Merry Christmas, Happy Yule, Merry Winter Solstice, etc. to you all!

posted in Celtic Pagans - 1 reply

Oh Christmas Tree

Tony — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:46:11 GMT

I saw an amazing think on British children's TV yesterday. A program called Blue Peter had a feature on the history of the christmas tree and mentioned its pagan origins without the usual christian slander attached. Presented by a Hindu too.

Earlier that day I was listening to BBC Radio 4 in the car on the way to a boarder raid into England and got the common story about the christmas tree. You all know that the christmas tree was inspired by a christian saint saving a wee boy from a pagan sacrifice. St. Boniface had seen the evil pagans about to sacrifice the boy while tied to an Oak tree, the good Saint rescued the boy and chopped down the Oak tree. The first christmas tree grew up in its place. This is the intellectual arm of the BBC too!

So if you’re about to cut the throat of your son/daughter/kid you just picked up off the street while they are tied to that Wal Mart artificial spruce stop it now. Think of the good christian saint and untie your victim right now. Make due with some polyester tinsel tied to your tree instead. You know it makes sense.

posted in Celtic Pagans - 3 replies

SCA Now the Largest Army in North America

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:52:38 GMT

yeah, I know - kinda saw this one comming;

http://people.tribe.net/wilco/blog/12b76a5a-d895-4673-95d0-a2fe34e091c3

"light?"

posted in Celtic Pagans - 5 replies

Seems like a gorgeous place!

*Pictsie~Hazel* — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 08:11:16 GMT

http://www.brigitsgarden.ie/

=)

posted in Celtic Pagans - 1 reply

ISO Apothecary Jars...

MacMorrighan — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 17:30:29 GMT

Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone has seen any jars exactly like these from any distributer, anywhere? I ask just in case my local World Market is a bust (the gods know that WorldMarket.Com was)! I have only ever seen one of these bottles for sale at my local World Market (the proportions are absolutely perfect so far as my sense of asthetics are concerned!), but it is far too small, at somewhere around 100 ml. And, the only other size next to it (which has always been empty) was 500 ml., which seems far too big! Now, I love drinking my raspberry Snapple, and found (upon lifting each of my respective bags of herbs up to it) that something the size of a Snapple bottle (which is 240 ml.) would be PERFECT! So, I'm planning on contacting my local World Market today to see if they can help; though I'd really hate to have to ask a glass blowing co. to make me some specialty bottles, which would be far too expensive! *sigh* I Googled under "Apothecary Jars" (which is what these were called at the World Market) and found everything BUT these exact bottles! So, any and all help is greatly appreciated... Please navigate to the following page for an image of an identical bottle (however, I need at least 50 bottles for my collection of herbs, which includes room for growth!); just scroll down to the larger image, as the initial pic. stretches the bottles out of proportion...they also appear to be dubbed "Reagent Bottles", as well, which is a "brand" I'm unfamiliar with: http://cgi.ebay.com/4-Glass-Apothecary-Jars-Reagent-Bottles-60-125-250-500_W0QQitemZ200146669842QQihZ010QQcategoryZ26404QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

However, finally seeing some dimmesnions listed, I don't understand how the 500 ml. bottle is able to hold twice as many fluid ounces as the 250 ml. bottle, when the former is not THAT much bigger! So, now I'm a wee bit confused...(this is why I hate buying items on-line!). Although, my can of Vanilla Coke (yes, I love my VC, too) states that it holds 355 ml [12 Fl. Oz.], so...maybe I should get the 500 ml. botles, then (and this can is definately smaller than my bottle of Snapple which in turn claims to hold 240 ml. [or 8.5 oz.]!)? IF, however, you are unable to open the above link, search E-Bay for the seller: OnLineScienceMall, and the Item#: 200146669842. The seller's initial head-line description is also: "4 Glass Apothecary Jars:Reagent Bottles:60-125-250-500". Also look here [!] (although, these prices are FAR more expensive than those offered at WorldMarket-- WM sold the 500 ml. bottles for $4/ea.!!!): http://www.sciencelab.com/page/S/PVAR/10560/10-411

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Celtic Pagans - 8 replies

The Goddess, "Samhain"?!

MacMorrighan — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 03:53:21 GMT

Hey guys, for MANY years we Pagans have been castigating our newby kindred-souls by stating (and deflating the popular notion) that there was no such Deity as "Samhain", after whom the Sabbat was named. But, is this so? Well, I had always heard that there was never any God (in the masculine) named "Samhain". But, it turns out, that there is certain a Goddess that bears this name--The Morrighan! I ordered an academic article from a Celtic Studies publication (I forget the title of the Journal and article off the top of my head, as I've filed them away for the moment) wherein The Morrighan, during the Da Derga's Hostel tale--when asked who She is--utters off a string of names and epithets, including Macha, Bodb, Nemain, as well as even "Samhain"--"Summer's End"!!! So....there ya' go! ;o)

posted in Celtic Pagans - 1 reply

My Deer ‘s, If your Creative too , I have a Tribe for you .

Starrleeann — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 17:12:40 GMT

Art and Hand made in USA.
This is a tribe for visual arts, and Hand made items made in USA…

if you wish to show off your work and put a add or web page this tribe is for you …

all Accessories hand made from Gourd Art, painting. Any wood work . ten work ,
bead items to sewing , it go’s on and on .

so if your in the USA and you make it and wish to show it off and sell your items ,
love to have you …

you never know some one may fine you here and buy your items …

come on in and have fun …
tribes.tribe.net/handmadeinusa

posted in Celtic Pagans - 1 reply

Spirits

Kuriakos — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 14:59:05 GMT

I have summoned hundreds of spirits and have boiled it all down to very simple and powerful easy to follow Magick Ritual books. Please go to www.Kuriakos.biz

posted in Celtic Pagans - 2 replies

Extent Indo-European Celtic Festivals

MacMorrighan — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 03:09:13 GMT

Hey guys, I am presently performing such original research (so far as I know!). Anyway, I was wondering if anyone here might be aware of any scholastic journal articles or books that pontificate about the apparent Indo-European cultural and religious themes from many extensive cultures as they align with Samhain, Imbolc (for which I have found some in Rome as well as Lithuania!), Beltane and Lughnasadh! Sadly, to date, I haven't found any (which is why I ask). But, these same seasonal portals are also roughly found in China! Although, given this occurence in China and Lithuania, there's a possibility that it may also be pre-Indo-European. This comperative methodology, for what it's worth, is known as phenomonology. Sadly, I have read no material that saught to deal with I-E religious holidays!

Also, I'm interested in researching the providence of the hearth-deities (esp. I-E), but...I've found no academic literature that has decided to discuss this particular phenomenon. Is anyone presently familiar with any? (If course, there are many hearth-goddesses, from Hestia, Vesta, Brighid, Gabija, and Tabieta, etc.!) Heck, it seems like no scholars have studied *either* of these potential topics, so far as I know!

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan
http://MacMorrighan.CovenSpace.Com

posted in Celtic Pagans - 2 replies

Witches Ball veteran ~ Come hear my songs!

willowlama — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:22:08 GMT

Hi Everyone! I was hoping to make some friends, re-connect with old friends too. Please come view my profile and hear my songs on the link provided! Blessed Be,

Willow ~ Telepathy

posted in Celtic Pagans - 0 replies

"The Druids"

MacMorrighan — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:51:45 GMT

Wayelllll.... I must admit, from what I have read, I am *personally* dissatisfied with Hutton's latest text, as it's simply inadiquite (and, I'm surprised that no one's censured him on this relatively feeble, indeed, self-defeating polemic [not to be confused with an "argument"*, as I differentiate the two]). Anyway, in the current issue of PENTACLE magazine they reproduced a portion of a chapter from his recent book, "The Druids", which Ronald has claimed will do for Druidism what TOTM did for modern Witchcraft! Well, in this excerpt his thesis is that modern Druids (or those from the "renaissance" of Druidism that *did*, back in the day) cannot claim be rebel Druids while using the ancient druids as supporting examples-- or role-models-- because, he writes, "In the strict sense of the expression, there were probably no rebel Druids in antiquity". Well, his argument fails immediately on two grounds: 1.) He DOESN'T define what "expression" of "rebel" he is using; and 2.) he actually supplies documentation of Druids throughout antiquity actually BEHAVING as "rebels"! As a result he seems tro be re-inventing the wheel and using his own unique connotation that the reader may only guess at. In fact, in a serious sense, he seems to be "arguing" backwards, rather than allowing the evidence to shape his "thesis" (I have personally found that this is a common problem within his writings, though this is just my own opinion). Now, is this meathodologically appropriate and even kosher? I seriously doubt it.

Unfortunately, this tactic is all too-common with Hutton's material, I have found. That is, keeping his methodology to himself or defining what he is engaged in writing about, rather than opening himself up to possibly scrutiny by his peers. (What gives him the right? Ugh...that was a rhetorical question.) Moreover, this is dearly unfortunate and heart-breaking (hey, I'm a Pisces...we are a very moved and moving people!). Even Celticist John Carey, reviewing a mammoth-sized Dictionary on Celtic culture and religion, which was expansive in scope, stated that it's greatest tragic failing was that it did not lay out the approach that was adopted for one's readership. He maintains that ALL texts of this sort (even as Hutton's, I'll strongly add) must do so (thankk the Gods for common sense)! Well, at least I know I was never crazy in my stern belief that Hutton (and anyone, for that matter) should have been doing this from the very onset. You don't know what a relief this was! LOL... I kept getting the most hidious looks and messages, even calling me a "history revisionist" because one may not like my point of view, or that I was noticing some serious flaws within the superficial structure of certain scholars that are presently in vogue.

* It's sad to witness that the vast majority of Pagans don't know, or understand, the difference between the two; and that Hutton, in particular, write polemics ONLY!

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Celtic Pagans - 3 replies

The Knowledge of Trees

*Pictsie~Hazel* — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 20:03:11 GMT

We all know that in Druid books there are descriptions about the knowledge of trees and what each one represents. That is the basis of tree Ogam. But does anyone know how the Celts/Druids developed that knowledge of those trees? How did they study them and discover their individual tree personalities? Why does the Oak mean knowledge? How did the apple become associated with beauty? And how does the hawthorn represent cleansing and chastity?

All the Celtic/Druid tree books that I have read simple tell us about the trees, but not the technology that was used to define how the trees got those characteristics. Does anyone know about the ways that were used know how trees represent certain things? And how can one use that knowledge to incorporate that into our own local trees?

posted in Celtic Pagans - 12 replies

This is serious

Odellin — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 15:22:34 GMT

I don't know if I am the first one to bring this up, but they are trying to get 'In God We Trust' in the schools. I want to try and get together some petitions or lists of names or something of that nature of everybody you can think of who will fight against this. We need to do something about it before they start teaching that instead of evolution, god created everybody. I'm not trying to be extreme and I know it sounds like I am, but this country has come so far because of the freedoms that we have, once they are taken away (and believe me they will be once this happens) then we will literally be screwed. So please if anyone can do anything, or start getting people to sign against this please do, we need to nip this in the nose before it spreads further than it has.

posted in Celtic Pagans - 6 replies

Blessed Be and Merry Meet

Odellin — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 02:19:35 GMT

Hello all, I am one who is known as Odellin Hundai. I do not use my given name (Richard Hudnall) for reasons that I will share with any who are curious. I am very spiritual and devoted to being a Wiccan, and have been pushed away by others for it. However I have no animosity because I love all of the Goddess' children, no matter who they are, or what they believe. I have been Wiccan for 6 years now and will tell the story behind it to any who want to hear it (It's too long to say in an introduction :P). I have been solitary for over 5 years now and wish to meet or even speak with others who know of things I do not. I would love to find others who are in my area maybe, or even close to me to get together and I can't wait to see what this group has to offer.

Blessed Be and Praise to the Goddess

posted in Celtic Pagans - 2 replies

Could you please participate in my survey on masculinity?

Michael — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 18:43:45 GMT

I am a doctoral student seeking participants to complete a survey that explores the psychological experiences of being a man and how it influences your life. You must be a male who is 18 years of age or older

The survey will take approximately 30 minutes to complete and your participation is anonymous.

If you are interested in contributing to knowledge about how being a man impacts how you view yourself and others, please go to the following website: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=218103339703

Thank you for your help.
Michael Franco
831.480.5180
masculinitystudy@yahoo.com

posted in Celtic Pagans - 0 replies

The Ley System

Cianaodh — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 06:06:24 GMT

The ancient peoples of the British Isles were well known for building great stone works, leaving a legacy all over the land. These are comparable and oddly similar to the constructing feats of Egyptians, South American Indians and the Chinese. Most of the work dates back to the times of around 3000BC and before, which points strongly to the time of indigenous culture in Britain.

This is our major indigenous inheritance, a vast system of natural currents that distribute subtle and beneficial energy throughout the land. These currents are known as Ley lines and they are part of what is known as the Ley System. The purpose of this Ley system was to magnify the energy currents that ran through and across the body of the earth and then to channel them across the land. Marked along these ley lines were many various sacred constructions such as standing stones, stone circles, tombs, burial mounds, cromlechs, brochs, Weems, hill figures and much later churches. There is much speculation about this system, but generally it is well understood that these constructions are part of a vast architectural whole. Reshaping and moulding the countryside seems to have been an integral past time of the ancient priests.

Ancient man may have also possessed what is known as ESP (extra sensory perception), or they had the ability to move large masses of matter by use of sound and thought (‘Telekinesis’), by manipulating vibration. A common folk belief is that giants were partly responsible for the placing of the stones. This Ley system was part of an even bigger worldwide system of planetary and galactic proportions, whereby telepathic communication was enabled instantly all over the world at sacred centres.

Wet earth dampens electro-magnetic radiation (which usually bombards the brain), it allows the person a chance to receive other trans-dimensional energy and radiation. ESP is therefore favourable inside caves and potholes, which represent the vagina. Stone circles, cromlechs and holed stones (Mên-An-Tol) were also symbolic of the vagina. The sacredness of motherhood as kinship factor is an indigenous Pictish belief. Standing stones are phallic symbols and their planting in the ground was a symbolic penetration of mother earth. The erect phallus was a representation of the fertilising power of the sun and the life force that sustains it. Women would ritually rub themselves against stones to fall pregnant or in prayer for courtship. Holed stones were associated with healing and revitalisation, the hole serving as a focus point for the energy current. Anyone who climbed through the hole would receive renewed vitality into the body, and as an ancient fertility rite, couples would often clasp hands through the hole.

One of the most interesting stone constructions is at Avebury. This whole layout is a representation of supreme creative being and the wisdom of inner truth. Although it looks rather like a sperm entering the ovum, but it is actually a serpent passing through the sun. In the middle of the sun are two stone circles, in fact the whole image is marked out in standing stones and is only visible from the air. Stone circles provide accurate calculation of the movements of the sun, moon and stars, equally placed apart at 2.72ft (megalithic yard). Similar to the hill figures and Nasca lines of South America, these images are laid out over a huge portion of land and are made for communication to the stars. Other colossal images are zodiacs like that of Glastonbury, Hertfordshire and Carmarthenshire, where every sign is marked out on the landscape accurately aligned with their constellations.

posted in Celtic Pagans - 2 replies

Help with group rite

Rajani — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 22:51:48 GMT

Hi there!
So I have recently begun conducting group rites for the full moon. My first one was last night (scary!) but it went really well. Only about 4 people came but small group is good to start. They all had a wonderful time and cant wait until next month. Hitch is, I wanted to figure out a way to involve the rest of the group. I mean, the Priestess casts the circle, calls the Guardians, and invokes the Goddess. We chanted as a group and obviously meditated as a group but what else can I do that involves everyone? I've racked my brains and am having a hard time coming up with things so I thought I would ask ya'll learned peoples. Any thoughts? Thanks a ton!

posted in Celtic Pagans - 2 replies

Portland Pagan Pride starts TOMORROW!

mamagaea — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 00:22:07 GMT

Yes, all you wonderful people, PAGAN PRIDE TIME IS HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Starting with our kickoff party tomorrow night, Friday, Sept 7th! Admission is $5 donation (no one turned away for lack of funds)

7:00 Doors Open
7:30 Opening Ritual

8:00 DANCING AND DRUMMING TILL THE COWS COME HOME! (at 11 pm ;)

COME ALL YE BELLY DANCERS, TRANCE DANCERS AND DRUMMERS! COME BE PART OF THE MAGICK THAT IS PAGAN PRIDE!

Beaverton Masonic Lodge
4690 SW Watson Ave
Beaverton, OR 97008

Public Transit is easy. MAX to the Beaverton Transit Center. Then bus 76 or 78 to the Masonic Lodge at 2nd and Watson.

Then SATURDAY the MAIN FESTIVITIES BEGIN!

Doors open at 10 am. Admission is $5 donation and/or a non-perishable food donation for Esther's Pantry.

3 tracks of workshops, Rituals all day long with Main ritual at 5 pm.

Martial Arts in Magickal Practice discussion/demonstration 11-12:30.

EISTEDDFOD (Bardic Competition) hosted by Order of the Sacred Oak 1 - 4 pm

Kids Crafts, Community Square, Artisan's Marketplace, and noshing all day!

2 Raffles with TONS of the most AWESOME stuff donated by our community!

And what else could be going on that day?

CRYSTAL HEART BOOKS is hosting a WELLNESS FAIR just around the corner, with tons of healers, readers, speakers, and specials as it is their 16th birthday.

AND

BEAVERTON FARMER'S MARKET is only 2 blocks away! (WHICH MEANS CARPOOLING AND PUBLIC TRANSIT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)

For our complete schedule, and map links to the site, please visit our main website:

http://www.portlandpaganpride.org

Thank you all so much for being part of my community and we'll SEE YOU THERE!

Love and Blessings,
Mama Gaea

posted in Celtic Pagans - 0 replies

Hi everyone

cindy — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 07:00:08 GMT

I just wanted to say 'hi'.

posted in Celtic Pagans - 8 replies

Picts and Scottish Magic

*Pictsie~Hazel* — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 20:48:53 GMT

Greetings all~

All being Celtic pagans here, does anyone know of any good books or resources regarding Pictish and Scottish magic? I know more about Irish magic, but being very pictish and scottish in heritage, I am developing more of an interest towards it. Therefore, I was wondering if anyone here knew any reliable and authentic resources to educate myself on the subject. Preferably anything that is not published by Lewellyn would be nice. I want something meaty and rich with history, lore and magic. Thanks all!

~hazel~

posted in Celtic Pagans - 1 reply

Druid Wisdom Tribe

cupofzen — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:06:34 GMT

http://tribes.tribe.net/druidwisdom

Please check out the Druid Wisdom tribe.

Blessed Be!

posted in Celtic Pagans - 0 replies

Religion/Mythological Research Grants?

MacMorrighan — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 02:16:23 GMT

Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone here might know about how I might go about finding, and applying for, a research grant for my Morrighan thesis?! The Rees brothers did when writing "Celtic Heritage"; and many programmes on PBS do so in turn. So...why can't (or shouldn't) I?! Hmmm...I wonder if the Lilly Endowment would be an option; they support and help produce Religion & Ethics Newsweekly [http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/index_flash.html], because the founders of the organization have an interest in Religion (if I remember the correct supporter from the last broadcast I saw). This is in reference to my Morrighan thesis which, as I plan, will seek to "study" those that worship Her in part.

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Celtic Pagans - 0 replies

Pagan Ascension - a new yahoo discussion group

Devi — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:00:54 GMT

groups.yahoo.com/group/paganascension/

This group is for the discussion of beliefs, methods, and practices related to the Ascension Paradigm (also known as the New Age movement), as experienced by those who primarily identify as Neo-Pagans.

Topics that are appropriate include sacred geometry, DNA activation / recoding, ETs, channelling, Ascension, Light Body activation, merkaba, angels, vibrational healing, interstellar astral travel, etc - however they will be approached from the perspectives of Pagans.

There is a growing interest in many aspects and theories surrounding the Ascension Paradigm within the Pagan community, but many do not feel that they resonate with the New Age context. This group will serve as a platform for interested Pagans to gather and discuss Ascension practices in an environment that is more familiar and comfortable. How these practices and beliefs fit into the NeoPagan paths will also be a consistently revisted theme.

Interested parties are encouraged to read "Ascension Magick" by Christopher Penczak for a fantastic introduction to the Ascension Paradigm for Pagans, including many meditations and practical exercises.

This list will serve as a safe-zone for Pagans to discuss New Age-elements that often are met with intolerance in other mainstream Pagan forums.

groups.yahoo.com/group/paganascension/

posted in Celtic Pagans - 0 replies

Celtic and other, "barbarian" jewelry goodies and questions...

Kerry — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 06:08:46 GMT

Hello, my name is Kerry Drew, and I love all manner of antiques and collectables, but especially items of so called, "barbarian", jewelry, and amulets created for magical purposes.

I have been a history lover since I was 8 or 9 and I am especially interested in the Scythians, Celts, Mayans, Greeks, Romans, Thracians, and Ancient Egyptian cultures, as well as the Jomon, Yayoi, and Kofun periods in Japan, but nothing of ancient historical significance fails to interest me.

I am a highly skilled jeweler, and metalsmith, with over 30 years experience, who offers his services to the general public, but particularly to those who prize fine craftsmanship in antiquities, and ancient style jewelry.

In order to support myself and pay for my collecting hobby, I sell hand-crafted jewelry, and high quality fine art reproductions on Ebay, as well as directly to the public. Custom jewelry commissions are welcomed!

Currently, I have several items available which any true lover of ancient art and antiquities might wish to see, and very possibly own!

While I appreciate that this is a Tribe focused on Celtic culture, here is one notable example, an auction item which is ending very soon, of special interest to both Celtic and Viking buffs:

tinyurl.com/2shefe

I was told by one person that this brooch was probably crafted in or around Dublin in the mid-to late 10th century, and shoiws Celtic influences, I am deeply interested in any opinions my fellow Tribe members might have about the iconograpy and symbolism of this wonderful Viking piece!

I am offering LaTene/Celtic, Viking, Egyptian, Roman, and other fine items of historical style jewelry.

Please patronize your fellow tribe members, and myself in particular!

stores.ebay.com/HYPERBOREAN-GIFTS

(Help keep a well meaning jeweler, and artisan on the straight and narrow!)

In addition, I specialize in the careful treatment of antiques and antiquities, while reproducing them, so that the designs can be worn and appreciated on a regular basis, with no risk to rare and/or fragile antiquities.

Should you have a ring, seal, scarab, buckle, amulet or other item of any material, which you would like to reproduce, in silver, gold or bronze, please let me know.

References are available by request.

Thanks for your kind attention!

Sincerely,

Kerry Drew @}:^)>c

Richmond California, USA

kerryika@gmail.com

posted in Celtic Pagans - 2 replies

The Morrighan Speaks...!

MacMorrighan — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 17:33:01 GMT

For a long time I have wanted to make some alternating amber-and-jet jewelry; particularly a choker for myself! Anyway, because the colour red is so sacred to Her, I was recently inspired to search out a supplier of red-- or "cherry"-- amber beads! But, it also came to my attention that the folks who made my gorgious idol of the Goddess--Dryad Design [http://www.dryaddesign.com]-- also have a selection of pendants and jewelry based upon their statuary, including a raven pentagram based upon The Morrighan! Ah...can you imagine it?! A red amber-and-jet choker with a raven pentagram hanging from it!

Then, another inspirational thought came to me... I have occassionally seen a variety of Native American feather smudging fans. Well...would it not be a brilliant idea to craft a feather fan out of crow feathers to honour The Morrighan and use it to waft Her incense when needed? Hmmm...now the only problem is finding a source for large crow feathers, and learning how to make such a "fan" to egin with!

Take Care,
Wade, the Inspired One!

posted in Celtic Pagans - 1 reply