The aforementioned Celtic Reconstructionists generally regard these gods and goddesses as separate, distinct deities with none of the borderless characteristics of the “many aspects of one god” perspective. Many more remained specific to a region or tribe. Some gods (such as the antlered god, Cernunnos) transcended tribal boundaries and appeared nearly ubiquitously in the Celtic world. Like those of other pre-Christian European religions, these deities tend to correspond to varying “domains” or arenas of life and nature. The Celtic pantheon consists of hundreds of gods and goddesses. Scottish, Irish, Gaelic, and Welsh traditions, among several others, all fall under the term “Celtic.”Īs a natural extension of this diversity, the gods, goddesses, and folk magic practiced by ancient Celts varied from region to region and even town to town. The term “Celtic” actually encompasses a wide-ranging collection of peoples, regions, and spoken languages. So, this guide mainly serves as a broad introduction to general concepts that (hopefully) offer usefulness to anyone interested in either reconstructionism or in incorporating Celtic ideas into their own spiritual framework. One might regard all forms of pagan reconstructionism as a kind of fundamentalist movement with little patience for a modern interpretation, except to fill gaps in the historical record.Īnd while I certainly respect the rigor and devotion these practitioners possess, the inflexibility of this approach often intimidates beginners or scares them away altogether. They also tend to argue a lot among themselves about these matters. Their efforts tend to emphasize rigid adherence to their understanding of these records. Reconstructionists rely heavily on historical records and folklore to guide them. Everyone ElseĬeltic reconstructionism is a form of neo-Celtic spirituality that attempts to either revive or preserve the continuity of ancient Celtic traditions. However, my heritage inspired me to dig deeper into the subject of Celtic spirituality, and I hope my quest inspires you to dig into your own to discover the magic there.Īll that said, as a general rule, practitioners of Celtic spirituality generally welcome anyone interested in their traditions, including outsiders and those not born with Celtic bloodlines. None of this makes me an expert on Celtic spirituality or the gatekeeper of who may practice it. On my mother’s side, our Appalachian heritage was deeply influenced by the imported Celtic traditions, music, and language of our Welsh European ancestry. My paternal grandfather was first-generation Irish. Today, I offer you a (necessarily brief) introduction to this ancient spirituality, which continues to inform and inspire people today. Discover the wonder and beauty of Celtic magic.
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