DON'T YOU WANT TO LEARN ABOUT CELTIC PAGANISM?

• YES
• YES

ORIGINS

Ancient Celtic Paganism was a spiritual belief system practised by the Celtics (most commonly Irish and Scottish) across Europe from the Iron Era to the Roman Era.

It is a polytheistic religion which emphasised the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, with sacred sites such as stone circles, wells, and lakes serving as places of worship and pilgrimage.

Despite the eventual and current spread of Christianity, Celtic paganism continues to influence modern spirituality and cultural practices in areas of Europe.

REVIVAL

Modern Celtic paganism, more known as Celtic Neopaganism, is a contemporary spiritual movement that strives to revive and reconstruct the beliefs and practices of the ancient Celtic religion.

Rituals and ceremonies often incorporate practices such as prayers, offerings, and celebrations of festivals such as Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lughnasadh. Whileas modern Celtic paganism is diverse and decentralised, it continues to grow in popularity as individuals seek spiritual connections rooting in Celtic heritage and traditions.

GODS

DAGDA

The Dagda is often delineated as big, wise, and powerful. He is one of the chief gods in the Celtic pantheon. He is frequently associated with the harvest and agriculture, wielding a magical cauldron that symbolises abundance and regeneration.

The Dagda is also known for his immense strength in battle, wielding a mighty club that could annihilate countless enemies with a single blow. He is also depicted as a skilled artisan, playing the harp, known as Uaithne, which had the power to control the seasons and emotions of the people.

BALOR

Balor is most correlated with darkness, despair, and destruction. He is delineated as a monstrous figure with a single, gigantic eye that wreaks havoc upon those who gaze upon it.

He is often described as a tyrannical and malevolent being, wielding immense power and serving as a symbol of the destructive forces of nature. He is the leader of the Fomorians, a race of malevolent beings who oppose the gods.

MORRIGAN

Morrigan, often referred to as the Great Queen, is depicted as a powerful goddess, associated with both life and death.

She often takes the form of a crow or raven. Known as the goddess of war, she inspires courage and strength in warriors, while also foretelling their fates on the battlefield.
Morrigan is revered as a guardian of the land and its people, with her ability to shape-shift and influence the outcome of battles.

CERNUNNOS

Cernunnos, often depicted as a horned god associated with fertility, and nature. He is revered as the guardian of the forests, embodying nature as a whole.

He is delineated by his antlered head, a symbol of virility and connection to the animal kingdom. He is closely linked to the circle of life, death, and rebirth.

BELIEFS and PRACTICES

Celtics would craft amulets and charms, like the Celtic knot, the triquetra, and certain runes, to shoo off negative energy and grant safety to their homes and loved ones.

The Brigid's Cross

The Brigid's Cross, from the goddess of healing, Brigid, is a known protection symbol that was made by traditionally woven straw or rushes on Imbolc and is believed to safeguard homes from harm and negativity.

Bonfire

Bonfires were made for the fire, smoke, and ashes signified protection to the Celtics and their livestock

Festivals

Celtic paganism involves rituals for seasonal celebrations and personal milestones, honouring light and dark balance, connecting to fertility cycles.Life transitions like births, weddings, and funerals are also deeply connected to the divine. Sacred days like Beltane, Imbolc, Lughnasadh, and Samhain are good examples.