What Is Celtic Witchcraft?

Celtic Witchcraft Actually, this title is a bit of a misnomer. Witchcraft as a religion contains many variations of practices. One of these variations is based on Celtic culture, history and tradition. Within the Celtic view of Witchcraft, there are many many sects or Traditions of practice. Many practioners often just lump all together when asked what tradition or form of The Craft they practice. The Celtics did not have books in the same fashion, but rather a rich and colorful oral tradition. These stories were kept alive by poets, story-tellers and druids who recited traditional lore within a collection of verses or legends.One such collection was called the Immrama (meaning 'mystical voyages'). It is from these stories we can learn about the views and beliefs of the early Celts.

Celtic Practices Most Celtic practices and belief follow the lines of those held in religion of Witchcraft over all. There are a few additions or views that are influenced by Celtic legend and myth. One of these is the concept of The God aspect, which is better known as the Horned God from the ancient Celtic god, Cernunnos ("The Horned One"). Evidence of the Horned God dates back to cave paintings from the Paleolithic times in Europe. Other representations of the Horned God later appeared in Egypt, Mesopotamia and India. The Horned God is honored as the masculine side of nature, as well as, the opener of the gates of life and death. The Horned God represents the fertility that allows the Goddess to create life so in essence, all life originates from Him. He is also known as the Hunter so eventually, he is also the bringer of death. The Horned God represents a masculine force that is wild, strong and expressive without being violent, patriarchical and destructive. Essentially, the Horned God is the perfect opposing force and complement to the Triple Goddess. Within the Immrama, the Celts gain their belief of the Otherworld. The land where life continues after life. The Otherworld is not the same concept as Summerland which is held by Wiccans and many other pagan practioners. The Lebhar Gabhála Éireann (The Book of the Conquest of Ireland also known as the Book of Invasions) is a great source of history, anthropology and Celtic legend in the early Celtic days. The Book of Invasions is a 12th-century recount of Celtic mythology and lore, listing the 6 successful invasions of Ireland that are the basis of Celtic deities or greatly impacted and influenced Celtic belief and festivals.

The Celtic Traditions As mentioned earlier, there are many Celtic traditions. Here are a few. This is definitely not a complete listing.   Arthurian This is one of the more well-known traditions. As the name implies, this tradition is based on Arthurian Legends from Cornwall and Wales. Caledoni This tradition preserves the Scottish festivals. It originated in Scotland and was formally known as the Hecatine Tradition. Celtic This broad tradition originated in Celtic Gaul, Western and Northern England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Brittany and the Isle of Man. Cymri Pronounced KIM-ree or KEEM-ree, this tradition is the principle Pagan tradition of Wales. It is influenced in part by the Arthurian legends. Deborean A combination of Celtic and Native American traditions, focused primarily on Celtic origins. Formed in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, the Carolinas and southwestern Virginia. Deborean Wicca An American eclectic tradition which attempts to reconstruct Wicca as it was before The Burning Times or the European witch craze. Druid This tradition is based on mostly modern views of the rituals, rites, magik and practices of the Celtic priestly class, the Druids. Druid Reconstructionalists This tradition is striving to return to the rites, magik and practices of the Druids based on historical and anthropological study. Eireannach Pronounced AIR-un-n'yock, this name is a catch-all of many Irish-influenced traditions. Faery The origins of this tradition come from the myths and legends of the Tuatha De Danann, the deities who are now known as "Faery Folk". This tradition focuses heavily on the environment. Family Traditions which are passed down through families are known as "Family Traditions". Some are secretive, others openly practice their Celtic Pagan beliefs, often times mixed with mainstream religious beliefs. Fennian This tradition is based on the Fianna, Fionn MacCumhal's warriors. Gaelic A generic description, sometimes applied to the Celtic traditions of Ireland and Scotland. Irish Another generic term used to describe traditions native to Ireland . Manx An Irish tradition deeply connected with the mystical Isle of Man. Manann Mac Llyr, God of the Sea and Land, a Faery Queen are the principal deities. North Isles This tradition was heavily influenced by the Norse and is prominent in the Orkney and Shetland Islands of Scotland. To this day, many ancient Nordic celebrations are still held. Obod This acronym stands for the Celtic English Druidic tradition, Order of Bard, Ovates and Druids. Pecti-Wita A solitary tradition influenced by the Picts, a pre-Celtic people who warred with the Celts. Further Celtic Traditions Information: These sections are categorized in 2 parts. The spiritual, or religious knowledge shared by Celtic pagan practioners, and the academic view of historical information. Science, anthropology and archeology of today is constantly growing and breaking new ground that supports or even proves the information passed down through spiritual lineage. Because there is much debate between these 2 schools of thought, it is important to research both.  The Magikal High Holy Days Samhain Yule Imbolg Ostara Bealtaine Midsummer Lughnasadh Mabon  The Sacred King  Druidic Cosmology: The 5 Elements  The Celtic Cross http://www.paganspath.com/magik/celtic/celtic.htm Disclaimer:  The information on this page is the copyrighted property (with exception to the artwork) of Pagan's Path.com and SpringWolf.  This page is used with permission of SpringWolf with respective links remaining intact to her Pagan's Path webpages.