Articles

I have written these for The Grove on OurFaiths.org. Some not yet completed. Any input would gladly be welcomed.

Tradition for December/January 2001/2002: Celtic Paganism

PRESENT: The term “Celtic Paganism” is not a specific tradition, but rather a collection of several different traditions. Celtic Paganism envelops Druidism, Celtic Shamanism, the Faerie tradition, Celtic Wicca and even Celtic Christianity. The way it is presently practiced is primarily derived from the ancient pre -Christian Celtic beliefs of Gaul and the British Isles. Many neo-Celtic Pagan worshippers continue with the ancient festivals such as Yule, Samhain and Beltane. Today's Celtic paths are part of a Neo-Pagan revival, focusing on nature and healing with group and individual rituals that honor the not only the earth, but the deities as well. Most are very eclectic, and hold to the stories and tales that remain from ancient days.

HISTORY: The Celts of old were warriors, encompassing an area that spanned Ireland, Britain, Scotland Italy and Wales. If we are to believe reports by Caesar then we would think of the Celts as bloodthirsty barbarians. In truth the Celts were no worse then warriors of any other nation. Perhaps Caesar thought them to be barbarians because the Celts did not fight in organized armies like the Romans, but rather in packs, silent and calculating like wolves. The fact that Caesar wrote his reports on the Celts and the Druids while he was trying to conquer them makes his reports unreliable to say the least.

BACKGROUND: The Celts were exceptionally religious. The teachings of the Druids were highly focused on ethics and morals. Druids went through years and years of training, with endless study. The Druids were looked to for nearly all things in Celtic society. The Druids were doctors, lawyers/judges, teachers and of course, religious leaders. The Druids worked hand in hand with orders of Priestesses, on equal ground, each being revered and looked to for advice and tutelage.

The Goddesses of the Celts didn't hold secondary positions in their worship or legends. This respect for the Goddesses carried over into Celtic society. As a result, Celtic women were highly respected. Priestesses were held in high honor. Women and men shared all jobs-from farmer to warrior to parent. The Celtic pantheon held Goddesses and Gods, all of importance.

Unlike Christian faiths, the Celts did not believe in punishment by the Gods after death, nor did they expect paradise in the afterlife. Many faiths believed that they would repeat lives until all needed lessons were learned and would then “retire” to the Summerland.

BELIEFS: The Celtic magickal belief system is strongly rooted in nature and in the elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.

Ancient Celts had a vast knowledge of healing and magical properties of roots, herbs and stones. Like most neo-Pagans, Celtic Pagans incorporate

incense and candles in their ritual. All Pagans believe that different herbs, stones, incense or candles have different attributes, and that combining certain materials can strengthen a spell or ritual.

The Celts believed that their deities could appear at any place and time and that it was the duty of the humans to call upon them for aid. They believed that if they did not call upon the God/dess that the deities would stop answering their prayers, would not attend their festivals and all in all abandon them.

By Oak Ash and Thorn~DJ Conway

Celtic Women's Spirituality~Edain McCoy

Published at OurFaiths.org December 21 2001. Copywrite Pandorra 12/2001

The next coming Pagan holiday is Yule. Yule occurs on the Winter Solstice, December 21 (this year).

Yule is the time of greatest darkness and the longest night of the year. The Sun is considered to represent the male diety in many Pagan traditions, and this time is celebrated as the "return of the God" where He is reborn of the Goddess.

Yule is an ancient holiday that predates Christianity. Many present day Christmas activities and items were adapted from those used in Yule celebrations.

At Yule, the Wheel of the Year seems to halt and darkness reigns. From this night, hope and life spring forth. To celebrate this many people of old would burn a single log throughout the night, giving light on the darkest of nights, and giving birth to what we know now as the Yule log. The Yule log was later replaced by the Yule Tree, with candles burning instead of the entire tree.

Holly, ivy and mistletoe are important plants of the season, each one symbolizes fertility and eternal life. Mistletoe was especially important to the Druids who used it in many magickal workings. Mistletoe is left in the home all year after Yule to bring good fortune to the homes inhabitants.

Presents were given at Yule to represent the fertility, happiness, good fortune and good health the giver wished for the receiver to have in the coming year. Of course they weren't nearly as exhorbanent as those of today.

Even Santa has Pagan roots. Our version of Santa is a combination of many "Santas" from around the world, including St. Nick from the Dutch, Father Christmas from the English, and Kris Kringle from Germany. Almost all of these figures had pagan roots. Norse and Germanic peoples have for centuries told stories of the Yule Elf, who brings presents on the Solstice to those who leave offerings of porridge. Odin, the Norse god, is also often identified with the character of Santa. One of his titles was Jolnir, "Lord of the Yule", and the resemblance to the white-bearded Santa is quite striking.

Many stories have sprung up with this Sabbat, such as that of the Oak King and the Holly King. The two are brothers and rivals. The Oak King rules from midwinter until midsummer, and the Holly King rules from midsummer until midwinter. Every year at Yule, the Oak King cuts off the Holly King's head and rules for six months until midsummer, when the Holly King kills the Oak King and the cycle begins again. Well, I guess that one is a little morbid, huh?

Today many Pagans combine the celebration of Yule with that of the present day Christmas. Many of us grew up in Christian homes and embrace the ability to celebrate over a period of several days. And, as I always say, any excuse to enjoy a lot of good (and usually free) food and friends and family is a good excuse.

Celebrating Yule is much like the celebration of Christmas. We have trees, presents, lots and lots of food and sweets, and of course presents. We gather with our families and friends and celebrate the birth of a Male Divinity. We sing songs, drink spirits, egg nog and cider, and we play in the snow. We attend a ritual and give thanks for the things that were given to us, and put forth our wishes for the coming year. We honor those who came before us, and those who will follow. And yes, we do spend all day playing with our kid's toys...after all, we have to make sure they work right :)

One of the things we might do that many Christians do not is to stay up the night of the Winter Solstice. It's tradition to stay awake during this long night and to welcome the dawn. We burn our Yule Log (or, in some case a long burning candle), thank our deities and dream of what we hope for in the coming months.

Many Pagans attend a ritual much like a Catholic Mass, some of us may even attend Midnight Mass. I've always considered this to be one of the most beautiful rituals by any church.

There are many different ways to celebrate this time of year, but we can all agree one these few things: Now is the time for family. Now is the time to spread joy and love. Now is the time to give thanks and worship--to whatever God you believe in.

And don't forget to make a snow angel or two....unless you live in Australia, then you can make a grass angel :)

March 20 brings the Northern Hemisphere the Spring Equinox. To Pagans this day is known as Ostara, the `original' Easter. (FYI) Easter gets its name from the Teutonic goddess of spring and the dawn, whose name is spelled Oestre or Eastre. Modern day Pagans have adopted Ostara (probably to differentiate from the Christian adopted `Easter').

As with Christmas, many Easter customs are adopted from Pagan ones. The rabbit, egg, and basket are all ancient fertility symbols used in differing faiths for centuries. In Pagan faiths, Ostara is the second of the three important fertility festivals; Imbolc, Ostara and Beltane. This was traditionally a time of planning, getting ready for planting the gardens, and the beginning of new life from the livestock. In ancient times Ostara marked the end of the constant worry that their food would not last past winter, and an end to living on items from the root cellar. The families would eat the last of their `good' cured meats-most likely ham, which gives us the `Easter Ham' of today. Many modern people now use this day as a guideline for starting seedlings indoors, digging out their seed catalogs and plotting out their gardens for the year. Of course we can't forget to include the overindulgence of Cadbury eggs, chocolate bunnies, speckled jellybeans and tons of Peeps. Ostara is a time of new beginnings. We shake off the `blahs' of winter and start to take notice of the coming spring. The crocus and daffodils are peeking through the snow crust, the days are growing longer and warmer and the stores are undoubtedly marching out their bathing suits (nobody panic!).

Today's Pagans celebrate Ostara in much the same way as our ancestors. We feast, have egg hunts, make plans for the coming year and spend time worshipping with our respective deities. Some things you may wish to incorporate in your Ostara celebrations are: using pastel colors to decorate both sacred and home spaces, eating meals of eggs, greens, or ham, and starting new (but small, achievable) ventures.

Most of all take count of your blessings and share them! Remember, Ostara is a fertility festival-so be fertile with your good tidings!

Druid \Dru’’id\ One of an order of priests which in ancient times existed among certain branches of the Celtic race, especially among the Gauls and Britons.

Well, that’s how the good folks at Webster’s see it. The problem with defining any spiritual group is that each person involved has a different interpretation. The history books reveal precious little when it comes to unbiased accounts of the Celts or the Druidic order (more as to why in week 2). Webster’s definition does cover the basics. The Druids were an order of priests in the pre-Christian era. They were also healers, judges, scholars, teachers and musicians for the Celtic tribes. What a dictionary cannot encompass is the importance of the Druid priests in Celtic society.

If you were young boy from a well off family in Celtic society, you would likely be fostered into another family until you were either of age to return home or to live with the Druids. Within the Druid compound you would learn how to read and write in your native tongue, and very likely in Latin as well. You would be schooled in basic healing, religion and law. If you showed a talent you might be taught the harp or to sing. When you finished your studies you would either take the vows of priesthood or return to your family. Young women were treated in much the same way.

The Druids consisted of three classes or orders: Bards, ovates/vates and Druid proper/priest.

The bards were the musicians, storytellers and keepers of legends. You would likely find one of them employed by a king or royal family.

The ovates were the prophets, seers, and oracles. They would foretell bad or good fortune and were sought before military or political action.

The priests existed within each kingdom, always available to the king. In Arthurian times the priests worked hand in hand with the Christian priests. The highest priest was known as the Merlin, a tradition that continues in present day Druidic orders.

Druidry is shrouded in mystery, which is probably why so many people misunderstand it. The truth is simple and complex. The definition varies with the believers and students alike.

“The picture that emerges of a Druid is one of a thoughtful philosopher and magician, schooled in the lore of the traditions, and in charge of the education of chieftains as well as those who sought esoteric knowledge. A Druid is a knower of truth.” ~ Chris Travers, 1996

That last sentence, “A Druid is a knower of truth” encompasses each soul that passes with an open mind and heart. Whatever your religious beliefs, if you seek and are able to see and know the truth, you are a Druid.

COPYWRITE BY PANDORRA 2/28/02 DO NOT REPRINT/REPOST/REUSE WITHOUT PERMISSION!!!

Chat: Debate/Discussion. Initial chat is for sign up and meet and greet. Meet and greet will follow on second chat. Additional chats will cover discussion/debate form. Chats will be held every Tuesday night for the entire 6 weeks. Chats will be at 10:00 pm EST and will be posted on the private message board. CONTACT ME IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS!!!

Week One: Defining Druid

Classes/Levels of Druid

Why there is such a small amount of historical text.

Homework- - 7 t/f questions, 1 essay

Week Three: Present Day Druids

Intro to neo-Celtic Paganism, and current Druid Orders

History of the present day orders

Issues facing current day Druids

Week Four: Celebrating the Sabbat

Definitions and timelines of Druid Sabbats

Deities of the Sabbats

Suggestions on celebrating

Homework- - 10 Multiple choice, 2 essays, 1 mini-report

Week Five: Druidry 101/Druidry is a Way of Life

Druidry vs. Christianity

Druidry vs. Celtic Paganism

Introduction to the Mithrilstar tradition

Week Six: Traditions of Druidry and Celtic Paganism

Film/Literature: Covering the works of Marion Zimmer Bradley

Finding a Grove or Order

Getting in touch with Mithrilstar 101


	Articles I have written these for The Grove on OurFaiths.org. Some not yet completed. Any input would gladly be welcomed. ~site map~ Celtic Paganism * Yule * Ostara * Druid Course and Outline Tradition for December/January 2001/2002: Celtic Paganism PRESENT: The term “Celtic Paganism” is not a specific tradition, but rather a collection of several different traditions. Celtic Paganism envelops Druidism, Celtic Shamanism, the Faerie tradition, Celtic Wicca and even Celtic Christianity. The way it is presently practiced is primarily derived from the ancient pre -Christian Celtic beliefs of Gaul and the British Isles. Many neo-Celtic Pagan worshippers continue with the ancient festivals such as Yule, Samhain and Beltane. Today's Celtic paths are part of a Neo-Pagan revival, focusing on nature and healing with group and individual rituals that honor the not only the earth, but the deities as well. Most are very eclectic, and hold to the stories and tales that remain from ancient days. HISTORY: The Celts of old were warriors, encompassing an area that spanned Ireland, Britain, Scotland Italy and Wales. If we are to believe reports by Caesar then we would think of the Celts as bloodthirsty barbarians. In truth the Celts were no worse then warriors of any other nation. Perhaps Caesar thought them to be barbarians because the Celts did not fight in organized armies like the Romans, but rather in packs, silent and calculating like wolves. The fact that Caesar wrote his reports on the Celts and the Druids while he was trying to conquer them makes his reports unreliable to say the least. BACKGROUND: The Celts were exceptionally religious. The teachings of the Druids were highly focused on ethics and morals. Druids went through years and years of training, with endless study. The Druids were looked to for nearly all things in Celtic society. The Druids were doctors, lawyers/judges, teachers and of course, religious leaders. The Druids worked hand in hand with orders of Priestesses, on equal ground, each being revered and looked to for advice and tutelage. The Goddesses of the Celts didn't hold secondary positions in their worship or legends. This respect for the Goddesses carried over into Celtic society. As a result, Celtic women were highly respected. Priestesses were held in high honor. Women and men shared all jobs-from farmer to warrior to parent. The Celtic pantheon held Goddesses and Gods, all of importance. Unlike Christian faiths, the Celts did not believe in punishment by the Gods after death, nor did they expect paradise in the afterlife. Many faiths believed that they would repeat lives until all needed lessons were learned and would then “retire” to the Summerland. BELIEFS: The Celtic magickal belief system is strongly rooted in nature and in the elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Ancient Celts had a vast knowledge of healing and magical properties of roots, herbs and stones. Like most neo-Pagans, Celtic Pagans incorporate incense and candles in their ritual. All Pagans believe that different herbs, stones, incense or candles have different attributes, and that combining certain materials can strengthen a spell or ritual. The Celts believed that their deities could appear at any place and time and that it was the duty of the humans to call upon them for aid. They believed that if they did not call upon the God/dess that the deities would stop answering their prayers, would not attend their festivals and all in all abandon them. SOURCES: http://members.aol.com/porchfour/beliefs/celtic.htm http://wiccaonline.virtualave.net/main.html By Oak Ash and Thorn~DJ Conway Celtic Women's Spirituality~Edain McCoy Yule Published at OurFaiths.org December 21 2001. Copywrite Pandorra 12/2001 The next coming Pagan holiday is Yule. Yule occurs on the Winter Solstice, December 21 (this year). Yule is the time of greatest darkness and the longest night of the year. The Sun is considered to represent the male diety in many Pagan traditions, and this time is celebrated as the "return of the God" where He is reborn of the Goddess. Yule is an ancient holiday that predates Christianity. Many present day Christmas activities and items were adapted from those used in Yule celebrations. At Yule, the Wheel of the Year seems to halt and darkness reigns. From this night, hope and life spring forth. To celebrate this many people of old would burn a single log throughout the night, giving light on the darkest of nights, and giving birth to what we know now as the Yule log. The Yule log was later replaced by the Yule Tree, with candles burning instead of the entire tree. Holly, ivy and mistletoe are important plants of the season, each one symbolizes fertility and eternal life. Mistletoe was especially important to the Druids who used it in many magickal workings. Mistletoe is left in the home all year after Yule to bring good fortune to the homes inhabitants. Presents were given at Yule to represent the fertility, happiness, good fortune and good health the giver wished for the receiver to have in the coming year. Of course they weren't nearly as exhorbanent as those of today. Even Santa has Pagan roots. Our version of Santa is a combination of many "Santas" from around the world, including St. Nick from the Dutch, Father Christmas from the English, and Kris Kringle from Germany. Almost all of these figures had pagan roots. Norse and Germanic peoples have for centuries told stories of the Yule Elf, who brings presents on the Solstice to those who leave offerings of porridge. Odin, the Norse god, is also often identified with the character of Santa. One of his titles was Jolnir, "Lord of the Yule", and the resemblance to the white-bearded Santa is quite striking. Many stories have sprung up with this Sabbat, such as that of the Oak King and the Holly King. The two are brothers and rivals. The Oak King rules from midwinter until midsummer, and the Holly King rules from midsummer until midwinter. Every year at Yule, the Oak King cuts off the Holly King's head and rules for six months until midsummer, when the Holly King kills the Oak King and the cycle begins again. Well, I guess that one is a little morbid, huh? Today many Pagans combine the celebration of Yule with that of the present day Christmas. Many of us grew up in Christian homes and embrace the ability to celebrate over a period of several days. And, as I always say, any excuse to enjoy a lot of good (and usually free) food and friends and family is a good excuse. Celebrating Yule is much like the celebration of Christmas. We have trees, presents, lots and lots of food and sweets, and of course presents. We gather with our families and friends and celebrate the birth of a Male Divinity. We sing songs, drink spirits, egg nog and cider, and we play in the snow. We attend a ritual and give thanks for the things that were given to us, and put forth our wishes for the coming year. We honor those who came before us, and those who will follow. And yes, we do spend all day playing with our kid's toys...after all, we have to make sure they work right :) One of the things we might do that many Christians do not is to stay up the night of the Winter Solstice. It's tradition to stay awake during this long night and to welcome the dawn. We burn our Yule Log (or, in some case a long burning candle), thank our deities and dream of what we hope for in the coming months. Many Pagans attend a ritual much like a Catholic Mass, some of us may even attend Midnight Mass. I've always considered this to be one of the most beautiful rituals by any church. There are many different ways to celebrate this time of year, but we can all agree one these few things: Now is the time for family. Now is the time to spread joy and love. Now is the time to give thanks and worship--to whatever God you believe in. And don't forget to make a snow angel or two....unless you live in Australia, then you can make a grass angel :) Ostara (2/11/01) March 20 brings the Northern Hemisphere the Spring Equinox. To Pagans this day is known as Ostara, the `original' Easter. (FYI) Easter gets its name from the Teutonic goddess of spring and the dawn, whose name is spelled Oestre or Eastre. Modern day Pagans have adopted Ostara (probably to differentiate from the Christian adopted `Easter'). As with Christmas, many Easter customs are adopted from Pagan ones. The rabbit, egg, and basket are all ancient fertility symbols used in differing faiths for centuries. In Pagan faiths, Ostara is the second of the three important fertility festivals; Imbolc, Ostara and Beltane. This was traditionally a time of planning, getting ready for planting the gardens, and the beginning of new life from the livestock. In ancient times Ostara marked the end of the constant worry that their food would not last past winter, and an end to living on items from the root cellar. The families would eat the last of their `good' cured meats-most likely ham, which gives us the `Easter Ham' of today. Many modern people now use this day as a guideline for starting seedlings indoors, digging out their seed catalogs and plotting out their gardens for the year. Of course we can't forget to include the overindulgence of Cadbury eggs, chocolate bunnies, speckled jellybeans and tons of Peeps. Ostara is a time of new beginnings. We shake off the `blahs' of winter and start to take notice of the coming spring. The crocus and daffodils are peeking through the snow crust, the days are growing longer and warmer and the stores are undoubtedly marching out their bathing suits (nobody panic!). Today's Pagans celebrate Ostara in much the same way as our ancestors. We feast, have egg hunts, make plans for the coming year and spend time worshipping with our respective deities. Some things you may wish to incorporate in your Ostara celebrations are: using pastel colors to decorate both sacred and home spaces, eating meals of eggs, greens, or ham, and starting new (but small, achievable) ventures. Most of all take count of your blessings and share them! Remember, Ostara is a fertility festival-so be fertile with your good tidings! Druid \Dru’’id\ One of an order of priests which in ancient times existed among certain branches of the Celtic race, especially among the Gauls and Britons. Well, that’s how the good folks at Webster’s see it. The problem with defining any spiritual group is that each person involved has a different interpretation. The history books reveal precious little when it comes to unbiased accounts of the Celts or the Druidic order (more as to why in week 2). Webster’s definition does cover the basics. The Druids were an order of priests in the pre-Christian era. They were also healers, judges, scholars, teachers and musicians for the Celtic tribes. What a dictionary cannot encompass is the importance of the Druid priests in Celtic society. If you were young boy from a well off family in Celtic society, you would likely be fostered into another family until you were either of age to return home or to live with the Druids. Within the Druid compound you would learn how to read and write in your native tongue, and very likely in Latin as well. You would be schooled in basic healing, religion and law. If you showed a talent you might be taught the harp or to sing. When you finished your studies you would either take the vows of priesthood or return to your family. Young women were treated in much the same way. The Druids consisted of three classes or orders: Bards, ovates/vates and Druid proper/priest. The bards were the musicians, storytellers and keepers of legends. You would likely find one of them employed by a king or royal family. The ovates were the prophets, seers, and oracles. They would foretell bad or good fortune and were sought before military or political action. The priests existed within each kingdom, always available to the king. In Arthurian times the priests worked hand in hand with the Christian priests. The highest priest was known as the Merlin, a tradition that continues in present day Druidic orders. Druidry is shrouded in mystery, which is probably why so many people misunderstand it. The truth is simple and complex. The definition varies with the believers and students alike. “The picture that emerges of a Druid is one of a thoughtful philosopher and magician, schooled in the lore of the traditions, and in charge of the education of chieftains as well as those who sought esoteric knowledge. A Druid is a knower of truth.” ~ Chris Travers, 1996 That last sentence, “A Druid is a knower of truth” encompasses each soul that passes with an open mind and heart. Whatever your religious beliefs, if you seek and are able to see and know the truth, you are a Druid. COPYWRITE BY PANDORRA 2/28/02 DO NOT REPRINT/REPOST/REUSE WITHOUT PERMISSION!!! -outline- Class Outline Chat: Debate/Discussion. Initial chat is for sign up and meet and greet. Meet and greet will follow on second chat. Additional chats will cover discussion/debate form. Chats will be held every Tuesday night for the entire 6 weeks. Chats will be at 10:00 pm EST and will be posted on the private message board. CONTACT ME IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS!!! Week One: Defining Druid Definition Classes/Levels of Druid Week Two: History Why there is such a small amount of historical text. Origins War and Peace Time Politics Women’s history Homework- - 7 t/f questions, 1 essay Week Three: Present Day Druids Intro to neo-Celtic Paganism, and current Druid Orders History of the present day orders Issues facing current day Druids Week Four: Celebrating the Sabbat Definitions and timelines of Druid Sabbats Deities of the Sabbats Suggestions on celebrating Homework- - 10 Multiple choice, 2 essays, 1 mini-report Week Five: Druidry 101/Druidry is a Way of Life Druidry FAQ Druidry vs. Christianity Druidry vs. Wicca Druidry vs. Celtic Paganism Introduction to the Mithrilstar tradition Week Six: Traditions of Druidry and Celtic Paganism Film/Literature: Covering the works of Marion Zimmer Bradley Finding a Grove or Order Learning more Getting in touch with Mithrilstar 101 Final Exam