Celtic pagan magic refers to the ancient mystical traditions and beliefs associated with the Celtic peoples, who inhabited parts of Europe during pre-Christian times. The Celtic pagans held a deep reverence for nature and believed that everything in the world was interconnected. They viewed magic as a means to connect with the spiritual realm and harness its powers. One of the key elements of Celtic pagan magic was the concept of the Otherworld, a mystical realm that coexisted with the physical world. The Otherworld was believed to be inhabited by divine beings, spirits, and ancestors. Celtic pagans sought to communicate with these entities through various rituals and practices.
These Cunning Folk and the communities they served maintained the belief in the local spirits of wood and well, of fire and storm and sea, alongside their Christianity. This practice is called syncretism, and is found in many traditions around the world, where the imposition of the new faith could only go so deep. Instead, the connection to the land and its unique spirits remained. These spirits went by many names, and still do (some were clearly connected to specific trees and rivers and natural features—nature spirits as we may understand them today) but others were of the wider spirit nations of the land, who are commonly called the Faeries in the Celtic traditions. Sometimes in Scotland these were also called devils, although they were described in the same way. As the effects of Christianity were felt particularly strongly there, some of these practitioners were accused of using malevolent magic and tried as witches. However, in Ireland and Wales, there was very little condemnation, and the Cunning Folk were almost universally associated with benevolent magic and were often valued in their communities. Their fairy spirit allies vary widely in appearance and temperament and went by many names: the Good Neighbours, the Daoine Maithe, and the Sidhe, in Ireland; in Scotland they are the Seelie and Unseelie courts; and in Wales they are the Gwragedd Annwn and the Tylwyth Teg to name but a few. Each healer or Cunning Man or woman would have at least one faery friend, often many, from whom they would learn their magic and who would assist them in their work. Throughout the Christian period into the modern era, the Creideamh Sí, or the faery faith, has survived, and these beings continued to be the allies and spirit kin of our Celtic folk healers and magical workers as they always had.
They performed this work often with great success with the aid of verbal and practical charms and spells that were handed down orally, as well as a vast knowledge of herbal medicine drawn from their landscape, often impressive psychic skills, known as seership, and almost invariably with the assistance of various helping spirits. A traditional method of folk healing is to attend a holy well or other sacred body of water, and to use a cloth to dip in the water and lave the sick person, asking the spirits of the waters to bless and cure them.
Celtic pagans sought to communicate with these entities through various rituals and practices. They believed that by establishing a connection with the Otherworld, they could gain knowledge, wisdom, and assistance in their daily lives. The Celts also had a strong belief in the power of nature and its elements.
Celtic Magic (Llewellyn's World Religion & Magick) (Paperback)
Celtic magic. These words conjure up images of Druids and mystical oak groves, daring Irish warriors, fairies, elves, and ancient deities who took an active part in the lives of the people who worshipped them. Practical and easy to understand, Celtic Magic offers important features that distinguish it from other books written about the Celts:
- An in-depth discussion of Celtic culture and customs
- A complete listing of Celtic myths and deities
- Step-by-step instructions for spellwork, ritual, meditations, and divination to help you gain insight or make changes in your life
This friendly Celtic magic book is designed for both beginners and those who possess intermediate-level magical skills--and anyone who simply has a great interest in Celtic history, lore, and magic.
About the Author
A native of the Pacific Northwest, D.J. Conway (1939 - 2019) studied the occult fields for over 35 years. Her quest for knowledge covered Paganism, Wicca, New Age, and Eastern philosophies as well as history, the magical arts, mythology, and folklore. Conway wrote more than 20 nonfiction books, including Celtic Magic (Llewellyn), Dancing with Dragons (Llewellyn), Mystical Dragon Magic (Llewellyn), The Ancient Art of Faery Magick (10 Speed Press), and The Little Book of Candle Magic (10 Speed Press).
Product Details
ISBN: 9780875421360
ISBN-10: 0875421369
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
Publication Date: September 8th, 2002
Pages: 224
Language: English
Series: Llewellyn's World Religion & Magick
- Magick Studies
- Witchcraft (See Also Religion - Wicca)
- Folklore & Mythology
If you live near or visit the sea, honour it with offerings and learn its ways, the turn of the tides and the power of the liminal spaces between sea and land. Learn its regional folklore. There are a great many sea spirits that are remembered in Celtic folk magic. Among the most famous and beautiful are the selkies, the seal folk:
They believed in the existence of deities associated with natural phenomena such as trees, rivers, and mountains. These deities, known as nature spirits or elementals, were believed to possess magical powers that could be tapped into through specific rituals and offerings. Celtic pagans practiced divination as a means to gain insight into the future and make decisions. They used various methods such as reading the patterns of smoke, interpreting dreams, and observing the flight patterns of birds. Divination was seen as a way to receive guidance from the spiritual realm and to better navigate their lives. Rituals and ceremonies played a central role in Celtic pagan magic. These rituals were often performed in sacred sites such as stone circles and groves. Offerings of food, drink, and other precious items were made to the gods and nature spirits as a way of showing respect and seeking their favor. Celtic pagans also performed magical spells and incantations to influence events or bring about desired outcomes. However, it is important to note that much of the knowledge and practices associated with Celtic pagan magic were not well-documented, as they were passed down orally from generation to generation. With the arrival of Christianity in Celtic regions, many of these practices were suppressed or assimilated into Christian beliefs. In recent times, there has been a revival of interest in Celtic pagan magic, as people seek to reconnect with their ancestral roots and explore ancient mystical traditions. Modern practitioners often incorporate elements of Celtic paganism into their spiritual practices, adapting them to suit their individual beliefs and needs. Overall, Celtic pagan magic remains a fascinating and intriguing aspect of ancient Celtic culture and spirituality..
Reviews for "The Wheel of the Year: Celtic Pagan Magic and Seasonal Celebrations"
1. Sarah - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with "Celtic pagan magic". As someone who has studied and practiced various forms of paganism, I found this book to be incredibly superficial and lacking in depth. The author seemed to rely on stereotypes and clichés rather than providing any real knowledge or insights into Celtic pagan practices. It felt like a lazy attempt to cash in on the popularity of pagan spirituality without offering anything of substance. I would not recommend this book to anyone serious about learning about Celtic pagan magic.
2. Michael - ★★☆☆☆
While "Celtic pagan magic" had an interesting premise, I found it to be misleading and inauthentic. The author claimed to provide authentic Celtic pagan practices, but it was clear that they had cherry-picked elements and mixed them with other forms of magic without a proper understanding of the Celtic tradition. For someone genuinely interested in Celtic paganism, this book falls short in providing accurate and reliable information. I would advise readers to approach it with caution and cross-reference any information they find within its pages.
3. Emily - ★★☆☆☆
As a practitioner of Celtic paganism, I had high hopes for "Celtic pagan magic". Unfortunately, I was left feeling underwhelmed by the lack of depth and substance in this book. It barely scratched the surface of Celtic mythology, customs, and rituals. It felt more like a beginner's guide rather than a comprehensive exploration of Celtic pagan magic. The author also presented vague and generalized information without any historical or cultural context. If you're looking for a more thorough understanding of Celtic paganism, I would recommend seeking other sources.