Enter The Pagan

The word Pagan is one of varied interpretation in modern public opinion therefore I will use the expression “some say” due to the difficulty in defining what is fact and what is mythological reference. Before I started to write this page the topic was to be about the Druids connection to Celtic culture, however further investigations brought me to a crossroads in that. Celtic mythology shows a great relation to that of many of today’s modern traditions.

As we look at the religious beliefs of the ancient Celts, we realise that we actually know very little from any evidence provided by the archaeologists. In addition, we have no real written records of any ancient Celtic belief system. Most of our history has been written down by other races, or cultures, that have encountered the Celts throughout the timeline. Therefore, we can only take these writings for what they probably were, a biased representation as opposed to historical fact - if there is such a thing as fact. In all things there are varied opinions and essentially it is these varying opinions that make life more colourful.

For those of you who are serious in your pursuit of the truth behind Celtic spirituality there is huge amount of written works both on the net and in books. However, I urge you to always remember, whatever is written has been put together by someone just like you and I, irrespective of their qualifications.

I am a pretty highly qualified person in my area of education, this does not mean I know what a Celtic person did or said thousands of years ago. It’s the available interpretations of possible facts that gives us all the opportunity to learn. Therefore, if you are serious in your pursuit of the facts never take the information at face value always examine in depth any references and historical resources that are used. As for this site we will be taking a brief look at some areas that may have some connection to the Celtic way. In the first place and out of interest, I asked a few people from differing backgrounds, what do they think when asked what is a Druid?

The most common answer from these people was a Pagan Monk. However when asked to define Pagan the same people also included Wicca, Witchcraft, Greek gods, Buddhists to name but a few.

Were the Celts Pagans?

My thesaurus tells me that this translates into English, from Late Latin pAgAnus. Latin for, country-dweller, civilian, or villager originally from the Latin pAgus, meaning country landmark. Therefore, if this is correct - Yes the Celts were Pagans!

It is fair to say that Druids were Pagan and connected to the Celtic way as it is also fair to say that Wicca is Pagan, and is connected to the Celtic way as is Witchcraft, as is all Celtic mythology.

It should be recognised however, that whilst Druid, Wicca, Witches, Magic, Mythology and the many other organisations do have common ground, they are not the same thing. Each may touch upon its neighbour in some way. Just remember that each has its own individuality and learning systems. For example, Wicca is said by some to be only around 50 years old. Some say it has a close connection in the beliefs, practices, symbols, and seasonal celebrations of the ancient Celtic people. Please take a look at my Celtic symbols page you may get a better understanding of the connection.

On the many forums you can find on these subjects, you will find a huge amount of differing individual opinions and ways in which the subject is perceived. What is commonly taught, by the senior members of the forums is that - you must find which road to take by educating yourself or, read, read and read some more.

There are a huge amount of books available on the subject and all the associated groups that are in any way related to the term Pagan, I will attempt to investigate some of these and other issues of this topic in the near future.

Please check back soon

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