#celtic catholic

[1unpunishable1]

Secret of kells

[ceo-draiochta]

A review of:

The Origins of Ireland's Holy Wells by Celeste Ray

Celeste Ray, a professor of anthropology for the University of the South, USA wrote this book after extensive research, both desk and foot into Irelands Holy Wells. I would honestly recommend anyone with any interest in Irish religious practices, culture, paganism, or mythology to pick it up. An amazing book. I'll be giving my thoughts and what I liked and didn't like about it here.

What I liked:

A very well researched book that shows the authors dedication not just to anthropology but to the living practices she is documenting

The passion of the author is clear and they Mince no words when discussing other researchers and their work, pointing out the flaws, misconceptions and biases (some of which were wild I can't believe some of these people are taken as authorities on the subject when their conclusion was that wells are a toilet metaphor?)

Uses a wider pre roman European context for the evidence. As we are so often reminded, to treat Ireland as some how separate from Western Europe is ridiculous and is a disservice to the interconnection of the people of old.

The reframing of this idea, which is normally used as a strong force against nativist views into a supportive one was quite interesting.

Examines roman writings in a very balanced way that acknowledges the inherent propaganda but does not dismiss it outright.

There's a whole section of people including academics who seems desperate for a roman invasion of ireland, despite there being basically no evidence of it. Like people are fully making things up to try and force one, the author gives these people a sound dismissal in their restating of the evidence of raiding and trade over large-scale roman conquest. (Genuine question can someone explain why people are so mad for Romans in ireland?)

I thus learned more about pre roman Western European practices and archeology than I ever really had the desire to. I am now much more educated on the subject.

The framing of sites as important locations adopted and readopted based on shifting circumstances of the time rather than a "secret unbroken line" which is much more realistic.

The explanation of Holy Wells as archaeologically challenging sites was well explained.

Using etymology in the connection of wells to supernatural beings. Love etymology so this was amazing

The use of early irish literature to support existing claims. Which I know claiming that there are pagan elements in the literature basically gets you spat and jeered at but nevertheless is really compelling.

While this blog has been thoroughly against the lumping together of celtic cultures, this book makes a great case as to when it is appropriate to use the term celtic and that the rush to replace this term has very much resulted in the baby being thrown out with the bath water.

Actually engages with living culture and treats folklore and living sources/practices as evidence to be considered rather than "silly little irish peasants" but also does not take every tale as completely accurate literal history.

Plenty of examples and pictures of well in practice today.

Supports a general pre Christian, pre roman use of wells and springs as sacred sites but also acknowledges the influence of both (especially Christian) on the practice.

Acknowledges the diverse origins of holy wells, from one's that have have votive offerings since the bronze age to ones that were made sacred in the modern age.

Does not buy into any sort of "Christians are thieves" narrative.

Honestly this seems like the definitive book on irish holy wells.

What I didn't like:

While I loved the book there was definitely things I took issue with.

The assertive nature of the tone was entertaining, it did sort of feel like the author was this close to calling other researchers "fucking idiots", though humanities papers seem to have a much more aggressive tone than I am used to from my field of study.

The author makes many an interesting and compelling hypothesis in the book, but they are just that. These theories are then presented as the fact of the matter when really they are no more or less substantiated than the other theories.

Could have done without some of the "identity politics" on the celtic question section. Like I get that's a huge part of this authors work but I didn't feel it was all necessary to include.

Some of the mythological comparisons seem like a little bit of a stretch Low-key.

Either way this is a fantastic work and I urge everyone even remotely interested to buy it, it's a little pricey but well worth it. It can be purchased online on Google books(link). Now obviously this is all from my lay perspective, if anyone with actual qualifications wants to correct or argue feel free. This is just my perspective.

[grand-old-time-prints]

Painting of Saint Patrick and a Serpent

[granolagaeilgeoir]

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[seraphimfall]

i am catholic in the sense that i hate the british, nothing more.

[countryfriedcatboy]

okay but what if i told you that van der linde sr. was pagan. what then.

[tamburnbindery]

A favorite quote, with illumination from the Tamburn Gospel book.

[myrddin-wylt]

Are there any political unions yet in your game?

I don't think political unions are a thing in CK3. unless you mean like, have any of my nation-tans married each other? occasionally Arthur tries to marry one of his sisters because they're not related in-game and he just REALLY wants that Brythonic alliance I guess. but I don't typically go out of my way to make any of them marry each other.

there was one time Olena/Ukraine married Herakles/Greece and they obliterated Bulgaria together. that was fun.

[aphemorpha]

one of these days im going to finally hyperfixate on my own culture instead of just looking at other’s with soft eyes.

[ceo-draiochta]

Begging and pleading people interested in Irish paganism to understand Irish history so we don't get "the snakes were pagans" bullshit. Every single year. No Saint Patrick did not commit genocide.

People especially in North America (but not exclusively of course) have a certain idea of how pagan cultures adopted monotheistic religion. This is completely removed from the reality of what happened in Ireland. You are forcing, chopping and changing a story to fit your preconceived notions. You are putting the history of paganism in Ireland into amercian drag. Stop.

Obviously I wish Irish had remained Pagan and yes the Catholic Church has done horrific things to this country then and up to now but neither of that changes anything. Building a new pagan community in Ireland and fixing the scars of the church cannot come from this inaccurate history. This fiction.

[didzblog]

Happy St Patrick's day 🍀🇮🇪 🍀

[nickysfacts]

I hope you all have a amazing Saint Patrick Day full of Shamrocks, Drinks, and Green!

☘️🇮🇪☘️

[qzombies]

Hey hey,

I have been working on reimagine my spirituality and hope to be bringing more to this page. It has been a deep dive on overdrive for me into gnostic phenomenon and Christianity’s PAGAN past. There is a LOT of witchy stuff that the early church was into and they got wickedly hypocritical as time went on. I hope to dive into a little bit of that here.

There is a Cathedral Lugo in Spain where a rich tradition of Celtic lore still survives. Back when the church was spreading, it adopted gods of the local traditions…as Pagan as you can get. Here the Celts worshipped Lugh, who is a god of light, healing, poetry, smiths, and many more craftsman. It should be noted that Archangel Michael is also noted for presiding over prayers directed by artisans, craftsman, healers, and is a bringer of light! They also have connections to sailors and are capable warriors. Michael is noted besting Lucifer and Lugh the Fomorians. Two representatives of the Titan-esque unbridled raw power that is seen as destructive.

I put this together for my altar space that I am still putting together, as my original one broke in the move and I am broke so I have to find some cheap way to replace it 😓

See you next time