Paths? Traditions?

[Anonymous]

My first question, or rather, the first topic that my neophyte’s mind needs to tackle is the various existing Witchcraft traditions. There are as many traditions as there are Christian denominations, and it is awful confusing.

I am interested in following a Celtic Pagan tradition while also pursuing a study of Italian witchcraft, but I am soconfused as to where to begin. Can I even do what I want to do, or would the beliefs clash?

I am positive that there are so many variations of any religious path, so I know when I say Celtic Pagan, that does not really boil down to the basics: beliefs etc.

I mean, you got your Irish Celts, your Welsh Celts, your Scottish, and British Celts.

Then, as a new Pagan, you have got the whole “are these beliefs, rituals etc. historically accurate?”

Basically, can anyone here direct me to some good books on the Celtic Pagan ways and Italian Witchcraft?

I've tried to research sites on my own, by nothing quite satisfactory and precise is showing up.

It would also be very helpful and encouraging if you could share what belief system you mainly follow and how you chose to take up that specific one.

[dragonfly]

The author D.J. Conway has several books on Celtic Witchcraft(Celtic Magic)

[Shadow]

D.J. Conway isn't exactly a trustworthy author.  She's right up there with $ilver Raven Wolf as far as accuracy of information and depth of research go.

There are several authors who Lark recommends for such information but I don't remember the names.  You might want to try looking through some of the old threads and see if you can find them.  Or you could ask Lark herself.

[Gryphon]

http://www.magickware.com/celticgods.html

http://www.magickware.com/irishwitch.html

http://www.magickware.com/366.html

These reviews ought to get you started.

[Lark]

If you would like to learn about Celtic Paganism, then the first suggestion that I have for you is to avoid any of the books written by modern Pagans and go to the historical/cultural texts and primary source documents.

Some of the books I suggest on Celtic Paganism include:

"The Pagan Celts" by Anne Ross
"Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles" by Ronald Hutton
"The Druids" by Peter Berresford Ellis
"The Druids" by Miranda Green
"Dying for the Gods" by Miranda Green

And some sites with the original texts:

http://www.llgc.org.uk/drych/drych_s005.htm

http://www.timelessmyths.com/celtic/invasions.html

http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/hroi/

Whatever you do, avoid the books by D.J. Conway, Edain McCoy, and Donald Monroe that purport to write on Celtic topics.  Their books are poorly researched and full of inaccuracies.

Hope these help.

-Lark-

[Sebbi]

Can I even do what I want to do, or would the beliefs clash?

Beliefs, very often do clash. One thing that's great about the pagan path is that you're very free to create your own variation of it. I swear, most pagans, if pushed, will say they're eclectic and hardly any will say that they follow any exact, particular path. Many will find a certain path very interesting and may focus on it, but it won't be their only focus.

One thing I have to ask you - or rather, make you ask yourself - is why you're drawn to Celtic and Italian witchcraft. I'm not saying this because deep down I believe (and I don't) it's the wrong path for you and only by questioning yourself you'll see that. I'm saying this because by exploring your relationship with a path, you learn a lot about it. You may find that the answer to "Why does this draw me?" doesn't come, and that's fine. It can be like trying to find out "why do I love this person?" - because you don't know, doesn't make it any less true.

Does that make sense?

Out of curiosity, are you a Celt or an Italian?

Much Love
Sebbi

[Brijrian]

Sebbi, you asked StormofCariosus the question that was on my mind too I'm also drawn to the Italian and Celtic paths.

My why is:
I'm researching the Celtic paths at the moment, simply because long ago I was drawn to Brigid, and I've got some Irish heritage. I'm going to look into the Norse as well because I'm also German and Scandinavian. (And I bought one book on Egyptians to read just because of Lark's affiliation--and for the sake of learning )

I'm interested in Italian myself because of my new last name: Strege. My husband's ancestors are reportedly from Italy. I haven't been able to find much there though. Raven Grimassi's works aren't exactly celebrated as accurate!

Another path I am investigating is Native American spirituality. I'm interested to know the beliefs of the people who lived here before me and know the spirit of the land that I'm living in.

Have I settled on anything yet? No. I'm not likely to any time soon either! That's part of the fun

[Zenon]

Then, as a new Pagan, you have got the whole “are these beliefs, rituals etc. historically accurate?”

Basically, can anyone here direct me to some good books on the Celtic Pagan ways and Italian Witchcraft?

I've tried to research sites on my own, by nothing quite satisfactory and precise is showing up.

The truth is that it is very difficult to corroborate that rituals and beliefs held by neo-pagans are historically accurate.  The big majority of modern pagans are Wiccans,  and Wicca is a new religion that is less than 60 years old.  It was created in an attempt to reconstruct and syncretize ancient beliefs, medieval magic and witchcraft, and other western occult systems.

Even now, nothing is precisely the same as 50 years ago, when Wicca was practiced in secrecy and had not much publicity.   The witchcraft of today is new, but the practices and beliefs it is built on are very old.   I think it might not be accurately the same as what witches thousands of years ago practiced, but then still witchcraft has survived thousands of years and it is still being practiced even though it is a different type of witchcraft.

I think that in the end Witchcraft will be what you make of it:  if you feel it is right for you, if you work hard it will be of great benefit to you.

[Anonymous]

Can I even do what I want to do, or would the beliefs clash?

Beliefs, very often do clash. One thing that's great about the pagan path is that you're very free to create your own variation of it. I swear, most pagans, if pushed, will say they're eclectic and hardly any will say that they follow any exact, particular path. Many will find a certain path very interesting and may focus on it, but it won't be their only focus.

One thing I have to ask you - or rather, make you ask yourself - is why you're drawn to Celtic and Italian witchcraft. I'm not saying this because deep down I believe (and I don't) it's the wrong path for you and only by questioning yourself you'll see that. I'm saying this because by exploring your relationship with a path, you learn a lot about it. You may find that the answer to "Why does this draw me?" doesn't come, and that's fine. It can be like trying to find out "why do I love this person?" - because you don't know, doesn't make it any less true.

Does that make sense?

Out of curiosity, are you a Celt or an Italian?

Much Love
Sebbi

Thank you for asking me this. Why am I drawn to the Celts? I am of Irish and Scottish (possibly British) heritage. Throughout my childhood, my father has fostered in me, an appreciation and respect for my European ancestors, and as a result of this, I was drawn to researching and finding out more the British, Irish, and Scottish, as well as the other Celtic peoples. I feel a connection to them that I cannot explain; the connection is not only physical, but spiritual as well. I will also admit that I am fascinated with the the Morrigan.

As for my draw to the Italian, that is strictly a spiritual connection. I can’t even explain it. It is like you said, I can’t figure out why I love the Italian ways. I’ve always had a deep love for Roman mythology and history. I also harbor in me a tremendous respect for the Italian people for the strength they exhibit. I also have an attraction towards the teachings of Aradia and a reverence for Diana.

Much respect, and many blessings.

[mermdotcom]

I don't know anything about Italian witchcraft... I think I'll read up on that!

Your love for the Italian practices is like my connection with the Greeks.  As far as I know, I have absolutely zero Greek ancestry, but I'm drawn to those gods.  On the flipside, most of my heritage comes from England, Ireland, and Scotland, yet I'm not drawn to the Celts.  Would I like to learn more about them?  Definitely, but I don't see myself holding any Celtic rituals anytime soon!

~Meredith

[Anonymous]

I don't know anything about Italian witchcraft... I think I'll read up on that!

Your love for the Italian practices is like my connection with the Greeks.  As far as I know, I have absolutely zero Greek ancestry, but I'm drawn to those gods.  On the flipside, most of my heritage comes from England, Ireland, and Scotland, yet I'm not drawn to the Celts.  Would I like to learn more about them?  Definitely, but I don't see myself holding any Celtic rituals anytime soon!

~Meredith

I am drawn to a lot of the Greek gods, but yeah, like you, I can't see myself engaging in Hellenic rituals unless I am appealing to a deity of that pantheon.

[Anonymous]

I don't know anything about Italian witchcraft... I think I'll read up on that!

Your love for the Italian practices is like my connection with the Greeks.  As far as I know, I have absolutely zero Greek ancestry, but I'm drawn to those gods.  On the flipside, most of my heritage comes from England, Ireland, and Scotland, yet I'm not drawn to the Celts.  Would I like to learn more about them?  Definitely, but I don't see myself holding any Celtic rituals anytime soon!

~Meredith

I am drawn to a lot of the Greek gods, but yeah, like you, I can't see myself engaging in Hellenic rituals unless I am appealing to a deity of that pantheon.

Same here too. I come from a strong Haitian African background I'm not drawn to any of their ancient religions. I'm more towards the Celtic and Greek.

[Anonymous]

This is the place I have now come to with studying the Druids. I am studying the lore, as I don't think anyone can truly claim to know exactly what they did when. The claims themselves are so contradictory. But, in studying the ancient stories, I can come to my own conclusions. I can't wait to see where I go next...

[Anonymous]

There's not alot I can add to the replies.    Shadow and Lark are right about the books, it seems some authors haven't a clue what they are writting about.    

With regards to questioning yourself, I wouldn't put too much emphasis on this or you'll be forever doing it. Its better to be comfortable and happy with whatever path you are following. The most important thing is to learn as much as you possibly can, and then some. If you don't understand something or the reasons behind it then get on here and ask.  

As Sebbi says, alot of people are eclectic, that goes for me and I might use lots of different aspects from several paths in my rituals. It tends to work very well.  

The Celtic tradditions are either Irish or Scottish....... I've not read or found any books on 'British Celts'  its just adopted from the Irish and Scottish belief systems and Gryphon has given you some good reviews for reading material.  

Bless'd Be.