CELTIC RECONSTRUCTION
Resources for Reviving Celtic Roots & Heritage
PEGI EYERS
In the quest to reclaim our roots, our ultimate challenge as Celtic people is to base our cultural recovery on the Old Ways of our ancestors, and to make them relevant to our lives today. Contributing to the potential for revived theory and practice individually and through our clan and kinship circles is a current renaissance of Celtic Studies, with new scholarship available in history, literature, myth, folklore, philosophy, linguistic studies, sacred sites, psycho-geography and archaeology. By accessing this new material in addition to the abundant wealth of classical texts, we can unify the spiritual-religious and cultural worlds of our ancestors (as they would have done), to remount a holistic living worldview.
We are also indebted to the first visionaries who emphasized the cultural cohesiveness of Celtic traditions in the early days of Neo-Paganism, leading to the newly-named Celtic Reconstruction (CR) movement and its full manifestation by 1990. Part of a living, growing tradition, the Celtic Paganism, Celtic Studies, Avalon and Druidry communities are flourishing, and we can look to them for inspiration and models for our own local resurgence, or to join online groups during the learning curve. I hope you find these resources and live links of use, and best wishes on your journey to reclaim the Celtic Soul ~!
We are also indebted to the first visionaries who emphasized the cultural cohesiveness of Celtic traditions in the early days of Neo-Paganism, leading to the newly-named Celtic Reconstruction (CR) movement and its full manifestation by 1990. Part of a living, growing tradition, the Celtic Paganism, Celtic Studies, Avalon and Druidry communities are flourishing, and we can look to them for inspiration and models for our own local resurgence, or to join online groups during the learning curve. I hope you find these resources and live links of use, and best wishes on your journey to reclaim the Celtic Soul ~!
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WEBSITES
Hidden Glen Folk School of Scottish Highland Heritage. Dedicated to reclaiming and revitalizing the authentic native culture, history, and traditions of the Scottish Highlands. Language revival, cultural studies and workshops with Michael Newton PhD. Blogs and online courses.
Cailleach’s Herbarium: Exploring Lost Scottish Folk Traditions. Scottish folklore, herbalism, folk practices, festivals and contemporary issues with Scott Richardson-Read, co-creator and researcher behind the Tales of the Taibhsear.
The Druid Network. The Druid Network aims, through connecting individuals and groups together, through coordinating efforts and initiative, and through actively interfacing with public bodies and the media, to inform, inspire and facilitate Druidry as a religion.
OBOD – The Order of Bards Ovates & Druids. A worldwide community who love nature and want to follow a magical, spiritual way that respects and protects the natural world. Members work with spiritual teachings that combine the inspiration of the ancient Druids and the old stories with contemporary scholarship and insights into the relationship between human beings and the world of plants and animals, stars and stones. Articles on Druidry, Druid Lore, Nature Spirituality, Gods & Goddesses, contributions from members, and much more on website.
Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship (ADF). A Pagan church based on ancient Indo-European traditions expressed through public worship, study, and fellowship.
The CR FAQ: An Introduction to Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism the CR FAQ online by NicDhàna, Kathryn Price, Erynn Rowan Laurie, C. Lee Vermeers and Kym Lambert ní Dhoireann. Also extensive bibliography on Celtic Reconstructionism, Celtic Studies and The CR FAQ: An Introduction to Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism - the Ever-Popular Reading Lists.
An Chuallacht Ghaol Naofa. An organization and established community committed to the practice and advancement of Gaelic Polytheism, preserving the Gaelic earth-based, pre-Christian cultural traditions through scholarship and collaboration, and reviving and reconstructing polytheistic Gaelic spiritual ways. Action points include education, community, restoration, practice and preservation, with online options and resources such as the Ghaol Naofa FAQ by Ní Chonchobhair, Treasa, Annie Loughlin, Kathryn Price NicDhàna and Tomás Flanna-bhra.
Tairis and Tairis: A Gaelic Polytheist Blog by Annie (Seren) Loughlin. Extensive online resources on Celtic Reconstructionism and Gaelic Polytheism. Seren is the Uachtarán (leader) of Gaol Naofa.
Irish Pagan School: Your Authentic Connection with Lora O'Brien and Jon Sullivan. Online courses on Irish traditions, spirituality, folklore, paganism, druidry, sacred sites and language.
Path of the Ancestral Mothers with Jude Lally. Offering sacred art, retreats, courses, women's empowerment, ancestral wisdom, radical doll making and activism based on Celtic traditions and the ancestral mothers of Old Europe. Sisterhood of the Antlers Celtic Soul Craft on Etsy
The Celtic Journey. Celtic articles and blogs on culture, artwork, music, history and mythology, including an excellent reading list.
The Preserving Shrine: Articulating the Unspeakable Since 1961 by Erynn Rowan Laurie, one of the founders of the CR movement.
Irish Reconstructionist Polytheism. Online resource by Morgan Daimler focused on Irish deities, holidays, rituals, and prayers for those seeking to use reconstruction as a method to practice Irish polytheism.
BOOKS & PUBLICATIONS
A Circle of Stones: Journeys and Meditations for Modern Celts by Erynn Rowan Laurie, Megalithica Books, 2012
Wellsprings of the Deer: A Contemporary Celtic Spirituality by Montague Whitsel, 1st Books, 2002
A Brief History of the Druids by Peter Berresford Ellis. In this compelling and readable history, respected Celtic scholar Peter Berresford Ellis explores who the Druids really were and what role they played in the Celtic world.
Carmina Gadelica by Alexander Carmichael. The most complete anthology of Celtic oral tradition ever assembled. This unique collection of living spirituality drawn from the depths of Celtic Christianity, represents a hidden oral tradition of great power and beauty, handed down through countless generations of Hebridean peasants.
Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend by Miranda Green. Warlike, exuberant, and superstitious, the ancient Celts saw divinities in every facet of life and nature, venerating deities of the sun, thunder, water, war, healing, hunting, fertility, and death. This dictionary covers every aspect of Celtic myth, religion, and folklore in Britain and Europe from 500 BC - 400 AD.
Dictionary of Celtic Mythology by James MacKillop. A comprehensive and accessible survey of one of the world’s richest mythological traditions. It covers the people, themes, concepts, places, and creatures of Celtic mythology, saga, legend, and folklore from both ancient and modern traditions, in 4,000 entries ranging from brief definitions to short essays. An introductory essay explores the origins and identity of Celts, the history of the Celtic revival, and the meaning and role of mythology. An excellent source for those curious about the mystical myths of the Celts.
The Celts: A History by Peter Berresford Ellis, a foremost authority on Celtic peoples, the Celts’ mysterious origins and early history, and their rich and complex culture. His use of recently uncovered finds brings fascinating insights into Celtic kings and chieftains, architecture, arts, medicine, religion, myths and legends, making this essential reading in Celtic Studies.
Air n-Aithesc: A Celtic Reconstructionist Peer-Reviewed Magazine. Well-researched online material for Celtic Reconstructionists and others who value both academics and the spiritual in their practice.
The Path of Druidry: Walking the Ancient Green Way by Penny Billington, Llewellyn Publications, 2011
Ancient Spirit Rising: Reclaiming Your Roots & Restoring Earth Community features an extensive chapter on the Celtic Reconstruction Movement, as well as a list of resources featuring key texts and organizations. Stone Circle Press, 2016
Hidden Glen Folk School of Scottish Highland Heritage. Dedicated to reclaiming and revitalizing the authentic native culture, history, and traditions of the Scottish Highlands. Language revival, cultural studies and workshops with Michael Newton PhD. Blogs and online courses.
Cailleach’s Herbarium: Exploring Lost Scottish Folk Traditions. Scottish folklore, herbalism, folk practices, festivals and contemporary issues with Scott Richardson-Read, co-creator and researcher behind the Tales of the Taibhsear.
The Druid Network. The Druid Network aims, through connecting individuals and groups together, through coordinating efforts and initiative, and through actively interfacing with public bodies and the media, to inform, inspire and facilitate Druidry as a religion.
OBOD – The Order of Bards Ovates & Druids. A worldwide community who love nature and want to follow a magical, spiritual way that respects and protects the natural world. Members work with spiritual teachings that combine the inspiration of the ancient Druids and the old stories with contemporary scholarship and insights into the relationship between human beings and the world of plants and animals, stars and stones. Articles on Druidry, Druid Lore, Nature Spirituality, Gods & Goddesses, contributions from members, and much more on website.
Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship (ADF). A Pagan church based on ancient Indo-European traditions expressed through public worship, study, and fellowship.
The CR FAQ: An Introduction to Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism the CR FAQ online by NicDhàna, Kathryn Price, Erynn Rowan Laurie, C. Lee Vermeers and Kym Lambert ní Dhoireann. Also extensive bibliography on Celtic Reconstructionism, Celtic Studies and The CR FAQ: An Introduction to Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism - the Ever-Popular Reading Lists.
An Chuallacht Ghaol Naofa. An organization and established community committed to the practice and advancement of Gaelic Polytheism, preserving the Gaelic earth-based, pre-Christian cultural traditions through scholarship and collaboration, and reviving and reconstructing polytheistic Gaelic spiritual ways. Action points include education, community, restoration, practice and preservation, with online options and resources such as the Ghaol Naofa FAQ by Ní Chonchobhair, Treasa, Annie Loughlin, Kathryn Price NicDhàna and Tomás Flanna-bhra.
Tairis and Tairis: A Gaelic Polytheist Blog by Annie (Seren) Loughlin. Extensive online resources on Celtic Reconstructionism and Gaelic Polytheism. Seren is the Uachtarán (leader) of Gaol Naofa.
Irish Pagan School: Your Authentic Connection with Lora O'Brien and Jon Sullivan. Online courses on Irish traditions, spirituality, folklore, paganism, druidry, sacred sites and language.
Path of the Ancestral Mothers with Jude Lally. Offering sacred art, retreats, courses, women's empowerment, ancestral wisdom, radical doll making and activism based on Celtic traditions and the ancestral mothers of Old Europe. Sisterhood of the Antlers Celtic Soul Craft on Etsy
The Celtic Journey. Celtic articles and blogs on culture, artwork, music, history and mythology, including an excellent reading list.
The Preserving Shrine: Articulating the Unspeakable Since 1961 by Erynn Rowan Laurie, one of the founders of the CR movement.
Irish Reconstructionist Polytheism. Online resource by Morgan Daimler focused on Irish deities, holidays, rituals, and prayers for those seeking to use reconstruction as a method to practice Irish polytheism.
BOOKS & PUBLICATIONS
A Circle of Stones: Journeys and Meditations for Modern Celts by Erynn Rowan Laurie, Megalithica Books, 2012
Wellsprings of the Deer: A Contemporary Celtic Spirituality by Montague Whitsel, 1st Books, 2002
A Brief History of the Druids by Peter Berresford Ellis. In this compelling and readable history, respected Celtic scholar Peter Berresford Ellis explores who the Druids really were and what role they played in the Celtic world.
Carmina Gadelica by Alexander Carmichael. The most complete anthology of Celtic oral tradition ever assembled. This unique collection of living spirituality drawn from the depths of Celtic Christianity, represents a hidden oral tradition of great power and beauty, handed down through countless generations of Hebridean peasants.
Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend by Miranda Green. Warlike, exuberant, and superstitious, the ancient Celts saw divinities in every facet of life and nature, venerating deities of the sun, thunder, water, war, healing, hunting, fertility, and death. This dictionary covers every aspect of Celtic myth, religion, and folklore in Britain and Europe from 500 BC - 400 AD.
Dictionary of Celtic Mythology by James MacKillop. A comprehensive and accessible survey of one of the world’s richest mythological traditions. It covers the people, themes, concepts, places, and creatures of Celtic mythology, saga, legend, and folklore from both ancient and modern traditions, in 4,000 entries ranging from brief definitions to short essays. An introductory essay explores the origins and identity of Celts, the history of the Celtic revival, and the meaning and role of mythology. An excellent source for those curious about the mystical myths of the Celts.
The Celts: A History by Peter Berresford Ellis, a foremost authority on Celtic peoples, the Celts’ mysterious origins and early history, and their rich and complex culture. His use of recently uncovered finds brings fascinating insights into Celtic kings and chieftains, architecture, arts, medicine, religion, myths and legends, making this essential reading in Celtic Studies.
Air n-Aithesc: A Celtic Reconstructionist Peer-Reviewed Magazine. Well-researched online material for Celtic Reconstructionists and others who value both academics and the spiritual in their practice.
The Path of Druidry: Walking the Ancient Green Way by Penny Billington, Llewellyn Publications, 2011
Ancient Spirit Rising: Reclaiming Your Roots & Restoring Earth Community features an extensive chapter on the Celtic Reconstruction Movement, as well as a list of resources featuring key texts and organizations. Stone Circle Press, 2016
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In times of massive change we can embrace an earthwise worldview, and ethics that reflect our interconnectivity with all life. At the First Nations/Settler interface, Ancient Spirit Rising: Reclaiming Your Roots & Restoring Earth Community engages with themes of social justice, animism, rewilding, ethnocultural recovery, and our shift to localized community. We all have a part to play in the paradigm shift to ecological civilization, and Ancient Spirit Rising by Pegi Eyers offers exciting guideposts & modalities for our revitalization journey!
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