The Celtic Pagan gods and goddesses played a significant role in the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Celts. These deities were worshipped by the Celtic people, who inhabited large parts of Europe during the Iron Age and Roman times. One of the most well-known Celtic gods is Cernunnos, the god of animals and the underworld. He is often depicted with antlers and is associated with fertility and nature. Another prominent god is Lugh, the god of craftsmanship, skill, and the arts. He was also known as a warrior and a sun god.
Furthermore, Taranis was associated with fire, be it the fire of the sky or the fire of the air. This led to some disturbing allegations by ancient Roman authors, including Strabo and Julius Caesar, who described sacrificial victims being burned inside ‘wicker man’ constructs to appease the deity.
His very depiction mirrors such attributes, with the conspicuous antlers of the stag on his head and the poetic epithets like the Lord of the Wild Things. This incredible form of syncretism hints at how the early medieval Christian monks played their part in adapting to the changing religious landscape of the realm by retaining a few of the older native pagan elements like Celtic myths.
He was also known as a warrior and a sun god. The goddess Brigid was highly revered as the patroness of poetry, healing, and fertility. The pantheon of Celtic gods and goddesses is vast, with numerous deities representing different aspects of life and nature.
The Spirit of the Celtic Gods and Goddesses: Their History, Magical Power, and Healing Energies (Paperback)
Brings the history of these gods and goddesses to life, along with visualizations, rituals, and exercises to help make them part of the reader’s spiritual practice.
Figures like Brigid, Cernunnos, Rhiannon, and the Morrigan are honored for their magic, their bravery, and their mythical deeds. Among pagans, the gods and goddesses of Gaul, Ireland, Wales, and the other Celtic lands rank with the most popular and influential of the Greek, Roman, Norse, and Egyptian pantheons.
- Learn key features of each of the major Irish, Welsh, and continental Celtic deities
- Discover the major myths and lore associated with each deity
- Create rituals and magical work appropriate for each deity
- Understand the psychological archetypes of each god and goddess
- Forge true and meaningful relationships with the deities for our time
- Relate the various gods and goddesses to the sabbats and holy days
About the Author
Carl McColman is the author of several books on Christian mysticism, paganism, and goddess spirituality. Carl’s work is characterized by an optimistic, expansive understanding of spirituality, rooted in Christianity while embracing the wisdom of the world’s contemplative traditions. He is a professed Lay Cistercian—a layperson under the guidance of Trappist monks. He regularly speaks, teaches, and conducts retreats on contemplative Christian practice and blogs at www.carlmccolman.com. Kathryn Hinds (d. 2018) was a teacher, novelist, poet, and writer of more than 50 nonfiction books on world history and mythology, including The Celts of Northern Europe . Kathryn was a student of Norse, Irish, and Welsh literature and a priestess in the Welsh bardic tradition.
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Goddess Worship
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Celtic Spirituality
- Religion / Paganism & Neo-Paganism
Beyond the narrative, it is the history of Brigid as one of the major Celtic gods in Ireland that fascinates many aficionados. To that end, continuing the tradition of the Indo-European dawn goddess, Brigid was possibly sometimes venerated in her three aspects – the healer, the poet, and the smith. In essence, she may have been a triple deity (the composite of three entities).
Some other notable figures include Danu, the mother goddess and a symbol of life and abundance; Morrigan, the goddess of battle, death, and sovereignty; and Nuada, the king of the gods and the god of wisdom and war. It is important to note that Celtic paganism was an animistic religion, meaning that they believed in the spiritual presence of divine beings in natural elements such as trees, rivers, and mountains. This deep connection to the natural world was a fundamental aspect of their religious practices. The worship of these gods and goddesses usually involved rituals, sacrifices, and the construction of sacred sites such as stone circles and hillforts. Druids, who were the spiritual leaders and priests of the Celtic people, played a crucial role in conducting these religious ceremonies and interpreting the will of the deities. With the arrival of Christianity in Celtic territories, the ancient pagan beliefs gradually declined, and many of the gods and goddesses were either forgotten or assimilated into Christian traditions. However, there is still a strong interest in Celtic mythology and a revival of Celtic spirituality in some modern pagan and neo-pagan movements. Overall, the Celtic pagan gods and goddesses were an integral part of the religious and cultural identity of the ancient Celts. Their worship and reverence for nature reflected the deep connection and spiritual significance they attributed to the natural world..
Reviews for "Reclaiming Celtic Paganism: Awakening the Old Gods and Goddesses"
- Julie - 1 star
I found "Celtic Pagan Gods and Goddesses" to be a rather disappointing read. The book lacked depth and failed to provide any valuable insights into the subject matter. The author seemed to rush through a cursory overview of the gods and goddesses, barely scratching the surface. The information provided felt shallow and lacked any real substance. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive understanding of Celtic paganism.
- Mark - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Celtic Pagan Gods and Goddesses," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The writing style was dry and uninspiring, making it difficult to maintain my interest. Additionally, the book lacked organization, jumping from one deity to another without any clear structure. It felt like a jumbled collection of facts rather than a cohesive exploration of Celtic deities. Overall, I was left wanting more coherency and engagement from this book.
- Sarah - 2.5 stars
While "Celtic Pagan Gods and Goddesses" had some redeeming qualities, it ultimately fell short for me. The book provided a basic overview of the deities but failed to delve deeper into their significance or the belief systems surrounding them. I was left craving more in-depth analysis and a better understanding of the cultural context in which these gods and goddesses were revered. Additionally, the writing style was lackluster, failing to engage my interest fully. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and would not recommend this book to those seeking a comprehensive exploration of Celtic paganism.