Not a question.. a statement of a sort maybe though???

Question

A week or two ago.. I asked a question.." For you Witches.. wiccans... celts.. etc.. out there?". The first answer someone gave me is how I can associate Celts with pagans, witches, wiccans, etc. Well.. i can do this easily. I follow a celtic/avalonian path as well, and I know that the Celts are considered Pagans. And is was just a general question..asking for the help from all of the denominations... which are basically in reality considered Pagan.. because they are not of the Abrahamic religions of the world. If I have offended anyone, I am sorry. I needed a little bit of help from groups of people that I knew could answer my question for me.

Answer 1

Celt (klt, slt) Pronunciation Key also Kelt (klt)
n.
1. One of an Indo-European people originally of central Europe and spreading to western Europe, the British Isles, and southeast to Galatia during pre-Roman times, especially a Briton or Gaul.

2. A native speaker of a modern Celtic language or a descendant of such a speaker, especially a modern Gael, Welsh person, Cornish person, or Breton.

---American Heritage dictionary

Where in this definition does it state that modern Celts are considered pagans? I will agree that Iron Age Celts were polytheistic but I don't think you were expecting an Iron Age Celt to answer your question.

This is an unbiased website that discusses religious beliefs in the UK. About 1/3 down the page there are poll results from five years ago that indicate that 71.6% of their people indentify with Christianity.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/uk_rel.htm

I am also a neo-pagan following a Celtic path but I understand why that person felt insulted. Can you find a credible dictionary that states that all Celts are considered pagan or that the word "Celt" or "Celtic" indicates a particular religion? Can you provide credible polls, surveys, or even a world almanac entry that supports your claim that most of the people in Celtic areas are pagan? If not, please offer a sincere apology with thanks for teaching you about the current cultures of the Celts.

Answer 2

Hi! First, I'd like to thank witchy for sending me an email about this topic. I believe I may be the one that raised the issue.

Next, I wish to apologize if I came off as harsh. It was unfair of me to vent my general frustration on one person when many times I have seen us Christian Celts associated with paganism. Again, I beg your forgiveness.

As a person of British ancestry, I am enamored of ancient history. I can trace my lineage back to 1535 England. I enjoy Celtic music and Celtic Christian Music. The Celts are an oft overlooked culture that needs to be respected by all.

Best regards,

W

Answer 3

::points to what witchy said:: There's actually a pretty big number of Celtic Christians - the Celtic Christian tradition suffered a lot when Rome cracked down on them, but they're pretty tenacious too. ::grins::

The Celts are a group of peoples, based on cultures and languages. The religion is, for the most part, irrelevant. (And, yes, there is a Scottish clan of Hindus, complete with their own tartan.) Celts typically leave their mark on their respective religions, and give it a certain viewpoint (based on the cultures), but the actual religion is independant of the identification as a Celt.

Answer 4

Hi there, I am answering this question on my wife's user name. I am her husband and my beliefs are different than hers. So please don't take this answer into her account...But my reply is to the original question about the purifying. You do need to purify your area for your ritual, some incense will work, than the ritual for yourself begins.. The rune idea is good with the oil and candles, but make sure your chant is concentrated on purifing yourself without any distraction. There is much more to it but for starts you are on the right path.

Answer 5

Cool.