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The Different Celtic Traditions



You will find that there are many many different celtic traditions.  Celtic Paganism seems to be very popular now a days.  I most likely will not cover them all.  For more details (and the one's I dont' cover), take a look at: Celtic Myth and Magic by: Edain McCoy.

Anglo-Romany
Tradition based on the beliefs of the Gypsy people of Britain and Ireland.  They were commonly called Tinkers.

Anglo-Saxon
An English path that combins the practies of the Celts with that of southern Teutons.  The popular word "Wicca" is Anglo-Saxon in origin.  There many followers of this tradition, and just as many varied expressions of it's teachings.

Authurian
Tradition from Wales and Cornwall.  It is based upon the Authurian myths.  Each figure from the stories becomes individual divine images.

Brezonek
A not well known tradition from Brittany.  It was most likely influenced though the Romans and the Celtic Gual, as well as the Celts of the British Isles.  Many of it's followers think of themselves as first and foremost as Celts.

Caledonii
Scottish tradion that recieves little publicity.  Caledonii is Roman in it's origin, and has strong roman influences.

Celtic
Eclecit branch of Paganism that originated in Celtic Gaul, and parts of England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Brittany and the Isle of Man. (for more information see the book:  Celtic Magic by: D.J.Conway).

Cymri
This path claims to be a Pre-Celtic path.  The Authurian tales are used heavly in the teachings of this tradition.

Druidiactos
This is a path that is dedicated to Celtic studies.  Teachings and beliefs of this tradition can be found in the book:  The Sacred Culdron by Tadhg MacCrossan.

Druidic
Based upon the practice, rituals and magick of the Celtic priestly class known as the Druids.

Dryad
Feminist tradition of female Druidesses.  A majority of their teaching are Druidic with a modern feminist slant.   Faery lore also plays a strong roll in their practices.

Faery
Enviromentally minded path.  They claim the origins in their oral teachings came from the Tuatha De Danan or Ireland, who became the Faery Folk.  For more information look for the book: Farey Wicca by: Kisma K. Stepanich

Family
These are usually various traditions that are passed along by the family throughout the generations.  Family traditions can be of an culture's indigenous religion, not just celtic.

Hebridean
Secretive Scottish tradition, based on the Irish Myths.

Hibernan
Irish tradition possibly developed during the Middle Ages.  It shows Roman influences.

Manx
Irish Tradition that traces it roots to the mystical Isle of Man.  Manann Mac Llyr and Fand are it's principal deities.

Pecti-Wicca
Solitary path or pre-Celtic people know as Picts.

Sacred Wheel
Eclectic neo-pagan path.  Celtic beliefs are part of their path.

Scotia
This is a tradition for wich little public informaion exists.

Shamanic
Largely forgotten path.  See book: The Celtic Shaman by: John Matthews

Tuatha De Danann (TOO-ah Day THAY-nan / DAWN-an)
Irish tradition based upon mythical tales of the Tuatha De Danann.  The last race in power in Ireland before the Milesian (human) invasion.

Wicca(WICK-ah, WEECH-ah, or WEEK-ah)
Anglo-saxon term for witchcraft.  It was popularized in the 1950's by many writers.  Wicca is an Anglo-Saxon word meaning "wise one".

Witan
Eclectic Scottish path that combines Scottish, Celtic, Pictish and Norse Traditions.

Witchcraft
Broad term that encompasses several traditions.  All witches are Pagans, but not all Pagans are Witches.

Wittan
Eclectic Irish path, that keeps the very old Irish traditions & combines them with influences of the Norse.

Y Tylwyth Teg (Ee TEE-Loo-eeth Tay'g)
Welsh based tradition named for the faery folk of the land.  Tradition officially founded in America, but maintains deep Celtic Roots, and humanistic philosophy.
 

Page Last updated: June 20, 2001.