Wicca in the Celtic Tradition

Having read through the lists of Celtic Wicca, I feel very drawn to a number of the traditions, specifically the Deborean, Family, and Arthurian ones.

The Family Tradition appeals to me because it is the style of Wicca I was brought up practicing. My heritage is very much Irish (my mother's father was half-Irish), and a belief in the "little people" and the "fae folk" and the stories and traditions that encompass that culture were an important part of my childhood, thanks to my mother and grandfather. In my case, these beliefs and traditions were very much mixed with main-stream Christianity to the point that I didn't see a difference. Embracing the ability to see spirits, or speak with the dead, was one aspect. Leaving a cup of milk for the fairies was another. In my opinion, turning the Goddess Brigid into Saint Brigid (keeping her tale the same, bringing her out of hiding, yet still making her "acceptable" to share with others ) is yet another way. Even using specific herbs for a sore throat or making certain foods before a journey are more than family traditions because of the magical/mystical properties around the herbs and other ingredients. The people who practiced this form of Celtic Wicca kept their family's traditions and rituals by sharing with their children and their children's children.

The Arthurian Tradition also intrigues me. Based on everything I've been able to find, not only is this the most well-known of the Celtic paths, but it is also the one based upon King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Each of the main characters in the legends is a hero of sorts. Deep at it's roots, this is a story of women's rights and empowerment. I don't believe that the legend is without truth, since by definition "Legends are fabulous stories that have some historical basis." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legend#Related_concepts) I refuse to believe that there wasn't a tradition of Celtic beliefs to follow Arthur and his quest for the grail.

Finally, I think that's what makes the Deborean Tradition so appealing to me. It's a way of combining so many of the Celtic traditions with the Native American ones. The Clan of the Forest Moon relies on Cherokee beliefs (http://www.paganspath.com/forestmoon/principles-clan.htm), but I think any Native American tribe's traditions could be used. While this tradition seems to have been founded in the Smokey Mountains (http://josef.theislandbase.com/Wicca/AlternativeReligion.htm#deb), I don't see why the same principles can't apply to the people of the Black Hills. Since there is a strong Lakota population where I live, I think we as people should and could learn from the people who have inhabited this land for so long before us. I'm drawn to the "old ways" and in a country not even 250 years old, those ways really belong to the Native Americans.

No matter what "minor path" you resonate with, though, I think the Celtic traditions are the most "real" for me. I found the following definition at http://josef.theislandbase.com/Wicca/AlternativeReligion.htm#cel that summarized Celtic Wicca.

This sect concentrates on the elements, nature and the Ancients. With their great knowledge of healing, magick and nature, including plants, animals and stones, this tradition is probably the closest in structure to the ancients. They are extremely dedicated to preserving the importance of traditional Celtic values such as honor, courage, truth, strength, wisdom, and eloquence. Aided by the fey, Celtic magick is full of fun, yet powerful.

To me, that's what this path is all about.

Today's question: What adventure am I ready to take on?

From the Sacred Circle Deck


The Chariot

I must be on the verge of an adventure -- ready to take off and make it happen! In this deck, the chariot driver is a warrior queen and the chariot is pulled by two horses -- one white, one black. Whatever the adventure is, there must be a struggle of good/evil that I (as the warrior queen/driver of the chariot) must face. The road won't be easy, but I'm ready!

Today's question: How can I remain disciplined in my pursuit?

From the Llewellyn deck:

Page of Cups: Imagination, artistic abilities. Compassion and understanding

I need to use my imagination, but not be too rigid. Open up to the possibilities before me.

Another Great Quote

Life is not measured by how many breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Today's question: What will bring me a rush of creative inspiration?

Again I drew from the Tarot of Transformation.

The Chariot. This card is beautiful. Heck, this entire deck is wonderful!  This card shows a woman driving an ancient chariot pulled by three(?) horses through the cosmos.  They're surrounded by starts and you can see a world off in the distance.

This tells that that in order to get that rush of creativity, I need to get out of the world I'm in (that of wife and mother and housekeeper and bill payer and dog walker....) and into a space of my own.  In other words, sit down and do it!

Another Great Quote

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." ~~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today's question: What will keep me steady on my path?

I got a new deck, the Tarot of Transformation, so I opted to use that for today's question. I drew the Crone, The Light of Introspection. I guess I need to do more meditation. I need to "get back in my head" a little more. I need to make time to get away from the craziness that seems to be surrounding me.

Oh, in other decks, this card is called the hermit. Interesting.