December 2023 - The Irish Pagan School

What Is Handsel Monday in Folk Tradition?

ipsadminDecember 31, 2023January 9, 2024

This article takes a closer look at the customs and etymology behind the fascinating concept of Handsel Monday, a term steeped in Irish and Scottish tradition. Originating from a blend...

Contemporary Paganism Mythology The Sidhe

The Irish Otherworld is Not an Underworld

ipsadminDecember 15, 2023February 12, 2024

You might be forgiven for getting these two mixed up given the complex nature of the Irish Otherworld. In other cultures there are tales of some form of ‘underworld’ or...

Irish Folklore Magic

How to Weave Irish Witchcraft into Every Day

ipsadminDecember 13, 2023January 9, 2024

Irish Witchcraft, with its rich tapestry of folklore and tradition, offers a unique way to bring a bit of magic into our everyday lives. ✨ Post by Lora O’Brien Focusing...

Contemporary Paganism Guest Posts Irish Places

Visiting Irish Sacred Sites

ipsadminDecember 12, 2023February 12, 2024

A timely discussion on the protection and respect of Irish sacred sites, as in recent times a disturbing trend has emerged: the desecration and deterioration of historic Irish landmarks. This...

Beginners Contemporary Paganism The Gods

Doubt In Our Spiritual Lives

ipsadminDecember 11, 2023May 16, 2024

What happens if we experience doubt in our spiritual lives? Living a spiritually balanced life is not as easy as some people make it seem. Many times we are approached...

Beginners Contemporary Paganism

Right Relationships

ipsadminDecember 10, 2023December 8, 2023

In today's interconnected world, understanding and practising 'Right Relationship' in our interactions with cultures different from our own is crucial. It is even more important that we consider this in...

Contemporary Paganism Festivals

The Winter Solstice in Ireland: My Vigil for Grianstad an Gheimhridh

ipsadminDecember 9, 2023January 9, 2024

Although my personal practice for the Winter Solstice is not attested in any ancient text... it holds deep significance for me, and many others have found peace, hope, and even...

The Dagda The Gods

A Dagda Bard

ipsadminDecember 8, 2023January 9, 2024

Ceist: What is a Dagda Bard? Ní Ansa... We get asked a lot of questions about Irish Gods, spiritual practices, Irish culture, history and mythology... and honestly we’re delighted. That's...

Irish Places Mythology The Dagda The Morrigan

The Bed of the Couple

ipsadminDecember 5, 2023January 9, 2024

Ceist: What is the Bed of the Couple? Ní Ansa... Central to Ireland Mythological cycles is the arrival and conflicts of the Tuatha De Danann, the tribe who would become...

Contemporary Paganism Mythology

The Tragedy of Setanta Mac Súaltam, the Boy who Would be a Hero

ipsadminDecember 1, 2023January 9, 2024

Ceist: Who was Setanta, he who became Cú Chulainn? Ní Ansa... The Ulster cycle of Ireland’s lore centres around a time of heroes and kings in ancient Ireland. It is...