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Many people curious about Irish spirituality find themselves wondering about the NeoPagan terms they hear often… but what exactly were the Celtic Witches, Druids, and Pagans of the past, in an Irish context?
And what do those words even mean today? While Contemporary Paganism draws inspiration from Ireland’s rich mythological and spiritual traditions, there’s a lot of misinformation floating around.
So, let’s take a sensible, academic approach to what we actually know – and learn some simple ways for you to explore these paths yourself.
Who Were the Celtic Druids?
The Druids were the learned class of early Celtic societies, responsible for law, poetry, history, and spiritual practice. They weren’t just priests; they were judges, scholars, and intermediaries between the people and the gods.
The problem? We don’t have any first-hand records from them. Instead, most of what we “know” comes from Roman sources (who weren’t exactly unbiased) or medieval Christian scribes recording older traditions.
This book is a very good introduction to Celtic Druids (including Ireland)…
🔗 Druids: A Very Short Introduction, by Barry Cunliffe.
Practical Exercise – The Bardic Memory Trick
One key skill of the Druids was memory work, particularly for storing and passing on knowledge. Try this simple technique:
- Take a short prayer, proverb, or poem – preferably in Irish, but English works too.
- Read it aloud three times while visualising a strong image for each key phrase.
- Try to recall it from memory. Repeat daily until you can say it effortlessly.
This echoes how oral traditions were preserved in ancient Ireland, helping you connect with the role of memory in Irish Celtic spirituality.
What About Celtic Witches?
While there’s no real direct Irish equivalent of the modern word witch as we understand it today, we do find references to banfháidh (prophetess), bean feasa (wise woman), and draoí (user of magic), among other terms.
These figures worked with prophecy, healing, and charms, often tied to the Otherworld.
The Goddess Mórrígan, for example, is linked to battle magic and prophecy, while figures like Biddy Early carried folk traditions forward into more recent times.
This book is my introduction to the witch in Irish society, past and present…
🔗 Irish Witchcraft from an Irish Witch, by Lora O’Brien.
Practical Exercise – Divination with Water
A simple Irish method of scrying (looking for visions) involves water:
- Fill a dark bowl with water and place it in a dimly lit space.
- Sit quietly, breathing deeply, and gaze softly into the water’s surface.
- Ask a question, then let your mind rest as you observe. Do images, words, or impressions arise?
This links to older traditions of seership in Ireland and is a practical way to explore a simple, beginner-friendly form of divination.
Modern Celtic Pagans – What Does It Mean Today?
Today, Irish Paganism is a living, evolving path.
Some follow reconstructed traditions based on mythology and scholarship, while others blend older Irish folk practices with personal spirituality.
Whether you connect with the land, the gods, or the ancestors, there’s no one ‘true’ way – the only requirement is to learn from and respect the source culture so you have a firm grounding from which to work in a way that is authentic and meaningful for you.
This book is an excellent starting point for building an authentic practice with Irish Celtic Paganism…
🔗 Irish Paganism: Reconstructing Irish Polytheism, by Morgan Daimler.
Practical Exercise – Connecting with the Land
A core part of Irish Paganism is relationship with place. Try this:
- Find a tree, river, or natural feature near you.
- Spend 5-10 minutes simply observing – how does it move, smell, sound?
- Place your hand on the earth or the tree trunk and introduce yourself (silently or aloud).
By doing this regularly, preferably in the same place over time, you build a deeper awareness of how land and spirit are intertwined – a key aspect of Irish spirituality.
Start Your Journey with Authentic Celtic Learning
If you want to learn more about real Irish traditions – without the fantasy nonsense – that will introduce you to aspects of Celtic Witchcraft, Druidry, and Paganism…
📥 Take a Class –> Irish Paganism: A Living Tradition
Slán go fóill,
and may your path be well-lit by the wisdom of the past.
