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So, you’re drawn to Irish or Celtic Pagan practice, and you’re wondering where to begin? Maybe you feel the call of the old Gods, the land, or the wisdom woven through Irish myth and folklore.
The good news is – you don’t need to be an expert to start. Irish Paganism is a lived practice, rooted in connection, observation, and respect.
Let’s explore some of the key foundations that will help you step into an authentic, meaningful practice.
Building a Connection with the Land
Irish Paganism isn’t something you just do – it’s something you live. It begins with your connection to the land beneath your feet, wherever you are.
Traditionally, Irish spiritual practice is deeply tied to the landscape, with every river, mountain, and tree carrying meaning, connection, history, and even its own spirit.
Even if you’re not in Ireland, you can still cultivate this connection by:
- Learning the history, folklore, and ecology of your local area.
- Observing the changing seasons, weather patterns, and wildlife.
- Making small offerings of clean water or biodegradable food at natural places (ethically, without damaging the ecosystem).
Practical Exercise: The Land Beneath You
Take a walk or have a sit in a natural place near you – whether it’s a park, forest, beach, or your own back garden. None of that available? Open a window or sit by a plant! This doesn’t have to be complicated.
As you walk or sit, be fully present. What do you hear? What do you smell? How does the air feel on your skin?
Find a quiet spot to pause. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Place your hands on the earth or a tree. Ask yourself: What does this land want to teach me?
You might not get an immediate answer, don’t stress about it. It takes time to tune these muscles, just like any other. But if you keep listening, over time, the land will speak.
Honouring the Irish Gods and Goddesses
The deities of Ireland are complex, deeply woven into the landscape and lore. If you feel drawn to honouring them, the best way to start is through learning and direct experience, rather than assuming you need a rigid structure.
Some simple ways to begin honouring the Old Gods in your Irish Celtic Pagan practice:
- Read the myths in their oldest available sources (the Cath Maige Tuired, Dindshenchas, and Táin Bó Cúailnge are good places to start). [Great Resource for the CMT is Here]
- Invite a deity to visit you with respect – introducing yourself, stating your intention, and making a simple offering like fresh water, flowers, or poetry.
- Pay attention to signs, dreams, or intuitive nudges, but don’t over-interpret every coincidence.
Remember, Irish deities are not there to serve you.
They are beings with their own agency, sovereignty, and purpose. Approach them with humility and patience.
Celebrating the Seasonal Festivals
The Irish fire festival cycle follows the rhythms of the land – birth, growth, harvest, and rest. These festivals are… [click the names for free resources]:
- Samhain (31st October) – The end of the harvest, a time of reflection and honouring the dead.
- Imbolg (1st February) – The first stirrings of spring, associated with Brigid and renewal.
- Bealtaine (30th April) – A fire festival of fertility, creativity, and protection.
- Lúnasa (1st August) – The first harvest, a time of community and gratitude.
Marking these fire festivals can be as simple or elaborate as you like. A candle lit with intention, a shared meal, or a walk in nature can all be powerful acts of participation.
Finding community to share them with is an excellent idea – especially in these ‘interesting times’.
Reflection: Your First Steps with Irish Celtic Pagan Practice
Find a quiet moment and ask yourself:
- What drew me to Irish or Celtic Paganism?
- What parts of this path resonate with me the most?
- What small, consistent practices can I introduce into my daily life?
Write freely – don’t censor yourself. The point is to explore, not to have all the answers.
Final Thoughts
Starting an Irish Pagan practice doesn’t require grand gestures or elaborate rituals. It’s about listening, learning, and showing up – again and again.
Whether you’re offering a quiet moment of gratitude to the land, reading a myth, or lighting a candle in honour of the old gods, you are walking a path many have walked before you.
So start where you are, and let your practice unfold naturally.
Want to Go Deeper with Irish Celtic Paganism?
Check out our beginner-friendly classes at the Irish Pagan School, where you’ll find expert-led courses on Irish mythology, deities, and spiritual practice.
➡️ [Click for Full Class List]
Slán go fóill!
