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When it comes to Irish or Celtic Paganism, one question keeps cropping up in our communities: Is it an open practice? And what they are really asking is… Can we just take what we need from it, without being accused of cultural appropriation?
At first glance, this might seem straightforward, but the reality is far more nuanced. Let’s explore this topic and clarify some misconceptions about engaging with (specifically) Irish spirituality, as part of a contemporary Celtic Paganism practice.
Understanding the Misconception
The idea that Irish Paganism is completely open often stems from the Celtic Reconstructionist movement. This community, striving to avoid appropriating other native cultures, promoted the accessibility of Ireland’s manuscripts, history, and lore.
While well-meaning, this notion didn’t come from Irish practitioners themselves.
Additionally, there was much ado about ancestral bloodlines and such, with many feeling entitled to pursue this form of spiritual practice due to the results of their 23 and Me test assuring them they were 47% Irish.
That side of things has since led us into some pretty dark places with regard to some notion of ‘racial purity’ and what it means to be Irish. We make our ethos on this clear HERE.
Here’s the truth: Irish Paganism isn’t an unrestricted free-for-all. You are not, in any way, entitled to anything. That assumption oversimplifies a deep, complex spiritual tradition, as well as feeding into the problematic colonial mentality… I don’t have this, I need this, you have this, I can take this.
Don’t be that guy.
Irish Paganism: Neither Fully Open Nor Fully Closed
To understand Irish Paganism, it helps to see it as semi-open, or rather, semi-closed. Unlike completely closed traditions that require initiation or ancestral bloodlines, Irish Paganism doesn’t demand those barriers. However, it isn’t entirely open either.
Irish spirituality, and how we practice our form of Celtic Paganism, is a living tradition, evolving and thriving today. Elements of the native tribal beliefs and practices are still evident in our culture on the island.
đź”—Learn More in Irish Paganism: A Living Tradition
For example, you can go ask an oul farmer to cut down the lone hawthorn, or put a shovel into the mound out his back field, and you’ll see what I mean. Though of course, he definitely doesn’t believe in Fairies. No sure, not at all, go way outta that.
Modern practitioners engage in storytelling, charms, magic, deity interaction, and ancestor work. These practices are deeply rooted in Irish culture and history. To access them authentically, you have got to connect meaningfully with the source culture, here in Ireland.
This isn’t gatekeeping. It’s about ensuring respect for a living, breathing tradition.
Authentic engagement requires effort – learning from native sources, understanding the language, and immersing yourself in the folklore and context that shapes contemporary Irish spirituality.
Respecting the Irish Source Culture
Respect is essential when engaging with Irish Paganism. Sadly, past decades have seen significant cultural commodification, especially in the 1980s and 1990s.
Misrepresentations like “Celtic Shamanism” or appropriated Druid practices created a distorted view of Irish spirituality, often overshadowing native voices. Unfortunately, some of this has been returned to Ireland and nativised somewhat, further complicating the issue.
Engaging with Irish Paganism isn’t about claiming it through ancestry or DNA tests. Bloodlines can be meaningful, but they’re not essential.
When you’re consider the question – is Irish Celtic Paganism an open practice – what matters is an active, respectful Right Relationship with the culture. This has to be one that includes its language, history, and traditions.
This connection fosters authenticity, not entitlement.
What Authentic Engagement Looks Like
If you’re genuinely interested in Irish Paganism, here are some ways to engage respectfully:
- Learning the Language: The Irish language is a gateway to understanding the culture and its worldview.
- Studying the History and Folklore: Get into the manuscripts, mythology, and storytelling traditions.
- Immersing Yourself in the Living Tradition: Engage with the modern practices of charms, cures, and ancestor veneration.
- Seeking and Promoting Native Sources: Work with Irish teachers and practitioners who can provide authentic guidance.
Now, please don’t mishear me, that doesn’t mean you have to work with the Irish Pagan School exclusively. We are not a one-stop shop, nor would we ever want to be viewed as the ‘one true way’ or any such nonsense. We work pretty hard to a) platform other Irish teachers within the school itself, and b) regularly promote and recommend other Irish teachers, authors, and content creators.
By engaging authentically in this way – doing the work – you contribute to the preservation and growth of Irish spirituality and Irish culture generally.
This way, you’re helping ensure that future generations inherit a tradition rooted in respect and authenticity direct from source, not something seeped in distortion or appropriation.
Irish Paganism and the Irish Pagan School
At the Irish Pagan School, we aim to make authentic Irish spirituality accessible to those who are ready to engage respectfully. From our standalone classes Decolonising Your Druidry and No, You’re Not a Celtic Shaman… to a plethora of free introductory resources, there are opportunities for everyone to learn and grow.
Remember, Irish Paganism isn’t about who you are by blood – it’s about the work you’re willing to do to connect authentically.
This is a semi-open tradition, and we welcome those those who approach it with sincerity, respect, and a desire to learn.
So, is Irish Celtic Paganism an Open Practice?
Irish Paganism isn’t a closed door, but it’s not a wide-open gateway either. It’s a living, evolving tradition that demands genuine effort and engagement.
If you’re ready to step onto this path authentically, we’re here to help you get started.
Visit the Irish Pagan School to explore our classes, including free offerings for beginners. Let’s connect authentically – with respect for the culture, the tradition, and the people who continue to bring it to life.
Slán go fóill!
