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The idea that Irish people have reverted to Pagan beliefs has sparked some discussion lately, but the truth is, Irish Pagan beliefs never really disappeared here. They’ve always been part of who we are, even if they’ve changed and adapted over time.
When we look at Irish Pagan beliefs, we need to consider three main things:
- Historic Pagan beliefs – what people believed before Christianity arrived in Ireland.
- The mix of Pagan and Christian beliefs in Irish culture and folklore.
- Modern Pagan beliefs – how Irish Paganism looks today.
We’ll keep it simple for now, and look at each in turn.
✨ Post by Lora O’Brien, MA in Irish History
(Any book links provided are affiliate fyi, it doesn’t cost you to click… but it helps us!)
Historic Irish Pagan Beliefs
One common mistake people make is thinking that what we know about the Druids from Roman sources, like Caesar’s writings, also applies to Ireland. But Ireland was very different from the continent. While Celtic religion on the mainland was better documented, Ireland was quite separate, and developed its own unique version of Pagan beliefs.
Irish culture has always been one of blending. When new ideas or invaders came, they were mixed with what was already here. This means that even though Irish Pagan beliefs started from the same Celtic roots, they grew into something different in Ireland.
Our pantheon of gods and goddesses doesn’t map neatly onto other Celtic deities, for example. We took what came and made it our own, as we always do.
Here are some core ideas of historic Irish Pagan beliefs:
- Birth, death, and rebirth: The idea that life continues in cycles, and death is not the end.
- The Otherworld: A parallel world, not an underworld, where gods, goddesses, and spirits like the Sidhe (fairies) live.
- Meditation or Journeying: The practice of traveling between this world and the Otherworld.
- Wisdom and magic: A deep respect for those with sacred knowledge, and an understanding of magic, prophecy, and divination.
📖 Recommended Source – Pagan Celtic Ireland: The Enigma of the Irish Iron Age, by Barry Raftery [Get a Copy Here]
The Blend of Pagan and Christian Beliefs
We don’t have much written down about Irish Paganism until Christianity arrived, which happened between the 300s and 600s CE. Despite what stories about St. Patrick might say, the arrival of Christianity wasn’t the end of Paganism in Ireland. Instead, there was a blending of beliefs.
As Irish society shifted towards Christianity, Druids were replaced by priests, and many Druids may have even become priests or monks themselves. This led to a lot of Pagan beliefs being absorbed into what became known as Celtic Christianity.
This blending meant that many Pagan practices survived, just in a slightly different form. For example, holy wells are still revered, and many people visit them for blessings and healing – a practice that is very close to the Pagan use of sacred springs.
There’s also the deep connection with the Sidhe or fairies. These beings were respected and feared long before Christianity arrived, and even today, many people still leave offerings for the Good Neighbours.
📖 Recommended Source – Ireland’s Immortals: A History of the Gods of Irish Myth, by Mark Williams [Get a Copy Here]
Modern Irish Pagan Beliefs
Irish Paganism has grown since the 1970s, much like in other countries. But there are still some unique aspects to Irish Pagan beliefs. We’re a small country with a strong sense of independence, so even modern Paganism here has its own flavour.
It’s harder to organise large Pagan groups or events here because we’re (generally) a more rural and spread-out population. But there are networks and organisations, like Pagan Life Rites. This is a non-profit organisation with a network of priests and priestesses offering services to the Pagan community in Ireland.
Pagan Life Rites also organises an Online Pagan Moot – monthly social meetings for people interested in Irish Pagan beliefs – open to all members, helping to build community.
Modern Irish Pagans, like Pagans elsewhere, often focus on nature, the seasons, and the cycles of life. But there’s also a strong push to revive and recreate native Irish spiritual practices, focusing on our own traditions rather than borrowing from other cultures.
There’s a sense of pride in returning to the roots of Irish spirituality and keeping it alive in a way that respects both the past and the present.
📖 Recommended Source – Irish Witchcraft from an Irish Witch: True to the Heart, by Lora O’Brien [Get a Copy Here]
Finding Your Path in Irish Paganism
If you’re interested in exploring Irish Pagan beliefs, there are many ways to start. The Irish Pagan School offers courses like A Practical Guide to Irish Spirituality and Irish Paganism: A Living Tradition, where you can learn more about ancient Irish beliefs, magic, and spirituality.
Irish Paganism is a living, breathing tradition. Whether you’re interested in the ancient ways, the blend of Christianity and Paganism, or the modern practices, there’s something here for everyone. By understanding the past, we can find ways to connect with Irish spirituality in the present.
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