Significance of a Blade or Knife in Celtic Belief
Although there are numerous myths associated with carrying a blade; the reasons behind it, in the Celtic faith, are fairly straight forward. This practice is one of the original beliefs …
An Introduction to Ancient near Eastern Religions
Near Eastern religion encompasses a number of religions and a large era of time. Almost 4000 years separate the Sumerians and pre-dynastic Egyptians from Zoroastrianism, the last widespread religion before …
Making a Set of Runes
Runes have been used for centuries, both as a way of writing and as a means of divination. If you feel a resonance with the Germanic and Scandinavian elders, you …
Why People become Shamans
A common, but very valid question that people might ask is, with all that a Shaman must go through and deal with, why would anyone pursue that sort of thing? …
First Rites in the Celtic Faith
First Rites First Rites marks the point where a Celtic child becomes an adult after the rites they take on responsibility for themselves and their actions; they officially become adults …
Celtic Burial Practices
Funeral and Burial Practices Over the centuries there have been countless adaptations to the beliefs relating to funerals and burials. These changes relate to the location of the people and …
Meaning of Animal Totems
What is an animal spirit totem? It is an animal spirit who can give insight into our innermost selves. It can give clarity to the divine powers that are working …
Paganism a Positive Earth Based Faith
Paganism is a Positive Earth-Based Faith more than a Religion. The word Paganism is an umbrella for many other faiths that are Earth Based. Some examples are the Shamans, Druids, …
Celtic Holidays
In modern times there has been a great surge of interest in pre-Christian religious practices from Europe. These religions known as “pagan” religions were varied and widespread throughout Europe before …
The Vision Quest as a Native American Rite of Passage
My vision quest experience starts with a decision. You see my family with whom I lived within Arizona were planning on moving back to our home state Texas. I knew …
A look at Pagan Symbols and their Meaning
Pagan symbols are actually quite interesting and controversial as well. There is a confusion between many people as to what is Pagan and what is Wiccan; however, some are very …
The Origin of Life in the Celtic Faith
Origins Overview of the story of origin: Through time eternal there have been the four forces in the universe. These forces are personified as the Gods Fire and Wind, and …
Ancient near Eastern Religions
With over 30 separate cultures packed within a few narrow agricultural bands, the ancient Near East of the Bronze and early Iron Age is an incredibly rich depository of culture …
Popular Pagan Names and their Meaning
What is a Pagan name? There are two different thoughts on names that come to mind, one is a baby name and a craft name which are two totally different …
Stonehenge the Astronomers Stones
Stonehenge. The name, for many, conjures a feeling of mystery or even of ancient, mystic power. Was Stonehenge’s purpose Religious? But is it possible Stonehenge was simply a site for …
Understanding Pagan Beliefs
Understanding Pagan Origins To understand Pagan beliefs you must understand the Pagan Origins. Paganism is a broad term used loosely in today’s world. It can, today, embrace many different spiritual …
Pagan Festivals in the US
We have a great custom in the United States that many families practice year after year to stay in contact with members of their family who may live far away, …
Best Books for Pagans
I often have people ask me for book recommendations for those new to Paganism. Over the years I have found myself giving out the same titles over and over. So …
Best Books for Advanced Pagans
This is a list for Pagans who have generally been practicing for a few years and have become comfortable with most Pagan practices or are at the very least aware …
Best Books for Intermediate Pagans
Generally speaking, as soon as people ask me for my recommendations on what books are a good place to start for a new Pagan, they ask me for a list …
Litha and the Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of summer, the point at which the life-giving sun is at its strongest over the powers of darkness. Midsummer’s Day Litha or Summer …
Animal Totems Hawk
Animal totems: Hawk The hawk is an animal that is both beautiful and majestic in flight and at the same time dangerous and predatory in nature. They live mainly in …
Shamanism as a way of Life
When one thinks of Druids and the Celts, one generally brings to mind images of Merlin and Morganna, people in long flowing robes with extraordinary magical powers. Powers to harm …
The Purpose of a Shaman
The purpose of a shaman is to help people be more connected. A shaman is guided much like a clergy person is, by Spirit/God. A shaman is working for the …