Celtic Shamanism

RE: Celtic Shamanism

OMG I was going to post this exact same question today 🙂

I have just finished reading "Way of Wyrd" - by Brian Bates. A fiction book based on Anglo Saxon research (and very good it was too).

I have done a bit of research in this area, although I admit I am hampered by the fact I can't pronounce most of the words!

From the little I know, The Oldest known Shaman was an Irishman named Taliesin. There are many stories and myths about him. Mostly they centre around shape changing. The myths are a good read (except for the difficult Celtic words!).

A useful site is: . They appear to have alot of info and a good links list.

There is a great deal of importance with ancient sites, and also the Arthurian legend is mentioned quite a lot.

If you wish to find out more then Amazon has a shed loads of books on the subject, search for Celtic Shamanism or Taliesin.

I started my research because as a Briton I thought this form of Shamanism may resonate more with me rather than the more well known NA shamanism. It hasn't particularly so far, but then I'm a great believer in making my own path that may well consist of a combination of many different 'traditional' paths.

The book I mentioned earlier in the post is in fact a story about a Christian monk who is sent on a mission from his church to find out about pagans so that they could use the knowledge to push Christianity into these 'heathen' areas. He studies with Wulf - a Sorceror and well.... I don't want to spoil the ending 😉 However, you might find it gives you an answer Hawkwind.

RE: Celtic Shamanism

Hi Guys

The other thing you may wish to look at in conjuction with this is druids as these were the shamans of their tribes within england.

Wyrd is spoken such as a geordie would prenounce bird! (just practice it! lol - may not be the best description but one that I find that works). lol

RE: Celtic Shamanism

Hi Nitelite, that is weird eh 😀 thanks for your reply, you know it's funny but this morning i was thinking about Celtic Shamaism and thinking about it in a way that maybe this is more my path than Native American Shamanism , i don't know what my path is yet, 😮

RE: Celtic Shamanism

HI,
have a look here it the site of The Society of Celtic Shamans.

[link= http://www.faeryshaman.org/ ]http://www.faeryshaman.org/[/link]

Rocky.

RE: Celtic Shamanism

Hmmm, now for some reason today i need to search into Druidry [sm=scratchchin.gif]

RE: Celtic Shamanism

Hi Hawkwind

I read the other post about Merlin and thought that this may have been the link that you needed! strange how everything comes together! I need to start to work more on direction and such - I seem to be stagnant at the moment but will have to get back into working again on different vibrations!

I did sense a lot of things when I went to an old abbey in Bury the other week so need to work more along those lines I thnk!

With love

maria

RE: Celtic Shamanism

Thanks Maria , and did you know that a Merlin is also a Hawk 😉 now i need to find out if a christian can be a druid as well as a pagan [sm=scratchchin.gif]

Good luck in your investigations, we have an old Abbey here in my town.

RE: Celtic Shamanism

can't see why not!

I used to have a fascination with merlin when I was young, really related to him and wanted to be him, I have a book about him but not sure where it is - if I find it you are welcome to have it!

with love

maria

RE: Celtic Shamanism

Hi , the essence here is not to get bogged down with labels.....if something works for us dos'nt really matter what we call it....in our society we are obsessed with pidgeon holeing......the truth is when you look at all these systems and faiths is that their is great simularity between them all and thats because in essence they all come from the same place...

the path we are on is the one we are walking....if you are looking for the right road to follow.....follow your heart...

love and blessings, Paul

RE: Celtic Shamanism

Hi Paul,
I think you've summed it up in a nutshell and I agree totally with you.
To follow your heart puts you in harmony with your mind, your body and your spirit.

Many Bright Blessings,

Paul Big Bear

RE: Celtic Shamanism

Thanks Rocky great link,;)

RE: Celtic Shamanism

Hi guys ~ you are so right, i allways tend to over analyze everything, [:-]trying to figure out if this is what i should be doing or did i imagine everything , and what does this mean or that mean.:D

RE: Celtic Shamanism

There are many types of shamanism practiced around the world. Some of it is tribal based in small ethnic communities and encompasses the Gods, Goddessess and Spirits of that area and group. This may have been the case with Celtic shamanism centuries ago (who were not Christians) and many people do use shamanism and non-Christian beliefs together today. However, there was a large Celtic Christian Church which used symbolism from non-Christians and re-interpreted them, or re-understood them in a Christian sense. One of the strongest beliefs amongst Celtic, Scandinavian and Germanic peoples was that of indepedence within the group and the value of the individual. Shamanism is about travelling through the inner worlds to find knowledge and this can certainly be done in a Christian way - or within any system of religious belief.
When I journey for a Hindu person I often encounter Gods, Goddessess and Guides from that religion who give advice and help in healings. The same has occured when working with people of other faiths.
There is no reason you cannot journey as a shaman in a Christian way within a Christian framework and, if you have strong religious beliefs, there will often be many recogniseable Christian symbols and Guides. I have taught a number of Christians who have no conflicts between their experience and their religion. Many of the "animal spirits" encounteres have strong Christian symbolism and meanings attached to them. All you have to do is have faith in yourself and enjoy the journey.
Hope this helps

Katherine
Tua Thre Centre for Celtic and Native European Shamanism

RE: Celtic Shamanism

Hi Katherine, welcome to HP and this lovely forum, and thankyou for your most interesting reply, [sm=wave.gif]

RE: Celtic Shamanism

Welcome Katherine,

I am aware I don't know everything so I am always willing to learn how to increase my knowledge.

I wish your centre every success, I can tell it is born out of understanding and love.

I look forward to your postings.

Big Bear Hugs,[sm=grouphug.gif]

RE: Celtic Shamanism

Thank you to everyone for their warm welcome to myself, as a newcomer to this forum. There is nothing more fascinating and important than sharing the experience of LIFE in all its beauties and quirks.

Katherine
Tua Thre Centre for Celtic & Native European Shamanism

RE: Celtic Shamanism

Hi.

In reply to Hawkwinds original questions around the scottish aspects... I think looking into the ancient "picts" of scotland might be interesting research.

Im interested in merlin too. I hear he was welsh.

Thanks for the links. I will look them up.

Great stuff.

Gemini.

"see everything for what it is"

RE: Celtic Shamanism

I would just like to add....

Are you seeking knowledge about the life and beliefs of the celtics?

The history of their shamanism?

Or the actual embodyment of what was their source and substenance, sanctuary and soul?

There is more living evidence and knowledge about these things that can be found than there is written, if you know where to look.

Gemini.

RE: Celtic Shamanism

Hi Maria
At the risk of sounding pedantic, The A/S or Old English word 'wyrd' is the etymological root of our modern word 'weird'. The pronunciation of both words is identical.

Wyrd: "the principle, power or agency by which events are predetermined; fate, destiny."

The 'Three Wyrd Sisters' (A/S), 'The Parcae' (Roman), 'The Moirai', (Greek), 'The Nornir' (Old Norse), are the three sisters of fate. They are the weavers of the fabric of human lives. One sister weaves, one spins and one cuts the web of destiny. They were seen as the original weavers of the universe and have parallels with the Tao and Chi. They are also closely associated with midwifery and childbirth. Some archaeologists believe they evolved from the earliest ideas of what we refer to today as 'Mother Earth' and 'Earth Mother'.

Urdr is the name of the first sister, the others are Verdandi and Skuld and may be roughly translated as Past, Present and Future.

Urdr: "life unfolding"; Verdandi: "to be or become" (see Hamlet); Skuld: "debt to be paid, obligation".
Hope this is helpful.
softboy

RE: Celtic Shamanism

This is a fascinating thread! I came onto this forum at recommendation of a friend, and lo and behold - Wyrd and Shamanism! These are the two areas I work in. I teach Shamanic Consciousness at the University of Sussex. My book The Way of Wyrd is being re-launched on October 28 (its been out of print for several years).

The thread start by Rainbowheart, and pickup on Wyrd by nitelite, poses the really interesting question of can someone be using Celtic shamanic techniques and still be a Christian. Originally they were rivalrous, in that in Anglo-Saxon England a thousand years ago and more, Wyrd was the original, indigenous way of spirituality (expressed slightly differently in Celtic and Saxon cultures but essentially the same). Christian missionaries, backed by Rome sought to replace it. But today I believe the two can exist side by side. I've just recorded an interview for BBC Radio 2 Sunday morning programme (Good Morning Sunday) which is mainly a Christian audience, and talking about Wyrd. Also on November 29 I'll talk at St James Church, Picadilly.

If anyone wants to follow any of this up, the website is .

I've read the whole thread and it is so interesting to see people's ideas on these topics which I have been passionate about for so long! Many thanks.

RE: Celtic Shamanism

Hi Brand

Welcome to HP, hopefully you can share some of your knowledge about shamanic consciousness - I am fascinated by the mere mention of it lol!

With love

maria

RE: Celtic Shamanism

Hi Brand,

Welcome to HP!

I have to say I borrowed the book off a friend of mine that has a collection of fascinating stories (The other most memorable one being "The Green Stone" - I highly reccomend this if you can get hold of a copy from somewhere!)

I'm very pleased the book is being relaunched as I believe its very relevent to the more recent resurge of interest in all forms of Shamanism and its roots.

I wish you the very best of luck with it and maybe this time I'll get my own copy 😀

RE: Celtic Shamanism

Hi Maria,

thank you v much for the welcome! Judging from the messages on this thread there are many well-informed people here already, but I would be happy to share whatever knowledge I can about wyrd and shamanic consciousness etc. I'll check back from time to time and see what issues are coming up...

Best wishes,
Brand

RE: Celtic Shamanism

hi nitelite,

Thank you very much for good wishes about the book! I was amused to see you borrowed The Way of Wyrd from a friend - hey, sometimes the best books are the borrowed ones! I havent read the book you recommend, so its gone into my red notebook - the one with all the best ideas in!

There is indeed a huge resurgence of interest in shamanism. The course I teach at Sussex is the largest on campus of its kind. I think it is because people are sometimes attracted to a way of spirituality which focuses on direct experience of spirit. Religions work too of course, but the spirituale experience is more embedded in a theology and official ritual. Many people I know bring shamanic perspectives to their other worship, also for many, shamanism in one form or other is all they need.

All best wishes,
Brand

RE: Celtic Shamanism

Hi Katherine,

I enjoyed your lucid account of shamanism, and it is so good to see it being used in a way that is positive and inclusive. I agree with you, and will look up your website.

All best wishes,

Brand

RE: Celtic Shamanism

Hi Brand welcome to HP and the Shamanism forum, and thankyou for your pm 😉 There are many lovely people here on HP , This is a wonderfull forum to visit :D]