Is Irish Paganism an Open Practice? - Cultural Appropriation in Celtic Pagan Religion | Lora O'Brien 

As a Welsh person I too find it SLIGHTLY offensive when non Welsh people just take my heritage and dont take care with things. Like I know it may sound petty but I like to hear people make the effort to pronounce Mabon correctly due to it being a Welsh name, I find it ignorant to NOT try and pronounce the names correctly due to them being a huge part of my heritage. (When I say non Welsh I include white people too, its not a race thing :) ). For me the Welsh language is by far and away the most important part of Welsh celtic culture and heritage and if you want to partake in my culture you should at a MINIMUM promote my language, that is all I ask :) As we say in Welsh "Cenedl heb iaith, cenedl heb galon" - "My nation without its language is my nation without its heart".

This sentiment hits real close to home from a Native American stand-point as well. My grandmother is native, but was raised away from any native influences and by her white step family and the white half of her mom's family. We don't even know what tribe her mother's mother came from because she would refuse to acknowledge that heritage and we know next to nothing concrete about her father. (We've always been told Cherokee, but back then in that part of the country that was just synonymous with Native) So in the end you have my Grandma that has simultaneously internalized a lot of racism about herself, but yearns for a connection to her heritage and due to this mix of things and the age she grew up in she ended up clinging to a lot of bullshit colonized Pan-Indian things. She felt a draw to her heritage, but thanks to colonialism only found the twee white people version, but didn't know better. I think that's a big part of why I feel a draw toward aspects of Irish Paganism. There is almost this kindred feeling of people who had similar shared experiences at the hands of colonialism and Victorian era obsessions with twee-ifying a "noble savage" and the modern obsession shitty spiritual takes.

I know you get this question a lot, and I'm sure I'm not alone in being appreciative of your patience when answering this. GRMA.

As a person who is African American but my Grandmother has Irish in her blood and I ( low key ) honor her side of the culture, meaning that I DO NOT consider MYSELF Irish but I do take care in certain practices that are considered Celtic or Irish. If that makes sense. Just to honor her, she's amazing and up holds her Culture and Heritage !

it feels to me like maybe I'm learning that right relationship with the gods and right relationship with Ireland are interlinked, and that relationship is reciprocal, transactional; a constant flow of give-and-take exchange

This is so important! One of the first things I realized when I started learning about native European practices was the lack of authentic sources. There is so much we can learn from one another but cherrypicking and trying to Frankenstein together the bits you like from everyplace feels messy and lacks credibility. Learn and appreciate authentic practices, then if you choose to add them to your personal mythology you'll be preserving the tradition and helping them grow!

I really don't think Ancestry DNA should be called Bullshit. As someone who was left in the dark as to what my heritage was....Finding out 52% of my ancestry is from Ireland was eye opening. I don't think putting down someone who wants to know more about their ancestors, heritage and bloodline is right here. I was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. My parents never told me where we come from, what my heritage was. I did the ancestry DNA because I WANTED TO KNOW. Being a practicing Witch for over 10 years, I got to that point where I wanted to know more about WHO I AM. Both my parents are deceased so the only way I could find out where my ancestors came from was Ancestry DNA. Putting down people like me, I think was uncalled for.

Thank you for your videos and classes on Irish Pagan School, I'm learning a lot with you.

Thank you so much, this was really helpful. I'm from a region in the very north of Spain (Asturias) and the study of Irish lore and texts have helped me a lot in the understanding of my region mythology and traditions. As you said, it's clear that it is somehow the source. I'm definitely going to check The Irish Pagan School. Thank you again, your work here is helping me a lot in my own path.

I've often wished for a better system than open vs closed practice; I think it's a starting point but lacks an amount of nuance required to be used across cultures, and as you said, leads to some folks interpreting it as meaning that anything not closed can be taken from without any knowledge or respect. Love hearing your thoughts, as always.

Thank you for sifting through the crap. Coming across your teachings has been so validating towards that gut feeling I've had for years learning on my own -> around the confusion of what is and isnt the crap (but having the gut feeling when something is off).

So grateful for your forthrightness and the treasure your offerings. Much thanks.

There is a saying "I am not Irish because I was borne in Ireland, I am Irish because Ireland was borne in me." Even though my physical body/flesh was not borne on the island in this lifetime, the Morrigan and the crow/raven have taught me that there is also life beyond death, and I believe there is a reason why my Mother came to me, ya know? She helped me recognize that the Celtic Father Cernunnos, who some called the "Devil" or "Satan", is also a lost part of sacred masculinity and was demonized by the ruling cultures at the time as the Morrigan was. However, it's important to forgive and heal the past with love & understanding instead of holding grudges because people make mistakes, and it's important to find a balance where shadow & light, spring & fall, feminine & masculine, and sun & moon can live in harmony as they learn from one another, ya know? I have some videos in my channel where I have spoken some of my words on this if you would like to listen or are interested; thanks for sharing

I learned through my grandparents and parents. grandparents each side, my father, are irish (mum was half Scottish and half irish). Our school holidays were spent in Scotland and Ireland. I loved learning about my family + traditions, was supposed to go to kildare last year for a month, to show my children where our families came from but pandemic 😢 I'm now learning from others now, like yourself and ever so grateful x

I love this answer. It's inclusive (that discussion about how you could be born a hundred lifetimes in Ireland or just once) and yet sets a clear basis of practice in the source material. So amazing!

I really enjoyed this video @Lora, very insightful. I'm very much still at the early stages of my pagan journey (but I tend to take my time with everything). But it's brought such comfort to me. Looking forward to watching more! Aside from that... your voice is so soothing!

A very straightforward and honest video. Much appreciated!

Thank you for this interesting video I have been living in England my whole life but recently I have found great interest in my Irish culture and have tried to start learning the language Thank you for your wonderful channel, I just got here but there seems to be so much, I will try to learn a lot because I think Celtic spirituality is resonating with me somehow 🧡♡💚

It may sound kinda weird, but I was chatting with my brother about this topic this morning, and we came up with this analogy (may not work for some, but a lot of people might gel with it): it's akin to Mandalorian culture (fitting as Mandalorians were influenced by the Celts largely) it doesn't matter who comes or where the individual comes from, if you weave yourself into the traditions ad let them weave into you, you then become a Mandalorian. Pagan practices has to start someplace, and we all have different starts, but we all bring together knowlege and experience and build on the foundations of those before. I always tell people "The Gods don't want your pedigree, they want you. You have to want it enough to meet them where they are."

Thank you. I'm a very recent...convert. I'm not looking for the easy path. Having said that...I hear the Morrigan. I've watched your video on recognizing the Morrigan's call. I've no doubt. This video helped clarify things for me.

Lora, thank you for your generosity in sharing your wisdom, knowledge and insights so generously. I hope you have a cool Yule, that you enjoy this solstice and receive many and varied blessings in return. Blessings xxx

This was amazing! Very rich and gives me a good place to start and how to honor everything while I study!

As someone who really kind of tripped over the internet and found you at all, Lora, I have to say that the feeling I got from the beginning (which started with trying to better understand the Mórrígan) was that Irish Paganism was wide open welcoming as long as you, as you said, do the work. The number of resources you not only provide but also reference and recommend make it so much easier for someone like me to ask more intelligent ignorant questions, instead of just stupid questions. For me, coming into Paganism from Protestantism, I say I’m pagan of faith and learning to not make an arse of myself to the Gods and Goddesses I venerate but am just now meeting. And for those who are finding this, the communities Lora’s built up in the various (wonderfully focused) Facebook Groups are incredibly helpful, especially when you ask a question that’s already been answered and they help you navigate the resources.

You always explain things so well. Thank you.

Thank you for guarding your culture ♥️

I am grateful to have stumbled upon your channel. I've had a difficult experience finding authentic source material to reconnect with my ancestry.

This was immensely helpful, thanks so much!

Thank you for all you do!

You are a knowledgeable, wise, and charming person. I enjoy listening to in person and online.

So essentially it is a matter of getting information from the source which one should do in any practice etc and understanding the culture and supporting it. Is that correct?.

I'm from America-- born and raised-- and have been interested in Irish Paganism for a few years now. Knowing this, I'm sure that there's probably some stuff I may have (Unknowingly) disgraced. I'm 100% positive my pronunciation of things is garbage, but at least I put effort into finding out how to fix that. But through books, song, these videos, food, divine information, and study, I hope that I've done well in filtering out the bullshit and will definitely be looking into that class. And as a side note, if anyone FROM the culture has more suggestions on what I can do to decolonize my perspective, I would be so grateful to hear it. I know I'm definitely not perfect, and surely have a long way to go, so any native perspective will be like gold to me.

Great work as always.

What you said about Ireland lore, wisdom and people thinking it's just totally open and ok, made me think about Spain, which was mainly Celtic (and celtiberian), it got so heavily romanized that we don't historically know much about the Gods and Goddesses, practices... (that's history🤷) so people that want to practice a more Celtic path turn their eyes to Ireland. I totally agree with you, nobody should not appropriate Irish culture!

I am very proud of being Welsh. I appreciate it when people research things properly and with respect. Respect Celtic culture and traditions :)

I was looking for your book, A Practical Guide to Irish Spirituality, on Amazon and couldn't find it. Is it out of print?

I've just stumbled on your channel, liked subbed, thanks, very informative 🇮🇪

"noughties" Never heard that before, I like it.

GRMMA for continuing to educate on appropriation. It's a tough concept and reminders are helpful to keep working towards cóir cuibhneas.

Maybe it's because I'm from Quebec where we had a lot of Irish settlers, but I've always felt a deep connection to Irish paganism for these reasons. I grew up feeling shame toward my spirituality and never fit in anywhere. I'm bilingual which was an issue for a long-time in Canada. There was lot of issues with the Church between residential schools and how nuns and priests were involved in our education system. On top of that, my mom was adopted and I stopped talking to her in 2014 due to abuse, so aside from my grandmother, I pretty much raised myself. My background is supposed to be French and German but it wouldn't be surprising to find Irish. For me, pagans are often outsiders. The ones that just sort of find each other because they didn't fit in elsewhere.

Majority of black Americans in the south has large amounts of Irish DNA we lived among each other during slavery, also we formed unique version of folk magic called Hoodoo together facts. That's why black Americans have Irish and Scottish last names Murray O'Neil , McDaniels , Miller I have two great grandparents that are Irish the other is Norwegian.

I think you might be surprised to see how much Appalachian magic traditions resemble Irish ones. Most of the families who are old Appalachian (pre-1700s) are of Scottish and Irish decent (my father's family immigrated from the Wexford area in 1683). Folk magic traditions have been handed down for centuries in these families, with active practitioners called either granny witches or cunning folk. My great grandmother was one held in high local regard, known both for the effectiveness of her herbal potions as well as her ability to communicate with animals (both domestic and wild). I am very happy to be carrying that on to the next generation.

Do you have any tips to learn irish properly for someone who is not in Ireland? I have always felt drawn to Ireland and it’s gods and goddesses but there is so much different things out there that don’t feel genuine so I am super happy to have found you and I really wanna get into the authentic irish culture and religion including the language.

I'm curious if this is right for me, I've been looking at paganism for some time now when I came across Irish paganism but I want to be sure that I'm doing it for the right reasons. I'm English born to an English mother and Irish father (he was born in England as it was his grandparents who moved to England in the war and both my grandparents are full Irish because of their parents). Ever since I was a child I've been fascinated with the stories my grandmother used to tell me about Ireland. I've only ever had the privilege of visiting once as a child but I felt so at home there that no where in my birth country has been able to replicate. I love and adore history and am working on getting into the archaeology field, Celts being one of my biggest sources of inspiration. The folklore and stories have always fascinated me in a way many other mythologies haven't. I used to go to a specific Irish pub in my city as a kid because thats where all of our friends and relatives would be where I actively learned the food, dances and overall culture of Ireland. My father even gave me a full Irish name (before I got married as it was Shannon Siobhan Gilligan before). I have been looking for something to believe in for spiritual reasons (as currently I'm agnostic) mental health reasons and also after discovering this I really want to connect with Ireland more . I've always know Ireland was my heritage and as an adult I want to be even more invested in it. However if I'm going to do it I want to do it the right way. I don't want to taint my experience or anyone else's by pursuing something that wouldn't be an authentic experience in which I am actually welcomed to so not to step on anyone else's toes in the process as I am aware I have large amount of Irish heritage and was raised in the culture but I myself am not technically Irish so I don't want to ruin the experience for anyone else. If you have any insight id really appreciate hearing it and I'm sorry if this is a bit of a jumbled mess and I'm not explaining myself very well. X

Great Lora! Telling it like it is! This island has a lot of ancient sites And history, sadly very suppressed history!

I'm from UK, but I'm of mixed Irish, Scottish, Scandinavian and English origin. I am Agnostic but I like the ideas of Celtic and Nordic Paganism and use certain aspects of them in my life. I see Celtic and Nordic Paganism as the same thing, but with a few hundred years apart from each other.

Love to see another O'Brien.

Honest question. I've been toiling over this for months now. I left Catholicism five years ago to practice paganism/witchcraft. My grandma who partially raised me is from Ireland, her husband, my grandfather is Irish Austrian. My dads side is Scottish, Irish, English. I've felt so pulled to get into Celtic paganism, but I'm worried it won't be received well by others who practice. I'm taking steps very similar to what you've said in this video, but is there anything else you or anyone could add to help? I'm so worried I'll just be seen as a wanna be outsider and nothing more.

I have a question. My grandparents were Irish and taught me their traditions. I live in America but have been doing Celtic paganism traditions for as long as I have lived. My question is, would I have to go to a source land for the full in depth experience or is my grandparents teachings enough? Even my mom was born in Ireland and raised there until she turned 25. Her, My father and grandparents moved down to America in the 90s. I was born in 93. So I literally just missed being born and raised there.... I feel ripped off now.

why does it matter at all to you what other people do? I'm glad this ideology is starting to die. Let people do what they want. Do you think it cheapens your spiritual journey or something?

The issue with cultural appropriation is that it asserts that a "race" can "own" a thought, feeling, idea, flavor, color, pattern, sound, or something otherwise entirely divorced from skin color, eye shape, height, etc. (which are equally problematic and arbitrary) The reality is, you can be culturally insensitive, certainly. But to appropriate something requires ownership, and the concept that culture can be "owned" by a race really just reinforces racist ideology and stereotypes.

This is by far the best advice to accessing the Irish pagan path in a respectful and accountable way.

That was an eye opener wow thanks.

I am VERY Irish like both sides of my family are VERY IRISH and I always considered it a big part of my life. I’ve been researching Irish history but I live in America 😭

I'm trying to learn the language right now. I wish I had a foundation to build on. Figuring out the pronunciation rules is proving to be a challenge for me

I really appreciate this and the Irish pagan school, as it’s really hard to find true and authentic materials among the trash.

Did u know that recent genetics research on some old bodies found recently in Ireland suggests that modern Irish are not descended from the Celts but rather from the Bell-Beakers, who came to Ireland before the Celts. In fact, the people's we call "Celts" may not have made it to Ireland in significant numbers at all, and that the Celtic cultures a d languages may have spread from west to east, not east to west as has been commonly taught.

This is a well thought-out and thoughtful video. In the video Lora asks people not to come tell her about their Irish ancestry and emphasizes how it's not really relevant and asks folks to just appreciate and engage with the culture through its lens without the ancestry/bloodlines comments and focus - it's a shame that many people in the comments seem to have just... ignored this request completely and forged ahead with the incessant "I have Irish ancestry and / My grandmother was Irish so / my family has deep roots in Ireland in history and /" - it's like you guys have heard Lora, but not truly listened. Please do some inner work and try to turn off this incessant need you feel to state about your ancestry and bloodlines folks. These kinds of comments miss the point made in part of this video entirely. I can see why Lora has grown frustrated with this aspect. (edit: I forgot the word "to" so I added it) Edit: I am living for the Outraged Dramatic White American tears spilled in response to this politely-worded, very even-handed comment in the replies lmaooo cry more

I have a question. Ancestry says in 75% irish 20% scottish. I am from a full catholic (technically a catholic on paper myself) family with strong irish herritage (obvs) and am from glasgow (obvs). As such my celtic paganism is very much focused and attuned to the Irish side & cycles. Am I appropriating? Do I need to venture to Ireland? What is your general thoughts?

(This comment is a brain dump) I fell into Irish paganism because my ancestors where Irish and my great grandmother used to tell me much of the lore, mainly as warnings to behave myself haha. I grew up in Canada as an atheist but I always felt something was missing from my life. I’m doing my best to learn from my grandmother before her mind goes, I want to know more about my family and recover some of the traditions. But I still fear that I’m appropriating the culture that belonged to my ancestors since it never belonged to me. In an odd way I’ve always felt that my experience as a Canadian person somehow means that I cannot look into the paths that my family used to follow because I’m not from there, I don’t speak the language, I don’t know that walk of life etc. Even though I’m willing to learn and apply what I’ve learned I’m not sure I will ever shake the feeling that what I am doing is wrong and immoral. This turned into a huge rant but I feel I needed to put my worries into words to truly understand my own mindset and anxiety around the topic.

I love this video but I had a clarifying question, at what point is adapting the practice to where you live appropriative? I'm in California, and we dont have several of the sacred plants, so I use things that are sacred here instead (redwood, grape vine, etc). there are a lot of ways people not living in ireland have to tweak druidry to make it work in our context. thoughts? opinions? it was just something that stuck out to me

I absolutely love, love how blunt you are 💗 Thank you for the information.

Hello I’m looking for a way to ask questions about the School. It’s this the best place to ask?

As somebody who identifies as canadian but has a VERY irish heritage and was raised irish catholic I'm still unsure if this is mine to claim. i even spent a good year finding when my family came to canada from ireland and if i was too removed from the rest of my family to include irish paganism in my practice. I remember my grandmother teaching me irish practices and telling stories of our family and how we got to canada but even still I've gotten very mixed responses from people within the pagan community when i say I'm trying to learn about celtic paganism. i think we need to be better at deciding what s appropriation and what isn't, i still don't know if my own case is appropriation or not and i still feel like i am not allowed to learn about my own ancestry.

Question, what’s the difference between Irish paganism and Celtic paganism?

I have a question, what if my family comes from Irland but has lost our connection to Irish witchcraft (my grandmother moved to America as a child) would I be culturally appropriating ?

Good video 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

we have a lot of Welsh and irish roots and I want to learn about celtic paganism but I'm not sure if it's ok to say that I am a part of this, I'm planning on doing a lot more research but I just want to make sure it's ok before I continue.

Lora I have a question and I would greatly appreciate a response but please bare with me. Me and my sisters dads side is full Irish. They used to go every other summer and blah blah blah. He was a bastard and didn't raise us and we kinda grew up apart. I totally comprehend the point of your video and agree. We're both, "spiritual". We both do our own thing and we didn't know the other did until about a year ago and it was kinda a funny coincidence. While we're still looking for our path, as Irish decent we want to visit Ireland. Not just once either, we've always loved the few stories we got and the few Irish phrases we were taught. Would that be appropriate if we started practicing Irish Paganism after visiting? What's the line? (We both also beileve in the Fae but we don't 'work with them' we both agree that's not appropriate. ) I would just like some advice from a proper practitioner please. If not thats alright too. Just thought I'd ask.

Around 4:50 I start to understand the nuance in what you’re saying and the distinction among the points you’re addressing. Still, It is abhorrent for someone of any culture to invoke the sins of the past to force a filter on the call of Deity, to gatekeep. However to sincerely answer the call of the Source it takes work as you say, and requires care and respect around the culture and traditions of a particular path. I may live in the New World because my ancestors were explorers but I will not let the screaming call of my ancient Gods be ignored because of a modern inclusion of colonial guilt and self-flagellation as part of a framework invented at an East coast ivy league school in the 1960s. I have as much right to come to my spiritual home as anyone, regardless where it resides in this physical plane.

Long story short don't Wiccanize the culture take pieces of the culture and use it when you want to and throw it a away when you are done.

I love your profile page. I wasn’t raised as a typical Catholic. My mother being born raised in Hells kitchen, New York City, where she was from a strict, Gaelic speaking, Irish Catholic upbringing, but vowed not to bring her children up so strict from this new age religion hogwash! I’m thankful for that because I was naturally into paganism before I’d realized it was a practice with a name. All things Earth, universe, vibes, are also a big part of my being in practice.

So, I would love to work with faeries and I know that they are more of a Celtic practice. I am a wiccan and practice witchcraft but I don’t want to go into working with a being that is in a closed practice. So to work with faeries, is it a closed practice?

I’m really interested in Ireland and it’s cultures. I love Irish folklore and I’m looking into some classic recipes to try. I don’t have any Irish blood in me that I know of, but I just feel so drawn into the Celtic religion and Ireland. Does anyone have any tips or pointers on important things I should be researching?

my mum and dad are irish but i grew up in america and now live in england. is it ok for me to practice this?

Thank you for sharing this. I have Scottish and Irish ancestry and I'd like to learn but I live in America. I've been trying find sources like what you're talking about instead of just playing around, not that I have no intuitive practice but it has to fit appropriately and that requires learning and study.

Thank you for sharing the best we can do as people of irish ancestry that live elsewhere is to LISTEN to folx like you who are Irish in heritage and culture. I'm also indigenous Mexican and there are so many similarities between our cultures but i want to humbly listen to what you have to share

I do feel a connection or a draw to Celtic practices. I have no knowledge of it was born in the USA and don’t know where to start. I feel drawn to forests and elemental type spirits. Does any one have any advice? Respectfully -Ren

Okay, so I am born on american soil, but My family has been Irish Refugees in New York since the 1800s. In every generation, new blood from the old country, untill my mother. So are you invalidating my family's tradition because they were forced out of Ireland?

I know this is an old video, but I'm relatively new to going deeper into Irish paganism (I had been working with it off and on for years, I had picked it back up as the Cailleach came to me as an ancestor and brought me in this direction). But I wonder if an appropriate way to think about it is equivalent or similar to traditional witchcraft (lower case t). The definition as Ive learned it is a practice that focuses on pre mid 1900 folkbelief, history, and material. The idea is that is based in attested folklore and building it outward as a living practice. (depending on who you ask. This definition also doesnt typically include wicca, or British Traditional Witchcraft/Wicca due to some stuff, the time period and that while it might be a practice based with source material, it may still have material that is newer, etc because of some of the nature of modern wicca, and that is something else. Additionally, some people find problem because while wicca at this point can be passed down, wicca as a practice was created in the 60s and wouldn't fall under being traditional, lower case t, folkloric practice, even if it might have aspects. Once wicca comes in, it becomes something slightly different since usually traditional witchcraft in this definition doesnt follow the same things as wicca and again, focuses more closely to source material, its also generally nom eclectic - though you might for example have two practices, they are ultimately separate as to keep the integrity of source material and path, and it may or may not be passed down from teacher to student or family- but some people will argue certain types of wicca are included, but the general consensus is that the focus is source material, folklore, etc and non electic - where it doesnt make sense at its core definition). The goal of this definition also has a aim of going "this is not new age, this is not based in popculture, this is based on history, lore, and the people we aim to connect to". (Though obv this doesnt stop individuals of doing and believing they want, but it simply, likely wont fall under the definition). It feels like the issue is colonization, new age, and basically (bc I'm not going to be nice in my wording here) the bastardization of folklore, practices, etc. and it seems like theres a reach for wanting to focus on "tradition", history, folklore, etc. (again, its tradition not in the sense that its been taught as traditional person to child, but rather its tradition in the sense its based in "traditional", historic folklore and the associated practices from history, the people, and antiquity). Though honestly, going with something like "traditional paganism/polytheism" or "traditional folk practice/polytheism/paganism" or "traditional Irish practice" may still not be the right word, and I know there could be problems given the wording and how its sometimes currently used (and depending on which on you use if you use those for practices that fall within this category/set of problems). Though also something like "traditional reconstructionalism/ist" what I'm thinking of. Or another word. I think what I'm saying is that with the way we're beginning to look at the history of colonialism and revival and the need to look at source material (all rightly so), we're over due for new terminology I think? Whatever this term might be it would (possibly) also categorize it as an open practice (as it is, but it will hopefully make it clear and simple for those confused), but also emphasize the urgency to use source material and the voices of those in that material as its basis rather than focusing on new material (and also separating it with knowledge that its a living practice and new things come forward on a individual or group basis, but the proper source material is the foundation - maybe Foundational Irish Polytheism/Paganism/Practices?) (For example: if one wanted to call it a "reconstructionalist, traditional religion or practice" or a "foundational - organic practice". It utilstizes the emphasis on gathering, utilizing , etc source material, but clairfying that its open, but also absolutely NOT a religious, spiritual, or magical practice, etc that neglects the source material as a basis, and is also living and growing. (As you might be able tell my background is in traditional witchcraft. Notable authors like Gemma Gary, a cornish witch is a great example of a form of traditional witchcraft - she utilizes folklore, the area she lives, trials, etc to inform her practice - though I'm sure my description doesnt do her justice and was one of ny first introductions to it). For me personally, I would be think with using something along the lines with "traditional Paganism/etc" or "Foundational Paganism/polytheism/practice/etc) as a term/descriptor. Foundational or traditional to use for practices that are open, but with their history need to by default focus on the materials mentioned here. (This is bc honestly with my background being in folklore practices/magic and traditional witchcraft, I cant imagine having a practice that doesnt utilize the original material and honest feels silly not to). But honestly, there's just flat out probably also needs a term for "this is an open practice but its based in history and antiquity" (which in the circles im in tends to be things like "traditional" and/or "reconstructionalist"), and possibly more, especially with where colonialism plays into this particular case and probably more in the future. Also of course, I am saying this as "just another American with Irish ancestry" and as being bipoc where decolonization and history holds a place in my heart, for a think/a series of thoughts to put forward because its an open practice, but also should also have the input of more experienced people, community people with this aim, and Irish voices to speak on it more than myself. (I know this is a long comment, and if anyone reads this, thank you! And I know it may be rambling and unclear. Hopefully this can give some helpful thoughts to honestly what I think will become an increasing problem as societies begin to decolonize more. I hope there can be better terms and explanations that can come forward as things progress for clairty and expression of what we need in these spaces). Edit: should mention I'm not saying the foundational/traditional etc in this as a way of identifying away from the garbage that is out there as if it's separate "path", but as general term/descriptor of practices that are open, but ideally should be and are foundational in practice and what be with the intention so it sets it as a default to "this is how we properly honor the people and history", if that's what's more so needed here (alternatively it could probably be used as a way to separate itself from the "bastardized versions" that are prevalent and kind of have a "traditional Irish Paganism/polytheism/practice" path that's more ethical, colonization conscious, etc. However, again the voices that need to be heard most I hope will speak about these things as things move forward. For me, ideally using the source material, respect, connection, etc really should be the default of how we view it (of what I gather of the video and what tends to be the way I believe in things as well tbh imo given the history, however that's me and I don't think I can speak for all and I'm sure there's who disagree. I also wouldn't be surprised if there is a term that would better describe the needs here and I just don't know it)

I have a question and I don't want to appropriate the culture so this is why I ask. I found out recently that my great grandmother was from ireland and was pagan, but when she immigrated to Canada, she kept a lot of her practices to herself and my great (great) aunt (her sister). Because of this, we lost that part of our culture when they kept it quiet until recently. My great grandmother passed shortly before I was born but her sister recently found out I was also pagan, however I am a Neo Pagan. She told me so many stories about my great grandmother and her and now I'm wondering if there is a respectful way to get my culture back, I still am learning about it, but I still barely know anything about my Celtic Pagan history and Irish heritage.

"100% the language" ❤ The true connection with the culture and all areas within it...very much agree! Físeán maith, a chara!

How do you follow from outside Ireland???

I’m really conflicted with my religious affiliation. My fathers side immigrated from Ireland to England, and I have a couple welsh and Scottish ancestors with about half of them being English too. I struggle enough finding where I belong and what feels right for me. Do I go with my paternal bloodline from Ireland... my English sides (which for the uneducated the English are pagan, the celts were mainly in England and the Saxons were Germanic pagans), or my welsh and Scottish sides no matter how small they may be.... yet you have some people from America who have zero connection to their heritage who will act like they’re so in touch with the culture and it infuriates me

The most I hear from you, the more I love your work!! thank you

I still don't understand Irish Paganism. I know they have several gods they worship and Halloween originally came from this. But do they have a school? A place of worship? Common sayings or proverbs? What kind of practices do believers do? I'm just asking out of curiosity and respect for Irish culture.

You should always have respect for your religion's history, no matter what.

I wonder if it’s known the localized gods and goddesses names, in the various parts of Ireland, so that rather than addressing them generally one can use their names and then have a better relationship with them and to address issues of that area such as racism, the criminal cult and environmental issues

I'm just starting down this path after feeling lost spiritually for lack of a better term. I want to do things correctly, and learn the culture as it is, not as people think it is. I know that I will make mistakes, but I will do my best to limit and correct them as they come up. Thank you for being a resource for those like me.

So better late than never......I do find what your saying .ok for me ..I'm aware of being fed a large amount of nonsense. So I'm not happy with that diet ..lacks some level of good nutrition..almost parasited every last drop.....so I'm glad to meet you lora ...thank you fiona.

As someone who was active in Celtic Reconstructionism for several years in its earlier days, I feel rightfully called out. It doesn't matter what we got right by stumbling into it. The well-meaning white person who only knows colonizer approaches will only choose from that list. The other options existed then as well as now. Our cultural understanding hid them from us. Not an excuse; just reality. And we were patting ourselves on the back for not being bigots against people with the "wrong" DNA while seeing modern cultures as everything from irrelevant to a treasure trove. Hardly any attempt at engaging with the reality was being made. I even had a friendship-ending argument with other CRs who insisted it was wrong to let men tend Brigid's flame. This was well after Kildare put up a torch in their public square that was lit from the church's. They rejected the modern culture's understanding and methods and desires in the name of creating something that satisfied their pressing need to have women-only space in their practices. I think that was when the issues with CR in that vein started to become clearer to me. When two people who effectively co-founded the practice acted like they knew better than the Irish how to handle something that was theirs to decide about, I saw the colonialism I couldn't name then but can now. And I still get a bit sick to my stomach about it many years later. You are doing me and so many others a great service by telling it how it is like this. GRMA, Lora. GRMMA.

I live in Connacht and am pagan..I live within three mountain ranges..Ox mountain' ,Sligo Mountain',Curlew mountains ...The sun and the moon are not our first light as they cannot crest our mountain ranges until later in the day ...yet we have light none the same..how could this be ?.. Polarised light..the light from the solar system is our first light...the sun and moon our secondary light... We have 24 thousand quartz chambers within mountain range as whereas there are none in other parts of the country..why is this.?..Quartz increases the polarization of light ...So the Belgae are sun worshippers the oceanic civilization' worship the moon and tidal flow however we have trillions of suns and moons and their light..Our mystery schools developed clairvoyance at Lough Arrow as crystal readings from the solar system and galaxy are not hindered by sun and moon which our optics rely on for sight....Connacht when translated means children of the starlight....and as polarised light increases brain activity we ,literally see and reason the world in a different way...we are not (as many report say ) waiting each spring for the sun to rise into the sky in expectation of Bealtaine ...why would we ?..we have many other suns to choose from...and polarization of light regarding grain rejuvenation is clearly evident on our landscape also in the form of the Ceide Fields...we are therefore the largest concentration of polarised light in the world and the center of grain rejuvenation of the ancient world....and as the world needs healthy wholefoods for health and physiology ...we have a purpose on this earth and provide an essential service to humankind...We are Connaichta...and we are not even recognised by the current interlopers passing themselves as the rulers of Ireland ,,not that we need their recognition..hope that answers your questions ..I can only speak for Hi Fiachra of course ,the North of Connacht..

Im here purely for the purpose of reconnecting with my culture and figuring out whether the 5% Irish american moms have a right to use our culture 🕺🏼

I get what you're saying, but I also have concerns. I have talked to several people who will say, "Irish Paganism is semi-closed." I'll ask them what they mean by that, and they'll answer that you need to be European, which to me just sounds code for white. Then later on it'll be discovered that the person has ties to white supremacist groups. So, I worry that saying, Irish Paganism is semi-closed will feed into that regardless of the stated reason.

I feel a great calling to Ireland and the Irish Celtic Paganism. I'm currently saving up to move from the USA to Ireland. I want to learn everything I can learn about the culture, the people, the history, the land, etc. I feel it calling me, pulling me in by the heart and soul.

Personally, as someone mostly Irish but living in America, I think the idea of ethnocultural religions is stupid? If the gods don't care, the followers shouldn't care who practices. That might be a bit lacking in nuance but that's frankly how I see it from my interactions with them.

My issue is I am American but Irish on my father's side. His father and mother are from Ireland. I do know my grandmother's name only and I do know she practiced and I do know her family line, but she passed away before I was born and the only surviving relative I have is severely colonized and thinks her practice was evil. My aunt never let me forget how evil her spells were. I hear her stories at least once a year. My grandfather's last name (mine) is so common I can't find anyone else. I never fit in with the colonization of the American culture and I feel ill when I think about the colonization of Ireland and Europe in general.

Im Devonian and i would like to see a revival of the south wests Celtic traditions, when i get free time im going to try and learn Cornish and look into what remains of our lost religion. Im curious about how you feel about Irish Celtic traditions being used to help reconstruct our traditions as i belive most of our stuff gas been lost and also do you have any sources that i could start my learning if you have them (not that i expect you to as it is a different religion)

I really had known nothing else . I went to Catholic school and all that . But my father taught me the old ways . He said God is found more in nature than in the churches. And so I got taught from the parents . I am not inclusive though I accept any Spirituality that is similar. My partner will be happy about that. Wicca is a modern faith . Celtic paganism is very old.

Ancestry DNA 🤣 all they told me was my x times great grandfather was sentenced to transportation for petty theft but still super curious about my Irish ancestors, and always been interested in pagans and druids and Irish lore

There is a difference between appropriation and appreciation. Most Pagans I know in the states are not Pagans to make money from being Pagan. They are not trying to connect to any particular path to exploit it. For some it is also not possible to take a flight across the seas to go visit due to responsibilities, jobs, children, or even disabilities that may prevent someone from being able to travel. Does that mean they are not allow to journey in spirit? I do understand what you are saying though, people need to put in the time and self initiate to study source material, archeology, mythology, compare the notes. But as we know, paganism is recreated and reformed by many. After doing many journeys myself through the worlds tree over several decades there the big lightbulb was turned on... if people would just learn that reconnecting with nature and the realms will give them the information they need then culture does not exist. The tree exists in almost every region of land and it can't be owned, it is spirit and that is not something that can be appropriated as it originates in animist way of thinking. Culture can contain many nuances, but culture is invented by man. Culture can be appropriated when done in selfish disrespectful ways exploiting it. Spirit can not be appropriated.