Middle of the road?

[IvyWitch]

So, when it comes to diferent forms of Celtic Paganism, (it seems that) Celtic Wicca and Celtic Reconstructionism are the paths on the opposite ends of the spectrum. But, is there actually anything in the center? Or, is there just a line between the two?

It seems like Pagans who follow a Celtic path of some sort are categorized as being on one side or the other - Druids who follow a more revivalist path get stuck on the "Neo" side, and groups like ADF and Keltria are on the other side. Is this true, or is there actually a "middle of the road" when it comes to this?

[TomasFlannabhra]

That's an interesting question, really.

I know quite a few Celtic polytheists who approach their religion in a light reconstructionist manner and incorporate some so-called "neo" elements into their practice. They are not hard reconstructionists but they aren't off in the Misty Lands of Keltic Knots, and they value history and culture but are also more welcoming of new ideas and approaches.

ADF takes this approach, though they may be placed a tad right towards the recon/trad side of the spectrum from that middle ground. I think Keltria may be placed more middle-ground, at least from what little I've observed of them.

[Nitefalle]

This is a really great question Ivy Witch, and I think it is something that is slowly emerging within the Celtic Pagan community as it progresses along its path. Ten years ago, the only place to find information on Celtic practices and beliefs was within the Druid community, and you had to prove yourself academically to them before they'd even talk to you. Now information is so much easier to access and with that has come evolutions in the community itself.

I consider myself very middle-of-the-road in terms of my practices, a Celtic Polytheist. I do honor the history and separate cultures and feel I know enough to claim if something is blatantly unauthentic or not. I stick to the Celtic gods with one exception (although the other is Germanic, so I don't really feel too guilty). However, I also incorporate more folk "green" magic, which I realize is a pretty eclectic, modern invention. I really enjoy yoga and consider it a spiritual practice and have incorporated bits of it into ritual as a grounding / centering method. I think as long as you recognize what is authentic and what isn't, what is historical and what is UPG, that you'll be fine. I have a feeling that many people within the Celtic community have similar practices, but perhaps they feel as if they will be judged harshly by the academics / trads if they are more open about it? Unfortunately, it seems to be something that you must forge yourself. Here's how I see it - if the ancient Celts had been left alone to evolve naturally into modern times, what would they be like? Based on what I do know of them, they loved innovation and would incorporate what they saw fit from other cultures. They were artists and free thinkers. How do you think they would look in today's global culture?

[Meadhbh]

I would like to think of myself as a middle of the road type person. Like it has been said I try to keep other pratices of my rituals. For example I use tarot cards, but I use them unrelated to any rituals I may be doing. But I think it importiant to remember that as people living in the 21st century certain parts of any belief systems are going to have to be either revamped or let go. In order to turn into something that means something to us now.