Celtic Path with Norse Pantheon?

[Merewyn]

I know that there is quite a range in opinion about this sort of thing, but I thought I'd venture out anyway.

My mother's ancestry is Celtic and my father's line of ancestry is Norse. For quite some time I've been doing some reading and research on both Celtic Reconstruction movements and Avalonian traditions. For over a year I've felt incredibly drawn (called?) to follow an Avalonian tradition, the Goddesses and Welsh pantheon feel unfamiliar and "awkward" to me. At the same time, I find it interesting that while I really don't know a whole lot about the Northern (Norse/Germanic) traditions, I feel very comfortable and familiar with the Gods and Goddesses of the Norse pantheon... and feel a calling to them, too.

Lately I've been playing with the idea of creating a tradition for myself, combining the Avalonian tradition (and Welsh Goddesses) with the Norse pantheon and learn more about Northern traditions to sprinkle in. It really appeals to me to create a tradition that honors the ancestry of both my mother and father. But on the other hand, the idea of "following" a tradition appeals to me because it would give me a sense of discipline.

I am still thinking about this, but would love to hear any and all feedback and thoughts from the Magnificents of Mysticwicks!

[Meadhbh]

We know that there was norse settlements all though out the British isles. The only problem you may come across is by the time the Norse reached the British isles they were christain while the Norse where still pagan. So while there may have been a vague blending of cultures it would not have been in a pagan setting. If you feel like it works for you by all means go head but I myself would not do it.

[odubhain]

Since your ancestral traditions are both Norse and Celtic, it's no surprise that your personal tradition cries out to include both. You have your work cut out for you but there are some works that attempt to relate the deities of the two traditions to one another. Hilda Ellis Davidson does this in her _Gods and Myths of Northern Europe_ and _Myths and Symbols in Pagan Europe_.

Searles O'Dubhain

[Nitefalle]

I would also check out traditions of the Orkney and Shetland Isles, where the two blended beautifully.

Orkneyjar (http://www.orkneyjar.com/)

About Up-Helly-Aa (http://ukirelandtravel.suite101.com/article.cfm/shetland_s_viking_fire_festival)

The Northern Isles (http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/Scotland-History/NorthernIsles.htm)

Shetland Folklore (http://www.shetlandtoday.co.uk/visitor/content_details.asp?ContentID=6062)

[Faol-chù]

I would also check out traditions of the Orkney and Shetland Isles, where the two blended beautifully.

Orkneyjar (http://www.orkneyjar.com/)



I don't know about the others, but it is my understanding the the Orcadians do not acknowledge any kind of 'Celtic' connection to Orkney (other than some Gaelic-speakers who married into the communities).

They claim that, prior to the Norse settlements, the inhabitants of the place were Pictish language-speakers.
So, if that's true...unless you buy the idea that the Picts were "Celtic" (which is IMHO....possible) their culture was never really "Celtic".

[Brigid Rowan]

This is a tough one. As Americans,Canadians, and Aussies we are often "mutts", with a little bit of this, that and the other in our genes. Im mostly Irish,Welsh, Flemish and Scot, with some Italian and French tossed in for good measure. Most of us DO have a variety of ancestral ties to various dieties/beliefs, and I think you just have to start with reading and researching all you can. It might take many years, but read and learn, and see what resonates. I wouldnt rush to establish a "tradition" because I am betting as you read and meditate and experiance things, your thoughts and feelings will evolve.

I seem to see a lot of newer pagans (not implying YOU are, just making an observation) that want to DO and BE and TRY stuff -before- they do much book learnin'. Oh, that we all would read more and assume less.....Doing it, trying it out is a powerful, great thing. But ignorance (again not implying you) isnt bliss.

Sometimes, one gets lucky, and a God or Goddess (or group of Them) directly say "Hey, you. You are mine." Thats always a nice thing. It makes it simpler, anyhow.

And I dont think it wrong to have multiple pantheons, on the contrary, I feel you should worship/follow who you are led to follow...but I wouldnt MIX them directly, unless the Gods said "Hey you, again? I wanna spice things up and party with the Norse AND Celts." LOL...

[_Banbha_]

I know that there is quite a range in opinion about this sort of thing, but I thought I'd venture out anyway.

My mother's ancestry is Celtic and my father's line of ancestry is Norse. For quite some time I've been doing some reading and research on both Celtic Reconstruction movements and Avalonian traditions. For over a year I've felt incredibly drawn (called?) to follow an Avalonian tradition, the Goddesses and Welsh pantheon feel unfamiliar and "awkward" to me. At the same time, I find it interesting that while I really don't know a whole lot about the Northern (Norse/Germanic) traditions, I feel very comfortable and familiar with the Gods and Goddesses of the Norse pantheon... and feel a calling to them, too.

Lately I've been playing with the idea of creating a tradition for myself, combining the Avalonian tradition (and Welsh Goddesses) with the Norse pantheon and learn more about Northern traditions to sprinkle in. It really appeals to me to create a tradition that honors the ancestry of both my mother and father. But on the other hand, the idea of "following" a tradition appeals to me because it would give me a sense of discipline.

I am still thinking about this, but would love to hear any and all feedback and thoughts from the Magnificents of Mysticwicks!

CR and Avalonian are two very different "Celtic" trads. Which one are you more comfortable with? Why the Welsh pantheon?

Also which culture (Norse or whichever "Celtic" one) are you more familiar and comfortable with? Where you raised with any particular traditions?

Whatever you have more passion and curiosity about: explore with both emotion and lots of questions. Prepare yourself for change and new ideas.

I say this because I think your answer can only come from within.
Some people will say that's teh gods calling you but I'm a bit more pragmatic.

[Meadhbh]

Banbha brought up a good point, which Norse culture there are not the same. Danish traditions are not the same as Swedish ect. If you want to combine traditions thats your call but I think you should get a good grounding in both before you try to blend them.

[ancestral_lee]

just echoing sme of things already said.

why do you need to mix them? what is it about the celtic yoou want to mix with the norse?

why not keep them separate? if only out of resepct to those cultures and gods?

[Russ]

why not keep them separate? if only out of resepct to those cultures and gods?

I know the thread is old now but I had to add my two cents. My reason is it is too artificial. The ancients blended back and forth all the time. So as time goes on we will most likely see more and more blending.