Just Learning

[Dr. K]

I am very interested in learning more about the Celtic faith as a whole and wonder if anyone can suggest where I can begin. Books, Websites, whatever. There are so many books and so much stuff on the internet its hard for me to tell what is real and what is just b.s.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Chaos Hawk]

I'm more of a book reader then an online reader. The books I like best are:

The Religion of the Ancient Celts by J.A. MacCulloch
The Encyclopaedia of Celtic Wisdom by Caitlin and John Matthews
Celtic Myths and Legends by Charles Squire
and
The History of the Celtic People by Henri Hubert

I also like Celtic Magic by D.J. Conway. Which is a light Celtic/Wicca basic guide.

Hope it helps. :)

[Dr. K]

Thanks! I will have to see what I can get my hands on.

[banondraig]

D.J. Conway fails the famous Potato Test, which means that her works have very little historical validity. Celtic Magic is an enjoyable read, but I really don't recommend it for beginners.

[Rina]

banon: Potato test?

[Seren_]

banon: Potato test?

Claims that the Celts - usually the Irish - worshipped Ye Ancient Irish Potato Goddess. Even though the potato is from the New World and wasn't introduced to Ireland waaaaaay after Christianity. Edain McCoy and D J Conway are the worst offenders, I'd seriously recommend steering clear of them.

Kindling the Celtic Spirit by Mara Freeman is the book I'd recommend. It's aimed at a pagan audience but it's not the usual poorly researched Wiccanesque stuff you often get, but it isn't dry and heavy either. It will give you a good idea of how to start actually doing stuff in a modern context.

For some online reading, I've done a list of links and resources (http://mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=191053) in the Celtic Recon subforum. I'd recommend browsing through the mythology and literature and books posts - sacred texts has Squire's book that's already been recommended, I think.

[Rina]

Well clearly I've been reading all the right books for a change. 4 years on this particular green path, and not a potato goddess in sight!
:giggle:

[Meadhbh]

For histrical information:

The world of the celts- Simon James
The megalithic monuments of britian and ireland- Chris Scarre

Other
If you want an over view you might try:

The mysteries of druidy- Brendan Cathbad Myers
Magic of the celtic gods and goddesses- Carl McColman and Kathryn Hinds

[skilly-nilly]

I think a wonderfully interesting thing about personal religion is that opinions and practices vary so much--- there's always something to discuss.

I read 'Magic of the Celtic Gods and Goddesses' by Carl McColman and Kathryn Hinds and strongly disliked it. My not-very-pc review is here:
http://wisewomanjudith.livejournal.com/40743.html#cutid1

I'm also not a big fan of Caitlin and John Matthews (nor Conway and McCoy, of course) although I found her (Caitlin's) 'Celtic Devotional' very nice and useful; on a par with 'Kindling the Celtic Spirit', roughly.

The CR FAQ has a reading list:
http://www.paganachd.com/faq/readinglist.html

So does the ADF organization:
http://www.adf.org/training/resources/

My opinion is that there is no one definitive book or website; the answer is really to read lots and distrust all 'truths' unless substantiated, authenticated, and resourced. The library (and inter-library loan) is your friend-- it allows you to read books you couldn't afford to buy, wouldn't waste 2 cents on, or are out of print.
Read anthropology.
Read archeology.
Read folklore in your chosen 'Celtic' culture.

Then personalize your practice to what works for you.