Celtic Shamanism and Druidry

[Arduinna]

Can someone explain how celtic shamanism fits into the tree of celtic beliefs. Who were the shamans in relation to the druids in celtic life.

I have been practicing something I thought I had made up on my own. Just followed my own instincts. I had studied buddism a few years ago, and have now been incorporating meditiation, divination, the celtic pantheon into one practice. Silly me thought I was creating something new that worked for me. Then my husband bought the book Celtic Shamanism a handbook by John Matthews. Low and behold it's just what I have been trying to do on my own.

do do do do (weird music)

But in my study of celtic culture have never really come across an understanding of how the druid class (for lack of a better word) and shamanism fit together.

Do any of you know, or can you refer me to a book that explains. I now have a list of other books by Matthews I want to buy.

[Maggie]

Originally posted by Arduinna
Can someone explain how celtic shamanism fits into the tree of celtic beliefs. Who were the shamans in relation to the druids in celtic life.

I have been practicing something I thought I had made up on my own. Just followed my own instincts. I had studied buddism a few years ago, and have now been incorporating meditiation, divination, the celtic pantheon into one practice. Silly me thought I was creating something new that worked for me. Then my husband bought the book Celtic Shamanism a handbook by John Matthews. Low and behold it's just what I have been trying to do on my own.

do do do do (weird music)

But in my study of celtic culture have never really come across an understanding of how the druid class (for lack of a better word) and shamanism fit together.

Do any of you know, or can you refer me to a book that explains. I now have a list of other books by Matthews I want to buy.


I would try Tom Cowan's __Fire in the Head__. The use of the term shaman in connection with celtic spirituality is somewhat controversial, but I feel Cowan's book does a good job of explaining the usage of the term within a celtic framework.

Regards,

Maggie

[Arduinna]

THanks for hint on the book. I'll look for it. I can understand why the term is not usually accepted. I'm sure it's obvious in my post that I am not a reconstructionist. I'm sure the term "celtic" shaman would be grating to those that are recons. But in the framework of what I'm doing it does work, as much as any general label can.

Thanks again

[Maggie]

Originally posted by Arduinna
THanks for hint on the book. I'll look for it. I can understand why the term is not usually accepted. I'm sure it's obvious in my post that I am not a reconstructionist. I'm sure the term "celtic" shaman would be grating to those that are recons. But in the framework of what I'm doing it does work, as much as any general label can.

Thanks again

I was really referring back to your question about druids vs shamans..........IMO Cowan's book does a good job discussing just that point. BTW, it isn't just 'recons' who might disagree with that term, there is a certain amount of irritation in other quarters about the appropriation of that term by other cultures.........

Regards,

Maggie