THE TRADITIONAL CELTIC WAY
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CELTIC GODS AND GODDESSES
celtic culture

At the present time, every aspect of Celtic culture is a very visible part of a multicultural world. Everyone whose family roots lie in central, western and northwestern Europe has a Celtic connection of some sort. Celtic culture is very ancient. It goes back over 2,700 years, yet it is still a living force in the modern world, through Celtic art, Celtic music, Celtic writing, and Celtic spirituality. This is because the civilization of the Celts has continued without break over the centuries. This unbroken tradition can be experienced in the oldest literature from Northern Europe, that is in the Welsh and Irish languages. The earliest Welsh and Irish writings preserve the ancient Celtic world-view that is nature venerating and poetic,where the spiritual and the material worlds come together to enrich one another.

T
hroughout history, the Celtic tradition and belief has not remained static, but has continuously developed and progressed in keeping with the times. In ancient days, the early beliefs of the Celts were taken over and reformed by the Druids, who in turn were influenced by Roman religion. In time, this was transformed by Crhistianity in the form of the Celtic Church, that was not a break with tradition, but a continuation of the Celtic essence in a new form.

Because what we call Celtic culture has existed for more than 2,700 years, and has ranged across much of central and northwestern Europe, it is not easy to define in simple terms. People who need clear definitions of everything find that the Celts are a difficult case. Read on for more history of their origins, society life, and spirituality.
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celtic deities

A

Achtland
Addanc
Adsullata
Aerten
Agrona
Aife
Aimend
Albion
Amaethaon
Ambisagrus
Andarta
Andraste
Arawen
Ard Greimme
Ardwinna
Ariadne
Arianrhod
Arnamentia
Avagdu
Aveta

B

Badb
Barinthus
Belatucadros
Beli
Belisama
Bellona
Bendigeid Vran
Bladud
Blodeuwedd
Borvo
Bran
Branwen
Brid
Brigantia
Britannia

C

Caileach, The
Camulos
Carlin
Cathubodua
Cernunnos
Cerridwen
Cliodna
Clota
Cocidius
Condwiramur
Condatis
Corchen
Corra
Coventina
Cred
Creddylad
Crone,The
Cauth Bodva
Cunedda
Cyhiraeth
Cymidei Cymeinfoll
Cythrawl

D-F

Dahud-Ahes
Damara
Damona
Deae Matres
Dia Greine
Dispater
Divona
Don
Druantia
Dwyvach
Dwyvan
Dylan

Elphame, Queen of
Eostre
Epona
Epos Olloatir
Erce
Esus

Fisher King, The

G-I

Goewin
Goibniu/Govannan
Goleuddyeld
Govannon
Grannos
Green Man, The
Guinevere, Queen
Gwyddion
Gwyddno
Gwyn Ap Nuad
Gwythur Ap Gwreudawl

Habetrot
Habondia
Harimella
Havgan
Henwen
Herne
Holly King and Oak King
Horned God,The
Hu the Mighty

L-M

Lady of the Lake
Latis
LeFay
Leucetios"
Litavis
Llevelys
Llew
Llud
Llyr
Lugh

Mabon
Magog
MacKay
Mala Liath
Manannan
Mandred
Maponos
Marcia Proba
Margause
Math Ap Mathonwy
Mathonwy
Melusine
Melwas
Moccus
Modron
Morgan LeFay
Morgay
Morrigan, The
Muireartach
Murigen
Mullo
Myrddin Wyllt

N-P

Nantosuelta
Nechtan
Nehalennia
Nemetona
Nicevenn
Nimue
Nudons
Nwyvre

Oanuava
Oghma
Olwen
Ostara

Pryderi
Pwyll

R-S

Ratis
Rhiannon
Robin Goodfellow
Rosmerta
Rudiobus

Scathach
Scota
Segomo
Sequana
Shoney
Sirona
Smertrios
Somhlth
Soucana
Stine Bheag O'Tarbat
Sucellos
Sulis

T-W

Taliesin
Tamara
Tamesis
Tannus
Taranis
Tarvis Trigaraunos
Teutates
Teyrnon Triduana
Triple Goddess, The

Uathach
Urien
Uroica

Vivenne

Wachilt
Wayland the Smith



Music is set #27 from
Tony's Celtic Music Page

 


sorry but i so had to put this on the page it's so funny!

1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me for the path is narrow. In fact, just fuck off and leave me alone.

2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and a flat tire.

3. The darkest hour is just before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbour's milk, that's the time to do it.                

4. Sex is like air. It's not important unless you aren't getting any.

5. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't
be promoted.

6. No one is listening until you fart.

7. Always remember you're unique. Just like everyone else.

8. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

9. If you think nobody cares whether you're alive or dead, try
missing a couple of mortgage payments.

10. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in
their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile
away and you have their shoes.

11. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.

12. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how
to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.

13. If you lend someone £20 and never see that person again,
it was probably worth it.

14. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember
anything.

15. Some days you are the bug; some days you are the
windshield.

16. Don't worry; it only seems kinky the first time.

17. Good judgment comes from bad experience, and a lot of that
comes from bad judgment.

18. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half
and put it back in your pocket.

19. A closed mouth gathers no foot.

20. Duct tape is like the Force. It has a light side and a
dark side, and it holds the universe together.

21. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one
works.

22. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips
are moving.

23. Experience is something you don't get until just after you
need it.

rune magick

Rune Ceremonials
Book

The Rune Magick Course

tarot lessons

Learning the Tarot - An On-line Course

The Fool CardWelcome to Learning the Tarot - my course on how to read the tarot cards. The tarot is a deck of 78 picture cards that has been used for centuries to reveal hidden truths. In the past few years, interest in the tarot has grown tremendously. More and more people are seeking ways to blend inner and outer realities so they can live their lives more creatively. They have discovered in the tarot a powerful tool for personal growth and insight.

How Does This Course Work?

The Tower CardMy main purpose in this course is to show you how to use the cards for yourself. The tarot can help you understand yourself better and teach you how to tap your inner resources more confidently. You do not have to have "psychic powers" to use the tarot successfully. All you need is the willingness to honor and develop your natural intuition.

Learning the Tarot is a self-paced series of 19 lessons that begin with the basics and then move gradually into more detailed aspects of the tarot. These lessons are geared toward beginners, but experienced tarot users will find some useful ideas and techniques as well. For each lesson there are some exercises that reinforce the ideas presented. The Cards section contains information about each of the tarot cards. You can refer to this section as you go through the lessons and later as you continue your practice. These are the main features of the course, but there are many other pages to explore here as well.

What is the History of this Course?

Learning the Tarot Cover Image Learning the Tarot Spanish Edition Cover Image I began writing this course in 1989. I had been studying the tarot for some years, and I found that I was developing some ideas about the cards and how they could be used as a tool for inner guidance. In October 1995, I created this website. In October 1998, Learning the Tarot was published as a paperback.

My experience with the cards is in doing readings for myself, friends, relatives and acquaintances...probably the kind of tarot you are interested in. The tarot cards are not difficult to learn, but there is always more to them that can be learned. They are deceptively simple, but surprisingly rich.

What Is Needed For the Course?

The World CardThe only real requirement for this course is a tarot deck. If you don't have a deck, read through my comments on buying your first deck and then browse through my Tarot Deck Section. There are many choices. The on-line version of Learning the Tarot is illustrated with the popular Rider-Waite deck. This is a good deck to start with because there are pictures on every card which helps when you are learning. If you already have a different 78 card deck, you may use it with the course. The principles of tarot work are much the same no matter what deck you use. You can buy tarot decks in many places now. Bookstores often carry them, and many internet sites offer a variety of tarot decks for sale. If you have trouble finding a deck in your area, you can order one from me.

How Can I Take This Course?

Internet: You can use this course while connected to the Internet, just as you are now. The course is free, but please read the copyright message first. When you're ready, go to the contents page and begin exploring!

At Home: You can download the course to your own computer for personal use at home (while not connected to the Internet). You can also order Learning the Tarot from me in paperback or purchase the book from a local or on-line bookstore.

I hope you're intrigued enough to try this course. If you're still not sure, read Lesson 1. I think you will find Learning the Tarot interesting at least, and perhaps the tool you have been looking for to develop your unrealized potential.

Have fun and good luck!

[ Cards ][ Decks ]



more on the celtic ways

celtic tree calendar

The Moon is humanity's oldest calendar. Evidence of ancient peoples keeping time by the phases of the moon have been found carved into rocks and cave walls the world over. The famous tree calendar of the Celts was such a time-keeping device, and, like other tribal cultures, the Celts found names and associations for their moon which were developed and codified over many years of ritual and experimentation. Each moon phase was assigned a corresponding tree, each tree being sacred to either feminine energy and to the Goddess, or to masculine energy and to the God.
The lunar tree calendar of the Celts has long been a source of controversy amont Celtic scholars. Some even claim it was never a part of the old Celtic world, but was an invention of author/researcher Robert Graves. The Druids are generally given credit by other researchers for creating this system. There seems to be no scholarly evidence to prove otherwise, yet many Celtic Pagans feel that the system pre-dates the time of Druidic influence over Celtic religious matters. It is probably reasonable to believe that the truth lies somewhere in between these three extremes. It is most likely that the tree system was in place, with minor regional variations before the time of the Druids who experimented with it, discovered the magickal properties of each tree, and codified all the information into the system we have today.
The trees the Druids selected for the thirteen months were already trees which were sources of magick and myth in Celtic folklore. Several of the trees are said to be attractive to faery folk, and others were sources of magick herbs or medicines.
Today the counting of the Celtic tree calendar begins with the full moon nearest Yule. Perhaps it once began with the full moon nearest Samhain since, until the influence of the Norse, Samhain marked the beginning of the Celtic New Year. When you have pinpointed the full moon closest to Yule, count off the thirteen moons of the lunar year and mark them with their Tree Calendar names.*

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spacer MOON NAME POLARITY NICKNAMES MAGICKAL PROPERTIES spacer
Birch Moon Feminine Moon of Inception;
Moon of Beginning
Protection of children; purification; creativity
Rowan Moon Masculine Moon of Vision;
Spirit Moon;
Astral Travel Moon
Healing; Personal Empowerment; Divination
Ash Moon Feminine Moon of Waters Prosperity; Protection; Healing
Alder Moon Masculine Moon of Utility;
Moon of Efficacy;
Moonof Self-Guidance
Spirituality; Teaching; Weather magick; Duty; Mental Prowess;
Willow Moon Feminine The Witches' Moon;
Moon of Balance
Romantic Love; Healing; Protection; Fertility; Magick for Women
Hawthorn Moon Masculine Moon of Restraint;
Moonof Hindrance;
Summer Moon
Fertility; Peace; Prosperity; Binding
Oak Moon Masculine Moon of Strength;
Moon of Security;
Bear Moon
All positive purposes; Magick for Men; Fidelity
Holly Moon Feminine Moon of Encirclement;
Moon of Polarity
Protection; Prophecy; Magick for Animals; Sex Magick
Hazel Moon Feminine Moon of the Wise;
Crone Moon
Manifestiation; Spirit Contact; Protection; Fertility
Vine Moon Androgynous Moon of Celebration (Property dependent on the type of vine)
Blackberry - Prosperity; Protection; Sacred to Brid
Blueberry - Spirituality; Dream Magick
Grape - Fertility; Inspiration; Prosperity; Binding
Thistle - Courage; Protection; Strength
Ivy Moon Masculine Moon of Buoyancy;
Moon of Resilience
Healing; Protection; Cooperation; Exorcism
Reed Moon Feminine Moon of the Home;
Hearth Moon;
Winter Moon;
Moon which Manifests Truth
Fertility; Protection; Love; Family Concerns
Elder Moon Masculine Moon of Completeness Exorcism; Prosperity; Banishing; Healing
Celtic Paganism has many different expressions and each of these expressions constitute a tradition in itself. It is misleading to simply call oneself Celtic without a further study into what that means. The term "Celtic" spans at least 8 countries. Although no one can pinpoint where the Celts actually came from, there are many historical findings and artifacts to prove where they eventually ended up. The first distinctly "Celtic" culture is believed to have been born circa 800 B.C.E. By the sixth century they had expanded into what are now the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria, as well as Belgium, the Netherlands and all of northeastern France from Normandy to the Alps. Three centuries later they occupied the rest of France, crossed the English Channel to Britain and Ireland, and occupied the western half of the Iberian Peninsula. In 387 B.C.E. the Celts invaded Rome and held it for 7 months, leaving only after being debilitated by an epidemic, although not so debilitated that they didn't exact a huge payment from the Romans for the privelege of seeing them go! Almost a century later, the Celts invaded Greece and sacked Delphi, removing a large hoard of gold. Even Alexander the Great found it prudent to form an alliance with the people whom the Greeks called the "Keltoi" or "Galatai". As with all conquering societies, even when they withdrew from a region part of their heritage and personality was inevitably left behind.

So you see, claiming to be Celtic can mean any number of traditions. Following is a listing of some -certainly not all- of the many traditions that are in some way Celtic. On this page I've listed some of the more prominent Celtic Traditions in the Pagan Community. Most of the listings are followed by web sites where you may go to learn more if you so desire. Obviously it would be impossible to list all the Traditions that are in some way Celtic, what I've done here is include the ones that seem to have the most impact on the most people. If I've overlooked any please let me know!
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Traditions Line

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Celtic Reconstructionalists
Celtic Shamanism
Celtic Traditionalism
Celtic Witan Church
Druidry
Faery Faith
Pecti-Wita
Welsh Cymry Faith
Witta
Y Tylwyth Teg

invisible Traditions Line
invisible Basic Celtic Paganism SitesHere are some of the best sites out there providing Basic Celtic Information either on a Pagan level or purely historical.

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The Celtic Wellspring (gorgeous site, with lots of useful info) - http://members.aol.com/CelticBlud/index.htm

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The Sacred Fire; A Celebration of Ancient Celtic History and Lore - http://www.geocities.com/~huathe/frameweb.html

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Irish Celtic Beliefs: http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/2178/celtic.html
Celtic Reconstructionalism: "Celtic reconstructionist paganism, a more culturally specific and historically based path which seeks to recreate, to the best extent possible in the modern world, the religion of the ancient Celtic peoples of Western Europe and the British Isles. Like Wicca, and like the Celtic culture upon which it is based, modern Celtic paganism embodies a strong reverence for nature."

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Official Inis Glas website - http://www.thunderpaw.com/neocelt/

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Moonstone Circle - http://bandia.net/moonstone/

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The Pictish Cauldron - http://pictishcauldron.cjb.net/

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Traditions HR

invisible Celtic Shamanism:  "Celtic Shamanism is a shamanic path that is based on the Faery Faith of the Celtic peoples of Western Europe and especially of Britain, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Cornwall, Isle of Man and Brittany."
(Quote used with permission of author, Tira Brandon-Evans, Moderator, Society of Celtic Shamans http://www.faeryshaman.org)."

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Shamanism General-Overview FAQ's - http://www.deoxy.org/shaover.htm

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Cougarshaman's Celtic Shamanism Page - http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Oracle/5062/index.html

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Society of Celtic Shamans - http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Oracle/6097/

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Realm of the Druid Princess (Scottish info) - http://www.geocities.com/~druidprincess/

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Earth Shaman - http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Troy/7922/index.html

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Traditions HR

invisible Celtic Traditionalism: This may not be a familiar term to many people, it consists of trying to reconstruct the beliefs and practices of the original Celtic people, as opposed to Druidic learnings, this tradition focuses more on the beliefs of the average Celtic man or woman. Also see Celtic Reconstructionalism.

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Celtic Religion; what information do we really have? - http://www.unet.univie.ac.at/~a8700035/celtreli.html

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The Roebuck: http://members.aol.com/akcroebuck/index.html - The Ancient Keltic Church is a religious organization dedicated to the rediscovery and revival of the pagan mystery faith of the ancient Celtic peoples, and the incorporation of this ancient faith into modern 20th century America. It was founded in 1976 by Ann and David Finnin as an experimental group called The Roebuck.
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The Clan of Tubal Cain - http://members.aol.com/CTubalCain/ - "The Root Tradition of the Ancient Keltic Church"

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Celtic Witan Church: "A legally incorporated church and religious organization formed for the study and practice of the goddess-oriented nature-based religion of the ancient Celtic peoples. This is a fertility religion concerned with all aspects of prosperity, growth, abundance, creativity, and healing. The Church honors the Celtic deities with full moon rituals and sabbat festivals. There are many open rituals and training programs. An associated congregation is MoonDance Coven with a monthly newsletter,MoonDance News."
(Source of quote unknown, it appears on several sites with no credit given, please email me if you know the author.)

Address: The Celtic Witan Church
21000 Lull St.
Canoga Park, CA 91304.

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Traditions HR

invisible Druidry:  The pathways based on the practices, rituals, and magick of the early Celtic priestly class known as the Druids. Many expressions of the tradition exist, and their differences have often been cause for dissension in the Pagan community.

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Druidry from the "Rampant Lion" (articles and quotes) http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/1669/

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The Druid Grove: The Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids - http://www.druidry.com/

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The British Druid Order: http://www.druidorder.demon.co.uk/

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Celtic Druidism: http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/2178/celtic.html

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Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship (ADF) - http://www.adf.org/

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Isaac Bonewits' Homepage: http://www.neopagan.net/
"Isaac Bonewits is North America's leading expert on Druidism, Witchcraft and the rapidly growing Earth Religions movement. A practicing Neopagan priest, scholar, teacher, bard and polytheologian for over twenty-five years, he has coined much of the vocabulary and articulated many of the issues that have shaped the quarter-million strong Neopagan community in the United States and Canada." - "He is the founder and Archdruid Emeritus of Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship, the best known Neopagan Druid organization in North America, a practicing High Priest in the Gardnerian ("British Orthodox") tradition of Wicca, and a non practicing initiate of Santeria, the N.R.O.O.G.D. ("California Heterodox") tradition of Wicca, and the "Caliphate Line" of the Ordo Templi Orientis (Crowleyean ceremonial magic lodge), as well as a member of other Neopagan and Mesopagan Druid orders."
(Quote taken directly from site)

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Henge of Keltria - http://www.keltria.org/
"The Henge of Keltria is a nonprofit religious organization dedicated to the positive, life affirming spiritual path of Neopagan Druidism. We call it Keltrian Druidism. The Henge of Keltria exists to provide information and training to those interested in Keltrian Druidism and to promote Celtic Earth-based religions. "
(Quote taken directly from site FAQ's)

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Faery Faith: "The Faery Faith is based upon the belief that everything in this and otherworlds is alive. That each thing is possessed of its own soul or spirit. This belief is called animism and was prevalent in the Western world before the advent of the Christian religion, which insists that only man has souls or spirits and everything else in the world has been placed here for the use of mankind. This attitude, that humankind is superior to all of the rest of creation, does not prevail in those parts of the world were animistic beliefs are still held."
(Quote used with permission of author, Tira Brandon-Evans, Moderator, Society of Celtic Shamans http://www.faeryshaman.org.)



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(Faery Tradition from COG): http://www.cog.org/wicca/trads/faery.html

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Church of the Spiral Tree: http://www.spiraltree.org/ (Mirror Site: http://www.pagan.drak.net/spiraltree/)

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Faerie Shamanism: (the 3rd Road) - http://www.well.com/user/zthirdrd/francescadbrchr.html

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Pecti-Wita:   This is the solitary path of the pre-Celtic people known as the Picts. They inhabited northern Scotland and warred frequently with the Celts before being absorbed by them. The beliefs and practices of this path are recorded by Raymond Buckland in his 1991 book Scottish Witchcraft

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I've been unable to locate any sites that contain solid information on this path. If you know of any please, please forward them to me! Thanks, Joelle

Witta:  An eclectic Irish path which keeps very old Irish traditions and combines them with the influences of the Norse. Witta values Irish Pagan history and recognizes that at each stage in its development, over many centuries, each generation has been able to add something of value. Until recent times Wittan covens were characterized by strict stratification and one-on-one teaching for its apprentices. Today most Wittan covens operate on a consensus basis and will accept self-initiation and the solitary life as valid. The precepts of the Wittan tradition are outlined in Witta: An Irish Pagan Tradition, by Edain McCoy.

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The Standing Stones Coven (Tuatha Claig Hoit) - http://www.geocities.com/Athens/1962/index.htm

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Y Tylwyth Teg:  A Welsh-based tradition named for the faery folk of that land, a people who roughly correspond to the Tuatha De Danann of Ireland. Though the tradition was officially founded in the United States, it maintains deeply Celtic roots and very humanistic philosophy. Students of this path are asked to place heavy emphasis on the study of Welsh myth, folklore, and faery lore.
(taken from "Celtic Myth and Magick" by Edain McCoy)


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Y Tylwyth Teg: http://www.tylwythteg.com/tylwyth.html

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(Welsh Faerie witchcraft beliefs:) http://www.tylwythteg.com/wfwfaq.html
"We believe that Y Tylwyth Teg (Welsh Witchcraft) is one of the oldest traditions of Witchcraft. In Welsh, Y Tylwyth Teg means "The Beautiful People" or "The Faerie Folk" and is part of Dewianeth Cymry, the "Welsh Craft of the Wise" or "Wise Ones." Y Tylwyth Teg is also the "Welsh Traditionalist Church" in America, with members nationwide, and is one of the fastest growing Witchcraft traditions".(taken from site)

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Welsh Witchcraft/Church of Y Tylwyth Teg:http://www.tylwythteg.com/
(Homepage of Cymry Witchcraft and Celtic Wiccae)

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Grove of the Faery Dragon: http://www.ytt.org/

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