In doing some in-depth research, I am finding myself more and more drawn to Goddesses like Brighid, and Gods such as Odin. Maybe due to my Irish and Scandinavian heritages. Are the two pantheons inter-changeable?
I just posed this because I am feeling a strong response to both pantheons (really strong) as I research them more. And with the exception of after-life belief (I do not believe, per se, but am open to it), these really are in line with what I have studied, and wish to practise. I just want to make sure, as I do not want to offend or upset them if they are not interchangeable.
However, at least within my own practice, if I am going to be dealing with deities from a couple of different pantheons I always "ask" the deities involved if working with the others will be okay, and give an offering of thanks as well.
So it would be wise to find out their specific likes? I feel the strongest pull towards the Norse. The Scandinavian culture and pantheon just exude raw power and a strong connection to the Earth. Are there any links you can share to aid me in understanding more about this path? Perhaps books also? I appreciate anything shared!
Re: Norse/ Celtic pantheons By: Lark Moderator / Adept
Post # 5 Apr 08, 2014
I personally would not mix Celtic and Norse pantheons. Remember that the Irish and the Vikings were bitter enemies with the Vikings frequently raiding and destroying areas of Ireland. That being the case I would not expect that the Respective deities would get along any better now than they did then.
That is an excellent point, Lark. I hadn't taken that into account, they really were enemies. I don't suspect Gods just let "bygones be bygones" either. Anyhow, I have devoted myself to the Norse pantheon, I finally deciphered these visions I've been having. Odin was calling me to him, I just hadn't put 2&2 together until today.
Outcast~ they drew me to them via visions and the strong emotional response I received when I was researching them. Gods are funny like that. Much like when you meet someone, and you just get that feeling, that vibe that they were meant to be in your life. Kind of hard to put into words, really. I'm sure there are many who agree with this sentiment. You just know.
I can see where you're coming from, Lark, but I don't know. I think deities have the ability to change over time. The rokkr part of the Norse pantheon wasn't worked with in the past, and many Heathens argued that it wasn't possible for the Aesir to get along with them- but now in modern practice they are becoming more frequently mixed (and successfully). It might be kind of a trial and error thing. You won't know till you ask!
Re: Norse/ Celtic pantheons By: Valerius / Beginner
Post # 9 Apr 23, 2014
I would say you need to respect their identity and origins, but you can always work with both pantheons together instead of interchangeably, putting out offerings for lets say Tyr but not Andraste is probably not wise, while they embody similar things they are still different deities. So I would recommend if you give to one you should probably give to the other.
Also I notice a lot of people confusing something which I will clarify here: Celtic doesn't mean Irish! You have the Gaulish Celts from parts of modern day France, Italy, Belgium and Germany and then the Brythonic Celts, from ALL the British Isles, When the Anglo-Saxons invaded England the Celts were pushed to the fringes and into Wales and Scotland, Devon and Cornwall were predominantly Celtic. (I know this isn't to do with magick but the misconception irks me also different regions had different gods)
I wouldn't claim to be a mix, but I do not see a divine struggle mirroring a worldly one like Lark.
I wouldn't claim to be a Celtic Heathen, or Irish Asatru. I'd simply call myself pagan or a Northern European pagan. Many people work with both. I too have Irish ancestry from the Clan O'reilly and Danish from House Oldenburg.
I don't see a problem with working with both (that doesn't mean that they're "interchangeable), but the titles for either of them are lost at that point, and you become something unique.