Author Topic: Celtic folk: questions on Norse-Gaul syncretism (Read 2123 times)

chris_pagan · « **on:** June 22, 2014, 01:11:20 pm »

((I was suggested to re-post my introduction from the intro board here in order to get the questions I had in it better seen and answered. Sorry if it seems like I'm spamming or being redundant!))

I'm Chris, and I'm really new to Paganism. I'm trying my best with what I have and I'm currently practicing in secrecy, but I'm making progress. I've worked the most with Cernunnos and have been working to get to know him and establish a relationship with him, but as for a specific path, I'm not sure of. I'm having a bit of a problem there, actually.

You see, I'm more drawn to reconstructionism than Neo-Pagan religions due to my interest in culture and history. I've got a particular interest in two cultures actually- Gaelic and Norse. I feel a very strong connection with both cultures and feel drawn to their Gods and ideas. Unfortunately, I'm unsure about practicing a syncretic path. There certainly is a historical basis for practicing a Gaelic and Norse syncretic path- just look at the Norse-Gaels, they rules parts of Ireland, dominated the Irish sea, and ruled the Isle of Mann for many years, and millions of Celtic people today are descendants of them. And all the evidence 110% points to them having a culturally syncretic way of life between the two cultures.

Despite this, many still have issues with blending Gaelic and Norse practices in a historical context. Not only that, but we don't really have anything that tells us what exactly these practices were. We know the cultures and beliefs blended, but how they did remains a mystery.

If I were to go on and mix these two systems, which would take years of learning to do properly and in a culturally respectful manner, there's no doubt that I'd be ostracized in the Celtic or Heathen Recon community. I'd never be able to have a group to practice with, which is something I really would love to have at some point. I'd kinda be out on my own, which would really suck. I'm also having trouble finding sources from those who have blended the two paths, and what I do find is spotty with little useful information.

So I suppose my questions here would be-
1) Does anyone have experience with Norse-Gael syncretism?
2) Does anyone know any sources concerning Norse-Gael culture or beliefs?
3) Do you think that someone who practiced a Norse-Gael syncretic path would be accepted as a member of the Norse or Celtic Recon community, or even the wider Heathen community?

And finally as an opinion question-
4) What do YOU think of Norse-Gael syncretism? Is it legitimate in a recon setting, or should cultures always be separate from one another? If you're a Norse or Celtic Recon, would you or a group you practice with accept someone of that type of faith?

Thanks guys, I'm looking forward to reading your replies and getting to know everyone here!

Chabas · « **Reply #1 on:** June 22, 2014, 03:14:40 pm »

Quote from: chris_pagan;150743

Chris,

as general feedback: it's generally better to pick one place for a thread rather than post it in multiple places. If nothing else, it avoids getting multiple identical discussions in multiple places. For now, I've removed the duplicate of this post in this folder, and I'm renaming both this one and the one in the Asatru and Heathenry SIG to recognize the different perspectives you're looking for and be more clear on the topic of the thread. I'm discussing with staff whether we can come up with one central place to merge both threads to where both groups of people might chip in, but I'm not currently coming up with a good solution for that myself, so I'm leaving it like this for now.

In future, if you're hesitant about where to best put a question, feel free to pm staff or poke at us in chat to ask!

--Chabas
TC Staff

RandallS · « **Reply #2 on:** June 23, 2014, 08:13:54 am »

Quote from: chris_pagan;150743

((I was suggested to re-post my introduction from the intro board here in order to get the questions I had in it better seen and answered. Sorry if it seems like I'm spamming or being redundant!))

A Reminder:

No, this was NOT what was suggested. What was suggest was that you post your questions as separate topics in an appropriate forum for the question. Simply spammingh your intro message across multiple forums was not suggested (and is against the rules you agreed to read and follow when you signed up for your account.

I am not making this a formal warning because I can see how you might have not thought carefully about what a staff member was suggesting, but do not do it again.

Chabas · « **Reply #3 on:** June 23, 2014, 08:28:27 am »

Quote from: RandallS;150793

A Reminder:

No, this was NOT what was suggested. What was suggest was that you post your questions as separate topics in an appropriate forum for the question. Simply spammingh your intro message across multiple forums was not suggested (and is against the rules you agreed to read and follow when you signed up for your account.

I am not making this a formal warning because I can see how you might have not thought carefully about what a staff member was suggesting, but do not do it again.

In order to further streamline matters, I will close this thread. Those who want to weigh in on the questions regarding Norse-Gaul syncretism are welcome to do so here.

--Chabas
TC Staff