Irish Paganism

by Morgan Daimler

Irish Reconstructionist Polytheism is an often misunderstood path, but it is one with great richness and depth for those who follow it. This short introductory book touches on the basic beliefs and practices of Irish Polytheism as well as other important topics for people interested in practicing the religion using a Reconstructionist methodology or who would just like to know more about it. Explore the cosmology of the ancient Irish and learn how the old mythology and living culture show us the Gods and spirits of Ireland and how to connect to them. Ritual structure is explored, as well as daily practices and holidays, to create a path that brings the old beliefs forward into the modern world.

Genres: Spirituality, Paganism, Nonfiction, Religion, Witchcraft, Mythology, History

98 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2015

About the author

My name is Morgan Daimler. I have had my poetry and prose published in different places including various anthologies, Circle magazine, Witches and Pagans magazine and Pagan Dawn magazine. I am the author of the urban fantasy series Between the Worlds and (through Cosmic Egg Books) the high fantasy novel Into Shadow. I've written more than a dozen non-fiction works through Moon Books including Fairy Witchcraft, Pagan Portals: the Morrigan, Fairies: A Guide to the Celtic Fair Folk, A New Dictionary of Fairies, and Pagan Portals Aos Sidhe

Reviews

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this! One of my favourite people gave this to me but I haven’t let it sway my opinion - I promise. Despite having Irish heritage I’ve not explored much of its history, I stumbled upon Brian Friels translations last year and felt I should maybe explore it a bit further. This short book was great :) definitely recommend!

[SallyRose Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good foundation book to give you a place to start your exploration of Irish Paganism. Daimler gives you many resources to get you on your journey to learning more about Irish Paganism.
She touches on important myths & stories of the Gods & Goddesses as well as descriptions of how one can follow Irish Paganism but not a specific how to do X. That is up to the practitioner to use the outline to build their practice.

If you are looking for a "how to do it" this is not that book. This is a " Here is what we do and where we draw our information from but not what YOU have to do." It was helpful to give the information of how to learn more and if you as a beginner want to learn more where you can go next.

I enjoyed all the scholarly information as well as personal insight.
While not long, i felt it was very clear and open about it only being a surface look to get one started on the path to know more.
Well researched & full of more readings to help grow your practice.
I really enjoyed it.

[Rabbit {Paint me like one of your 19th century gothic heroines!} · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came highly recommended to me as a primer, and I think anyone interested in Irish polytheism and/or Gaelic polytheism should check this out.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daimler deftly weaves examples of what is known in literature concerning Irish paganism with ways to create a vibrant, living practice in today's world. The book is well documented with excellent options for reading further. As with other Pagan Portals books, this is just an appetizer of an introduction to something one could easily write volumes about. There is enough for a jumping ground to determining what your own reconstruction of Irish Paganism looks like. I appreciated being given options, with the author's experiences added here and there. At no point did I feel I was being preached at; I felt treated as an equal in intellect. If you're trying to decide whether Irish Reconstructionism or its ilk is what you want, or how to approach a reconstructionist worldview, or you just want to learn about how other people practice their path, this is a lovely and easy way to wet your feet.

[Nimue Brown]

Celtic Myth Podshow reviews The Celtic Myth Podshow, run by Gary and Ruth, is a very popular production. They describe themselves as follows - "The Celtic Myth Podshow will tell you ancient tales and legends of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany and the Isle of Man bringing you the bravery of heroes and heroines, the magnificent pantheon of gods and goddesses and the magic and wonder of druids, faeries and folklore."
 
The link will take you to the indepth review they've done of Morgan Daimler's Irish Paganism.
 

[By Book and Bone (Sally) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good little introductory book to Irish Paganism. I've been reading up about modern expressions of Irish culture and religions online but it's quite difficult to get some good quality information. I appreciate the list of recommended reading at the back.
I also appreciate the acknowledgement of racism by certain practitioners and how it's not welcome.

Definitely recommend this book as a starting point.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

great beginner level information

[Kohner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, quick read for those starting their journey in Irish (or Gaelic) Polytheism with a Reconstructionist lens. It includes holidays, popular deities, discussions on magic and sexuality, and much more. It's fairly small, just 77 pages but it's clear this is a Reconstructionist; she's done her research. In fact, her bibliography is a valuable resource, I would recommend reading this book and then moving onto what she uses as her sources.
A solid, well-researched book that's great for beginners!

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always enjoyed mythology, but recently I have become interested in learning more about Irish/Celtic mythology and polytheism and I found this book to be a great jumping off point. It comes from a reconstructionism view, so there’s a good bit of info of various beliefs and practices in Irish Paganism. It also covers some of the myths of deities and how/why certain holidays are/were celebrated. It’s not a deep dive by any means, but more of a 101 crash course. For anyone interested in learning more about Irish Paganism, I think this would probably be a decent start.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I visited Ireland in the summer of 2015, and that triggered an interest in Irish paganism. This book was a neat little introduction to the subject. I especially liked the evenhanded, objective look at the history of paganism, acknowledging that modern paganism is rather a recreation of how we think things might have gone than the actual real deal passed down through generations.

Excellent read for anyone interested in Irish paganism or the Celtic religion and gods.

[Valiel Elentári · Rating 5 out of 5]

So clearly written, so concise and yet complete. This is an excellent explanatory book. An overview. Don't take it for more than it is. It is well researched, sourced for anyone who wants to dig deeper, and extremely well written. Accessible, not dull for a second, convincing, clear. Loved every bit of it even though it makes you want more. Never seen definitions of reconstructionism and cultural appropriation that were so good.

[Andrew Pixton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm new to modern paganism, trying to find my path as a skeptical atheist interested in it. I guess that'd make me an archetypist/atheopagan instead of regular reconstructive polytheist. (Think atheist Jews and/or Buddhists, formerly cultural Mormon) It's a lot to sort through, and a little alienating in community spaces, but at least the pluralism has made it much easier than if I were doing this in a theist space. And Daimler is helpful even without acknowledging that possibility, the fealty to historical accuracy and careful skepticism go a long ways. I'm also doing this with Asatru but in general I'm more Satanist than anything.

All that being said, I've been drawn to Celtic history/mythology for a long time. Especially Scottish, then more recently Welsh and Irish as well. Well all the Celtic diaspora. And have the tattoos and travel itinerary to show for it. Their languages are gorgeous. Based on this, I feel pulled by Ogma and The Morrigan, maybe a little Lugh, Nuada, and Mac Lir. I'd like more info on Crom though, in fact I'm becoming aware of how sugarcoaty Christians can be of theirs pagans can be of this. Daimler is very quick to acknowledge problematic history, but I feel like Crom can upgrade with it. I'm not as interested in fairy faith stuff, as it strikes me personally as superstition with no utility on my life. The myths and practices are what enchant me and connect me to my ancestors and nature the most.

[Medusa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a good book of its kind, and I am a big fan of this author's work generally. The three star rating shouldn't be viewed as me damning this book with faint praise. It's a good workmanlike primer or introduction to these topics. I will say, though, that the line between woo woo superstition and spiritual practice seems a bit blurred - not that woo woo is unique to Irish paganism or any other spiritual practice. It's just that woo woo superstition doesn't cease to be woo woo superstition because it or something similar was practiced thousands of years ago.

[Mica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Morgan Daimler book and it was really perfect. It's really short (less than 100 pages) but don't be fooled... If you're interested by Irish/Gaelic Paganism and looking for a place to start (or just interested for that matter), this is a great buy. A good reference book too.

This isn't a scholarly book, it's entirely pagan and focused on spirituality and esoterism, so if you don't buy the particular metaphysical experiences shared, then it might not be for you.

[Lucile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Il s'agit d'un livre très concis sur le reconstructionisme irlandais. Il est également très accessible. Un très bon exercice serait de relever tout le vocabulaire en anglais dans cet ouvrage pour se constituer un petit répertoire spécialisé. Bien sûr, Irish Paganism ne se suffit pas à lui-même et trouvera dans des livres comme "CR FAQ" des compléments d'information indispensables.

C'est jusqu'ici le livre de M. Daimler qui m'a le moins parlé, tout simplement parce qu'il introduit à lui seul toute l'œuvre de l'auteure ! Autrement dit, il ne m'a pas appris grand-chose, si ce n'est poser de nouveau, dans des termes clairs, des définitions sur le reconstructionisme. Tout est fait pour que le néophyte s'y retrouve. Les informations sont bien classées et répondent aux questions principales qu'on peut se poser quand on découvre complètement cette spiritualité. On ne retrouve cependant pas de pratique, mais il faudra s'y habituer ! La quête du reconstructioniste ne se satisfait pas de rituels servis sur un plateau, elle se construit au fil des recherches et des expérimentations personnelles.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book does the best with what it can do. I'm aware of the page limit the Pagan Portals series puts on its books. Still, I can't help but wish this book was longer. By the end I felt like I had learned quite a bit, but I still had questions. That being said the bibliography is amazing for this and I'm very glad it was included. I'm glad to have this book and have read it upwards of 3 times just to review the information within.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not super familiar with Irish Paganism, so I was hoping for a more introductory level book for someone trying to learn about it. While there are solid descriptions of Gods and holidays, the book is more about defending reconstruction of Irish Paganism to other people that already practice. As such, a lot of this went over my head a bit. Solid info nonetheless.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irish Paganism

If you want to find out about Irish Paganism this is the book for you.
Morgan Daimler covers a number of subjects and explains them quite clearly.
Don't be put off by this being a short book, because it's packed full of information .
A fantastic read and one I highly recommend.

[Eli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good primer for Irish Polytheism/Reconstructionism. A great introduction on topics such as Irish deities, important holidays, hearth magic, rituals, prayers, ancestors, the Fair Folk.

I wasn’t particularly happy with the section on racism as it wasn’t as nuanced as I would have liked. I also felt a bit uncomfortable with how the author addressed cultural appropriation.

[Ashley Corvin Perfect · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book Explaining Irish Polytheism

Loved that Daimler wrote the book for those familiar with Paganism and those absolutely new to it. She shares personal experiences but also supports what she shares with good references!

[Ik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 4th pagan portal read, after Gwyn ap Nudd, the Cailleach and Pan. I wasn't impressed with the latter two at all, but I liked the first; and I think 'Irish Paganism' is the best one yet. The author obviously did a lot of research and combines this with personal experience and insight.

[Nicole Mackey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irish Reconstructionism explained

Very informative. Written in a conversational tone. Nice resource list included. A good place to begin exploring Irish Reconstructionism. Or for new pagans.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reconstructionist reference book for practitioners (or aspiring practitioners) of Irish Paganism! Short but chock full of super relevant and valuable information. A pretty easy read too. I can tell that I will be coming back to this one time and time again.

[Ondine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated this straightforward explanation of the reconstructionist perspective. This is not a “how to” book on practicing Irish paganism, but offers some context around beliefs and suggestions for how to begin a journey toward becoming a practicing pagan.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent primer

Amazing primer for those interested in Irish paganism and Irish pagan reconstruction. Brief and opens many doorways for the reader to further expand their knowledge and build their practice.

[Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written and well-investigated. An excellent introduction for a newbie like me.

[Catherine McClelland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introduction to basic concepts in Irish paganism. Has a great definition of cultural appropriation I really like.

[Stephanie Dickinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty good book if you are just starting to learn about Irish paganism.

[Heidi M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good brief introduction to reconstructionist Celtic paganism.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent primer on Irish polytheism and reconstructionism.