Kristen Finlayson

There are many Celtic traditions that can inspire and brighten a modern wedding. The beliefs and practices of the ancient Celts were quite different than those of the same geographical areas today. To give you an idea, here is a quick overview of some of the very best parts of ancient Celtic culture:

There are the Celtic Christians, both Catholic and Protestant, who look to the gentle traditions of Ireland and embrace the natural world and the inner landscape. Finally, there are the myriad numbers of neopagans and Wiccans, who take inspiration from Celtic traditions and symbolism in their rites.

They had a preference for rural life. They were close to nature and God's creatures. They loved poetry, music, and art. They were passionate about peace and justice. They included animals, crops, seasons, elements, and the stars in their understanding of God's providence and plan. They were content in simplicity. They valued family loyalty.

Celtic Christians stressed local spiritual unity rather than universal uniformity. They valued personal sanctity more than doctrinal orthodoxy. They believed in the nearness of the spiritual world. The Celtic Church emphasized anamchara, the "soul friend" - a spiritual mentor and fellow traveller on the true path.

Celtic Reconstructionism (CR) is a relatively recent brand of Celtic neopaganism. It is similar in many ways to neodruidry, in that both attempt to achieve some semblance of authenticity in their spiritual practices. Unlike druidry, however, the reconstructionists tend to cast a wider net, with a broader interest in Celtic culture as a whole. Reconstructionists also tend to follow a less rigid initiatory system - where druid orders tend to emphasize the classical ideals of druid priesthood with its lengthy training, hierarchical systems, and emphasis on philosophy, Celtic paganism looks to be more accessible, open, and culturally aware.