I know there's no set list of "virtues" for Celtic paths like there are in some Norse traditions, but if you were going to study virtues important to Celtic peoples, particularly in Ireland (I've seen some on the web listed, such as honor, hospitality, honesty, etc.) what myths and books would you read?
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Re: Studying Celtic virtues
Celtic Myth and Magick by Edain McCoy. But I highly suggest almost anything Edain McCoy."If you want to know what a man is like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals." -- Sirius Black
"Time is an illusion, lunch time doubly so."-- Ford Prefect -
Re: Studying Celtic virtues
Celtic Heritage by Alwyn and Brinley Ress, may also be helpful as well."By yarrow and rue, and my redcap too."Comment
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Re: Studying Celtic virtues
I've read Celtic Myth and Magick, and some of it was alright, but I'm looking more for primary sources, myths, and scholarly writing. I will look up Celtic Heritage.Comment
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Re: Studying Celtic virtues
has a number of public domain works to take a look at. I've got two warnings regarding it.
1) It's mostly late 19th and early 20th century works so some of it may be generally discredited by more modern historians
2) A lot of work from that time period can make for very dry readingLife itself was a lightsaber in his hands; even in the face of treachery and death and hopes gone cold, he burned like a candle in the darkness. Like a star shining in the black eternity of space.
Yoda: Dark Rendezvous
"But those men who know anything at all about the Light also know that there is a fierceness to its power, like the bare sword of the law, or the white burning of the sun." Suddenly his voice sounded to Will very strong, and very Welsh. "At the very heart, that is. Other things, like humanity, and mercy, and charity, that most good men hold more precious than all else, they do not come first for the Light. Oh, sometimes they are there; often, indeed. But in the very long run the concern of you people is with the absolute good, ahead of all else..."
John Rowlands, The Grey King by Susan Cooper
"You come from the Lord Adam and the Lady Eve", said Aslan. "And that is both honour enough to erect the head of the poorest beggar, and shame enough to bow the shoulders of the greatest emperor on earth; be content."
Aslan, Prince Caspian by CS Lewis
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Re: Studying Celtic virtues
Personally I'd suggest any and all of the Irish saga's from the Invasion Stories and such, ie Cattle raid of Cooley for instance. Anything else is pretty much what other's are telling you they are supposed to mean and influence you. http://adminstaff.vassar.edu/sttaylor/Cooley/
As far as McCoy goes i'd say if its a choice of Edain's work or nothing, go with nothing.I'm Only Responsible For What I Say Not For What Or How You Understand!Comment
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Re: Studying Celtic virtues
Uh I'd hesitate to advocate Edain McCoy (sorry but Witta made me doubt every thing she writes). I'd suggest starting here: http://www.paganachd.com/faq/ethics.htmlComment
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That was kind of my reaction to McCoy...I didn't want to be rude lol. I've read the Cattle Raid of Cooley. I will check out those other sources. Thanks!Comment
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Re: Studying Celtic virtues
Most of McCoy's stuff angers me. However I do like her list of deities."If you want to know what a man is like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals." -- Sirius Black
"Time is an illusion, lunch time doubly so."-- Ford PrefectComment
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Re: Studying Celtic virtues
From what I have read and concluded, the Celtic way is to keep your oaths and be honest. This is seen in many old cultures, but it was true of the Celts. They valued honesty quite highly.
Reciprocity was also big as far as I can tell. Repaying each action dealt to you in kind.
Also, my ancestors stories show that they, like the Norse, the Greeks, and many others valued something akin to sacred hospitality.
Cleverness and courage were prized.
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Re: Studying Celtic virtues
I found this in a google search
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