Celtic R econstructionism is an animistic, polytheistic religious and cultural movement that is meant to restore and reconstruct certain aspects of ancient Celtic religions. Although it is a new tradition it is based, through research, on pre-Christian Celtic spiritual traditions, and is implemented in a way that better suits modern times.

During the 1980's a growing number of people began to express dissatisfaction about the way Celtic spirituality was being approached, and agreed a more genuine connection with the ancient roots of Celtic religion was needed.  In 1992 the term Celtic Reconstructionist was first used in print not just as a reference for Celtic studies but as a religious movement. Although Celtic Reconstructionists strive to follow their beliefs in a way that's as historically accurate as possible, they don't claim to be a direct descendant of an intact ancient Celtic religion.

Beliefs

Because of it is an animistic and polytheistic religion there is a belief in many deities and a belief that ancestors, the land and nature are individual entities that are recognized and revered. Celtic Reconstuctionists, more commonly known as CR's, tend to believe that these spirits and deities are an integral part of the world, active in everyone's lives and influenced by offerings and prayers.

Many CR's see the cosmos as divided into three realms Land, Sea and Sky while others refer to it as Underworld, Middleworld and Upperworld. The center of the cosmos is symbolized as the world tree from which is suspended the various worlds of existence.

Some CR's include the use of elements within their rituals and the number of these elements can range from seven to eleven. Rather than the four elements of earth, air, fire and water associated with many Pagan beliefs such as Wicca, the elements of CR tend to represent natural phenomena. These can be things such as clouds, rain, stones, plants and wind. Many CR's will equate these elements with philosophical concepts or parts of the body. For example stars may represent the eyes and clouds the mind.

Men and women have equal power within CR which includes, but is not limited to, clergy, teaching, leaders and researchers. Sexual minorities are also full and equal participants in the CR religion.

Because CR closely connects with nature spirits there is a great respect for the earth and environment. Many CR's take part in environmental activism or work on other ways to stay knowledgeable of plants, animals and the earth in general.

Worship

Unlike some other Pagan beliefs, CR's do not cast circles or dedicate a sacred space but instead view the entire earth as sacred. Many CR's set up altars or shrines in their homes and these might be dedicated to a deity or a specific purpose such as healing.
Most CR's see every task in life as a form of ritual and may create prayers or songs to go along with each task. More organized ritual may include a specific request of a spirit or deity with offerings such as food or drink given afterward.

Divination is common in CR, as are spiritual vision states, dream interpretation, music, poetry and the creation of Celtic charms for specific purposes.

Celtic Reconstructionsim is a deeply mystical and philosophical belief system that is filled with inspiration, beauty and cultural knowledge.

Further Reading:

Honor Loved Ones in the Tradition of the Ancient Celts