Meet the Old Gods of Ireland, Scotland & Wales
In this summer series we will encounter some key male figures of Celtic myth. In the age of the manosphere, when western culture is crying out for a model of masculinity that serves the Earth and all genders, what can these beings teach us?
More Focus on Men? Seriously?
Yeah, I get it. Men have been in the spotlight for millenia. Other teachers in this sphere are doing amazing work to bring powerful, female-focussed stories to light.
I’m behind that 100%. And I’m behind this too.
It’s no secret that unhealthy images of masculinity abound. TikTok videos tagged #AndrewTate have been viewed more than 12 billion times, and a man who boasts ‘grab them by the pussy’ sits in the Oval Office. No need to labour that point.
We criticise toxic masculinity a lot, and rightfully so. But we haven’t far on finding an alternative.
Maybe we needn’t look far. Maybe the men we need have been around for thousands of years.
I’m not saying:
Here they are, the perfect men, be like these guys in seven easy steps and the world’s problems shall be solved.
But I am saying let’s spend time with them. The Ancient People of Britain and Ireland thought it worth their while to tell stories of these beings, and to celebrate festivals in their name. Powerful archetypal energies lie behind them. So they probably have a thing or two to teach us.
And they might just be waiting for us to do so. They might be eager to meet us.
So let’s meet them together.
It’s Not All About Gender.
The topic of masculinity is just part of it. I’m fascinated by all the Celtic deities, regardless of their gender, and maybe you are too.
This is about active engagement with tradition. It’s about creativity as devotion. It’s about going beyond what the books can tell us and having our own experience of the men of Celtic myth. Whatever the gatekeepers and the ‘well, actually’ people might say.
So which deities will we meet on this journey?
We will encounter:
Fionn Mac Cumhaill
Asipattle
Lugh
Arawn
Fionn Mac Cumhaill
Fionn Mac Cumhaill, Captain of the Fianna, is one of the great heroes of Irish folklore. A hunter, warrior, leader and mystic whose dark side was brought forth by betrayal.
Warriors and poets. Dancer-lover-fighters. They could recite poetry while dancing on the tips of spears. The Fianna are one of the most compelling models of masculinity I’ve ever come across. This model finds its fullest embodiment in Fionn.
Fionn Mac Cumhaill
Fionn Mac Cumhaill, Captain of the Fianna, is one of the great heroes of Irish folklore. A hunter, warrior, leader and mystic whose dark side was brought forth by betrayal.
Warriors and poets. Dancer-lover-fighters. They could recite poetry while dancing on the tips of spears. The Fianna are one of the most compelling models of masculinity I’ve ever come across. This model finds its fullest embodiment in Fionn.