There is an important reason why the Celts in British Isles were so rapidly converted to Christianity. They did not see a conflict, and Christianity shared many of their former religious beliefs. Over the years, may of the ancient Celtic beliefs were also adopted by Christianity.
I would love this thread to turn into more disscusion that resemble your post.
There is a history lesson here IMO
Salvation I pinged you here to help with fact about history of Celtic Pagans not the "New Age" Pagan stuff.
Maybe you know a FR poster who could help connect the dots on how Celtic Pagans left behind their faith and turned to Christ. What practices stuck with them...
ECT....
Interesting how much pagan ritual has survived in the Catholic church. St. Brigid is just the Celtic archetype Brigid, patron of Poetry, Smithcraft and Healing. And the May Crowning? Mary, mother of Jesus, neatly filled the void in the hearts of Celtic former pagans forced to give up their beloved Goddess.
Of course Celts (and Britons) have always had a unique relaionship with the Church:
"Oh, do not tell the Priest of our plight,
for he would call it a sin;
but we've been out in the wood all night
a-conjuring summer in.
And we bring you good news by word of mouth,
good news for cattle and corn;
today is the Sun brought up from the South
by Oak, and Ash, and Thorn."
- from "Oak, Ash and Thorn" - traditional song