The Celts in the Esoteric Imagination

Course Code: WE 271/334 NE (online-English)

Course Dates: April – May 2011

Instructor: Amy Hale

Objectives and course description:

Frequently when we consider the Western Esoteric Tradition we think of the legacy of Classical thought, practice and text with in a framework of mainly literate transmission. Peoples such as “the Celts” tend to be more associated with indigenous Pagan practice and non literate traditions, which in itself is a problematic distinction. Nevertheless, as the category of “Celtic” has developed over the past three hundred years and has been applied to both language groups and living people, Celtic motifs such as Druids, King Arthur and the Holy Grail have featured in the development of the Western Esoteric Tradition from Freemasonry and friendly societies to Earth Mysteries and the practice of sacred geometry. In this course we will discuss the ideological underpinnings of “Celticity” and how it has been used to develop certain themes in the canon of modern Western Esotericism and its intersection with broader political and intellectual movements.

We will begin with an exploration of the modern development and construction of the category of “Celtic” so that we can discuss the various problems and discourses associated with this term. We will then examine themes which emerge in the modern Western Esoteric Tradition which have been labeled as Celtic or which have been associated with Celtic peoples for one reason or another, including Druidry and the Grail Quest. We will then cover the intersections between esoteric movements and the Celtic political revivals, including the work of W.B. Yeats and Irish Nationalism, and the earliest development of Neo Druidry in the context of Welsh identity politics. Finally we will look at a variety of expression of Celticity in the context of New Religious movements including Earth Mysteries, Wicca, Celtic reconstructionism and Goddess religion.

Readings will include a course pack and Dr Hale’s lecture materials, including primary text analysis.

Prerequisites: WE 101 (any language)

Exceptions will be made only in those cases where students can demonstrate a firm background knowledge of the concepts covered in the prerequisite course. If you believe this applies to you, please contact us prior to enrolment.

Languages: English only. Our English language requirements do apply to this course.

Delivery: Online only.

Students may also choose to audit this course.
Scholarships apply for this course.

Week 1	The Celts and the Western Esoteric Tradition: Constructions and counterpoints
Week 2	Druidry and the Imagined Wisdom of the East from 18th to the 20th c.
Week 3	Magical revivals and Celtic identity politics in the 19th and 20th c.
Week 4	The Grail Quest as Western Esoteric Motif
Week 5	Celts and Modern Pagan Religions: Building of the Noble Savage
Week 6	-Research paper due -Oral presentation of Research Paper -Learning Journal due