Irish neo-paganism: worldview, ritual and identity

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dc.check.date10000-01-01
dc.check.embargoformatBoth hard copy thesis and e-thesisen
dc.check.entireThesisEntire Thesis Restricted
dc.check.infoIndefiniteen
dc.check.opt-outNot applicableen
dc.check.reasonThis thesis contains third party copyrighted materials for which permission was not given for online useen
dc.contributor.advisorÓ Cadhla, Stiofánen
dc.contributor.authorButler, Jenny
dc.date.accessioned2013-07-16T10:58:41Z
dc.date.issued2013
dc.date.submitted2013
dc.description.abstractNeo-paganism is a vibrant, dynamic global movement, which has had a significant cultural impact. Neo-paganism is an umbrella term for a wide range of spiritual practices, often described as nature- or earth-based spirituality. There are different “paths” or spiritual traditions within this movement, of which Druidry, Wicca and other forms of Pagan Witchcraft are included in this research. The present work is an ethnographic study of the worldview and ritual practices of the Irish neo-pagan community. It is an enquiry into (a) what characterises the neo-pagan worldview and (b) how this worldview is expressed through ritual behaviour. In order to collect data, the methodology of participant observation and ethnographic interviewing was employed. The thesis comprises a collection of “insider” accounts of what it is like to be a neo-pagan in Ireland and analysis of these narratives, which gives insight into different aspects of neopagan culture. In the discussion, the use of mythology is examined in regard to how mythic narrative is connected to identity formation. Irish cultural symbols are observed as resources utilised in the construction of the movement’s overall character. The interconnectedness of the natural landscape, the numinous and mythology gives rise to creative expression through various forms of neo-pagan artworks, which are discussed herein. The identifying features and key issues of Irish neo-pagan culture are addressed. These key issues are expressed as prominent themes and symbols of their discourse. Neo-pagan dialogue often features discussion of the relationship that this cultural group has with the Irish landscape, history, and indigenous and popular Irish religion. Some of the specific aspects of neo-pagan culture examined are magical worldview, the notion of holism, different types of ritual practices (festivals, life cycle rituals, healing), and material culture. The thesis presents an in-depth analysis of neopagan cultural expressions and their significance as cultural processesen
dc.description.statusNot peer revieweden
dc.description.versionAccepted Version
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdfen
dc.identifier.citationButler, J. 2013. Irish neo-paganism: worldview, ritual and identity. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.en
dc.identifier.endpage283
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10468/1177
dc.language.isoenen
dc.publisherUniversity College Corken
dc.rights© 2013, Jennifer Butleren
dc.rights.urihttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/en
dc.subjectNeo-paganismen
dc.subjectIrish religionen
dc.subjectNature-based spiritualityen
dc.subject.lcshPaganismen
dc.subject.lcshRitualen
dc.thesis.opt-outfalse*
dc.titleIrish neo-paganism: worldview, ritual and identityen
dc.typeDoctoral thesisen
dc.type.qualificationlevelDoctoralen
dc.type.qualificationnamePhD (Arts)en
ucc.workflow.supervisorcora@ucc.ie*
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