February 16 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Why do so many Neo Pagans consider themselves Celtic Pagans? Join us for an evening where we explore topics that help us understand the influence of the Celts on Paganism today. We will look at topics like the ancient Irish Celts, Patrick and the coming of Christianity, and Irish Celtic stories.

Larissa Gibbs has been a practicing neo-pagan since she was a teenager. She did a self dedication at the age of 16 and has never looked back. Over the years, Larissa has practiced as a solitary pagan, as well as worked with two covens, and with her family coven. She was the coordinator for the children’s realm of the Las Cruces Pagan Pride Day event for maybe five years. In 2011, she became one of the founding members of Desert Spirit CUUPS at the Las Cruces New Mexico Unitarian Universalist Church where she continues to serve as ritual coordinator. She is also a longstanding member and contributor to the Las Cruces-based, women’s spirituality group, Moonsisters.

Larissa has a BS in biology, worked as a research biologist for 10 years and now teaches high school biology. She finds that one of the most profound truths in biology is the universal genetic code of life. Scientifically we know that all life is genetically related, spiritually we can feel at one with all life on Earth. Larissa also looks to history and archaeology to understand past and present human belief systems. Marija Gimbutas’ work with neolithic and Mesolithic imagery and megalithic mounds is very informative for Larissa as well. Larissa feels that science informs our world view and paganism gives us a way to contextualize our place in the world.

This class is free to supporting members of Ardantane. Others must register at https://ardantane.org/event/the-roots-of-celtic-neopaganism-how-the-irish-saved-civilization/. Be sure to add the number of tickets you want before clicking the Blue GET TICKETS button. The fee is $10.

Registration closes at 5PM Mountain Time on Thursday, February 15th.