he Temple of Danann is a non-profit organization founded in 1979. Our mission is to research, teach and practice the life, philosophy and religion of the ancient Irish. Our teachings and writings are based on extensive research using a multi-disciplinary approach involving archeology, anthropology, history, literature, mythology, folklore, language and art.        It all began a quarter of a century ago when I had the opportunity to visit my maternal parents homeland. When I first set foot on Irish soil, my only intention was to relax, enjoy and then get back refreshed to a demanding job. Ten sun and sensory-filled days later, I did not only that, but far more. As I climbed aboard the jet at Dublin airport, I realized that something significant had happened. I just wasn't sure what it was.        Later, the memories of the heathered hills, the wooded dells and rugged coast worked their fascination. I found myself drawn irresistibly to things Irish. First there was some tracing of family roots. That soon gave way to deeper studies of culture and eventually spirituality.        When I began my search into my own ethnic background I was already well into a spiritual journey as well. I had been raised the son of a Fundamentalist Christian preacher, but by the age of 16 had realized it wasn't my path. During the following years I examined many interesting, but not fully satisfying spiritual alternatives. Then one night in the Vietnam Delta, it was driven home that there was something spiritual within that now demanded recognition. The following day a strange little book fell into my hands that opened new possibilities. That small book led me beyond the pale of traditional spirituality and the die was cast.        I examined older eastern philosophies and then modern Wicca. As I delved further into Irish research, I found myself led back far beyond modern neo-Pagan thought. I uncovered more and more truth about the Ancient Irish and my path took on new focus and new direction. A new direction to me, but an old direction to our Irish ancestors.        I soon learned that much of what is "known" today about Old Ireland and her people is based on bias, misunderstandings, misconceptions and even falsehood. I found that not all Celts are the same. Significant differences in culture, language and religions existed between Goidelic, Brythonic and Insular Celts. I learned that my ancestors, the pre-common-era Irish were neither backward, savage nor illiterate, despite much secular writing to the contrary.        As I gradually began to strip away misconception from the myth, I found the rich heritage of an advanced culture of educated entrepreneurs who traded extensively throughout Europe and the Mediterranean are from the early Bronze Age forward. I found a people who revered knowledge and their singular Brehon Law. I found not only were the Irish of old a vigorous and deeply honorable people, but a highly spiritual one as well.        As I learned, I also wanted to share with similar interests and similar thirsts. So in 1979 the Temple of Danann was founded as a simple teaching function. The goal, which has remained unchanged, was to expand the knowledge and understanding of the Old Religion of Ireland. In the beginning we shared much with the British influenced Craft. Over the years, continuing research and study of Irish lore, history and mythology has considerably broadened our knowledge and greatly focussed our vision.        Today, we can rightly be considered Irish reconstructionist. We continue to research and study the pre-Christian culture and religion of Ireland. From our growing body of material, we have developed both an introductory and an advanced course of study for those interested. We also publish a quarterly Journal, which provides some of the results of our ongoing research.        Whatever your reasons for visiting here, I bid you Fáilte! I hope you have found something of interest. If so, please feel free to contact us. If not, we still wish you the best. Beannácht, Michael Ragan   Note; For more information on the differences between Paganism, Wicca, the Craft and Irish Reconstructionism please see the essay Definitions.