History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Celtic Christianity: A Sacred Tradition, a Vision of Hope

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The Celtic Christian Tradition.
Lots of History, But...
Celtic Christianity, A Sacred Tradition, a Vision of Hope.
3 in 1
An Adventure in Celtic Scholarship

Celtic Christianity: A Sacred Tradition, a Vision of Hope
Timothy J. Joyce
Manufacturer: Orbis Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Celtic | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1570751765

Customer Reviews:

The Celtic Christian Tradition........2005-12-25

_Celtic Christianity: A Sacred Tradition, A Vision of Hope_ by Benedictine monk and Roman Catholic priest Timothy J. Joyce, published by Orbis Books, takes a profound look at one of the unique Christian traditions originating among the Celtic peoples. The author is of Irish ancestry and notes the unique contributions of this subtle race to spirituality and tradition. Although the book is marred by a leftist bias which overemphasizes the changes in the church which took place at the Second Vatican Council, it nevertheless provides an important survey of the spirituality arising from the Celtic peoples.

The author begins by discussing the ancient Celts, a pagan people who would later easily come to embrace Christianity. The Celts included peoples spread out all over Europe, including not only the British Isles (Scotland, Wales, and Ireland) but also the Continental mainland, ranging from France, Britanny, all the way to Switzerland and Eastern Europe. Indeed, the tribe of Gauls were of Celtic origin, and the adventures of this ancient people are well known and recorded in the writings of various Romans. The origins of the Celts remain a mystery and many have suggested that they may have originated in the East and migrated Westwards. The early Celts had a unique philosophical understanding emphasizing the sacredness of place, revealed in their ruins and sacred sites. In addition, the Celts were a warlike people, although they placed emphasis on spirituality and humility unlike other barbarian tribes. When Christianity came to the Celts, it was an easy conversion. The author relates tales of the saints Patrick, Bridgit, Brendan, Columcille, and Columban. Indeed, these early saints were capable of incorporating Christianity to such an extent that Christ could be referred to as the "Great Druid". Celtic Christianity emphasized nature and monasticism. Indeed, many of the Celtic saints were responsible for bringing monasticism to the British Isles. The relationship between the Celtic Church and Rome is more complicated. While the Celts always adhered strongly to such orthodox Christian beliefs as the existence of Purgatory and the truth of the Trinity, their church structure was somewhat different from the Roman Church. Nevertheless, the Celts sought to maintain unity with the pope at Rome, although they often remained somewhat critical of his personal faults. Following this discussion of the early Celtic Church and Celtic monasticism, the author turns his attention to the crises the Celtic Church underwent. The author discusses not only the changes that took place in the church during the Middle Ages, but the subsequent events of the Protestant Reformation and Cromwell's persecution which completed devastated the Irish. Finally, the author turns his attention to Ireland's "Darkest Hour". Here, he emphasizes the poverty of this nation and the results of famine. Many of the Irish became immigrants to the United States, Canada, or Australia, fleeing their land of woe. However, they preserved their Catholic spirituality as they went. This spirituality emphasized obedience to Rome, the Rosary, the adoration of Mary and the saints, prayer for the "poor souls" in Purgatory, and the Irish wake and funeral. However, with the rise of the modern age, new possibilities for spiritual growth remain for the Celtic peoples and in particular for the Irish. The author believes that Celtic spirituality offers a vision of hope for the Roman Catholic church in the contemporary period. It is unfortunate however that he places so much of an emphasis on the changes in the church that took place at the Second Vatican Council as opposed to traditional Catholic spirituality.

This book provides a thorough introduction to the spirituality of the Celtic peoples and to their profoundly Christian vision for the future. While the book is marred by a leftist denial of the traditional Catholic faith, it nevertheless makes some good points regarding the early Celts and the profound healing power of their spirituality for the modern age.

Lots of History, But..........2003-03-01

The cover blurb of this short book by an American Benedictine monk promises Celtic Spirituality "introduces a mysterious and extraordinary spiritual world (that) developed among the Celtic peoples sixteen centuries ago." Fr. Timothy's book tells something of pre-Christian and early-Christian Celtic social structure, customs and worldview and provides a few examples of Celtic prayers. But this book is primarily the HISTORY (i.e., names, dates, administrative structure) of Christian institutions in Celtic lands and not an exploration of Celtic Christian beliefs and practice or, more specifically, how those beliefs and practices shaped the Celtic people before they came under Norman and English domination.

Fr. Timothy emphasizes that Ireland was the only early-Christian culture in Western Europe never controlled by the Roman Empire. The Celtic Church, while strictly Trinitarian in belief, celebrated God's gifts of nature and humanity in a relatively non-legalistic manner. Then he recounts the history of the Roman church eventually dominating the native Irish, until the 1840s Potato Famine horror destroyed both the economy and any remaining traditional Celtic social structure and laid mid-Nineteenth Century legalistic, conservative, hierarchical Roman Catholicism over impoverished, dysfunctional Irish families. Fr. Timothy asserts the result, today's image of "Irish Catholic", is a foreign, inauthentic Irish Christianity far removed from its Celtic roots.

All of that may be true and interesting, but I finished the book still not knowing exactly what Celtic Christianity is and how, other than making pilgrimages to contemporary retreat centers scattered through Ireland and Britain, one might pursue modern day Celtic spirituality.

Although Ireland's lack of Roman domination is mentioned several times and Fr. Timothy mentions Eastern Orthodox Christianity in passing a couple of times, his Roman Catholic-centered world view never lets him, if you'll allow me a newly popular but already overused phrase, connect the dots. Since St. Patrick and his peers brought Christianity to the Celts at a time, around 400 AD, when all Christians were still "Orthodox" and other books demonstrate direct connections between the Celtic Church and the Eastern Christian monasteries of the Desert Fathers, it seems logical to conclude that Celtic Christianity was the local version of what still lives on as Eastern Orthodoxy.

There is a fairly long bibliography (virtually all for books published in the 1990s) and a list of organizations sponsoring Celtic retreats, revival, etc. (although not a single Internet address is provided). A few black and white photo reproductions are unremarkable.

I enjoyed reading Celtic Spirituality, and recommend it as a short history of Christian Church administration in Celtic cultures but feel one needs to look elsewhere to learn more about Celtic (Orthodox) Christianity itself.

Celtic Christianity, A Sacred Tradition, a Vision of Hope........2000-04-25

A gentle & interesting book for those exploring Celtic &/or Irish roots, & history. It provides valuable insights into understanding and recognising the Celtic traits and spirituality within us. A worthwhile read for Catholics, who, like myself, sometimes wonder! Definitely worth a second read (or more)!

3 in 1.......1999-12-05

Father Joyce has written a thoughtful and useful book. It is pure joy

An Adventure in Celtic Scholarship.......1999-12-03

The Rev. Joyce offers us a well-reasearched, and scholarly analysis of the elements and factors which define Celtic Christianity. The thorough history of Christian worship as it developed primarily in Ireland allows the reader to virtually travel through time to gain a full understanding of the psyche of the Irish people, and how this has influenced (and has been influenced by) the parallel rise of European Christianity.

The author's writing style makes the work a bit more difficult than it might otherwise need to be, however. Much of the factual work is related to the reader in a somewhat cold style, thus requiring the reader to persevere. The basic thesis of the work could be stated more clearly in the introductory chapter, rather than summarized in the end.

Customer Reviews:

Great All Round Book on the Celts.......2007-05-12

Not only do you get most of the important mythological cycles of the Celts, you get to have them put in context of Celtic society. As a starter book, for someone with lots of Celtic knowledge looking for a way to combine it, or for someone who wants to read just one, all round, great book on Celtic myth and life, it's perfect.

An in-depth study of Celtic myths, religion, and culture. Dense but readable, with too much comparativestudy. Highly recommended.......2006-08-15

Celtic Heritage is an in-depth study of the myths of Ireland and Whales, interpreting the myths, identifying key themes, and determining the impact of pre-Christiain Celtic society on the myths. The Rees brothers provide an overview of the branches of Irish and Welsh mythology, explore themes such as darkness and light, creation stories, hierarchy, religious/cultural centers, and the use of numbers as they appear in the myth and therefore as the influenced Celtic society, and then analyze the aspects of the different kind of stories, including births, wooings, adventures, and deaths, that make up the Irish and Welsh myths. Their analysis closely follows the original texts and shows a great deal of research into Celtic history and ancient culture. Ultimately, by working backward from the myths and using archaeological and cultural research as a guide, they are able to draw conclusions about the pre-Christian Celtic society itself: structure, beliefs, and practices. It is a scholarly text and can be dense and difficult to read it at times; there are also too many comparisons made to Indian religion, and the Reeses are to willing to use these comparative studies to imply or infer parts of Celtic religion and mythical interpretation. However, on the whole this is a scholarly, in-depth, eye opening book with useful information and brilliant, logical analysis. I highly recommend it. If you're having trouble finding a copy, college libraries seem to stock this book fairly consistently.

No doubt about it, Celtic Heritage is a dense scholarly text. The myths they draw on are complex and contradictory, our cultural knowledge is limited and requires explanation, and the conclusions that that the authors draw come from significant research and analysis. As a result, this can be a challenging, time-consuming read. However, don't let the book's complexities prevent you from reading it: the Rees brothers are fairly talented writers and bring a lot of clarity to these complex subjects, and the more you read of it the more familiar you will become with the myths and Celtic culture and the easier the book will be to understand. Furthermore, the information within this book is more than valuable enough to spend the time and energy to follow the analysis and unpack the text. The book is not as difficult to read as it may seem. Give it the time and thought that it deserves, and you'll learn a lot from it.

More than its denseness, the real problem with this book is the frequent comparisons between Celtic and Indian myth and culture. Comparative religious studies is a double-edged sword: comparing similar religions may provide new depth and fill in gaps of our knowledge about both religions, but we run the risk of assuming that one similarity always indicates another. In the study of polytheistic religions, the differences are often as important, if not more important, than the similarities. Indian religion, myths, practices, and gods may share a number of similarities to Celtic religion, and some of the Indian references provided by the Rees brothers puts Celtic aspects in context or allows us to make assumptions where there is a gap in our knowledge, but they rely too heavily on using the Indian religion for this purpose. It is brought up multiple times a chapter, and the authors never remind the audience about the dangers of assuming that the Celtic and Indian religions are identical.

Nonetheless, this is a superb text. Rather than stating their conclusions as dry fact, the Rees brothers walk the reader through their evidence and analysis; the conclusions themselves are logical and incredibly useful for interpreting Celtic myth and understanding Celtic culture. The authors fully explore concepts such as the self-contradictory, inverted, asocietal nature of the otherworld, the conception of directions and cultural centers which place the here and now as a cardinal but hidden direction, and the use of culturally and religiously significant numbers which are often important multiples (4x2, 3x4, etc) plus one. For the dedicated Celtic scholar, this is an invaluable, interesting, useful text. I highly recommend it to those interested in Celtic myth and religion--not just the stories, but also the meaning found within them. This is a book worth reading careful, buying, and coming back to again.

Excellent primer.......2006-05-28

In this book, Alywn and Brinley explore the myths of the ancient Celts in order to undertsand their culture, values and beliefs through the stories they told. They offer an explanaation of the different cycles ie Ulster, Fenian and the symbls used in the myths.

I found it very useful in understanding the diffrent cycles, the one thing about Celtic mythology that alluded me up until now. This books gives you a very simple explanaton and then folows up with a pretty good exploration and run down of each cycle.

I also really liked the section on different tyes of stories and their meaning for the Celtic people, such as the tales about death and the love stories. There's now a lot of stories I want to find some actual prose version of as opposd to scholarly reiterations so I can memorise them and explore them for myelf.

The main thing I disliked about this book was its tendency to slip into a kind of "Then they did this, then they did that," kind of reiteration of the stories. It was frustrating and tedious, especially for one who is used to more clever story telling. I also found the chapters explaining numbers and directions to be tedious at times.

Overall, I found this book interesting and while occasionally a little dry, very readable. I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to learn the basic concepts of Celtic mythology.

An excellent overview of Celtic mythology.......2005-12-10

TThis mythic study is considered by many as a must-read on the subject of Celtic Mythology. Meticulously detailing Irish and Welsh myths in terms of cycles and themes, this book examines the key Celtic epics and tales which shape Celtic culture even today. A classic for over 40 years, this book is well worth serious study for the student of Celtic traditions.

The introduction begins by introducing us to the storyteller, secular incarnations of the bards of old, the role stories played in society, and the esteem held by the ancient bards and poets. And, in a somewhat wordy paragraph that is nevertheless worth quoting, the authors state the reasons why this study is important: "A religious tradition consists of a ritual and an art as well as a mythology, and each of the components is intelligible in terms of the others. Symbols whether they be myths or ceremonies or objects, reveal their full significance only within a particular tradition; one must be part and parcel of that tradition to experience fully the power and illumination of the myth. Such participation in the old Celtic tradition is no longer possible. For these reasons we do not consider it enough to re-tell the tales as they stand, without comment. In pondering upon these fragments of tradition, it is not enough for modern man to disabuse his mind of the preconceptions of the historian, the prejudices of the scientist, and the asceticism of those who read the Bible as `literature'. He needs all the clues he can find. Although the full meaning can never be fathomed, we believe that a comparative study of the stories, combined with some acquaintance with the myths, rituals and doctrines of other lands and other ages, may help us to obtain glimpses of the tradition of which the stories, even in their original form, were but one expression."

In Part Two, the authors then take us through an introduction to the bulk of the stories and their composition into the Irish four cycles of Mythological, Ulster, Fenian and Historical as well as the four Welsh Mabinogi. The chapter "Darkness and Light" introduces us to themes of dichotomy and separation like day and night, and seasonal divisions. "Coming Into Existence" traces how, though without an original creation myth, tales of successive invasions tell of the creation of Ireland. "A Hierarchy of Provinces" analyzes the four (and five provinces) of Ireland into categories of certain elements of society and demonstrates how they are an example of Georges Dumezil's system of functions. And, the chapter "Involutions" cautions the reader, however, that divisions are not rigid, but fluid, with functions, etc., bleeding from one to another.

There then follows a chapter called "The Centre" which delineates the spiritual importance of the center provinces in some of the previously discussed geographical and metaphorical divisions in various cosmological and ritual ways. "Five Peaks" switches to the Welsh focus on the importance of hills and mounds in story and in ritual practice. "Numbers" then proceeds to catalog the ritual and spiritual importance of certain numbers (such as 7, 9, etc.) and closes Part Two of the book.

Part Three begins with "The Storyteller's Repertoire", a short introductory chapter which shows how the ancient bards and storytellers grouped and learned their material thematically rather than in "historical" or cycle order.

Choosing a few of these themes to analyze, we proceed to the chapter called "Births" which traces the extraordinary circumstances of a hero's conception and/or birth, for instance via a worm in water, supernatural father, etc. Additionally, the birth of the hero is almost inevitably a product of destiny or fate. The hero is often unwanted or an embarrassment, resulting in abandonment or attempted murder. From there we turn to "Youthful Exploits", childhood stories which are, in fact, initiatory journeys into manhood. These typical initiation motifs include a new name, acquisition of arms, and victory over a wild beast. These rites also usually include sexual initiation with a significant woman.

In "Wooings" heroes are tasked with seemingly impossible quests which they nevertheless complete in order to win a bride. But even these adventures have deeper metaphorical meaning. As the authors state, "Wooings are thus a variant of the quest for `the treasure hard to obtain' which man needs for his wholeness and fulfillment, a treasure which must be wrested from the grasp of an indefatigable foe." In contrast to Wooings, we then read of "Elopements", as the authors write, "The Elopements and Wooings of Celtic tradition seem to constitute...a pair of contraries. In the Wooings man is the suitor, while the role of the maiden is largely passive, but in the Elopements it is the woman who chooses the man and compels him to do her will." The woman is usually trapped in a loveless or arranged marriage to a man (usually older) not of her own choosing. "Just as the Wooings depict the mythological inversion of marriage from the male standpoint, so the Elopements may be described as the mythological inversion of marriage from the female standpoint."

Proceeding on to "Adventures", the hero encounters various members of the Otherworld and/or acquires certain magical objects. The authors say "Visits to a strange land and experiences among a strange race constitute a substantial part of Celtic mythology, and, as in modern fiction, a whole class of tales are known as `adventures.' But whereas the adventures of fiction are concerned with escapades among the natives of distant lands or planets in this world, the adventures of mythology are experienced among the mysterious denizens of the supernatural world."

In "Voyages": "The theme of the otherworld voyage is one of the most distinctive in Celtic tradition... Like other types of tales we have described, the immram has its own function. It is to teach the craft of dying and to pilot the departing spirit on a sea of perils and wonders." (One can't help but compare these with "The Odyssey". While Odysseus' voyage is not an immram on the surface, perhaps there are some of the same themes underneath?) The authors continue, "The metaphysical implication would appear to be that Whiteness, Blackness, Fire, Water, Joy, Sorrow, Femininity, Masculinity, Youth, Age, Life, Death and so on, exist as abstract principles over and above the objects or people in which they are manifested... In addition to the elements that constitute the corporeal world, human attitudes or behaviors also are depicted on the islands (of the Voyages)."

In the chapter "Deaths", even here the hero meets his fate in extraordinary circumstances via violation of multiple gessa, partaking a last sacred meal (this and the importance of twelve warriors and leader being themes incorporated in the Christ mythos) and strange or sexual encounters with women. The authors again, "The myths do not mitigate the impact of death with soothing words; they present it in its grimmest brutality. And yet...they elevated death to the plane of the tragic and heroic."

The epilogue finally closes out the book by saying, "In diverse ways myth and ritual loosen the grip of the temporal world upon the human spirit. Under the spell of the storyteller's art, the range of what is possible in this world is transcended: the world of magic becomes a present reality and the world of every-day is deprived of its uniqueness and universality. The storyteller...by convincingly actualizing the impossible, renders the actual world less real. When the spell is over, the hearer `comes back to earth' but the earth is now not quite so solid as it was before, the cadence of time is less oppressive and its laws have only relative validity." And yet I find that Celtic myth has a way of untangling imponderables while presenting new enigmas. It straddles both worlds, being itself "betwixt and between", leaving both worlds richer in mystery.

Overall, I found this book to be fantastic and anyone who considers themselves a part of the Celtic Hearth should read this. But, since this is a study of mythology, rather than a presentation of myths, I would caution the reader to be familiar with the stories comprising Celtic myth before starting this work. While sometimes the authors do paraphrase a myth before proceeding to analysis, oftentimes they do not, so it would be helpful to be familiar with the sometimes off hand references. I also disagree with authors detailing of "feats of memory" wherein they claim stories have been handed down for generations or even centuries without error. More recent studies of memory have shown that memory can be proven false even moments after an incident and Ronald Hutton, in "How Myths Are Made" in his book Witches, Druids, and King Arthur, shows how myths can be altered even within a generation. I also find fault with the often meandering Part Two, especially the chapters "The Centre" and "Numbers." Metaphorically tangled and challenging, the authors argument about their importance often feels stretched.

Otherwise, I think this is a very important book for the true Celtic Druid to read. It is not a stretch to say that these stories are important to know and understand in order that we may use our own mythos for power and growth in our own lives.

A 'must-buy'.......2002-07-05

One can easily imagine a more engaging text than the Rees' now-standard reference (and one that doesn't include the imaginatve expansion of Dumezil), but this volume is worth its full price for the index alone.

Celtic Traditions: Druids, Faeries, and Wiccan Rituals

Average customer rating:

Non-scholarly Claptrap
Excellent Source for Celtic Paganism
A well written book on the Celts
I am so angry I bought this book
A Must Have on Celtic Spirituality

Celtic Traditions: Druids, Faeries, and Wiccan Rituals
Knight
Manufacturer: Citadel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Druidism | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Wicca | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Witchcraft | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Celtic | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Magic | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Alchemy | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Mysticism | Other Practices | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Tribal & Ethnic | Other Practices | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

History | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 080652135X
Release Date: 2000-08-01

Customer Reviews:

Non-scholarly Claptrap.......2007-06-02

Sirona Knight should never be considered a scholarly source on Druidism. She's just horrible & Wicca-fies everything she touches. Her books are usually her take on things, not an expression of things as they are or were. Stay away--FAR away!

Excellent Source for Celtic Paganism.......2006-08-07

This book is one of the best I've read on Celtic traditions. Most books on the Celts give you lots of examples of rituals and tools, but they don't explain the base of the Celtic beliefs. THIS BOOK DOES. This book gives you the history on the Celtic traditions. Not just a general overview, but why they believed they way they did. It is the best source of information I have come across. It has the information on tools and rituals, but those are no good if you follow something you don't know the history of or why you are doing rituals or what the tools are used for. This book has everything.

A well written book on the Celts.......2006-04-02

I have read several of Sirona Knight's many books, and have always found them enjoyable to read. "Celtic Traditions" offers an excellent overview of Celtic culture, including a section on faery traditions. Beautifully combines historical data with modern Celtic spirituality. I strongly recommend this book along with "The Druids" by Peter Ellis and "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Elves and Fairies" by Sirona Knight

I am so angry I bought this book.......2005-10-14

This woman has the writing skills of a high school dropout. Some sentences are written so badly I had to read them again just to make sure they were in English. For some reason I thought this was a serious book about the Celtic revival phenomenon instead, I found out it was just another new age junk book filled with clichés, gross generalizations and non-sequiturs. Here is a classic example (pp. 29-20)

"Matriarchal order and lineages stem from the early concept that creation comes from women. Creation is a divine seed, stemming from the Mother. Plainly, the mother's identity is always certain while the father's is not..."

I want my money back.

A Must Have on Celtic Spirituality.......2005-05-27

This book would be a great starting point for those interested in exploring the realms of Celtic Magic. Ms. Knight covers Shamanism, the Celtic Gods and Goddesses, the Druids (including a brief description of the Ogham, a Celtic form of tree divination), the Faeries, and modern Celtic Traditions. She includes several visualizations and some sample rituals. She also talks about Celtic Wicca, which I didn't actually think was necessary; for me the Celtic lore would have been enough, but of course this would be an added plus for those interested in following the Wiccan path.

She also has a recommended reading list and a list of favorite Celtic music titles which I found to be very helpful.

Ms. Knight's writing is enjoyable and easy to read, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone wishing to explore the Celtic path.

The Pattern of Our Days: Worship in the Celtic Tradition from the Iona Community

Average customer rating:

The Pattern of Our Days
Gold Star Liturgy

The Pattern of Our Days: Worship in the Celtic Tradition from the Iona Community

Manufacturer: Paulist Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0809138603

Book Description

The ecumenical Iona community worships in the ancient Celtic tradition, while imbuing their prayers with a contemporary commitment to peace, justice, and the rediscovery of an integrated spirituality. The Pattern of Our Days is a collection of Iona's actual liturgies, litanies, responses, and meditations. Like all their prayers, these are honest, earthy, and original. They can be used as is by both individuals or groups, adapted, or tapped for ideas for other acts of worship. Believing that no part of life is beyond the reach of faith, these prayers and liturgies emphasize the whole person praying with both intellect and senses. The material draws deeply from Celtic and Benedictine traditions, as well as the Liturgy of the Hours, but also seeks to actively include all as part of a worldwide church. The wide-ranging themes covered by the prayers and liturgies include pilgrimage, healing, witness, dissent, sanctuary, forgiveness, thanksgiving, cursings, blessings, and more. Designed to encourage creativity in worship, this book is a unique resource for parishes, liturgy-planning committees, small faith groups, and religious communities. It's also inspirational reading for the individual seeker, those interested in monasticism, and those drawn to Celtic spirituality--whether their own roots lie there or not.

Customer Reviews:

The Pattern of Our Days.......2007-07-27

I am pleased the book arrived well within the time frame expected and that it was in excellent condition as described. Thank you!

Gold Star Liturgy.......2007-01-11

The Pattern of Our Days is the 4th book I've purchased from the Iona Community/Wild Goose Publications. In fact, I've purchased Cloth for the Cradle 4 times alone, because I keep giving it away.
If you are responsible in any way for worship/worship planning, any of the Wild Goose books are crucial resources for sign acts and responsive liturgies. These are "book[s] of bits", not whole liturgies, yet each of the books, with a different thematic thrust, brings the Good News into human terms that will help bring your congregation closer to God.
I was especially impressed with some of the healing liturgies in The Pattern of Our Days. Less formal, more immediate than we are normally accustomed to. Perhaps that is why they are so effective.

Silver Wheel: Women's Myths and Mysteries in the Celtic Tradition (Llewellyn's Celtic Wisdom Series)

Average customer rating:

The Celts, Wiccafied Again
A must read for every woman!!
The search for the Divine Child....
Find the missing pieces
Amazing!

Silver Wheel: Women's Myths and Mysteries in the Celtic Tradition (Llewellyn's Celtic Wisdom Series)
Marguerite Elsbeth
Manufacturer: Llewellyn Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1567183719

Customer Reviews:

The Celts, Wiccafied Again.......2007-07-24

Merely more Wiccafied Llewellyn claptrap. Predominantly Welsh mythology, twisted & forced into un-natural Wiccan shapes. Modern traditional sexism. Authors do not appear to understand the subtleties of ancient Welsh mythology. Avoid if you're looking for Celtic info. A better book that combines Jungian archetypes & Welsh mythology is "A Celtic Quest," by John Layard.

A must read for every woman!!.......2005-06-02

I have read and reread this book so many times. I have given this book to several female friends and think every woman should read it. So much of what society tells woman condrodicts our own deep instincts and beliefs. This book is a great way for women of and faith, race or age to come to know and understand themselves.

The search for the Divine Child...........2002-11-04

Every now and then I read an out-of-print book and wonder why it's out-of-print. The SILVER WHEEL by Marguerite Elsbeth and Kenneth Johnson is just such a book. I can't believe the content of SW is so esoteric most women won't understand it. Maybe it didn't get enough publicity when it was released to keep it in print or maybe those "really important" critics writing for mainstream news organizations ignored it thinking it was some kind of new age arcane book at best or "silly" feminist stuff at worst. If you read Marion Zimmer Bradley's THE MISTS OF AVALON, or if you're fascinated with Joseph Campbell's works, or if you consider yourself a fan of Jung, or if you are working a 12-step program, or all or none of the above, but are fascinated with the relevance of mythology for our "modern" age don't miss this book.

The authors, provide a test in the early pages (similar to the Myers-Briggs personality test) to help a woman determine her location in the process of finding the self (growing self awareness). Unlike the MB, however (which is often misused), this test does not pigeonhole you into a type, but rather helps you get in touch with your current phase of development.

Elsbeth and Johnson present a paradigm consisting of four phases: Queen, Sorceress, Woman Warrior, Lover. During the course of her lifetime, a woman experiences each of these aspects but not all women experience all aspects in the same order, with one exception, the Sorceress is the final phase. Although she experiences the phases of growth at different times in her life, one facet will be more dominant than the others at each point through life. You can probably work out the order of dominance for your own life. Perhaps you became a Queen (mother), divorced and became a Lover, then became single again and a Warrior Woman who earned her daily bread and protected her kids.

The end game of every life is to become the Sorceress (the male equivalent is the Shaman). Sooner or later, you will become a Sorceress because you are going to die. Only the Sorceress, Shamaness, or Saint, is capable of a mystical union with a higher self.

The authors make connections between the Celtic world view and the views of Zen Buddists, American Indians (North and South), the Kabbala, and other Indo-European mystical practices. The metaphors and myths of the Mabinogion presented by Elsbeth and Johnson can work to heal your life. I found many similarities between SW and ANATOMY OF THE SPIRIT by Caroline Myss, and I liked the SW much better. If you are pursuing the path of healing knowledge, this book can provide you with wonderful insights.

Find the missing pieces.......2001-07-12

This is a book for every woman who feels that part of her soul has been lost in the tribulations of life. For every woman who seeks a significant other to "complete" her, for every woman who feels the need to live vicariously through her children, and for every woman who feels like she is "asleep" as she goes about her daily life, PLEASE read this book.

Following the myth of Rhiannon as an outline, Elsbeth and Johnson lead the reader through a story of a woman coming into her power. Every woman has felt that she was forced to give up some precious part of herself at some point; that feeling of incompleteness can simmer and seethe, leading to depression, neurosis, or violence when she finally "snaps". Or, the woman can look deep within herself, face some tough questions, and come to realize that her "self" was never lost at all, and can be awakened through meditation and dreams. The meditations presented here are useful, but simply reading the text _without_ doing any of the meditations can be invaluable. This is a book of empowerment. Read it, and realize that you are complete in yourself--and in your new-found self-esteem, you won't need anyone else to complete you. And when you don't _need_ others, then you are truly free to _love_ them as people.

The use of the Celtic myths as a metaphor for the journey will draw in a crowd of mainly Pagan women, but any woman can benefit from this book. Read it, and find your power.

Amazing!.......2001-01-08

Got this for Christmas and I can't believe how good it is. I've been studying these Welsh myths for awhile (they are from the medieval collection of myths called The Mabinogion) and I must confess I've always been confused by them. But Arianrhod (SilverWheel) is my Lady so I've read and re-read the Mabinogian and scoured the bookstores trying to find out more about her and the other goddesses I love: Blodeuwedd, Cerridwen, Rhiannon, and Branwen. And then I get this book! I'm still gasping at how great it is. (BTW, though the emphasis is on the Welsh myths, Irish goddesses are included, too.)

The authors carefully take each myth about these goddesses (and several others) and explore the psychology behind them, helping you to understand each myth as a primal archetype within yourself. NOTE: It's not a history book that digs up more information about these confusing myths -- in other words, it doesn't say, "Arianrhod's myth as written in the Mabinogian is corrupt; here is the real myth from earlier sources." It deals with the Mabinogion straight on, with all its' twists and turns. But by sticking with the story as we have it and delving deeply into those archetypes, the authors give us amazing insights into the myths. This book allows us to experience the myths in a new way, not only by studying each myth indepth and applying it to our life-patterns, but by giving excellent meditations and exercises that take us on an actual journey. You discover things about yourself, and the myths become a part of you. I'm probably going to be working with this book for several years. Get this book if you want to learn more about Welsh myth, or if you want to do some very intense soul-work. You'll be a changed person!

Average customer rating:

The information is NOT the issue...

I didn't think this was as useful as the first book.

Spiritual practices

This is the best book of Irish Traditons ever printed!!!

Dont waste your $$$

Faery Wicca, Book 2: The Shamanic Practices of the Cunning Arts (The Ancient Oral Faery Tradition of Ireland)
Kisma Stepanich
Manufacturer: Llewellyn Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Faery Wicca, Book 1: Theory and Magick, a Book of Shadows and Lights (The Ancient Oral Faery Tradition of Ireland)

The Ancient Art of Faery Magick

Faery Wicca Mini Kit

Witch's Guide To Faery Folk: Reclaiming Our Working Relationship with Invisible Helpers (Llewellyn's New Age Series)

Fairy Spells: Seeing and Communicating With the Fairies

ASIN: 1567186955

Customer Reviews:

The information is NOT the issue..........2005-03-03

...the issue is that the author has taken her information from others who have taught and written about Faery for *decades* longer than she has, and BLATANTLY stolen it. There has been litigation against her. Even Llewellyn won't publish her books anymore because they are afraid of getting sued. Folklore, Meditation, Folklore, Meditation, and then more Folklore- that is the way to learn the Faery Faith.

I didn't think this was as useful as the first book........2004-11-13

While I don't agree with everything Ms. Stepanich says in her books, I usally try to collect a variety of works in my 'witchy' library. I usually try to look at the stuff I don't agree with and form a solid opinion on *why* I don't agree. It helps me to really find validity in what *I* believe. If you've read the first book in her series, I would recommend the second just for continuity. If you haven't I suggest you start at the beginning as I found that book more useful. I did notice quite a bit of what she said seemed to have come from other authors. Ultimately, I think I would recommend some other authors first. However I think it is also a good idea to be receptive to others' views and ways of doing things.

Spiritual practices.......2002-11-06

As an Irish gent recently relocated to Boston, and having come across the works by the Irish-American author, Ms. Stepanich, I must say that I find her understanding of Irish mysticism to be quite enchanting. I took the time to read the reviews below and found it quite interesting that many of them sounded as if they were written by the same person and that that person just might be one of the other "authors" so favorably highlighted. Such a shame to attempt to slaunder one individual to stroke your own ego! Makes for bad business. My end comment: a lovely spiritual practice is presented in this book and the first one. As an old druid I must say, she has got her finger on the pulse of the Faery more accurately than any other contemporary author.

This is the best book of Irish Traditons ever printed!!!.......2002-11-05

This is the best book of Irish Traditons ever printed!

Want to learn about the Irish shamanic traditons? want to learn about the Irish Gods and Goddesses and how to work with them? Then go to the Irish Faery Faith expert! That is Kisma Stepanich! Go to other traditions and their experts for their ways. This is truly unique and the best writing available! As for some of the negative comments listed below, lets see these poeople do better! It is easy to sit on your duff and criticize, but hey, write something and lets see if you can do better!! Buy it, you won't be sorry!!

Dont waste your $$$.......2002-05-21

I echo a reader from Boston's review.
I *used* to own both these books, one and two. I recycled them, hoping they'd find a useful life. I wouldnt GIVE these away to some unsuspecting person.
Kisma plagerises (and still gets things wrong) is incapable of reasearch, and when questioned on her "facts", replies that the questioner is "mean and too scholarly".
Well then, I'm proud to be in the "mean" camp.
Do not waste your money, especially at the ridiculous prices being asked for here!!
As has been stated, better to spend your hard earned bucks on WY Evans Wentz, RJ Stewart, et al. I own these books, they blow Kisma away. Kisma who?
She's out of print? GOOD!! Best thing that ever happened to this culture raping liar.
Deserves negative 5.
PS, whomever said "those who didnt like it probably didnt use it as intended"?
Puhhhhleese.

Faery Wicca, Book 1: Theory and Magick, a Book of Shadows and Lights (The Ancient Oral Faery Tradition of Ireland)

Average customer rating:

WOW!!!
A Beautiful Ritual Guide
I am always amazed by my sisters and brothers
My Introduction to wicca
Does it really matter....

Faery Wicca, Book 1: Theory and Magick, a Book of Shadows and Lights (The Ancient Oral Faery Tradition of Ireland)
Kisma Stepanich
Manufacturer: Llewellyn Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1567186947

Customer Reviews:

WOW!!!.......2007-09-30

If you liked Witta this book is for you!!
I would have had a alot less problem with this book if Wicca were not in the books title.So much has been thrown into Wicca over the years people really have come to belive that Wicca really is Celtic.I think mostly becuase the word Celtic is a good way to sell you something Runes,Chinese art anything from England and Germany is fair game. The list goes on and on.As long as you are buying they will be selling.This book falls in with the above.I know this is lost of most of you, I really do.I could not get through most of it .This is a Ancient Tradition ?? just becuase you wish it to be will not make it true.If it were called a New Faery Tradition or a Modern Tradition of Ireland that may have been different.

A Beautiful Ritual Guide.......2007-08-04

I used to own this book, but no longer... not because there's anything wrong with it, but because it was stolen. Now, I go online to get a replacement copy and see all these horrible negative reviews. This is just childish. Did anyone actually believe that the faith depicted in this book was handed down through the ages unchanged from the time the Gauls set foot on the shores of Erin and fought the Tuatha De Danann? I don't remember Kisma even so much as implying that it was. What it is, and does a wonderful job of, is a Wiccanization of Celtic faery faith. As Starhawk would say, we are all moving towards the future, "Creating Religion," and it's a shame that some members of the Wiccan/Pagan community see fit to belittle others for their beliefs and the way they choose to implement them. I truly expected more from folks who chant "Burning Times-never again!" but I guess that's too much to ask. Small wonder that we have trouble being taken seriously as a religion in this, and many other, countries.

Courtney Patricia "GamerGirl" Parsons

I am always amazed by my sisters and brothers.......2007-01-05

I have encountered *so* much negativity and unspecified criticism while reading reviews for so many pagan books. I find it interesting because if you don't like I book I agree you should say why and I am all for a critical review but some of these entries are simply spiteful and not consturcutive at all! Putting such negative energy out will surely spill yr glass of milk!! If I had never read the book I would prolly buy it to see what all the fuss is about.

That said, I read these books (both one and two) when I was about 15-16 and at the time I loved and cherished them. They were not my "intro to wicca" (I am pagan not wiccan anyway) they weren't the first or last books I read and they certainly are no where near being the "cornerstones" of my faith or spiritual explorations. But I did love them. I am a voracious reader and even if they were/are complete fiction they are still worth a read.

to those who say she "fabricated" or purely made things up (and it is true Irish folk didn't have potatos in ancient time!) I would have to remind you of the great Monnique Wittig quote:

remember
make and effort to remember
and failing that; INVENT!

My Introduction to wicca.......2005-05-27

This book was my introduction to wicca, I have to say it was a pretty good book. I found alot of the information in it useful and learned alot. There are some things that I just didn't believe and others that now (10 years later) I have still kept very close to me.
I have read alot of the comments on both of the books and all I have to say is this, Wicca is about learning, studying, and helping eachother. Itis not about bashing anauthor for where or how they got there information. I am sure some of the things from this book did come from other souces. But tell me what can you say when you are writing about an ancient religion that has been passed down generation after generation. I for one would not like an author who just made up a fiction book and sold it as a guide to wicca.
I learned a lot from this book not just regular information which is what the words hold but I also learned a very important
thing from this book that I have to say you really don't learn from other books. History is a very important element. I learned a lot of history but also learned to want to learn history. That is a very important element that I feel is missing in a lot of wiccan books That I found in this book.

Does it really matter...........2005-04-04

I haven't read the book... yet... but does it really MATTER if its plagerized? If she still gets the information accross... then what does it matter? She still puts a works cited list... You can check out other books yourself... Stop complaining, enjoy the fact you HAVE information (unlike me, who wishes he had these books, but doesn't have a single wicca book)... Plagerized or not.

Every Earthly Blessing: Rediscovering the Celtic Tradition

Average customer rating:

Great introduction into Celtic thought
Shipped on time as promised
Excellent Overview

Every Earthly Blessing: Rediscovering the Celtic Tradition
Esther De Waal
Manufacturer: Morehouse Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0819218065

Customer Reviews:

Great introduction into Celtic thought.......2006-08-13

This book is a good overview of information on the Celtic thoughts related to monks, pilgrims, creation, sin, the meaning behind the Celtic crosses, and the Celtic belief that the spiritual and the natural world are not separate.

Two things that I learned from this book: There are plants that the Celtic Christians avoided because of their roles in persecuting Christ. For example:The aspen tree. They would hurl stones and dirt at it when they passed because they were reminded that this was the type of tree Christ died on. No one used the wood from this tree for farm implements or fishing boats. The other interesting part was the explanation of the illustrations on the high Celtic crosses. The crucified Christ is depicted wearing a long robe, showing at once the suffering of the dying Christ and the victory of the risen one. This "shows the Celtic ability to hold two things in tension: death and life brought together."

Facinating stuff. Wish the book had been longer and more in depth.

Shipped on time as promised.......2004-02-13

Delightful book, will be looking for more by this authour

Excellent Overview.......2000-02-01

This book provides a superb introduction to the Celtic Christian vision. I particularly enjoy the trinitarian aspects of Celtic prayer. The vision and picture presented in the book reveals a Chritian faith that does not divide the sacred from the secular or the mind and the body and soul. But rather, it presents a picture of faith affecting every area of life.

Kindling the Celtic Spirit: Ancient Traditions to Illumine Your Life Through the Seasons

Average customer rating:

Still Don't Know How She Did It
Not what I expected.
Celtic Sprit
A lovely book
Kindling the Celtic Spirit in 2006

Kindling the Celtic Spirit: Ancient Traditions to Illumine Your Life Through the Seasons
Mara Freeman
Manufacturer: HarperOne
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Folklore & Mythology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 006251685X
Release Date: 2000-12-26

Amazon.com

For over 2,000 years, oppressors and natural disasters have worked against the Celts, threatening to obliterate the ancient tribe's language, traditions, and spirituality. "Yet in the past 30 years or so, many willing minds and hands have undertaken the task of rekindling the guttering flame of the Celtic spirit," writes author Mara Freeman in Kindling the Celtic Spirit. Freeman is, in fact, one of those maintaining the fire, having spent 35 years studying Celtic traditions and assembling this well-written and organized tribute. Following the format of the Celtic calendar, Freeman shares the stories, recipes, spells, and Gaelic expressions that go with each of the monthly festivals and celebrations. The February chapter celebrates the Festival of Brigit (the goddess who represents the bride or young maiden). October pays tribute to the Festival of Samhain (the celebration that marks the beginning of winter and may have been the Celtic New Year). She recounts the origins of Samhain Eve, or "Mischief Night," which Americans celebrate by trick-or-treating. She teaches magical spells, tells a spine-chilling spooky story, and shows readers how to carve turnip lanterns, using a large rutabaga.

Although she writes about faeries, tree spirits, and other mythological creatures, Freeman narrates with confidence and maturity, so that readers feel as though they are sitting with a learned scholar. The elegant pen-and-ink illustrations by Linda Carol Risso capture the humble pagan origins while respecting the sophistication of Celtic design. The upshot is a beautifully crafted book with plenty of substance for those who like immersing themselves in this enchanting, age-old tribe. --Gail Hudson

Book Description

In this beautiful treasury of sacred wisdom, Mara Freeman shares the rich legacy of the Celts -- the festivals, gods and goddesses, saints, faeries, music, poetry, and storytelling that anchor this magical tradition. Discover myths, rituals, recipes, and crafts for every month of theyear. Honor Saint Brigit with a prayer in February, or ensure a merry start to May with a bowl of frothy syllabub. Come together with friends and neighbors to celebrate community in the high days of August, then learn to weave a solstice wreath in snowy December.

Traditional blessings, ancient lore, and guided meditations inspire you to reconnect with the rhythms of the natural world, and view the sacred as an integral part of every day. Rediscover the wisdom and healing power of nature, and cultivate and honor your soul as you would the earth. Let the spirit of the ancient Celts enchant you in every season, year after year.

Customer Reviews:

Still Don't Know How She Did It.......2007-08-02

I received this book as a gift from my husband at the Winter Solstice in 2005, and finally am reviewing it. It has taken me this long because I don't quite know how to express the depth of my passion about this book. Everytime I open it, I feel I have a veritable one-volume library of Celtic lore. That's what I meant by I don't know how she did it! I've been on the Celtic path for over thirty years, and she not only puts in my favorite poems, she surprises me on every other page. Also, the recipes and activities that are at the end of each month serve to deepen the connection to the lore. Don't miss the Watercress soup from the House of Light Chapter for July, it's delicious! I honestly feel that years from now, I will still be discovering new treasures in this library.
Linda Carol Risso's illustrations are just the icing on a magical cake, clearly a fortuitous creative pairing.

Not what I expected. .......2007-07-08

It's kind of tricky to figure out what our ancestors really believed thanks to Christianity. This book really shows what I mean. I didn't see any of the "New agey fluff" that one reviewer wrote. I was excited to get the book only to be disappointed upon purchasing it. The cover is still one of the few things I enjoy about this book. It is honestly not pagan at all and never will.

Celtic Sprit.......2007-01-16

A wonderful book purchased for my son for Christmas. Couldn't help but read some of it myself before I wrapped it.

A lovely book.......2006-06-15

I love this book! I bought it right after it arrived in my local bookstore, so I've had the opportunity to use it a lot. The poetry and prayers are inspiring, and the snippets of Celtic animal and plant lore have frequently sent me in search of more information. I love the meditations, was very happy to have found the meditation cd (although I do wish the cd had all of the meditations from the book included on it, and not just selected ones.)Highly recommended!

Kindling the Celtic Spirit in 2006.......2006-03-11

In times when everything is a buzz and you are riding life instead of living it... this author reminds us to tap inside and look out instead of living from the outside in. I enjoyed this book so much that I have the sense to let things wiz by if they are not as important and my center of happiness and peace. I sleep better that way instead of letting the day run through me, I go through the day. Hope you find the same.

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