Celtic religion and mythology Books

Book SynopsisThey may be coated in layers of myth and pious anecdote but dig deep enough and the pioneering leaders of Celtic Christianity are revealed as reassuringly human individuals, responding to their faith by deliberately living on the edges of society. From the goddess-nun Brigid and absent-minded Cainnech to severe ascetics such as Columbanus and Baldred, together they demonstrate a close connection with the natural world, an astonishing self-discipline and, above all, a rigorous commitment to what it meant to be ‘pilgrims for Christ’. Establishing a network of influential monastic communities, they travelled from the territories of the Atlantic seaboard – Ireland, Wales and Cornwall – across Scotland, the north of England and deep into continental Europe, transforming the religious experience of all they encountered.

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Book SynopsisViewed as the key to self-knowledge and inner peace in Eastern traditions, a mandala is a symbolic spiritual image which, when meditated on, can bring about profound inner transformation. This book offers a perfect way to combine contemplation with creativity, helping us to ease anxieties and insecurities, bring about change, and regain our personal balance - both through colouring in these mandalas and through meditating on them afterwards. Each mandala offers a place of refuge you can visit to recharge and reconnect with your essential self. The imagery ranges from the dove of peace, the rose of pure love and the floating lotus of the East to dolphins at play. There is an introduction putting the symbolism and imagery of the mandalas in context, as well as a directory of the mandalas in full colour at the back of the book.

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Book SynopsisThe Celtic seasonal wheel is based on eight festivals - Winter Solstice, Imbolc, Spring Equinox, Beltane, Summer Solstice, Lughnasadh, Autumn Equinox and Samhain. Together, these lead us through the cycle of the year, aligning our awareness with the seasonal pattern of the earth beneath our feet. In this book on the solstices, equinoxes and other festivals within the sacred cycle, Danu Forest reveals the secrets of each festival in turn and skilfully revives ancient traditions, encouraging us to reconnect with nature, and ourselves, with a host of practical ideas and rituals. Decorate your home with beautiful seasonal crafts and altars to manifest sacred space. Make gifts to give to friends, cast spells for creativity, fertility and blessing, and use the abundance of nature in recipes that can be enjoyed as part of your seasonal celebrations or for self-healing and empowerment. Meditate on the changing heavens throughout the year with Celtic star lore. Deepen your experience of the turning seasons, from the rest and renewal of winter through the revels of spring and summer to the soul or spirit nights of autumn with magical guided visualizations. This cycle of conscious celebration helps us, year on year, to align with nature's rhythms with greater wonder and insight. Based on sound extensive research, as well as many years of practical experience through both personal practice and teaching, the book will act as a guide for weaving a new, more soulful way of living into readers' everyday existence.Trade Review'The Magical Year is a fabulous collection of traditional lore, activity suggestions, recipes, rituals, deities and prayers to help us connect to and draw wisdom from the seasons. An invaluable resource for anyone new to the festivals of the Wheel of the Year but also an enjoyable read for those who have long celebrated these magical shifts in nature.' - Philip Carr-Gomm, Author and Chief Druid of OBOD 'An insightful guide, rich with Danu Forest's understanding of the ancient ways, traditions, folklore and magical lore behind the seasonal celebrations.' - Glennie Kindred, Author and Artist"

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Book SynopsisA very readable guide which fills the gap between academic analysis and less critical retellings of the myths and legends. Marytn Whittock provides an accessible overview while also assessing the current state of research regarding the origins and significance of the myths. Since all records of the myths first occur in the early medieval period, the focus is on the survival of pre-Christian mythology and the interactions of the early Christian writers with these myths. A wide-ranging and enthralling introduction to Celtic mythology, from the Irish gods before gods, the Fomorians, to the children of Llyr, the sea deity; from the hunter-warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill, whose exploits are chronicled in the Fenian Cycle, to Cu Chulainn, the Hound of Ulster; and from the Welsh heroes of the Mabinogion to Arthur, King of Britain, though the mythical, Welsh version who predates the medieval legends.

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Book SynopsisDruidry is currently exciting much interest but has an image that is not usually associated with urban life. In The Handbook of Urban Druidry, author Brendan Howlin presents Druidry in an easy-to-understand way, making the concepts open to everyone.

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Book SynopsisThe subject of fairies in Celtic cultures is a complex one that seems to endlessly intrigue people. What exactly are fairies? What can they do? How can we interact with them? Answering these questions becomes even harder in a world that is disconnected from the traditional folklore and flooded with modern sources that are often vastly at odds with the older beliefs. This book aims to present readers with a straightforward guide to the older fairy beliefs, covering everything from Fairyland itself to details about the beings within it. The Otherworld is full of dangers and blessings, and this guidebook will help you navigate a safe course among the Good People.

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Book SynopsisLong before the terms ‘mindfulness’ and ‘well-being’ were coined, the Celtic tradition offered pathways to peace of mind and calm. For centuries it has created hope, unity and a community – a sanctuary of rest, renewal and reassurance. In these troubled times, the importance of connection, and a sanctuary, is stronger than ever.Drawing on the wisdom, stories, poetry, prayers and humour that are at the heart of the Celtic tradition, Inspiration for All Seasons reminds us of where we come from and brings comfort when it is badly needed. With contributions from individuals such as Peter McVerry and Mark Patrick Hederman, and a tribute to the late, great John O’Donohue, this book shines a light in the darkness.ALL ROYALTIES FROM THIS BOOK WILL GO TO THE PETER McVERRY TRUSTTrade Review"A wonderful book to keep close to you, to dip in and out of, when you are searching for strength and trying to make sense of the journey you are on. It is filled with inspirational thoughts and reflections. I hope you find something here that might speak to you, especially if your spirit might need a lift. * Kathy Sinnott *

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Book SynopsisFollowing on from Healing Power of Celtic Plants, Angela Paine's latest book covers a new range of Celtic medicinal plants which are native to Britain, as well as a few plants, such as Sage and Rosemary, which were introduced by the Romans. Combining the latest scientific data on the healing properties of the herbs used by the ancient Celts with recent archaeological discoveries, written in a jargon-free, easy to understand narrative style and offering a botanical description of each plant, an outline of their chemical constituents, and advice on ways to grow, harvest, preserve and use each plant, Healing Plants of the Celtic Druids is an essential guide.

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Book SynopsisIn the ancient realm of the Celts, the seer was a person who opened a window to reveal a complete view of the cosmos, in which the otherworld and the everyday world interconnect. This was the essence of true perception and wisdom, known as gléfiosa, or 'bright knowledge'. For the seer, the babbling of the stream, the swaying of treetops in the wind, the hunting and foraging of animals are all brimful of deeper meaning. The Art of Celtic Seership shows how to connect with this visionary wisdom, nurture it in ourselves and harness it to live in harmony with each other and with the earth, and to bring profound insight and understanding to our day-to-day existence. It describes the tools and techniques of the druids, bards and seers of old, and explains how we too can draw inspiration from the natural world and open ourselves to developing our prophetic and visionary powers. Practical exercises include calling upon your ancestors, working with your dreams, cultivating a connection with the faery folk, experimenting with trance states, entering into the consciousness of the stones, trees and other natural features around you, asking a question of the universe and listening to the reply and reading omens and signs in the symbols you encounter through the day.

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Book SynopsisThis is an inspiring, magical and beautifully packaged collection of Celtic poetry compiled by a leading authority on Celtic tradition. Arranged into five thematic chapters, this anthology reflects the uniquely Celtic love of nature, history, love, myth, magic and spirituality. From the earliest times, the language-loving Celts revered their bards: they established a poetic tradition beginning in the 6th century with the intricate magical verse of Taliesin. It continued in the rich medieval works of Dafydd ap Gwilym and Rhys Goch and stayed strong in the 19th and 20th centuries with Gerald Manley Hopkins, and writers such as R.J. Stewart, Robin Williamson and Catherine Fisher. Matthews has chosen the finest works by the most diverse range of poets and translated many of the oldest for this volume. His selection will offer readers a window on to the world of the ancient Celtic peoples, celebrating their culture and the great masterpieces of lyricism and brilliance that have survived the ages.

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Book SynopsisFairies are a challenging subject, intertwining culture, folklore, and anecdotal accounts across centuries and millennia. Focusing primarily on the Celtic speaking cultures, with some material from adjacent cultures including Anglo-Saxon and Norse, A New Dictionary of Fairies has in-depth entries on a variety of fairies as well as subjects related to them, such as why we picture elves with pointed ears or where the idea of fairies being invisible comes from. It also tackles more complicated topics like the nature and physicality of the fairy people. Anyone with an interest in the Good Neighbours will find this book a solid resource to draw from.

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive look at beliefs in and views of the Otherworld across Celtic, English, and modern folklore.

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Book SynopsisChannel the power and use the magic of more than 50 Celtic goddesses. The Celtic goddesses and druids were legendary beings. Now these heavenly spirits have personal relationships with us in everything we do. All females are divinely attuned to goddesses from birth for guidance and protection through life until death. Working by divine plan, goddesses imbue us with their ancient wisdom, which becomes our own, helping us to avoid pitfalls and reach our full potential. Celtic Goddesses and Their Spells features 52 of these inspiring deities, all beautifully illustrated. Gillian Kemp gives a description of each goddess and her main powers, followed by a spell associated with that goddess. For example, Cerridwen is the goddess of truth and she encourages you to be your most authentic self, while Awen, goddess of inspiration, helps you find the answers you need.

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Book SynopsisUncover the MYSTERIES surrounding MORE THAN 50 SACRED SYMBOLS that embody the ethos of the ancient Celts, as well as their associated deities and guides.In Celtic Symbols, Joules Taylor takes an in-depth look at Celtic society, seasons, festivals, the Ogham alphabet, accessories, and the Celtic symbiotic relationship with nature. From celebrating the rites of spring to invoking the mother-goddess Briggida with her symbol, the triskele, this evocative guide unlocks ancient lore and explains how the ancient Celts communicated with the land. Celtic Symbols is conveniently pocket-sized and features over 200 illustrations of fascinating artifacts, making it a handy guide to reference time and time again. Whether you’re curious about this lesser-known civilization or interested in incorporating ancient druidic symbols and rituals into your life, the knowledge within these pages is sure to inspire and enlighten you.

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Book SynopsisExploring the connection between humans and fairies across time

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Book SynopsisWhen Alfie’s mother falls gravely ill, doctors say only a miracle can save her. Having only just moved to the seaside town of Tudllan, Alfie and his dad desperately search to find a cure. Almost at the point of giving up hope, Alfie hears of a local legend about a sacred cup, mentioned in an ancient book, the Book of Tudllan. Over one and a half thousand years earlier, Cai, a young slave, narrowly escapes with his life from a battle, having sworn to his dying master, one of the last Roman centurions in Britannia, to deliver a mysterious bundle to a man named Gwion, at a remote sanctuary. He later learns that the bundle contains a sacred cup with healing powers, also known as the Holy Grail. Was that sanctuary Tudllan, and does the ancient Book of Tudllan hold clues to its secret resting place? Alfie, and his friend Melanie, must race against time to decipher the book’s clues in the hope of finding the cup, before a gang of ruthless treasure hunters do. Alfie believes that it is the only thing that can save his mother. But does the cup really exist, is the legend true and can it be found in time?

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Book SynopsisImmerse yourself in a world of fairy queens and Celtic warriors in this remarkable collection of Irish folk tales. Set in Medieval Ireland, this collection of 10 stories were gathered in the late 19th and early 20th century by writer James Shepherd, described by James Joyce as ''my rival, the latest Irish genius''. The lyricism and humour within these retellings are unequalled and provide wonderful insight into the culture and traditions of Ireland. Drawn from the Fenian Cycle of Irish mythology, they include:• The Birth of Bran• The Enchanted Cav of Cesh Corran• Mongan''s Frenzy• The Carl of the Drab CoatABOUT THE SERIES: The Arcturus Classics series brings together high-quality paperback editions of classics works, presented with contemporary graphic cover designs. Together they make a wonderful collection which is perfect for any home library.

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Book SynopsisDelve into the myths and legends of Celtic folklore in this classic text, written by Arthurian expert Charles Squire. From King Arthur to Gaelic gods, this authoritative study explores the characters found in Celtic myth and epic poetry. These tales are not only extensively researched but beautiful and moving, with sections on Celtic paganism, druidism and the giants of ancient Briton. The gods are honored in the animated telling of their stories and only give way to heroes such as Cuchulain, Blodeuweek, Branwen, and Finn. Tales include: • Finn and the Fenians• The Mythological "Coming of Arthur'''' • The Rise of the Sun-God • The War with the Giants • The Gaelic Argonauts Drawing on the early writings of Ireland, Scotland and Wales, this book is an essential read for anyone interested in Celtic culture and how its beliefs and traditions have survived in modern day Britain.ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus World Mythology series brings together captivating retellings of myths and legends from different oral traditions, from Greek and Roman to Norse and Native American, offering rich insight into their cultures and beliefs.

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Book SynopsisA history of the cult of the ancient Druids, exploring who they really were and what role they played in the Celtic world. The author's interpretation of the facts is based on both archaeological and etymological findings. Peter Berresford Ellis sifts through evidence and, with reference to the latest archaeological findings and the use of etymology, shows that the Druids have been subject to a swaythe of propaganda and myth-making through the centuries.Trade ReviewFinally, a book that separates fact from mythology, telling us what we can and cannot know about the ancient Druids. This remarkable book by a leading historian of the Celts offers much for the academician as well as the general reader. Fascinating reading! -- Joseph A. King, author of Ireland to North AmericaReadable and well-researched... a useful guide... -- - Count Nikolai Tolstoy * Times Higher Education Supplement *

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Book SynopsisThe Abode of Fancy tells the story of a young Dublin man, Simeon Collins – lonely and desperate for love – whose friendships with a loosely associated group of elderly, alcoholic men yield a grim picture of his own probable future life. It also tells the story of the Mad Monk, a mythical god-man, who returns to Ireland, eager to find his long-dead brother Elijah. And then there’s the lovesick hare, the ghostly skeletal bull, and the barmy banshee Maggie Nutmeg Devlin. As the stories progress, the two worlds draw closer and closer, interweaving to fuse reality and fantasy in an exhilarating extravaganza that explores the nature of loneliness, the impossibility of love, and the possible consolations of friendship. This is an elaborate literary novel, sure to garner a cult following, drawing together Irish traditions of linguistic whimsy and ironic fantasy, with a modern hysterical realist style. Coll has an unmistakably distinctive voice, and with unrivalled linguistic flair he expertly combines the tenderness and simplicity of a child with the cynicism and gloom of an old man. The Abode of Fancy is an auspicious debut and a hilarious, heartbreaking and jaw-dropping read. Extracts from the novel have been featured in Granta and The Stinging FlyTrade Review‘Wildly talented … a huge, mad gem.’—Donal Ryan ‘Marvellously strange’ —Sara Baume

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Book SynopsisThe universe is filled with countless gods, goddesses and nature spirits. Many made themselves known to the Druids of ancient Northern Europe. How can modern day Druids make contact with these age-old Beings? "Old Gods, New Druids" offers a series of twenty humorous and informative lessons that can be used for group or solitary study and is ideal for people interested in Druidry and the Pagan spirituality of ancient Britain and Ireland. Learn about the ancient Gods and other spirits, along with methods of honouring them through ritual, mysticism, poetry and storytelling. Find a spiritual discipline that embraces responsible hedonism whilst venerating the Land and all her children. The growing worldwide interest in the old polytheist religions has lead people to attempt to reconstruct the shattered traditions of earlier times. This book provides a model for recreating a working, coherent theology for anyone wanting to commune with their Gods and the Living Land, regardless of their origins or heritage.Trade ReviewThe text is exquisitely grounded, both informed and inspired from its blend of Celtic sources. Indeed, it isn't often that I read a book on Druidry and find myself smiling, my fist clenched with the force of my joyful agreement. Yes, this is a very fine exposition of Druidry, fluent, graceful and witty, not only in terms of its content but also in the way it is expressed. (Emma Restall Orr, Head of The Druid Network, and author of Living Druidry, Living with Honour : A Pagan Ethics, and Kissing the Hag.) Robin Herne's new book is a well-written and insightful account of polytheistic Druidry as practised by his group in East Anglia. (Dr Mark Williams, Celticist, at Peterhouse, Cambridge.)

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Book SynopsisThe daughters of Danu has been written to encourage people regardless of where they are on their chosen path, to excite and encourage the reader to deepen their knowledge by inwardly asking themselves such questions as; Who are these magical characters, and what do they represent? Most of the ancient teaching methods were done through metaphor, symbolism and even parable, why? Because they work. For any beginner starting out on a Pagan learning curve, the Pagan scene can be very confusing and even disheartening. The key is is that once you know what questions to ask, the answers will be all that much easier to find, and this book will give the reader the incentive to unearth those questions. On the other hand, for the established Pagan, this book will be a joy to read and the roller coaster ride of an adventure that will resonate with what they have already learned. Regardless of who you are, how old or young, there will be something within this story that will inspire your spirit and lift your heart.

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Book SynopsisToday's Ireland has never lost the link with its pagan past, never forgotten the old ways. This book reveals the hidden world of pagan Ireland, showing it still exists among the people and in the landscape where it belongs.

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Book SynopsisAn epic saga of greed, sorcery and one man’s heroic sacrifice. Ireland’s legendary super hero, Cú Chulainn, stands alone against the thousands of warriors controlled by the enchantress Queen Maeve, who is determined to capture the Brown Bull of Cooley and claim the lands of Ulster for her own. Supernatural feats of strength, ferocious battles and the tragic destinies of Cú Chulainn and Ferdia are vividly recreated in this action-packed, glorious retelling of one of the most famous stories from ancient Celtic myth. This unique and powerful graphic novel brings to life the legendary figure that is Cú Chulainn.Trade Review'visually … a pure feast' -- thearcade.iespectacular * Irish Examiner *the fastest selling graphic novel in Ireland -- Evening Echoexciting new graphic novel … its action-packed battle sequences are as bloody and dramatic as any reader could wish for -- Children’s Books Ireland Recommended Reads Guide 2013nicely-designed … comic-loving older children and young adults will really enjoy this -- Children’s Books Ireland Recommended Reads Guide 2013action heroes, intrigue and more than a little mysticism translate well into graphic novel form ... visually stunning ... Sliney’s restrained palette uses colour to effectively convey atmosphere and mood ... moments of perfectly timed comic relief -- Books IrelandWill Sliney has stayed faithful to the original legend ... the art … really lifts the book -- gnyeahyeah.coman interesting treatment of a tale which I'd imagine is unfamiliar to the majority of non-Irish readers, and I'd definitely suggest it's worth taking a look at! I'm certainly looking forward to the second and third in the series -- gnyeahyeah.comgenius -- Irish Tatler Man Magazinethrough dynamic action and rich detail, the Corkman transports the reader to a brutal but accessible version of ancient Ireland ... slots neatly into the O’Brien Press’s growing line of graphic novels with historical bents ... more Avengers than Aosdana -- Irish Examineran easy introduction to epic Irish literature for adult and younger reader alike -- Books Irelandperfect format for the retelling of one of Ireland’s most famous stories ... not one for purists, but a meaty undertaking nonetheless -- Sunday Business Posta pure labour of love: a must read for any Irish comic fan! -- thearcade.iethe pages of Celtic Warrior The Legend of Cú Chulainn serve as not only proof of the talent we have in this country but also act as a beautiful and astounding reminder of the wealth we have in Ireland when it comes to our own history and folklore ... we need something to remind us why Ireland is worth fighting for; Will Sliney has not just created a brilliant graphic novel but he has awoken the hero we all need -- thearcade.ierousing stuff ... compelling ... spellbinding! The power and the glory of Irish myth in a splash of graphic colour and sharp dialogue -- RTE Guidethe fact that the book is a labour of love really shines through in what truly is a benchmark for domestically produced graphic novels -- Irishcomicsnews.comferocious, bloody and sexy ... will shock traditionalists and delight teenage readers ... stunning illustrations -- Irish Independenthugely entertaining ... haunting narrative ... engrossing tale that was as violent and brutal as it was fulfilling and encompassing ... Sliney’s abilities shine through in the action packed almost cinematic fight scenes ... visceral ... superb memorable images -- Irishcomicsnews.comSliney can hold his head high with what he has accomplished and O’Brien Press can add another critical success to their growing stable of home-grown titles -- Irishcomicsnews.comsimply, a superb offering -- Irishcomicsnews.coma cross between ‘Tomb Raider’ and ‘Game of Thrones’ -- Irish IndependentAt Marvel, Cork’s Will Sliney has long since cemented himself as an institution with work on multiple Marvel Star Wars properties and Spider-Man 2099. Younger readers may recognise him from his stint doing drawing lessons for RTE’s Home School Hub, but another fine achievement is his mythical masterwork Celtic Warrior: The Legend of Cu Chulainn. Written and drawn by Sliney, it’s a great reworking of the Ulster Cycle, featuring Ireland’s own original superhero (and unapologetic murderer of large dogs) * O’Reilly/@shockproofbeats *A huge success * Irish Examiner *

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Book SynopsisTrees mirror in many ways the life cycle of human beings: they are born from seed, they breathe and drink, they grow to maturity, reproduce and eventually die from age or disease. Their branches, roots and the veins of their leaves resemble human blood vessels, and certain species even ooze a reddish, blood-like sap when damaged.From ancient times, people appreciated the spiritual value of trees, singling out individual trees for special veneration. In Ireland the roots of tree worship reach deep into pagan Celtic religion and spirituality. Christine Zucchelli looks at these trees, from Fairy Thorns to Rag Trees, from Mass Bushes to Monument Trees. This fascinating exploration of their stories and legends reveals their spiritual, social and historical functions from pagan times to the present.Trade Review'Beautiful arboreal studies, inspiring pleasure in trees' -- Michael Viney * The Irish Times *'Inestimable contribution to the knowledge and understanding of trees in Ireland' * Irish Examiner *

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Book SynopsisIn "Stations of the Sun" and "The Triumph of the Moon", Ronald Hutton established himself as a leading authority on the historian of Paganism. His wealth of unusual knowledge, complemented by a deep and sympathetic understanding of past and present beliefs that are often dismissed as strange or marginal, and an ability to write lucidly and wittily, gives his work a unique flavour. The essays which make up "Witches, Druids and King Arthur" cover elegantly and entertainingly a wide range of beliefs, myths and practices.Trade Review ‘essential reading for anyone interested in the history, recent or older, of paganism.' ~ David CohenTable of ContentsIllustrations; Introduction; Acknowledgements; 1 How Myths are Made; 2 Arthur and the Academics; 3 Glastonbury: Alternative Histories; 4 The New Old Paganism; 5 Paganism in the Missing Countries; 6 A Modest Look at Ritual Nudity; 7 The Inklings and the Gods; 8 The New Druidry; 9 Living with Witchcraft; Notes; Index.

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Book SynopsisSixteen hundred years after his death, Martin of Tours - soldier turned holy man and hermit - continues to exert a profound influence on our contemporary experience of the Christian faith as we increasingly embrace the Celtic spirituality which he inspired. Martin's rejection of the superficial establishment Christianity of the crumbling Roman Empire in favour of creating communities of believers as found in the New Testament, marked the beginning of a dynamic new era for western Christianity and ignited a flame that continues to burn brightly to this day. The story of St Martin is the story of the passion and energy of the Celtic people encountering the simplicity, heroism and joy of the early church and responding to it in mass conversion. Today, not only are hundreds of churches dedicated in his honour, but on Iona and throughout the British Isles, Celtic crosses and other ancient monuments can be found to this wise and generous saint whose dynamic leadership of the monastic community he founded directly inspired Patrick and Columba to their great missionary endeavours. Christopher Donaldson's vivid and compelling portrait re-establishes Martin of Tours as a spiritual leader with a message for our own day.

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Book SynopsisDiscover your spiritual gift in the company of Columba, Brigid, Cuthbert, Patrick and other Celtic saints in this ground-breaking and original book. As the rediscovery of Celtic spirituality has transformed Christian experience in recent years, Celtic Gifts explores the dramatic impact that a Celtic understanding of vocation and ministry could have in the life and work of the Church today, especially where small congregations, limited resources and overburdened clergy create particular difficulties. Offering a positive, imaginative and biblical solution to problems that are all too common today, Celtic Gifts will encourage every Christian to explore their own vocation and calling.

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Book SynopsisThis pocket-sized informative travel guide is a companion to the principal Celtic sites in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Comprehensive both in content and detail, the places featured include: Scotland - Iona, Whithorn, Melrose; England - Lindisfarne, Whitby, Jarrow, Ripon, Lichfield, Old Sarum, Glastonbury, Tintagel, Canterbury, Lullingstone; Wales - Bardsey and the Llyn Peninsula, St Winifred's Well, St David's, Lantwit Major; and Ireland - Skellig Michael, Glendalough, Kells, Kildare, Slane Hill and Tara. The stories of the saints associated with these and other places are retold for today's visitors and pilgrims, along with quotations, prayers and readings from the Celtic era. Practical information is also given, plus maps, illustrations and suggestions of other places to visit nearby. An introduction explains the significance of pilgrimage to these places both in Celtic times and in the present day.

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Book SynopsisMany people know of the Carmina Gadelica, the collection of Gaelic songs, prayers and blessings from the Hebrides, yet few have access to its five volumes published in Scotland between 1900 and 1952. Here, an attractive selection is made for the contemporary reader and freshly translated to reflect the particular Christian experience of the people who composed them: Celtic Christians in the 7th to 9th centuries who worshipped the Trinitarian God, had a devotion to the Virgin Mary, the Archangels and the Saints, and a love of the Bible, especially the Psalms. Some 130 poems and prayers are included, arranged in eleven sections including The Power of Heaven, Home and Family and Soul Journey. An extended introduction opens up the world that produced these extraordinary and beautiful prayers and blessings.Trade Review'This book is well worth reading for its poetic approach, as well as for its depth of prayer and intellect.' * Church Times *'As a collection of prayers, it is certainly to be commended.' * New Directions *

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Book SynopsisKate Tristam is a well-known island resident whose talks on the history of Lindisfarne hold visitors spellbound. A historian and a priest in the Church of England, she is ideally qualified to tell the remarkable story of this captivating place. From its misty beginnings as part of the mainland in the Stone Age right up to the present day, this popular history covers: its formation as an island, the Roman and Anglo-Saxon eras, the influence of Columba and Iona, Lindisfarne's own apostle, Aidan, the making of the Lindisfarne Gospels, Cuthbert, Cedd, Chad and Aidan's other followers, Hilda and the community at Whitby, Bede and the monastic tradition, the coming of the Vikings, the Benedictine years, the dissolution of the monasteries, and more.

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Book SynopsisEsther de Waal draws on the ancient traditions of Celtic and monastic spirituality to explore thresholds between people, between cultures, between the human and the divine. Ancient spiritual wisdom teaches that thresholds are sacred places and Esther encourages readers to become more receptive to their surroundings and to learn to pause, reflect and meet God at the places of encounter and change in our lives.

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Book SynopsisDruidism evolved out of the tribal cultures of Britain, Ireland and western France over two thousand years ago. In the seventeenth century it experienced a revival, which has continued to this day. Contemporary Druids can now be found all over the world, and Druidry's appeal lies in its focus on a reverence for the natural world, a belief in the value of personal creativity and of developing a sense of communion with the powers of nature and the spirit. Druidry's startling recent growth lies in its broad appeal: some treat it as a philosophy, others as a religion, still others as a path of self-development. Druids can be Pagan, or can be followers of other faiths, and a Druid ceremony might include Christian and Buddhist Druids alongside Pagan and Wiccan Druids. Philip Carr-Gomm explains the practical value of following Druidism today, and examines its core beliefs and relevance to the contemporary issues that face us all.Trade Review"'Above all else, Druidry means following a spiritual path rooted in the green Earth' John Michael Greer"

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