Description
Book SynopsisA guide to the history and practices of the Druids and the Celtic faith
• Reconstructs the Druidic faith from surviving remnants, parallels with other Indo-European traditions, and dedicated study of scholarly sources
• Details magical rites and ceremonies, methods for consecrating an outdoor temple, and customs for celebrating important festivals such as Beltaine and Samhain
• Discusses rules for firecraft, making offerings to deities and spirits, and the ancient Coligny calendar, including the names of the months in old Gaulish
Druids and their magic, lore, and rituals have fascinated all those who encounter them, from the ancient Greeks and Romans onward. Even today, the mere mention of their name evokes pictures of standing stones, mistletoe, golden sickles, white-robed priests, and powerful sorcerers. But were they really as we picture them?
Drawing on comparative mythology and linguistics, archaeological evidence, and etymology, Teresa Cross offers readers a comprehensive course in the history and development of the Celtic spiritual tradition and its lore, reconstructing the Druidic faith from the remnants that have survived and dedicated study of scholarly sources. She also reveals parallels with other Indo-European traditions, such as the similarities between Celtic and Vedic Hindu beliefs and practices. She chronicles the ethics and spiritual teachings of Druidism and the Celtic faith and examines what happened to these beliefs during centuries of Christianization.
Moving from history to practice, Cross details magical rites and ceremonies as practiced by modern-day followers of Druidactos. She explores the structure of the
Touta, which roughly corresponds to “tribe,” methods for consecrating a nemeton, the outdoor temple that offers the optimum sacred space for the meeting of heaven and earth, and the rites and customs associated with important festivals such as Beltaine and Samhain. She also explores the rules of firecraft, the sacred art of giving to the cosmos, making offerings to deities and spirits, sacred food and beverages, and the ancient Coligny calendar, including the names of the months in old Gaulish.
Offering an authentic handbook for starting your own Celtic group led by Druids, Cross reveals the meanings and metaphysics behind the Celtic and Druidic customs and traditions, reuniting the fragmentary remains of long-lost Druid culture with the still-living practices of the Celtic faith.
Trade Review“. . . a refreshing stream of information flowing from an enormous reservoir of research and experience. For twenty-first-century readers desiring knowledge of historic Celtic spirituality or wishing to follow the rites and ways of this ancient path, this book is an indispensable resource.” * Kenneth McIntosh, author of Water from an Ancient Well *
“A thoughtful and well-researched reconstruction of archaic Celtic tribal spirituality.” * John Michael Greer, author of The Druidry Handbook *
“This fascinating account of the Druids--from ancient to modern practice--provides a comprehensive history of the tradition as well as everything one needs to know to practice this vibrant path of healing and magic.” * Martha Shideler, author of Caitlin: Priestess of the Goddess and editor of The Independent Celt *
“. . . a fantastic guide on modern Celtic polytheism. Filled with important information on history and modern, practical takes on rituals, this book is a must for the aspiring polytheist. An engaging and thought-provoking read from start to finish--I loved it!” * Domhnall Irvine, Druid of Sylvan Celtic Fellowship *
“
Secrets of the Druids has been updated and expanded, strengthening some its best features, such as its detailed linguistic resources. I heartily recommend it to anyone interested in Celtic culture and spirituality or the ancient world in general.” * Mark DeFillo, Druid Belenios Ategnatos of Kredenn Geltiek Hollvedel *
"A GOOD RECONSTRUCTION is hard to find. It must be rooted in living priesthood and also scrupulously historical, drawing on textual, artistic and archaeological sources. It must be both true to its origins and acceptable to modern culture. It should bring ancient and modern cosmologies into a meaningful dance that uplifts rather than overwhelms the worshiper. Perhaps most importantly, it must be explained simply but thoroughly, and its rituals should be beautiful and practical to enact. Secrets of the Druids; From Indo-European Origins to Modern Practices by Teresa Cross is just such a gem. It draws on history, archaeology and linguistics to reconstruct cosmology, theology and ritual. The result is not just a book about ancient Celtic religion or just a hands-on guide to modern Druidry, but a highly readable marriage of both that is well-researched and well-written." * The Witches' Almanac *
"A living and working triad of study, activity, and inspiration empowers the research, practice, and focus of
Secrets of the Druids for students everywhere. Highly recommended." * Searles O’Dubhain, Pagan Ireland Magazine *
Table of ContentsFOREWORD Remembering the Druids
by Stephen E. Flowers, Ph.D.
AUTHOR’S PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION A Cultural and Linguistic Family
Acknowledgments
INTRODUCTION A New Celtic Renaissance
PART I
Ancient Customs
1 Celts, Druids, and Gauls
2 Survivals and Revivals
3 Celtic Cosmology
4 Sacrificial Giving
5 The Gods and Their Tales
6 Principles of Druidiacta
7 The Celtic Lore of the Soul
PART II
Modern Practices
8 The Structure of the Touta
9 The Nemeton
10 Sacred Gear
11 Rites of Passage
12 Adbertoi: Public Rites
13 Rites and Customs of the Festivals
14 The Calendar of the Year
15 Clergy Requirements
Appendices A Rules of Firecraft
B Otherworld Regions
C Names of Ritual Gear
D Indo-European Etymologies
E Sacred Foods and Beverages and Food Symbolism
F Pronunciation of Celtic Languages
G Celts from the West
H Etymologies of Celtic Deity Names
I Modern Scots Gaelic Kingship
J Gaulish Grammar
K Hindu and Celtic Parallels
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
About the Author
