"In our time when so much emphasis is on the quick and the facile, the glamorous and the trendy, John Matthews offers something deep and lasting. He bridges the ancient wisdoms of our past and the possibilities of our future. He calls himself a shaman, but I call him a sage. And as you read the treasures in this book, I believe you will as well." David Spangler

People of many denominations find spiritual meaning and inspiration in the wisdom of the Celtic tribes. The Celtic path of wisdom incorporates Druidism, early Christianity, and ancient Celtic myth and lore. This guide includes discussion of the following topics: The Divine Male and Female; Shamanism; Druidism; Celtic Christianity; Fairies and other creatures of nature; Celtic folklore; and more. This thoughtful look at Celtic spirituality includes Irish, Scottish, and Welsh traditions - both familiar and mysterious. With this invaluable guide, readers will walk the path to the Celtic Otherworld through traditional poetry, ritual, and prayer - on a never-ending journey of the soul.

"Sacred Symbols" is a series of volumes that introduce the ancient, universal wisdoms of humankind. Symbol and ritual go to the heart of human experience. Throughout history humans have developed elaborate symbolic systems to help allay their fear of the unknown and to tap the deep well-springs of spirituality. Today, people are discovering the relevance of these belief systems to life in the 1990s. This volume covers the symbols of the Celts. The last significant tribal culture in Europe, the Celts are today associated with a particularly rich body of symbolism and mystery. Rituals, omens and signs were central to their religious beliefs, and these were expressed in a variety of beautiful designs and symbols found in Celtic stonework, metalwork and manuscripts. Relevant to contemporary New Age cults, the major symbols of the Celts are explained in this book.

Environmental arts therapy and the Tree of life guides us through the Celtic calendar to explore the relationship between the feeling experience of the human heart and the turning year. Practical, poetic, innovative and magical, it invites us to make environmental art and ritual a vital and healing part of our lives once again and teaches us how to take the personal issues that bind and oppress us out into Nature where they can be met, confronted and transformed.

This book is a facsimile reprint and may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages.

A personal account of one mans journey through the dappled groves of culture and tradition, who explores Druidry through the eyes of a man in love with his heritage and land. Written with clarity, humour and pathos, this journey through tradition descends into the mysteries of Druidry and of its practice in the 21st century. fundamental principles of Druidry from ritual, connection, mythology, shamanism a personal ride through the Druid year Share in a world of wondrous beings, of sheer potentiality beyond comprehension, and the awe and childlike surrender one feels when confronted with the enchantment of Druidry.

In "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.

A study of the survival of primal Celtic shamanism in later folk-traditions of Gaelic speaking peoples. This is an insightful and intelligent academic study that brings together areas of study not normally combined in an accessible style.

This well-documented summary of Druidic culture offers a detailed account of the racial history, prehistory, and social atmosphere of early Gallic and British civilization. The amply illustrated text considers the many theories of the origin of Druidism, its early mention by Greek and Roman writers (ca. 52 b.c.), and the temples and religious practices of these ancient people. The author, a noted expert on Druidism, was in charge of British antiquities at the British Museum from 1938-1950. His thorough study of a fascinating topic will appeal to anthropologists, folklore enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the early religious and cultural life of Celtic Britain. 51 black-and-white illustrations.

Druidry 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.

This 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.

Everyone possesses the spiritual, psychic, and worldly potential of a Goddess or God. In this breakthrough book, Francesca De Grandis brings years of experience as a shamanic counselor and traditional spiritual healer to reveal how you can cultivate and celebrate the secret, magical side of your nature. This month-to-month program of many practical exercises, rituals, and prayers will help you:

• Discover your innate wisdom

• Heal inner blocks to happiness and meaningful action in your life

• Achieve your goals and feel energized, strong, and capable

• Unleash creativity and passion for living

• Celebrate a vibrant and healthy sexuality

Based on traditional Celtic culture and the author's own successful and unique Third Road teaching, this enriching journey deep into the heart of shamanism and Goddess Spirituality will appeal to all seekers, not just Wiccans. A lyrical sourcebook of rituals, spells, mysticism, and mirth, Goddess Initiation is designed for everyone who wants to integrate commonsense Spirituatity -- and a bit of Faerie dust! -- into their everyday lives.

A collection of wonderful Druidic tales. Contents: The Druid Path; The Enchanting of Doirenn; Liadan and Kurithir; Dervail Nan Ciar; Randuff of Cumanac; The Dark Rose.

The Celtic hymn, 'Be thou my vision' keeps its popularity after twelve centuries because of its vivid response to our deep human need for God. Following the great success of his earlier books, David Adam takes us through this well-loved hymn, discovering the spiritual riches that are hidden in all our lives. The Celtic tradition often speaks more directly to us than foreign spirituality: The Eye of the Eagle explores the inner resources which are our native heritage. It includes exercises so that we can experience for ourselves the many aspects of vision, which is such a vital part of every Christian life.

The primary aim of New Directions in Celtic Studies is to focus on contemporary issues and to promote interdisciplinary approaches within the subject. Written by international scholars and practitioners in fields such as folklore, ethnomusicology, art history, religious studies, tourism and education, the book brings together in one volume a wide range of perspectives. It responds to the recent questioning of the viability of the notion of 'Celticity' and the idea of Celtic Studies as a discipline and points to a renewed vitality in the subject. New Directions in Celtic Studies is divided into four sections: popular culture and representation; commodities and Celtic lifestyles; contemporary Celtic identity and the Celtic diaspora; Celtic praxis.

For fifteen centuries, legends of King Arthur have inspired generations. In the misty past of a Britain under siege, half-remembered events became shrouded in ancient myth and folklore. The resulting tales were told and retold, until over time Arthur, Camelot, Avalon, the Round Table, the Holy Grail, Excalibur, Lancelot and Guinevere all became instantly recognizable icons. Along the way, Arthur's life and times were recast in the mould of the hero's journey: his miraculous conception at Tintagel through the magical intercession of his shaman guide, Merlin; the childhood deed of pulling the Sword from the Stone through which Arthur was anointed King; the Quest for the Holy Grail, the most sacred object in Christendom; the betrayal of Arthur by his wife and champion; and the apocalyptic battle between Good and Evil, ending with Arthur's journey to the Otherworld. Arthur: God and Hero in Avalon views Arthur in terms of comparative mythology, and argues that the Once and Future King remains relevant because his story speaks so eloquently about universal human needs and anxieties. The book discusses the tales of King Arthur, from the very earliest versions to the most recent film and television adaptations, and offers readers an insight into why Arthur remains so popular.