Book Description
Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism (CR) is a polytheistic, animistic, religious and cultural movement. It is an effort to reconstruct, through both scholarly research and experiential practice, a spiritual tradition that is true to ancient Celtic religion and relevant to our lives in the modern world. This print edition of "The CR FAQ - An Introduction to Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism" includes a detailed pronunciation guide and an extensive glossary of terms and deities. "The CR FAQ" was written by a diverse collective of Celtic Reconstructionist (CR) elders and long-term practitioners. It is the very first book to be published that is wholly about Celtic Reconstructionism. All profits from the sale of this book are being donated to Gaelic language and cultural preservation charities in the Celtic Nations and worldwide. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A note from one of the authors
Yes, I helped write this book. It's currently the only book available that is specifically about the path of Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism. It covers a wide variety of topics of interest to anyone exploring this group of traditions, from who we are to how we celebrate our holy days. It showcases a number of different views within the movement and offers resources for getting into the community online and building a personal practice locally. There are ideas for practice, reading lists for folks from beginners to advanced practitioners, and discussions of issues from the place of clergy in CR to involving your kids in your practice.

I give the book four stars because there is so much else to be said that we really couldn't fit into this short volume.

All profits from the purchase of this book go to a Gaelic-language charity that promotes the language in Scotland and globally. None of the authors sees so much as a penny from this work, so in buying this not only can you learn about Celtic cultures and how the modern CR movement is working to reconstruct their polytheistic traditions, you're also supporting Gaelic-speaking communities directly. ... Read more

Book Description
This practical guide traces the history and origin of the most compelling earth traditions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Educational, Enlightened and Insightful
After reading a great deal about Paganism, Earth Traditions and Wicca, Vivianne's book was the first that gave a me a sense of who I was and what I believe Pagan practice should stand for. Many others would have you think theirs is the 'only way' even amongst many Pagans or Wiccan practitioners. Vivianne manages to give a wonderful overview of many of the worlds Earth Traditions or Pagan beliefs, respecting each for the underlying spiritual truths they contain.

With her approachable, open style of illumination she manages to make the reader feel comfortable with their own inutitive connection to the Divine. A quote found in her book reads:

'To Dispute the religion (Dharana) of another
is the mark of a narrow mind
Oh Lord! Oh Great Magician!
With whatsoever faith or feeling we call on Thee
Thou art pleased.'

Despite the title, I didn't find it exclusively women orientated. I'd love my husand to read it! Well done Vivianne, you certinaly helped me greatly along my spiritual path. ... Read more

Book Description
Call forth dragons and feel the ancient songs of the Celts stirring in your blood. Access the deep wisdom of the Druidic orders and reclaim the Elemental gifts of the Otherworld. Become a spiritual warrior of the Celtic Craft-a Dragon-Rider. The dragon is a symbolic representation of the alchemist's or magician's works of power. Druid Power presents techniques for self-transformation through Celtic faerie craft and Elemental magic. Rich with mythological information and psychological insight, this innovative guide bridges ancient Celtic Druidic Tradition with modern transpersonal psychology. Reawaken your connection to the magick of the natural world through traditional ceremonies, guided journeys, and unique exercises that lead to a direct connection with the Elemental forces of Nature. Experience the strength and purity of fire, the emotional alchemy of water, the profound reality of earth, the awareness of air, and the transcendent mystery of spirit.

Enter the realm of myth where magick and the mundane blend. Druid Power is your guide to finding your way to the Otherworld and back again-richer, wiser, healed, and whole. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Run, don't walk, away from this horrible book
Run, don't walk away from this book.It's a hodge podge of modern Celtic Wicca, a sprinkle of Faery Wicca and a dash of ornamental magic with some dragon silliness thrown in.There is nothing Druidic about it.While it may contain potent exercises for self actualization, it's disgusting how she steals the word of Druid.She should have stuck to the subtitle - Celtic Faery Craft and Elemental Magic.There is a ridiculous romanticized history essay and while preaching about being open to wisdom, she is yet remarkably derogatory to modern druidry.It's awash in New Age and psychology psychobabble.

Just terrible...
Why would someone with no Druidic training whatsoever even bother writing a book on the subject? Whatever the author's credentials may be, none of them have to do with Druidry at all. That is obvious in this book which is purely fabricated and must have come out of the imagination of one who practices Celtic flavoured Wicca and magick.

Sorry to dissapoint everyone, but celtic wicca, or made up systems that could fall into the catagory of celtic wicca has nothing to do with druidry.

It isn't that the material provided in the book won't work. They will, of course, just like any ritual or spell written up by any individual will... But it is misrepresented as Druidry. It is not. There are better books out there for that.

Horrid
Most of the information the author offers in this book on druidry in made up. I have studied druidry for awhile now and thought this book was one of the worst i have come across. The book doesn't even make a very good drink coaster, so do NOT read this book.

jjnomicon
This book is good for people wanting to develop their imagination using creative visualization. It's like watching t.v. with words. It's also loaded with interesting Celtic Druid information. I liked the book a lot. ... Read more

Book Description
The history and development of Celtic Paganism and Celtic Christianity specifically in Wales, but also in relation to the rest of the British Isles including Ireland, from the Iron Age to the present day-a study of the transition between the old pagan religions and Christianity. This can be clearly seen in the history of early Christianity in Roman Britain and in the later development of Celtic Christianity when pagan and Christian beliefs co-existed, albeit in an uneasy and sometimes violent relationship. The influence of Celtic Christianity on the Arthurian legends and the Grail romances is also addressed. 169 pages.

PAGANISM; RELIGION; CELTIC; CHRISTIANITY; HISTORY; NEW AGE; SUBJECT: OCCULT ... Read more

Book Description
A self-study course in modern Druidry Bardry is a potent, necessary dimension of the ancient druidic tradition. The bards were lorekeepers, great magic workers, and soul singers of healing. They were highly esteemed and considered untouchable by Celtic nobles and otherworldly beings.

The Lore of the Bard fills an untended gap in the Celtic tradition. It lays down a philosophy for living in accordance with the Old Ways, with a complete magical practice combining the innate magical properties of objects, locations, and times with the passionately moving and enchanting forces of poetry and music.

Selling Features The only book available on the complete practice of the Celtic bard, a distinct but vital aspect of the growing druidic spiritual-magical practiceFor anyone drawn to the enchantment of Celtic music, myth, and poetryTeaches divination by use of the old techniques: scrying with natural pools, and auguring with the enigmatic Dallan wandsDevelops a deeper understanding of the forest alphabet, the magically charged ogham scriptIncorporates both historical and contemporary elements ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Not What It Looks Like
As someone who's been studying Celtic society, religion, and history for about 15 years now, I feel that I'm somewhat qualified to comment on books of this genre. I've been through the initial phase where you think that anything with "Celtic" on it just HAS to be genuine, and I've also been through the depressing letdown when you realize later on that many of the books out there, especially the ones professing to "teach" you an "Ancient Celtic" method of anything, are really just someone's idea of creating their own religion with the trappings of Celtic research. I have also been a practicing musician for many years and play several instruments at a professional level.

Suffice to say I purchased this book expecting several things:
1. It would be a serious work that explained in detail the art of the ancient bards, and would corroborate these things with evidence
2. It would not subscribe to the far too present vein of absolute New Age garbage that runs through so many "Celtic" books and presents the serious scholar with a severe headache.

I have read much of this book, hoping to pull some value from it. Some of the information in it is useful and interesting. In fact, his logical reasoning and comparison with Jung's theories are quite intelligent and seem to make good sense.

But it's really, really hard to take someone seriously when they constantly refer to "Celtica", a term I have NEVER heard of before I read this book. "Celtica", according to the author, sounds like some catch-all phrase for everything ancient and mystical and "neato". I've tried to read this book and have gotten nearly to the end of it and can say that as much as I was hoping it wouldn't be, it's just extremely difficult to take it seriously. I recommend you try another book.

It's a Bard, not M. Sc. in Bardology
I've always wondered why someone who has been a druid or a bard for ten years is still buying books about it. The reason this puzzles me is that nature has many of the answers and whether you believe that or not isn't the problem... the problem is that you've made the choice to be a druid or a bard and thus this is what your belief set states. In other words, the adage would go, why read a book when you can get the answer from the source.

You might think that this little blurb has nothing to do with Rowan's book but in fact it has everything to do with it.

Because from reading his book you can be sure of one thing... he is a bard.

Now if you judge a bard by his scholarly insight of the occult and the names of various trees invented by another 'man' or by his knowledge into the intricate and utterly unreliable history of the druids, well then he might not make the grade... but I wouldn't know because I certaintly don't have that knowledge either.

But if you judge this book on its merits, which are... that when you read this book you smile, then this book passes with flying colors. You smile because you know what he means... you felt lost before... alone in the world of the hierarchial machine of the occult. And now finally someone went out and did it. He became a bard.

You can almost see him laughing while he recites the green man poem. It makes me smile every time I recite it as it should you because that's what being a bard is all about. But this book isn't at all new agey. A person can smile without assuming that everything is all peachy.

My only criticism with this book is that it doesn't have enough practical information in it and it jumps into some very powerful meditating waaay too early.

If you really are considering being a bard however(which I actually am working on... yes it's crazy but I am) then I really think you should have a look at this book.

Maybe he didn't dot his I's or cross his T's but this isn't a class in rhetoric nor is it a class in assumptive history. It's about being a bard and having fun doing it.

I only wrote this review because I was looking for something on the Internet and wondered if he had put out anything else. When I came across the book I noticed it wasn't even available anymore as a new book via Amazon only through the used books section.

If stuff like 'The Witches' Bible' or 'Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft' have you running nauseous to the toilet then for a breath of fresh air take a look at this. Of course playing a harp for a tree and some other foliage works as well.

Amazing depth and breadth
The title of this book is misleading.There is bard lore here, yes, but also Druid and Celtic lore in profusion.The author displays both depth and breadth in book that should be read slowly and carefully as it has an amazing amount of wisdom to impart, including psychological and Celtic philosophies, Druidic and Bardic training, and more magical training than 10 other so-called magic books combined will usually render.This book lifts the Bardic traditions from mere musicianship into enchantment and is so steeped in Druidic teaching that all Druids should really give this book a look.

A good place to start
Arthur Rowans book is an enjoyable and informative read giving a broad general insight into Bardic lore and practice.As commented in a couple of other reviews here, it does not have a particularly scholarly approach, which for me is a good thing, if it had I probably wouldn't have read it. Anyway, I would much rather listen to a man who has entwined fear and revelation in the wild, than to a bookish scholar who has no experience of the real thing.
When we consider that the 16th and17th century recreations of modern druidry were based on fact, forgery and wishful thinking, then we must allow a little leeway in our judgement of these things. Certainly I found the book useful, scholarly and wrong by degrees, but was none the less worthy for all that.And in the true bardic tradition; 'why let the facts get in the way of a good story'.Arthur Rowan tells the story well, and in some instances, music and poetry for instance, he tells it as well as any.
If this book were to be read in isolation from all others, then, perhaps the reader may be led astray here and there; but no-one does that.We all read this and that and choose the truth in each to be our guide.In my opinion, The Lore of the Bard is as good a place to start as any.

Not Scholarly, another typical "Llewelyn Publication"
I gave this book one star because I got it relatively cheap. Other than that, it would've gotten NO stars. Mr. Rowan obviously hasn't done his research (unless it was via OTHER Llewelyn sources.) I put him in the same class as D.J. Conway and Douglas Monroe--this is hardly the "guide to the...Druid mysteries," that it claims to be. This book is mainly Mr. Rowan's "take" on things, rather than a truly scholarly work.
I've been learning & speaking Welsh for 3 years now & can safely say that most of the pronunciations offered for Welsh words are wrong. Chapter 8 is based entirely on the ogham as interpreted by Rob't Graves, who's been exposed as yet another "wishful thinker," as opposed to a solid scholar. For the millionth time, the "Celtic Tree calendar" is a modern invention! Don't even get me started on the TRUE importance of "the word."
Having been a practicing (neo-)Druidess who's devoured just about anything & everything on the Celts & Druids for over a decade now, I looked forward to reading this book. By the second page of Chapter 1 I could tell how disappointed I was going to be. I've scanned up to page 111 so far & doubt I'll waste much more time & energy on it. Topics addressed by Mr. Rowan (Celtic history, Jungian concepts, etc.,) are better covered elsewhere. ... Read more

Product Description
Welsh artist Jen Delyth is one of the most highly respected contemporary Celtic artists in the world. Her debut book, Celtic Folk-Soul, illuminates the beauty, power and spirit of nature expressed through the ancient language of Celtic art and symbol: the voice of the Folk-Soul.This beautiful book is rich with Delyth's stunning artwork and is structured around a symbolic nine-chapter motif. From Roots/Elements to Stone/Mysteries to Beyond the Ninth Wave, Delyth pairs insightful explanations with her radiant artwork, Celtic myth and poetry revealing to us background, meaning and depth to the theme of each section.Celtic Folk-Soul takes us on a journey of discovery into the many aspects of Celtic myth and symbolism. This is an ancient thread which weaves back through the art, myth and poetry and connects us to a complex mysticism that expresses the interconnection and balance of all things.The book includes a foreword by Robin Williamson. ... Read more

Book Description
Queen of the Night helps readers understand the role and power of the moon in the ancient religions, folklore, and mythology of Ireland and the British isles and then discover how to tap that power in their daily lives.

Queen of the Night is a journey into the world of Celtic cosmology, shamanism, and sacred animals, as well as Celtic language, art, and culture, to discover the power and centrality of the moon. Since the earliest times, from stone circles and passage graves to the rites and customs of Druids, the moon has been the symbol of the Goddess and has played a crucial role in worship and celebration.

In 13 chapters representing the moon's monthly and annual cycles, NicMhacha tells the story of Celtic moon mythology, as well as touching upon Greek, Hindu, and Norse traditions. Each chapter sets forth the role of the moon in Celtic tradition and culture and includes poetry, quotes, or prayers honoring the moon. At the end of each chapter, she offers meditations, ceremonies, and exercises to help readers connect with the moon and apply its power to their lives.

From the world of fairies to bards, seekers, and shamans; from the moon's role in the secret meetings of women spinners to the role of sacred animals and mythic beings, Queen of the Night is a lively, informative, and transformative book for anyone who wants to understand and experience the power of the moon. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Queen of the Night rules!
I am been studying the Celtic spirituality,and wanted more information about their Moon Goddess.This book is a "must have"for those serious in finding addtional information that is found no where else.Loved this Book,highly recommend it to those wanting & searching for the eternal Mistress of the Night,the Celtic Moon Goddess.

Lies, Dang Lies & Statistics
The back cover states that the moon has been associated w/the Goddess since earliest times. This is nonsense, of course. Although the author claims to have studied Celtic languages at Harvard, they somehow neglect to note the FACT that the Sun is feminine in Celtic languages & the Moon is masculine. That's enough for me to realize that this book's a waste of time, trees & money.

What is Celtic about it?
General overview of the Moon in various cultures.While it briefly touches on Celtic culture, I don't know why it's being marketed as Celtic, as there is very little Celtic information here.If you're looking for a general moon book, you may like this, but if you're looking for Celtic moon lore you'd be better off buying The Carmina Gadelica and The Gaelic Otherworld, then you'd have every bit of info the author mentions in here, and more.

Beautiful and Inspiring
Simply, this is one of the best publications on the subject.
Thank you

In Depth
Very detailed and scholarly. Tiny print. No illustrations at all which would have been helpful. Substantial and thorough information, historical up to present day. If that's what you want you won't be disappointed. One drawback is there is no subject index. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

interesting, but undeveloped
The first half of the book presented some stunning conjectures, but they were not developed in any depth.Would like to see more on shamanism in early Celtic literature.Second half, showing origin of most modern druidism in 19th century, has been done better by collis and dutton.Ms Jones bibliography is woefully incomplete-she leaves out many books that she refers to.I would like to see a better bibliography.

Fun but a Tiny Bit Annoying
DRUID, SHAMAN, PRIEST: METAPHORS OF CELTIC PAGANISM by Leslie Ellen Jones is based on papers given at University of California Celtic Studies at Berkeley and Los Angeles. Through literary material goes through how the various ages looked at the Druid. Of course, Druids are bound up with the Celts so she gives a go at defining them. The book then looks at the Druids through the Classical authors, the Medieval period, the Renaissance through the Enlightenment, Victorian, and modern times.
I confess that after reading John Collis' THE CELTS, this book was not very scintillating, as Collis covers similar ideas and more thoroughly. Jones appears to stretch her ideas on the framework of the psychology of Jacques Lacan and on the Indo-European class division made by Georges Dumézil. Since these ideas are modern inventions, it is doubtful that Druids or Celtic speaking people thought in those ways, and these constructs are just as much a fabrication as the ideas about Druids that have passed through the ages.
I did like the analysis though. It was fun. I was especially appreciative of the last chapter that dealt with Druids in the modern age. She has some harsh commentary on some of the warm fuzziness found in a lot of modern new age books on shamanism. The job of the shaman is not for the faint of heart; it is a lonely job, and also has dangers. I loved her comment, "People who have to be reminded to be polite have no business running around in alternate realities." Yes, ma'am!
Some of the complaints are have are trivial. Jones speaks of Diviciacus, a Druid/Chief as if there was only one, but there is a question whether Diviciacus was one individual or two different persons. After stating that the majority of river divinities were female in the Celtic pantheon, but then assuring us that some may have been male, the author then turns around to conclude that St. David was probably derived from a pagan river goddess. Hello, Dylan was a water god and so was Manawydan ap Llyr, ocean related of course. However maybe St. David was derived from a river god. Why not?
The last thing is the unconscionable number of typos in the book, although Amazon did assure me that this was the best they could find. Perhaps this will be address by the new paperback additon.
The last part of the book deals with both the modern Druid and the Druid in film. However, the conclusion was too abrupt.
There is a preface entitled "Druidic Knowledge: Reconstructing Lost Traditions". The Druid section had two chapters: "Who Were the Celts and What Were They Up To?" and "Saints and Druids. The Shaman part had two chapters: "Shamans, Hunters, and Warrior-Kings" and "Owein ap Urien, the Perfect Shamanic Knight". The Priests segment had two chapters: "The Celtophile's Bookshelf I: Antiquaries and Archaeologists" and "The Celtophile's Bookshelf II: Poets and Patriots". The last section is entitled Druid * Shaman * Priest is the chapter entitled "Druids in the Post Modern Period." There is also a list of references and an index.
I am taking away a point for typos and additional one for some of the ideas that just annoyed me for a total of three stars. There is much to amuse in this book, but it is also a tiny bit annoying.

Now available inexpensive paperback edition !
Published December 2002 from Open Road Publishing. I don't see it at amazon.com but the sister site amazon.uk has it now in 2003. Scholarly, truthful, and fun to read. The Druids, as best we can now know what they were like, were probably feared at least as much as they were loved by their faithful followers. *****

Light Shining in Darkness
This witty yet scholarly study of Celtic religion sheds a bright, much-needed light into the confusing murk that surrounds the whole field of "Neo-Paganism." Anyone interested in the subject of Druids or the Celts would profit by reading this book. I only wish there were a paperback edition of it, since the British publisher's pricetag is denying "Druid Shaman Priest" its large and rightful readership. Ms. Jones is a terrific writer on this or any other subject (see her charming study of wedding lore, "Happy Is the Bride the Sun Shines On."

Druid shaman priest
This book is the best you should get it it tells you what you should knowabout shamanism. ... Read more

Book Description
The first written account by a contemporary Welsh initiate of the ancient tradition of sex magic as practiced by generations of Celtic druids.

Reveals authentic, accurate, and fully illustrated instructions.

Provides detailed instructions for crafting, purifying, and energizing all the necessary ritual tools.

Sex magic is an important component of Celtic spiritual practice. Unlike other ritual practices that look to intermediaries or deities to execute the participants' wishes, druids believe that individuals can directly influence exterior reality by focusing their own internal sexual energy. Sex magic potentizes and projects this energy so that it reaches its full power, allowing the participants to liberate their consciousness from everyday awareness and influence reality at will.

Written by a practicing druid with more than forty years in the tradition, Celtic Sex Magic explains the fundamental principles involved in channeling the vast amounts of energy generated during orgasm for the purpose of projecting spells and elevating consciousness. The secrets of this tradition have been passed down orally for generations and are revealed here in print for the first time. This workbook contains authentic, accurate, and fully illustrated instructions for a wide range of sex magic rituals that may be used by couples, groups, and solitary practitioners. The author also provides detailed instructions for crafting the necessary ritual tools and brewing the potions used in these rituals. Celtic Sex Magic offers the keys to unlocking and directing the enormous potential of sexual energy.

Customer Reviews (4)

recommended with caution
If magic exists and if human beings can use magic, then a book may not be the best way to learn about it.Hughes is attempting to put into book what it took him many years of apprecticeship to learn.While he does a good and thorough job of tackling almost anything I could think of, I still think the best way to learn is to learn from a practicing druid who uses sex magic in positive ways.On the other hand, Hughes has opened up some of the secret about magic and made them understandable to the layperson.Just because you think you understand however is not reason enough to just hop out and try it.

a difficult subject very well dealt with
I purchased this book in anticipation of jon Hughes' forthcoming tour of the US in order to explore his ideas. I began reading it with some caution as it is a subject that could easily be exploited, made vulgar and commercialised. I was more than please to discover that Jon Hughes has handled the subject well, in a sensitive manner with easily understood language. I have learned a great deal from the book and would recommend it to anyone who wishes to explore Celtic magic and in particular sex magic. It is refreshing to see Jon explore areas other than the tantric-style sex magic which emphasises the development of sexual prowess and performance, In Hughes' book we can see how these energies may be directed outside the body for a wide variety of uses as opposed to using the energies to improve ones own sexual performance. A good book, well written

Exercise Discernment and Caution
My first comment is that I would urge readers to exercise discernment and caution with this subject matter in general. As a shamanic counselor who has worked with survivors of ritual abuse (and ritual sex abuse) the domain of the subject of this book is ripe for abuse and misinterpretation. While the author does offer some interesting information, does offer due diligence to things like health safety, and does seem to have a grasp of the advanced energy mechanics of tantric practices, etc., I think this work could have received much more care in its presentation and I also feel that more could have been written about the nature of responsibility and ethics in ritual work.

amazing new information and instructions
I have a number of books on sex magic but this is undoubtedly the best. I was not aware of the Celtic history of sex magic until I read this book. It contains easily understood information and instructions all of which are written in simple, easily-understood language. There are some amazing revelations in the book, some of which have changed my understanding of sex magic as a whole. I think that this is a really important book on this subject and should be read by everyone who wants to learn more about sex magic. ... Read more

Book Description
Welcome to the world of the Celts, a world of magic, shape changing, sorcery and divination, of heroism, strange rites and rituals. A world where legend mixed with fact, where the physical world and Otherworld blended together. By combining sources from Celtic mythology, archaeology and eye witness accounts from people of the time, we can build up an accurate picture of life all those years ago. This book presents a fascinating picture of Celtic religion, featuring places of worship, deities, the importance and significance of trees and animals, the use of bones, cults of the head and of the dead, burial practices and kingship. Marion Pearce is well known for her extensive articles on Celtic history and culture published in numerous magazines both in the UK and abroad. Illustrated by Simon Rouse. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Best Book on Pre-Christian European Religion I've Read!
...And I've read many! This book is well worth the wait. Unlike other books written on this subject (I will not name names--), Pearce writes a factual, informative book that is also interesting and easy to read. This book contains an abundance of great information, all compacted into short chapters. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to know about REAL pre-Christian belief systems and practices. This book is well worth the wait! ... Read more

Book Description
THIS BOOK

Depends chiefly upon the oral and written testimony

so freely contributed by its many Celtic authors, -

The peasant and the scholar, the priest and the scientist,

The poet and the business man, the seer and the non-seer, -

and in honour of them

336 pages. ... Read more

Amazon.com
For a people that at one time dominated much of Europe, very little is known of the Celts and their religion, yet many flimsy theories and fanciful relationships have grown up over the years based on the scant evidence available. In a scholarly and systematic study, Anne Ross draws on all of the available evidence--archaeological sites in Europe and the British Isles, ancient Greek and Roman writers and early British vernacular literature--to separate the grain of what we know from the chaff of accreted misinformation and loose interpretation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A recommended read for those studying pagans and Celts
Pagan Celtic Britain is an exhaustive study of the archaeological and mythic evidence of pagan Celtic practices specifically in Britain.Filled with maps, drawings and photographs, the author charts the locations of cult sites, especially springs and wells, and then covers certain themes in pagan worship such as the veneration of heads, and explores the prominent horned and warrior gods, the various goddesses, and the significance of animals such as the boar, horse, and especially birds.Ross concludes by examining these themes as evidenced in a particular region, northern Britain.

At times this is a bit of bore to read, as there are pages that can go by where you feel you are reading nothing more exciting than a museum catalog.The limited analysis at times seems hesitant, leaving me to wish that the author was less concerned about saying the wrong thing and offending academia, and instead had the courage to state bold opinions about possibilities of what some of these things mean.For instance, there is the recurring image of the ram headed serpent.It is minimally described as being a fertility symbol but this is never explained.For instance, is it because the horns are associated with the horned god who symbolizes fertility?Why do horns symbolize fertility in the first place?And why is this image combined with a serpent?I realize there are some things we can't know without getting into someone's head (obviously an impossibility) but at the same thing a lot can be inferred and more ideas can be presented, with the caveat that the theories are inferential and stated as such to give the reader food for thought.

Reading this I also realized how important it is to study the Gaulish material since it equates with the insular studies and specimens are much more numerous and analyzed.I am also further reminded of the fact that the Celts have over 300 named god/desses which we know of, most of which are named only once.This is apparent in this study with the huge amount of material which is catalogued.Also included are numerous gods and goddesses for which we have names but no epic.It is curious to contemplate these and wonder what their "stories" were.

However, speaking of ideas, I did like the theory that the Druids were perhaps attempting, in their last years, to codify and perhaps homogenize Celtic pagan ritual and belief.This allows for interesting speculation about what kind of networking they might have done, what institutions or systems they might have created.This impetus was stopped by the Romans, leaving you to wonder what might have happened otherwise.And, lastly, I was somewhat bothered by the author's slight contempt for the Druids.She rather looks down on the whole idea of Druids as philosophers, putting it off as classical author's romantic ideas towards the "noble savage", and in fact savage and barbarian are terms she uses for them.I thought this was a bit of the old imperialist and colonialist attitudes of the British, still vaguely coming through.

In the end though, I thought this was a very worthwhile read (despite the negatives I have written about here.)It provided depth and detail regarding the pagan Celts of Britain that would certainly be worthwhile for the student to read.A bit on the dry side, but with useful information and knowledge.

Still recommended reading!
A great deal of research and archaeological findings have taken place since this classic was first published. Nevertheless, I recommend this comprehensive volume for its wealth of description of Celtic iconographyand other evidence. Scholars may justifiably differ with some of Ross'conclusions, and her work is not popular with those who believe that theCelts did not have a culture distinct from their Indo-European neighbors.However, she remains a careful scholar who shares her evidence and insightsin a fashion that even newbies will find interesting and highly readable.To learn about more recent findings, also take a look at the works of BarryCunliffe.

For the more advanced Celtic scholar
Definately not for the beginner in Celtic studies, while the book is archaic in some of its terminology and scholarism, it still offers a fairly good resource for those wshing to learn more about the Ancient Celts.

PLEASE don't read this book!
This book is firmly entrenched in 1930's archaeological theory. Ross uses Irish and Classical texts inacurately and then presents them as fact! This book has been reviled by the acedemic community, and rightfully so. DO NOTread this book if you want to learn anything about the 'real' Celts. ... Read more

Book Description
Serious students of Druidism and Paganism, as well as Celtic historians, are sure to include Barddas in their libraries. Barddas contains the only extant description of Bardo-Druidic Celtic philosophy. It is a metaphysical and spiritual description of beliefs handed down by word of mouth by Druidic initiates from before the Roman occupation of the British Isles.

Culled from 16th-century notes and compiled into book form, Barddas reveals a belief system with a wide range of influences, including Judeo-Christian and ancient Roman. Yet there are beliefs and views expressed within that appear to be unique to Celtic thought and oddly similar to Eastern traditions.

On its publication in the 19th century, Barddas stirred controversy. Some critics claimed that it was completely made up or based on forgeries. Others defended it by pointing out similarities to other surviving Celtic documents with clear provenance.

Photo-offset from the first-printing, this edition of Barddas includes the original Welsh on verso pages with English translation running on the recto pages. John Matthews, popular writer about all things Celtic, provides an introduction outlining the history and contemporary importance of Barddas. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Yeah IolO..
Go Iolo! Hey this is a work of beautiful prose in beautiful language..Can you say beautiful prose and thoughts of the Druids and noble beautiful beliefs written in a noble language? Hey..Get your heads out, and read this, there arent many Druid texts out there, let's not fight so much about who wrote this, but love the text for it's wisdom and rich traditions, and the beauty of language, and the teaching of language, or the english translation goes side by side with the other(gaelic?..The Druid beliefs is whats so beautiful..) text in places.

Well worth serious reading
Weiser deserve credit for making this reprint of the 'Barddas' available. A word of warning: unless you can read Welsh (and archaic Welsh, at that), it is unwise to scoff at the Barddas. Iolo Morganwg (Williams)had his foibles - yes, but that is no reason to discredit his work. It has been alleged that 'Iolo' fabricated much of the material found in the Barddas, but the National College Library in Wales(Aberystwyth) is full of such material. I did a preliminary survey of it - back in 1972, and was staggered by the amount available, as rich and mysterious, in its own way, as anything retrieved from far-flung caves in Tun-huang, or the sands of Egypt. Both in style and content, much found in the Barddas will be found stated - all over again, in Welsh sources untouched by Iolo Morganwg. Condescendingly, John Matthews introduction to the Weiser reprint, states that Iolo's ideas were 'clearly a product of laudanum inspired dreams' (p. xviii), even while conceding that it might contain some 'nuggets' of ancient wisdom. etc. So far as the Laudanum habit goes, it might be pointed out that it was then legal and fairly widespread among the gentry. Such matters are rarely invoked to criticise Coleridge, De Quincy, Conan-Doyle etc. W.Y. Evans-Wentz - no less, a Rhodes scholar, renowned for his work on the 'Tibetan Book of the Dead' - also happened to know Britain well. In his Celtic researches (cf. The Fairy Faith in Celtic Countries) - W.Y. Evans-Wentz deemed the Barddas to be a genuine and valuable source.

Pure fiction passed off as fact
It has been well documented that Iolo forged his "authentic manuscripts".He made up rituals and history and took other religious practices and re-worked them and claimed them to be authentically Druidic.

I have no problem with change and the ability to create, but I find it abhorrant to do so and then claim it as historical fact. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (117)

Nice introduction
I felt it was a nice introduction into the way of Welsh witchcraft. It was an easy read and easy to comprehend the information given.
I've actually had an increase in the benefits of my meditation using the technique descibed within this book.
I will continue reading the series and try to find most of the out of print books he's written in the past.

For all of you writing attacks on the author, try to find something productive to do with your time. You will probably have less stress in your life. This is where we are to write an insightful individual review of the book. Not just one's opinion of another.

I will continue to recommend this book to my friends.

issues
Fel Cymro y mae'n rhaid imi ddweud nad oes a wnelo cynnwys y llyfr hwn ddim ag unrhyw wirionedd sydd yn ein gwlad ni.

As a Welsh-speaker I have to say that this book has little to do with any reality that has ever existed in our country.

He must be doing something right...
At least psychologically speaking. He has all of you who are complaining in a huge uproar. I found out about this "witch war" (a term I find very humorous) via an elist I am on and then read a little more about it on the web.

BTW, who is "The President of the Cyberspace Assassin's Guild and High Priest of Satanus"? What a hilarious title! Do you guys ever put down the dungeon and dragons dice??

The author of this book has so much mental power over you because YOU GIVE IT TO HIM! If I were interested in this RPG-gone-bad spirituality I would most CERTAINLY read his books because they have obviously given him much fame, money and booty all from a bunch of SUCKERS!

IGNORE HIM! If you have some thing legal you can do about this guy then carry it out descreetly in court. If any of you can put down the dice long enough and set aside creating oh-so-magickal names for yourselves long enough AND if you have some magical ability then put a mojo on his butt and send him home!

All this "witch war" is is a bunch of little dungeon and dragons players whinning like babies back and forth over the internet and it is both really funny and really stupid and a major blow to your brand of spirituality.

Seekers beware

I have to agree with the experience that the author of [...] states with regard to the integrity of the author of these books. I'm sure he's tricked a lot of people since my unfortunate contact with him back in the mid 1980s. It's amazing to me that he and his practices still thrive. Thankfully I changed my phone number and burned the cards he sent that threatened "my ultimate destruction" if I didn't yield to his will. Once I figured out that he was only interested in sexual domination I backed away fast.

I really wonder about all the glowing reviews for his books, knowing how he really is, and that so much of his material was lifted from other sources without attribution. Are these reviewers his own followers or just him in disguise? But, hey, if you've had a great experience with this man - good for you. And for those who flourish within his cult - good luck and blessings to all. As for me, he was a sexually perverse control freak with a god complex who refused to take "no" for an answer. A total disgrace to everything Wicca and paganism is supposed to be.

shit - cachu
Yr wyf yn Gymro Cymraeg o Gymru. Nid oes ond llwyth o gachu yn y llyfrau hyn. Nid oes neb yng Nghymru yn ddigon twp i gredu'r rwts hyn. Americanwr tew a diddeall sydd yn eu hysgrifennu - un o'r enw William Wheeler.

I am a Welshman. There is nothing but absolute rubbish in these books. Nobody in Wales is stupid enough to believe this. It is an intellectually stunted American called William Wheeler who writes them. He has been in Wales twice and is the poorest historian I have ever seen in my life. He is a dangerous fantasist who does not live in the real world. Enter at your peril.

A group is exposing his lies:
Join the growing crowd of voices who are fighting agains his tyrranny. ... Read more

Product Description
Transform religious dogma and bigotry into spiritual freedom. Follow your own intuitive path by revealing the truth of the Old Religion and reconnect to the Earth and the Old Way. ... Read more

Book Description
Ogam: Weaving Word Wisdom is a breakthrough in ogam divination and magical studies. Rather than working from the commonly known tree alphabet paradigm, Erynn Rowan Laurie takes us back to the roots of each letter's name, exploring its meanings in the context of Gaelic language and culture. Like the Norse runes, each letter is associated with an object or a concept -- "sulfur", "a bar of metal", "terror". These letters are deeply enmeshed in a web of meaning both cultural and spiritual, lending power and weight to their symbolism.With two decades of experience with the ogam and over thirty years of working with divination, Erynn offers insights into the many profound meanings hidden in the ogam letters and their lore. She explains each letter in context and shows how to expand the system in new and innovative ways while acknowledging and maintaining respect for ogam's traditional language and culture. In this book, you will find ways to use the ogam for divination, ideas on incorporating ogam into ritual, discussions of how ogam relates to Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism, and instructions for creating your own set of ogam feda or letters for your personal use. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

It's good!
I use Ogham for divination and so have read a number of books about the subject as well as having many years worth of practical experience.

I found Erynn Rowan Laurie's book a delight.On the one hand, when she refers to lore she references and explains.On the other hand, she includes her personal experiences and acknowledges that everyone's will differ.

On the gripping hand, throughout the book I felt that the information given was stellar but also that my opinions had their own place.

A refreshing perspective
Anyone who is interested in ogam or Celtic Reconstructionism will find this to be an extremely valuable book.

Erynn offers information and insights into CR practice and ritual as well as the correspondences and history of the ogam system, and gives ideas for rituals and meditations to help the user create their own set for divination or spiritual practice, and gain a more personal understanding of the ogam. However, the reconstructionist perspective shouldn't put off those who aren't interested in CR because the rituals and meditations can easily adapted according to personal tastes.

As well as offering a good starting point for the beginner who wants reliable and well-researched information on the subject, Erynn offers more advanced techniques of divination and interpretation for those who want to take it further.

One of the most unusual aspects of the book is that Erynn offers a wealth of personal anecdotes and examples of how she's worked with the ogam in her own practices and rituals over the years. This is kept separate from the section that gives the correspondences for the alphabet, so while it gives the book a very intimate feel and helps the reader to see how the system works in a modern context, it doesn't get in the way of its usefulness as the sort of book you'd want to dip into and look up meanings for any of the ogam, either.

This is not a quick and easy read - which some might find off-putting - but it's well written and explains things clearly and concisely without being patronizing or assuming you've been studying the subject for years.

Ultimately, it's refreshing to see a work that goes beyond the superficial and genuinely informs the reader. There really should be more books like this.

one of the best ever books on ogham
If you have ever wanted to know everything about how to read ogham staves then you must have this book. The suggestions on divination and rituals are a joy to read.I cannot sing erynn's praises loudly enough.A lady of true spritualism and knowledge.

Wonderful and thorough
This is, quite simply, the best ogham book on the market.

Unlike many ogham systems, this one focuses on "word ogham" -- the meaning and lore behind the names of the feda. It's a popular misconception that ogham is simply a tree alphabet, and Erynn dispells this myth -- much to the benefit of folks who do not live in areas with Old World trees and shrubs.

The system itself is explained in detail -- the history of the system and of filidecht, the meanings of the phrases associated with each fid. But it goes beyond the presentation of a mere divination system; Erynn explains the principles of Celtic Reconstructionism and its practices, as well as the uses of ogham in magick and healing. She also includes detailed accounts of rituals, healing rites and divinations using ogham, which is invaluable to the practitioner seeking to use the system.

On a personal note, I've adopted Erynn's approach to ogham myself after reading the book and find it both workable and inspiring.

If you're a CR, Druid or aspiring diviner, you need to read this book!

Excellent Book On Ogam!
For those looking for an in-depth view into Ogam, from a Celtic Reconstructionist perspective, this is the book for you. Neither light reading, nor fluffy new age fortune telling instructions are to be found in this book. Erynn Rowan Laurie gives the reader a deep understanding of Ogam within the context of Celtic Mythology and Celtic Pagan practice. Each character in the Ogam is linked to Celtic myths and deities, as well as traditional color, bird, tree, and textual systems within the Ogam literature. In addition, Ms. Laurie links each fid with her own planetary system and a musical system.

The reader is given a deep understanding of how to use Ogam for ritual, meditation, and divination. Yet the book goes further, indicating how the reader can develop their own practices based on traditional sources. The author encourages the reader to take the time to seek deep knowledge from multiple sources as well as the wisdom of personal experience and integrate these into an ever expanding web of meaning that can inform each reader's life.

This book does not disappoint.
... Read more

Amazon.com
A book that contains as much learning as fun is a rare gem, and Hugin's book is a treasure you will certainly want to add to your collection. Part storybook and part songbook, A Bard's Book of Pagan Songs takes you on an adventure through the Mabinogion (a collection of Welsh tales of heroism and romance), celebrates the wheel of the year, and affirms the significance of the pagan heritage. These songs make an excellent accompaniment to festival celebrations, and they are a fun way to learn some of the important aspects of paganism. Hugin tells the story behind each song, followed by words and music so that playing them is as easy as picking up your guitar. The included CD gives a feel for how some of the songs could be played and showcases Hugin's considerable talent, which has earned him the title of bard. Be careful when you listen: Hugin's exuberance is contagious, and you may find yourself singing along or even dancing a jig. --Brian Patterson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

60's bard
Ok, it's my fault. I didn't look at the back cover before buying. I trusted the title and other reviews. However, if your idea of bard/pagan is Pete Seeger and Country Joe McDonald, then this is the book for you. It's 60's Smothers Brothers/Clancy Brothers stuff - fine, except that's not what I was expecting. And, it's been done a million times before...hmmm...is this why this book is out of print? (And gee, couldn't they have at least performed a couple tunes in a different key?)

Great!
This is a wonderful book! You learn so much, not to mention its fun! My only critism is the font "A Bard's Book of Pagan Songs: Stories and Music from the Celtic World" was printed in, its kinda hard to read. Makes your eyes hurt after a bit. But, other than that, I had no problems whatsoever with this book. I reccommend it to all pagans and anyone who wants to learn more about Celtic paganism's history.

Fun and interesting
This is definitely a "topic specific" book, but if it's the topic you're looking for then you're in for a treat.

The author proceeds each musical score with a brief story about which the song is based. It's not cluttered with a lot of personal yarns. Very enjoyable. The CD is a great bonus!

Suitable for after-rite Entertainment
It was wonderful to hear the tales structured and set to music much like stories must have been presented in pre-literate times.The music even sounds like the old folk-song modes.Good CD to play while feasting after ritual and then good songs to play while the mead and ale are passed!

LOVED every bit of the book and CD
The book and the CD are both so colorful in word and song that you can't help but enjoy it.I love the stories that come before the written music, I love the written music, and I loved the CD.Believe me, the songs arecontagious! I definitely didn't think I would enjoy it this much, but Idid. ... Read more