Celtic Prayers and Incantations

by Alexander Carmichael

Here, in one concise volume, are highlights from Carmina Gadelica , a 19th-century anthology of ancient Gaelic prayers and incantations. Enriched with a combination of pagan and Christian imagery, these texts are written witnesses to a centuries-old oral tradition—a rare literary feast of Gaelic folklore from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
This collection of prayers, hymns, charms, incantations, blessings, runes, poems, and songs sweeps the landscape of the Gaelic imagination. An extraordinary assembly of verse and prose, it reveals the mysteries of a culture's arcane knowledge and spellbinding lore. From incantations used in healing, to blessings on livestock, prayers for protection against the evil eye, and seasonal hymns that include Christmas carols, these religious texts fascinate with their dignified, liturgical style. A monumental achievement in literature, this written record of ancient prayers captures the beauty and wisdom of the oral originals, which were once recited around traditional peat fires. Drawn from the depths of Celtic Christianity, they are a lasting testament of Gaelic faith.

Genres: Religion

160 pages, Paperback

First published June 5, 2007

About the author

Alexander Archibald Carmichael (Gaelic: Alasdair Gilleasbaig MacGilleMhìcheil) was a Scottish exciseman, folklorist, antiquarian, and author. Between 1860 and his death Carmichael collected a vast amount of folklore, local traditions, natural history observations, antiquarian data, and material objects from people throughout the Scottish Highlands, particularly in the southern Outer Hebrides where he lived, worked, and brought up his family between 1864 and 1882. Alexander Carmichael is best known today for Carmina Gadelica, an influential compendium of Highland lore and literature published in six volumes between 1900 and 1971.

Reviews

[Granny · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been some years since I read the Carmina Gadelica, but this was a nice reminder of all the lovely ways that people used the language to be both sacred and lyrical from that time.

A friend passed this on to me, her complaint was it was "too Christian", but if you have a base level knowledge of celtic Irish mythology, you can easily use it as a "plug and play" edition for your own rites by substituting old Old Gods for new. Just reverse whas was clearly done heres,as Christiany interacted with Paganism. When they praise the strength and abilities of St Columba, put Lugh back in. St Michael? Most often that's Bran the Blessed. Bridgid's already there, of course.

Lots of tasty little spells. Although some of them protective spells are clearly on the dark end of the grey scale, they are entertaining reading none the less.

I was most gratified by the Scottish spells, and some of them reminded me strongly of the "charms" used by a family member from Appalachia in my childhood. It was lovely to hear them again.

I give it my highest marks!

[Todd McConville · Rating 4 out of 5]

inspiring little book of Gaelic verse and prose from latter half of 19th century. A couple of these pieces have made it into my morning meditation practice.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an excellent collection of Celtic {Scottish} prayers and incantations that have been translated into the English language. It includes blessings and charms.