The Celtic Vision: Prayers and Blessings from the Outer Hebrides

by Esther de Waal

Devotees of Irish spirituality and those interested in Irish heritage will cherish this authentic collection of Celtic wisdom and prayer. Assembled from the original six volumes of Alexander Carmichael's Carmina Gadelica by noted Celtic author, Esther de Waal, this rich array includes elements of piety that address every side of life. Providing an inspiring look into the Irish soul, The Celtic Vision will be treasured by all who look for a deeply personal spirituality, and by those seeking an intimate relationship with God.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Mythology, Theology, Scotland, Poetry, Prayer

272 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1990

Reviews

[Kristina]

What struck me as most powerful in this beautiful collection was the abundance of prayers for the mundane, everyday chores of life. The prayers for one’s cow, for planting and harvesting, for safe travel, and for the hearth-fire. Celtic spirituality can still so strongly resonate with modern concerns and the beauty of inviting God into our smallest moments can enhance anyone’s faith. This book would make a wonderful, heart-felt gift and is a warm addition to any library.

[David Levey]

I live with this book almost daily. Its depth and simplicity powerfully draw me closer to 'the Lord and God of the peoples, ... Who created my soul and set its warp' (p 2).

[Janet]

The introduction at the beginning of the book and at the beginning of each section were as fascinating as the prayers themselves. The dedication to God of these people in the Outer Hebrides puts me to shame.

[Bonnie Westmark]

This book was a gift from a friend and the prayers are just beautiful. I read it while recovering from surgery and it brought me peace and comfort. It’s a wonderful book to bring you closer to God and to make you more aware of all the gifts and blessings we have that go unnoticed each day. I’m more aware that God is with me always and showers me with gifts
throughout each day and night, if I open my heart and eyes to see.

[Monique Amado]

I think these prayers would be great for making into prints by a calligrapher, but found it not to be very engaging devotional reading.

[Eileen]

1988. A beautiful collection of prayers and songs from the Outer Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland. It also conveys interesting cultural information as one reads these prayers. You can see the pagan influences from before Christianity got to these islands. One is a recitation of the genealogy of St. Brigit [who was a goddess in pre-Christiana days] which was thought to protect the one reciting it from being "killed, harried, wounded or put in a cell."

[Katie MacLaren]

This book was a beautiful snapshot into the lives of Celtic people, whose faith was entertwined with all they did, the land they worked on and the animals they worked with.