The Book of Celtic Symbols: Their Secrets and Myths Revealed

by Joules Taylor

This evocative guide reveals the symbols, rituals, and wisdom of the Celts. Discover how the motifs found on artefacts such as weaponry and jewelry are keys to powerful deities of nature and the cosmos, and evoke their blessings for inspiration in everything you do. Learn to write the Ogham alphabet, the language the Celts inscribed on stone, make a talisman for protection, or celebrate the Celtic festivals of each season. Richly illustrated with artefacts and artworks, this magical book brings the essence of Celtic beliefs into everyday living.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Mythology

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 7, 2008

Reviews

[Muriel (The Purple Bookwyrm)]

I honestly don't have much to say about this book, because it was one of those woo-woo, New Age-y publications that aim to give your life a veneer of spirituality rooted in pagan mythology and (neo-)pagan theology (and not, as I'd hoped, a book about the semiotics of Celtic symbols). But those roots are, invariably, paper thin, and most (not all, but most) of the 'information' in this book was made-up, or misrepresented bullshit, without any kind of proper sourcing.

Fine, whatever. I should've done more research before purchasing this one – and I've already unhauled it – but that's entirely on me. Live and learn.

N.B.: it gets two stars because it wasn't offensively bad, for what it actually was.

[❀ Diana ❀]

I did expect a bit more of this book but for what it has to offer it was an enjoyable read. It only scratches the surface of Celtic traditions, totems, animal guidance and the such.

[Baylee Summers]

Couldn’t finish but may come back to it as I find the subject matter interesting. Personally, I feel like I wasn’t retaining anything as there are so many subjects/topics being written about and it was discussed too compactly. Each topic was glossed over in a page or two and I struggled to keep it all straight and fully understand.
I have a desire to learn more about my heritage, but maybe I need more background info before diving into this book. I’m open to trying again.

[Corinne Morris]

a good introduction to the symbols connections to mythology and meaning

[Rees Fleming]

Not a bad book.

Has some myths and local tales about symbolic meanings and the Celtic lores.

Some of which people take interest in.

The tree of life symbolizes balance and harmony.

The issue is with stuff like this, not so much this book but theories like that in general.

you will find contradicting idea's in other religions/sects/myths.

Everybody has lores, this book is not too bad though. Worth a read.