Magic of the Celtic Otherworld: Irish History, Lore & Rituals

by Steve Blamires

Explore a marvelous world of the Celtic Otherworld of shadow and Sidhe, a realm where everything that ever was, is, or will be, exists right now. The Celts had a life-affirming, mystical way of viewing and living life, in tune with the forces of Nature and magic. Drawing upon Irish Celtic spiritual tradition, history, literature, and myth, this tried and true guidebook (formerly titled Glamoury ,) offers a holistic system that will help you reconnect with this enchanting realm―the Green World of the Celts. Magic of the Celtic Otherworld presents techniques for becoming attuned to the life forces of the Green World through seasonal rituals, visualizations, and practical magical workings. Learn how to find your way around the Otherworld, and gain an understanding of how each of us constantly shapes and affects the land on which we live. Most importantly, discover how to make contact with inhabitants of the Otherworld in order to deepen your spiritual practice and enrich your everyday life.

Genres: Witchcraft, Spirituality, History, Mythology, Paganism, Religion, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published December 8, 1995

About the author

Steve Blamires was born in the West of Scotland where the Celtic culture and the Gaelic language are both still strong. He now lives in New York State but prior to emigrating to the States he lived on the Isle of Arran, Scotland, a place considered by the ancient Gaelic Celts as the mystical Otherworld. He has taken a passionate interest in his indigenous Celtic culture since his early teens. Steve has published several books to much critical acclaim on Celtic mythology and belief. His most recent book is a biography of the Scottish writer William Sharp (1855-1905) who also wrote under the name Fiona Macleod. He has made numerous radio and TV appearances on both sides of the Atlantic, gives regular presentations and workshops throughout the US and UK on all aspects of Celtic culture and tradition. When he is not enjoying his home in the Hudson Valley he travels the world as a historian, presenter and tour-guide on National Geographic expedition ships. "

Reviews

[Don Gerstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read a few books recently and felt that a book on Irish lore would be interesting and help give me a greater depth of understanding. After a careful search, I decided that “Magic of the Celtic Otherworld” by Steve Blamires would be my best choice.

The book is intended to be a knowledge base for those who are interested in learning more about the Green World, including seasonal rituals and the practice of magic, and the author has assembled the information in a logical fashion. He begins with a history of the Celts, using both archaeological and written data as support. Mr. Blamires then builds upon this history with the next two sections, Techniques and Attitudes followed by Concepts and Beliefs.

At times, the book feels like a comprehensive text, complete with historical information followed by important gods and goddesses and their importance in the Otherworld. For those who wish to seriously follow this spiritual path, additional readings are suggested and there is practical work interspersed throughout the book. The book also covers the four main festivals that recognize change in the Green World, and there are detailed explanations for the accompanying rituals.

Mr. Blamires ends with a glossary (which also features pronunciation help of some of the names) and there is an extensive bibliography. There is also a discography of Celtic bands and a list of Journals and Societies. For those desiring to further enrich their knowledge there is plenty to explore. Recommended for those who wish to pursue the spiritual aspects as well as those who are curious and only seek knowledge about this subject. Five stars.

[Lilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

(was going through boxes of books and realized I never reviewed this one)

The rituals in this book remind me a lot of Alexei Kondratiev's (see The Apple Branch), and as I didn't much care for Alexei's, I had the same feelings here. However, the book does pull a fair bit from Irish history and lore, which is surprisingly different for a Llewellyn book. But it still doesn't meet my standards and, as always, I urge people to go to source lore before delving into any neopagan books. That way you are not confused when an author brings in their own UPG (unverified personal gnosis) and such.

[Paula Cappa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating account of historical information and ancient Irish Celtic beliefs in the traditions, literature, and myths. Great for beginners like me. Lots here about the Green World and seasonal (Samhain, Imbolg, Beltaine, Lughnasdh) ceremonies to honor all of nature. An informative and easy read. I loved the journey to the Otherworld spirits! I was attracted to this book for a number of reasons, but mostly because the Celts are known to have a life-affirming way of living in tune with the natural world. This book was a signficant part of my research for my novel "Draakensky, A Supernatural Tale of Magick and Romance" because one of the characters is Celtic and has magickal powers. So learning about the Irish ancient beliefs and the spirituality of higher powers gave me a rich foundation to build the character Marc Sexton. Blamies is a strong writer and a solid professional.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently skimmed back through this book. When I first read it, I thought it was a useful source on some of the history of Celtic mythology and I liked the listed descriptions of some of the Gods/Goddesses of the Otherworld. Going back through, however, I'm really unimpressed. He talks down to working with certain deities and thus barely provides any information on them. He was very dogmatic in his approach to how you should or shouldn't approach the Otherworld, and I am all about respect for that which you don't know, but I just feel he could've presented the information in a much better way.

[Heather Adkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is some interesting information, but I didn't really feel a connection with this book. I believe it's geared more for men, and the rituals are much too complex and traditional for my own personal path. I ended up skipping over his entire Wheel of the Year segment and Magickal Tools segment because I didn't agree with anything he said. This book is good for someone interested in a traditional, ceremonial way of practicing that focuses on Irish deities and very different ideas than found in Wicca.

[Indigo Crow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find it sort difficult to rate this. It's not bad, and has interesting information, but it's not that useful either.

The book goes over Irish mythology and heroes as well as a few rituals for the holy festivals. I felt like the goal of the book was supposed to be teaching you who these were and how to connect with them for magical work, but it doesn't actually give you a good sense of how to do that. The method it gives is not well explained, in my opinion. I certainly didn't feel like anything talked about could help me with any magical work.

I hate how cynical many of these types of books have made me, but I also found myself wondering if what I was reading was true of the ancient Celtic people or just the ideas or opinions of the author.

I probably keep this book in my collection for the information on the Celtic deities and heroes, but I'm not overly impressed with it.

[Ken Fornwalt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Will have to revisit this.

[Tiffany Browning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good information through a little too much personal opinion

[Calvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Em Harper · Rating 3 out of 5]

First research book of the year for my WIP 🌲🌲🌳

[Sarah Lampkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Currently, I am working on my final thesis paper for my master's program. This was the first book I've read, and there was a lot of information about celtic gods and goddesses along with the festivals. The information is extremely helpful for my research. I would suggest this book for anyone trying to learn more about the Celtic beliefs and lore. Very informative.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book with interesting information.

[Kait Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting collection of lore and in depth look at the Irish Celts and the historical roots of their connection to Otherworld.

[Lisa]

like NEW

[Dreamersemporium]

very good

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have liked something with a little less of the authors personal interpretation of how he thought the Celtic people did things.

[Korin: A Crone Running Amok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully well done. A great reference for a Celtic Pagan.

[Lugdag Severino · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you want to know Celtic shamanism and magic this is your book