Celtic Book of Seasonal Meditations: Celebrate the Traditions of the Ancient Celts

by Claire Hamilton, Marian Green (Foreword)

The Celts lived in close harmony with nature, celebrating the seasons through their uplifting festivals, inspirational tales and beautiful verse. This attractive gift book allows us to share their poetic understanding and to appreciate the natural world through eyes and ears untainted by 21st- century hustle and bustle. It will include - Descriptions of the ancient Celtic year, its natural rhythms, major feasts and festivals, and seasonal celebrations - Tales and verse of warriors, lovers, goddesses and gods - Insights into war and love, ritual and magic and the Otherworld - Nature poems, riddling exchanges and empowering elegies - An authoritative commentary on the Celts, their wisdom and beliefs The Celtic Book of Seasonal Meditations allows us all to enter another magical world and to partake of its wisdom.

263 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2003

Reviews

[Lilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice to see a book from a neopagan publisher include so much mythology and tradition. However, it's presented through a Neo-Druid lens so you have the three groups (bard, ovate and druid), four elements, eight festivals it makes mention of the tree calendar, and the Maiden, Mother, Crone trinity is featured prominently. All of which, I could have done without but it isn't as terribly annoying as it normally would be. I guess that's because I knew beforehand that Claire Hamilton is a member of OBOD, so I knew what to expect.

What did annoy me—as it often does in these book that combine Gaelic and Brythonic traditions into one—is a mixing of terminology. For example, on page 80 where the author is talking about "The Three Divinatory Practices" (all of which are Irish) she uses the word awen (a Welsh word meaning inspiration -- which she also misdefines as "watchers"). In fact, when using any native words not once did she point out the country of origin for that word, leaving the reader to guess. That's bad form to me, but then again, I expect too much.

I think this book had the right idea but could still have used some serious guidance.

[Maya · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 out of 5

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A bigger book with illustrations would have been well over a 5 star score. Love the idea of this book.