Brendan Myers has an original and insightful take on Druidry.
I've read a lot on Celtic religion- both ancient and modern and gotten rather jaded- it gets to be a lot of the same stuff. He does have a early chapter with introductory information, which makes it fairly beginner-friendly. His strength is the instructions for contemplative spiritual practices such as "peaceful abiding"
Overall the scholarship was quite good, and he included footnotes, though there were a few Victorian ideas like Lugh being a sun-god, and personal interpretations asserted as fact, like Maeve of Connacht being the same being as the Morrigan. I also disagreed with his opinion that one must have a college education to be a Druid, it's rather elitist, and it is only one way to be educated.
This is a great resource for both beginners and more advanced practitioners, as well as friendly to different traditions of Druidry and Celtic paganism.
I've read a lot on Celtic religion- both ancient and modern and gotten rather jaded- it gets to be a lot of the same stuff. He does have a early chapter with introductory information, which makes it fairly beginner-friendly. His strength is the instructions for contemplative spiritual practices such as "peaceful abiding"
Overall the scholarship was quite good, and he included footnotes, though there were a few Victorian ideas like Lugh being a sun-god, and personal interpretations asserted as fact, like Maeve of Connacht being the same being as the Morrigan. I also disagreed with his opinion that one must have a college education to be a Druid, it's rather elitist, and it is only one way to be educated.
This is a great resource for both beginners and more advanced practitioners, as well as friendly to different traditions of Druidry and Celtic paganism.
When Shadow is released from prison early due to his wife's death, he just wants to move on with his life. Instead, he is asked by a strange man sitting next to him on the plane to go on a mysterious mission. Soon he is caught up in a conflict between the ancient gods and spirits that followed immigrants to America with the modern gods of technology. Shadow takes a journey across the country to the "sacred" places of American culture such as the House on the Rock in Wisconsin. (I think he should've included Wall Drug!)
The story is rather slow-moving for the first 2/3rds of the book. However Gaiman has many interesting takes on the intersection of mythology, folklore and American culture. He intersperses Shadow's journey. I think this is one of those books I'd get more out of upon a re-read, it is a very thoughtful and unique novel.
There is also a sequel, Anansi Boys.
The story is rather slow-moving for the first 2/3rds of the book. However Gaiman has many interesting takes on the intersection of mythology, folklore and American culture. He intersperses Shadow's journey. I think this is one of those books I'd get more out of upon a re-read, it is a very thoughtful and unique novel.
There is also a sequel, Anansi Boys.
To the chagrin of her proper Eastern mother, Caddie romps thru the Wisconsin woods & lakes with her brothers.
In a story based on her grandmother's life, Brink captures the wonder of a child, as well as the hard work and uncertainty of frontier life. I like it better than the Little House books, the characters are deeper and the story has better pacing. Also, probably reflecting its more modern author, CW depicts Native Americans more sympathetically and respectfully.
It's no wonder Caddie Woodlawn won a Newbery medal.
In a story based on her grandmother's life, Brink captures the wonder of a child, as well as the hard work and uncertainty of frontier life. I like it better than the Little House books, the characters are deeper and the story has better pacing. Also, probably reflecting its more modern author, CW depicts Native Americans more sympathetically and respectfully.
It's no wonder Caddie Woodlawn won a Newbery medal.
One of the prequels to Mists of Avalon, Forest House tells the story of Eilan, a British priestess and Gaius, the Roman soldier she falls in love with. It can be rather slow at times, but overall the story is still compelling, and the world well-realized. It has more of a historical setting than Mists.
If you really liked Mists, and want to know the backstory, read this and the other prequels, but don't compare it to Mists. It's pretty good in its own right, but don't expect it to be as good as Mists.
If you really liked Mists, and want to know the backstory, read this and the other prequels, but don't compare it to Mists. It's pretty good in its own right, but don't expect it to be as good as Mists.
I thought this was an excellent introduction to the runes, she connects them with Eddaic mythology and cosmology. She also discusses seidhr (which is like Norse shamanism) and a female slant to Asatru.
But I have been told by heathens this book has some innacuracies. Still, I think it has its good points, just keep in mind it's mostly her personal interpretations, and modern not ancient practices.
But I have been told by heathens this book has some innacuracies. Still, I think it has its good points, just keep in mind it's mostly her personal interpretations, and modern not ancient practices.
Great for ideas on how to celebrate the 8 NeoPagan/Wiccan holidays
has lots of activities, and interesting mythology. However be careful she sometimes gets her history and mythology wrong. (i.e. Burning Times, lumping deities together)
has lots of activities, and interesting mythology. However be careful she sometimes gets her history and mythology wrong. (i.e. Burning Times, lumping deities together)
A great book for finding ideas for rituals and accurate information on Celtic history and holidays in the context of Celtic cultures and traditions. It's not the be-all and end-all of Celtic ritual but it's a good starting point. It's possible for both Celtic Pagans and Christians to use it.
Essential for anyone pursuing a Celtic path. One caveat, is that he does tend to lump all Celtic cultures together, it's important to see them as connected, but at the same time probably not appropriate to use all Celtic languages in the same rite!
Essential for anyone pursuing a Celtic path. One caveat, is that he does tend to lump all Celtic cultures together, it's important to see them as connected, but at the same time probably not appropriate to use all Celtic languages in the same rite!
Modern Paganism focuses too much on magic and not enough on prayer and relationships to the Deities. Serith suggests how to approach the gods, and the theology/history behind prayer. Not only does he include lovely prayers for a variety of occasions and deities from different cultures but also gives tips on how to create your own prayers. It's also small and handy for traveling or ministry/public advocacy.
Recommended to any Pagan, both beginners and advanced!
Recommended to any Pagan, both beginners and advanced!
One of the best books on bisexuality I've seen- both introduces the subject, and myth-debunking, as well as going into depth
relationship to straights, gays, lesbians, and transgendered, monogamy vs. polyamory
Includes interviews from a variety of bisexuals.
relationship to straights, gays, lesbians, and transgendered, monogamy vs. polyamory
Includes interviews from a variety of bisexuals.