Celtic Books

Vessel of the Fish is the compassionate story of a young woman's struggle to come to terms with grief, and her profound personal quest -- seeking truth among the legends and runes of an ancient city -- to find deeper understanding and purpose. Graced with elegant prose, a vivid sense of place, and intriguing insights into Celtic and Christian traditions, the novel is a tantalizing blend of mystery and mysticism. Read it, and you'll find yourself wanting to make your very own pilgrimage to England... to uncover the wonders of ancient Avalon, and the charms of modern Glastonbury.

"When something is true... you will know because it keeps coming back to you."

After devouring this magical story from start to finish, I can't get it out of my head. Although it is fiction, the truth contained within it will resonate in your heart and soul. I am certain that every reader will come away with their own interpretation, which is the beauty of the story. For me it came down to perseverence in releasing the ego and remembering to awaken to the "center" - the love and light of the true self. To "let yourself happen" is so seemingly difficult yet so completely liberating.

Read it if you want to wake up!

Thank you for sharing your mystical journey with us. The story was lyrically beautiful, intellectually engrossing and spiritually thought-provoking. I enjoyed it immensely.

"To question is never a mistake ... It is only through questions we receive answers."
Thank you for taking me on a spiritual journey. Thank you for asking the questions!

Can't wait for the next novel of Monika.

The further I got into Vessel of the Fish, I found myself reading ravenously. It is a most engaging book! For me, the story entailed personal stretching - recognizing possibilities, connecting old learnings, being amazed at it all. It clearly reflects serious research on the part of the author, and you feel sure that she is someone who "wonders" at what makes people tick. Vessel of the Fish opens a new door in my ongoing quest for adult faith formation. It reminds me that I need to think about what I believe and reminds me that learning and wondering are healthy, necessary parts of growth. Vessel of the Fish will both challenge and comfort you.

This is one of the most comprehensive & thorough books I've ever read in the realm of alternative spirituality. It gives an excellent overview of all the main topics in both native/Pagan/earth-centered practice and alchemical/Hermetic/celestial practice. However, it took me almost 2 years to get through the whole book, as it is written very intelligently and requires much reflection to truly digest. Definitely not a Llewellyn-fluff book (although those have their place)! You will need to invest serious thought and time to fully understand & incorporate this book's concepts into your life. For this reason I wouldn't recommend it as one of your first alternative spirituality books; come back to it when you have studied awhile first. It will help answer your questions & fill in the gaps of earlier teachings. My favorite part are the Practices, which are like guided meditations that help bring the sometimes dry text to vibrant life.

I first read this many years ago under its previous title THE WESTERN WAY. This wonderful book, written by two who have travelled the path deeply, gave voice and clarity to my own vague spiritual yearning, and helped me begin a rich and rewarding journey of my own. I, and many in the West, have looked eastward to find a spirituality perceived lacking in the West. Yet, a beautiful, rich and coherent spirituality does indeed exist in Western culture. This book brought me home again, and stirred the analeptic memory of my soul.

Poetic, scholarly and practical, this book offers many rich and engaging practica for exploration, none of which are terribly difficult. However, approach them with respect; do not underestimate the power of these exercises to open the inner mind and heart.

It's impossible for me to know where to start with a book this dense. Even with all my years studying shamanism, Witchcraft, magic, and world religions, this book had lots of information that either elobrated on things only touched upon in other sources or explained things no other text ever tried to do. I knew I'd love the shaman section, but the magi section is where I learned a lot about paradigms I don't always agree with, but ought to know to be well rounded. As someone with no Christian background, I found the sections of early Christianity's involvement with mysticism fascinating. It helps if you have already read dozens of books on the history and practice of shamanism and magic so that the sheer volume of information doesn't overwhelm you. This is the rare book I can actually say advanced workers of magic in the Western Tradition can enjoy.

For those who have been searching for years for a copy of Caitlin and John Matthews' "The Western Way", omnibus edition, which was the compilation of the two prior western tradition magical works "The Native Tradition" and "The Hermetic Tradition", here is their definitive work revised, rewritten, and updated. The Matthews stand as two of the premier writers and practitioners of Western Tradition magic and native "shamanic" modalities, within a Celtic framework. Along with serious Western Tradition practitioners and writers such as Gareth Knight, who wrote the forward for their original works, and R. J. Stewart, who collaborated with John Matthews on quite a number of books, the Matthews have written an intriguing manual for practitioners, leading you on a journey to the Otherworlds, and leading you back safely.

As a shamanic practitioner trained in the Harner method, as well as a Druid with the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids, I can assure you that the practical principles Caitlin and John Matthews instruct in this tome are well worth the time, energy, and effort of those serious about magical and shamanic work. "A rose of the West should not seek to bloom like a lotus of the East", as the pioneers of formalizing Western Tradition have said, referring of course to Dion Fortune, Christine Hartley, William Gray, Gareth Knight, Israel Regardie, and others. This is not to disparage Eastern mysticism at all, only indicates that Eastern mysticism and practice is geared for the Eastern mind. Many people of Western cultures study Eastern practices, unaware that within their own Western cultural heritage there exists a lineage of spiritual and mystical traditions that are every bit as effective and enduring as the Eastern traditions.

Drawing from the myths, stories, poetry, ancient writings, and resources, the Matthews provide ample background to substantiate a legacy of Western magical and native traditions left to us by the giants who have gone before us. The Eastern mind and psyche is more attuned to the stillness, the still center, and simply being, while the Western mind and psyche is better engaged in activities and interactions with beings who habitate the many Otherworlds, as well as with our own Higher Self, and with our guardians and guides. These interactions can range from various divination methods, intuition, automatic writing communications, augury, scrying, inspiration, or actual verbal, aural, or thought-exchange interactions with beings. One can access otherworlds and walk therein, at will, with one foot in each world, hence the title of the book.

Considering there are organizations of medical doctors and other health care professionals who are now actively studying and practicing shamanism and shamanic techniques, in the USA and elsewhere, what was once a small and eclectic group of indigenous practitioners around the world has blossomed into thousands of people from all walks of life, called to this type of work and exploration, for whatever reasons. This book by the Matthews, whether one is drawn to Celtic shamanism, traditions, or magic, or not, can only help to enrich one's understanding and experience of shamanism and magic.

The practical exercises that were the hallmark of the earlier books remain, with enriching and updating as needed, but the structure of the prior works remains intact. I kept my omnibus edition of "The Western Way" even though most of it is incorporated within "Walkers Between the Worlds", for sentimental reasons, because it was the first book I ever read that was such a "synchonious" experience for me, one of the "Ah-ha" moments of my life, that I cannot let it go. It served me well when I was called to assist my late mother in crossing over to the Summerlands, and I took her on a journey to the Underworld so that she wouldn't be afraid of passing over, and she found it beautiful. That was prior to the "Walkers Between The Worlds" edition. All the important material and exercises from "The Western Way" were kept in the Walkers Between The Worlds" book.

Gregg Braden, author and speaker, has said that Mayan and other indigenous teachings refer to this time in the world as the time of the "Walkers Between the Worlds", and this has some significance to the year 2012, perhaps as a time of increasing and accelerating Earth vibrations.

I really enjoyed this book and agree with many of the other reviews- it was a well-written look into the Western Mysteries, and divides its time equally between the shaman path and the magus. What I really liked was that the author's emphasized that shamanistic traditions are not inferior to the "high magic" branches of western tradition: this distinction is key in actually fully understanding the traditions. Overall and in-depth and enjoyable read with some useful exercises as well!

This is NOT a another modern book about the ancient traditions of "Celtic Spirituality". I, for one, am extremely grateful. This is a collection of traditional prayers and incantations used by the Gaelic speakers living in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. These "poems" are simple, sparse, superstitous and incredibly beautiful. When Carmichael documented these in the 1800's, the Gaelic culture and its belief systems were quickly dying out amidst a wave of modernisation, protestantism and urban flight. These poetic artifacts are a true window on the beliefs, hopes, fears and superstitions of the pre-modern world. Many of these were used to ritualize common daily tasks. These chants find the sublime in the pedestrian, in a way that is completely devoid of self-conciousness. The poems in this collection are unique and priceless. Carmichael did a wonderful thing in preserving these gems for future generations. If you are interested in understanding the unromanticized and complicated truth of the spiritual side to Gaelic culture, this is indispensible. If not, perhaps the latest coffee table book of "Celtic Prayers" is more your speed...

The number of books on Celtic spirituality in the past ten years is stultifying. The inane banalities poured out in most of these books is paralleled only by the repititiousness of most of their contents.

This book, however, is the real thing. These poems were collected in the last century by Alexander Carmichael in his work in the Scottish highlands. They truly display the sense of closeness to the earth, and closeness to God, in daily life that is the hallmark of Celtic spirituality, and as expected in a collection of poems from the poor and humble, there is not a speck of pretension in any of it. The book has been a minor classic in its own field ever since it was first published, and now it is finally getting the widespread recognition it deserves.

My only regret is that this version doesn't include the Gaelic versions that Carmichael collected alongside the English translation; I believe that the original edition included these. If you're burned out on the absurdities of Celtic spirituality which are served up by the truckload nowadays, this book will give you your faith back.

This collection has become a sourcebook for those interested in Celtic Christianity and even in pre-Christian ritual. I use it frequently as a reference to find out common folk themes running through Christianity on the fringe. The tradition was dying out when Carmichael chronicled it, and now the richness of imagining is preserved for future generations. If you are interested in spirituality, particular in Scotland, you must get this book!

As a follower of the Old Religion, I find this book a valuable glimpse into the roots and source of inspiration. It is far better and more solid scholarship than the vast bulk of modern Pagan reconstructionist writings. I'd recommend this as an essential part of a folk-spirituality book collection.

I've used these prayers in personal meditations as well as sermons. The prayers reveal God's closeness in every act of every day. And the Appendix tells the story of many prayers.

I received this book as a birthday gift along with Celtic Art In Cross Stitch by Barbara Hammet. Although both are good, I can tell already that this one is going to be the source of many more projects. There are nearly 70 designs in this book, most very adaptable to a variety of uses. Phillipson provides a refreshingly wide variety of designs, not just a few variations on a few primary themes, plus a wide variety of ideas for utilizing them -- and they're all stunningly beautiful and well-done. There's a wide range of color variations between projects, and the colors chosen for individual projects are very appropriate, both historically and aesthetically, for their motifs. She also provides plenty of detailed tips and interesting background information on where the designs originated. All in all, this is an excellent book, and I'm definitely going to get a great deal of use out of it!

I've received this book from Amazon only a few days ago but I am already copying one of the projects.
I find this book to be very useful and interesting: the patterns are original, not repetitive and they are fully explained. Each of them comes with explanation about what kind of colour to use (a useful conversion table among different brands of cotton is printed at the end of the book), how many stitches it is in width and length, the overall dimension and a lot of useful information to start your project immediately and correctly.
Quick information about how to x stitch is provided at the beginning of the book so, in my opinion, it is a good deal also for total beginners.
I am very glad of my choice and I think I will copy a lot of patterns from this book.

To me, this book came as an esthetic relief. Tired of flowers, I was thrilled to discover elegant minimalism of this book. All designs are tastefull and come accompanied with a discription of where the design came from - helmets, scabbards,torques. It includes apstract borders and small images for stitching where you please, along with several more complicated images of celtic animals, human faces and such, that look marvellous when framed. Recommended for beginners (charts are in color and easy to read) and for more experienced stitchers because this collection is far from dull.

This is a book for both the cross stitch beginner as well as more experienced stitchers looking for inspiration. There is a lovely mix of simple motifs, as well as more challenging pieces inspired by the Book of Kells.

The book is a delight to leaf through, and many of the designs (especially the knotwork) lend themselves to other projects. For example: I've worked a number of the knots (in silk on linen) as bookmarks for gifts.

Highly recommended.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

Carol Phillipson has put together a wonderful book full of craft ideas. Her patterns are based on many different examples of Celtic art. While you will find knotwork and other borders here, you'll also find animal forms, an illuminated alphabet and various unexpected designs taken from jewelry, manuscripts and stonework. Phillipson includes several ideas for the use of each pattern, as well as giving the reader an idea where the pattern came from. All in all, a delightful, as well as useful, book for any stitcher.

This book is fantastic, offering a well selected variety of early Celtic Christian literature. The selections, (many for the first time translated into English) offer a real feel for the dispositions, theology, and flavor of the early Celtic Christian. The introductory chapters offer valuable contextual information. If there is a fault with the introduction, it is that it leaves the reader thirsting for more. The end notes, as well, communicate important information regarding descriptions of geography, information explaining items which may not be self-explanatory to the first time student in this field of study. As with the introduction, the end notes leave the reader thirsting for more. I really only have one major complained or criticism: I hate end notes. Placing the references, etc, as foot notes is much more convenient, easier to locate, and keeps the reference in the context of the main texts. I wish for many more volumes such as this. In the meantime I continue rereading this one to two times per year, and continually looking up references. For a student of the early Celtic Church who is not fluent in either Latin or any of the early Irish, Scot, or Welsh languages, this book is a must read, and will provide much spiritual edification. An invaluable resource to include in one's library.

Celtic Christianity is rightly said to be the branch of Christianity which celebrates God's immanence in the cosmos, and this collection of works from Celtic Christians gives an excellent overview of this fascinating branch of Christian spirituality.

Very pleasing to me was seeing John Scotus Eriugena's Commentary on the Gospel of John, where he blasts the Manicheans for seeing the material world as evil (such a position was totally incomprehensible in Eriugena's eyes, and his admiration for the beauty of the cosmos runs through his works).

There are also other works including poems, hymns and stories of saints. This volume is a valuable addition to the library of any Christian interested in Christian spirituality.

This is an excellent book, edited by the founder of the MA program in Celtic Christianity, at the University of Wales, Lampeter. The book brings the topic to life, and allows the reader to gain an insight into the spiritual world of the Celts. Dr. Davies presents the reader with a wide variety of works, that give an excellent representation of Celtic writing and thought. It is a book that must be read and reread, in order to gain the full effect of the excellent pieces of work offered. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the Celts and/or spirituality.

Partly there is a problem dealing with Celtic spirituality, or indeed, Celtic anything. It is comparatively recently in history that the coalescence of Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Briton, Manx, and other 'Celtic fringe' cultural groups have been classified as a unified Celtic society. Certainly the early people in these regions (not to mention those on the continent) would have seen differences as outweighing the similarities, and would have found unity only in being non-Roman and non-Germanic.

Certainly there is a sharing of story, world view, and spiritual sense, however, that helps us make sense of describing Celtic Spirituality as a category. This relates both to the earlier non-Christian Celtic religions (yes, there was more than one) and the ways in which Christianity spread to the Celtic regions.

`While recognising the importance of Celtic primal religion at the earliest and most formative stage of evangelisation of the Celtic-speaking cultures, it must be recognised that the surviving evidence for Celtic religion in sparse, and often comes from widely differing places and times. But something of its general character does emerge.'

Included in this character are a sense of place (which often includes woodlands, water, glades, springs, mountains, etc.). Ideas of treasure, particularly hidden treasure, and that being a treasure that is not always what the world would value, abound. Heroism and bravery, often at dramatic cost with a deep sense of loss even in the victories, goes through many tales. Other worldly and pantheistic imagery coexist in many ways. Animals and birds are often seen as messengers, harbingers, or symbolic -- many of the illuminated manuscript from Irish monasteries show the continuation of this sort of influence. Celtic religions are also predominantly oral, hence the popularity of story, song, and poem as opposed to argued technical essays or homiletic forms.

The texts in this volume are divided according to the following categories:

Hagiography
These are lives of the saints, often told as heroic (and sometimes tragic) tales. Of course the greatest cycle known to us is the Patrick Tradition -- those stories and legends that have gathered around St. Patrick, who lived in the fifth century. These include letters, declarations, a life story, sayings, and St. Patrick's Breastplate, known to many as a very long hymn, but which actually exists in many different forms. Apart from the Patrick stories are stories of St. Brigit, St. Brendan, St. David, St. Beuno, and St. Melangell, all unique Celtic saints.

Monastic Texts
In a recently issued popular history, entitled How the Irish Saved Civilisation, Thomas Cahill argues that the preservation of culture and learning in the Irish monastic movement gives us much of our knowledge and continuation from civilisation in the past. There is much to be said for this argument, for the early Irish love of books, knowledge, and historical sense of preservation of the valuable gives us much of Celtic wisdom, as well as much of the Greco-Roman tradition as well.

Poetry
Early Irish and Welsh poetry are presented, most of it anonymous, and much of it seems very similar to Celtic devotional material of today. It still speaks to us with a very strong voice.

Blessing and brightness,
Wisdom, thanksgiving,
Great power and might
To the King who rules over all.

To the chosen Trinity has been joined
Before all, after all, universal
Blessing and everlasting blessing,
Blessing everlasting and blessing.

This could be a text from a modern hymnal. The Celtic peoples, with their love of number symbols in addition to natural symbols, fastened on the idea of the Trinity with very little difficulty. The trifold nature of the above poem, going several layers deep, shows this affinity.

Devotional Texts and Liturgies
These texts are meant to be used for lectio divina, a kind of spiritual reading, as well as prayers enacted in the community for blessing. Some litanies and excerpts from the great Stowe Missal give a sense of patterns of worship for Celtic peoples.

Apocrypha, Exegesis, Homilies, and Theology
These four categories include expansions of the biblical text (such as the story of The Creation of Adam), and interpretation of particular pieces (a Gloss on Psalm 103) which gives insight into how Celtic peoples interpreted the biblical texts, which come from a culture so foreign and yet so similar to their own. Also, the Homilies give a sense on what preachers found important; that these survive may give us a sense also of what the hearers considered important (most of my homilies will not survive the week they are delivered!). The theology texts here give a good flavour of the academic and spiritual side of Celtic learning and reflection. The theological treatises are introduced and interspersed with verse that drives home the spiritual dimension far better than any learned discourse could do.

Seventy pages of notes on technical and academic aspects of the texts (translation, interpretation, history, cultural notation, etc.) and a generous fifteen-page bibliography help round out this text, and make it useful both for spiritual direction and insight as well as for academic research and historical and literary investigation.

Edited and introduced by Oliver Davies with collaboration from Thomas O'Loughlin, Celtic Spirituality draws primarily from Latin, Irish and Welsh manuscripts to show the texts that have been 'rediscovered' frequently in Christian history as providing an 'alternative' to mainstream' Christian thought and practice. Perhaps it is the legacy and the gift of the Celtic peoples to always provide a fringe, from Roman times to the present, and from that fringe a freshness of ideas, approach, and insight comes forward to renew culture and civilisation in many facets.

This is part of a series of spiritual and mystical writings from many religious viewpoints, produced by the Paulist Press. Jewish, Christian, and Muslim texts are presented with clarity, careful translation that works for accuracy both of word and spirit, and interesting historical insight.

In my eighteen or so years as a Celtic Catholic, and especially in the past five years, I have seen the term "Celtic Christianity" applied to everything from the sublime (love of nature and the saints) to the ridiculous (giving communion to your dog) to the utterly intolerable (worshipping pagan gods). Some modern writers on the theme do an excellent job of interpreting this strand of the Christian Faith for the modern reader; others are better left unread. So where is a serious inquirer to go for "the real goods"? Where to find out what our ancient Fathers and Mothers in the Faith really believed, thought, and did? Davies's book is an excellent resource.

Limiting his own comments and interpretations to the introduction (and with an excellent preface by James Mackey), Davies contents himself with providing clear and easily readable translations of original source material. Some of the most important documents for understanding the mind of the early Celtic Christian are here. You can read all of St. Patrick's own writings and the ancient biography by Muirchú. Discover the most ancient accounts of St. Brigit, St. Brendan, St. David, and even the dear but little-known St. Melangell and her hare. But that's not all. There is the monastic Rule of St. Columbanus, ten Irish poems, twenty Welsh poems, and several devotional prayer-poems. You can find some of the oldest Celtic liturgical material, interpretations of Scriptural passages, ten ancient sermons, and some theology courtesy of Pelagius and John Scottus Eriugena.

This is all original material, carefully translated and presented in an easy-to-use format. But it's not dry dusty stuff: it breathes a freshness from the early days of the Faith that is sometimes missing from more modern writers. We've perhaps been around too long, thought about it too much. Our Celtic saints got the good news "hot off the press," and embraced it with a shocking enthusiasm which is good for us jaded post-moderns. I hope you read this book and enjoy it as much as I have.

Sizzling stories about gay life in the Emerald Isle. These authors have been there and know their stuff! The stories run the gamut from romantic to hot, hot, hot!

I liked reading this book here in America because it revealed that lesbians and gays exist in Ireland and that same-sex encounters in Ireland can be as exciting as anywhere else. The stories about our warrior past are as interesting as the present-day stories of life in Dublin. The writing is excellent and the book has beautiful graphic designs based on our Book of Kells. The stories are about pretty boys, drag queens, and the kind of leathermen and bears who belong to LUBE in Dublin. I'd appreciate a volume 2 for reading on my return trip.

This collection of Irish and Irish-American fiction shocked me because it is so brilliantly written. It's also hot. Finally, the Irish come out of the closet. None of these stories--t'anks be-- are stage Irish stereotypes, and there is no sentimental "How Are Things in Gloccamora"--more like "How Are Things In (Sodom and) Gomorrah." Actually, the sex is tasteful, and so arousing Irish papers probably will not review this book, dismissing it as gay, when in fact it's more Irish than they will admit. The cover photo of famed Irish-Brit brat-pack author PP Hartnett is worth framing. Inside, thumbnail glossaries help the Yankee tourist out-on-the-slum with the bits of history and a couple o' Irish words used. If "Chasing Danny Boy" can be this much fun, then what fun "Catching Danny Boy" could be--only there ain't one, but if there were a sequel, that could be its title. I only wish my experience in Temple Bar in Dublin was what it is in the wonderful title story. And God bless that Irish jewel, Neil Jordan, for supporting this important book--without his name on the cover, I might have missed this collection. I'LL NEVER SING "DANNY BOY" AGAIN WITHOUT THINKING OF THIS BOOK THAT REVEALS THAT SONG'S PANTING SUBTEXT!

Danny Boy loves to be chased. The stories in this collection are wonderful, sensitive, and hot. Celtic storytelling meets gay culture--two things that have never before been between two covers. (Shame on the denial of lesbigay life in modern Irish books like "Finbar's Hotel," "Angela's Ashes," and even "The Oxford Book of Irish Short Stories.") "Chasing Danny Boy" is joyous-fresh reading for any Irish man or woman who feels alone in the closet, as well as for any American Yank who is Irish, or is thinking about traveling to Ireland for a night out in Dublin to look for your lost cousins. Controversial, yes, and for all that all the more fascinating. I couldn't put it down.

Chasing Danny Boy is a wonder of a book!This collection of short stories is that rare thing- the combination of intelligent and steamy.The settings of the stories range from modern Dublin, to the mythic past, including some with Irish-American settings and people. Many aspects of the (now) global gay culture are represented.The characters range in age from late teenagers with other teenagers, to men in their forties. There are decorative sketches at the beginning of each story, and brief biographies of each writer.Every time I re-read this book I am startled again, at how very good it is.

Teresa de Ahumada born in Spain on March 28, 1515, died October 4, 1582 at the age of 67.

A woman of warmth, generosity and spiritual awareness. As a young child Teresa was made aware of God's presence and throughout her lifetime made it her mission to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to as many as she encountered.

She journeyed throughout Spain and laid many Foundations to do God's work. St. John of the Cross was one of her spiritual directors as she went forth to build God's kingdom.

Volume One has two books: " The Book of Her Life" and "Her Spiritual Testimonies. Other collected works of Saint Teresa which are found in Volume Two are " The Way of Perfection" and " The Interior Castle and in Volume Three " The Book of Her Foundations" and " Minor Works".

Spirituality development and growth can be difficult in these modern times. St Teresa's life and spiritual journey can easily be taken in small doses and applied daily. Her mystical visions can be understood personaly - a rare treat.

St. Teresa of Avila is a great writer of the spiritual life, especially regardingg prayer and striving for mystical union. I liked that the book conatins a few of her writings in one book, especially when you want to cross-reference when you read and study her works.

St. Teresa of Avila, who lived in sixteenth century Spain, was a woman as complex as those turbulent times; yet also, she was simple, as only the greatest saints can be.

Her writings are discursive, immediately engaging, written in a warm and sometimes disjointed style, like conversation. If you have read "about" Teresa but put off reading the works of the saint herself, feeling it might be too formidable a task, have no fear. She speaks of the highest mystical experiences in terms accessible to 21st century readers. There are some cultural references and attitudes to be filtered, but over all, Teresa's tremendous pleasure in her loving relationship with God, shines through. Do not be put off by the distance of centuries; don't feel that Teresa is too holy to be comprehended. Read the story of her life, and read her descriptions of the stages of a mystical spiritual journey leading to a marvelous knowledge of God, and an ineffable sharing with God.

Teresa speaks to all of us, wherever we are in our faith journeys, whenever we live, whatever our state. Her writings are classic outpourings of a soul sometimes desolate, sometimes ecstatic, but always, dedicated to God. Teresa defies category or analysis. You must read her to experience her.

Teresa of Avila has three popular books in print that continue to aid the spiritual development, which is impressive, considering she lived during the 1500s. A Christian mystic, the knowledge that she imparted in her writings was esteemed so highly, that she was the first woman to receive the title of "doctor," by the Catholic Church. Religious and political leaders sought her advice. Her ideas revolutionized religious life, particularly with the emphasis on equality of all members of the order, and her teachings on cultivating a spiritual life focused on prayer, transform lives to this day. Other popular works she wrote and that are still in circulation include "The Interior Castle," and "The Way of Perfection," but it is best to start with her autobiography, since these both of other works refer to ideas mentioned in her autobiography.

There are many interpretations of her writings available on the market, but I have always found Kieran Kavanaugh's editions to be the most insightful. He prefaces the books with a background with background information about Teresa's life, the atmosphere in which she lived, and ideas of her contemporaries. The translations he provides are clear and he adds notes to explain religious and cultural practices which might seem alien to the modern reader. The fact that his work is published through the Institute of Carmelite Studies adds an air of authenticity, since it was the order with which Teresa was affiliated and strived so hard to reform, that other editions lack.

This is no ordinary autobiography, as Teresa was no ordinary woman. Despite her extraordinariness, the book is written in a conversational tone, which makes her ideas easy to understand and remember; one feels as if she is talking to the reader personally. She also conveys ideas and struggles that ordinary people confront, such as not being sure if she has a calling for the religious life (in the beginning, unlike most Christian writers, she say that she never wanted to be a nun), wondering what God's plan for her is, and experiencing spiritual dryness - in which the great teacher of prayer admits to lacking the motivation to pray regularly. How she discerns solutions for these questions is inspirational for any reader.

The extraordinary aspect of her life revolves around her commitment to trying to learn better ways to speak to God and seek God in her life, which was the basis for her prayer life. Witnesses attended her church with the hope of seeing her rise off the floor in an ecstasy, and she does devote some of the book to defining differences between different states of ecstasy and rapture. She also lists different ways in which people may hear God speak to them; some relate to apparitions, which may interest the reader who is interested in these phenomena as they are claimed to exit in the modern day.

But more helpful, for the majority of us, she outlines paths of spiritual development, how sometimes the best of use can only muster enough strength to mouth prayers in difficult times, but that we should continue to persevere, because perseverance will bring spiritual development if out intention is pure. She believes that fundamentally, prayer is nothing more than a conversation with God, and through our practice of talking to God, we will learn how to hear him more clearly and speak to him with more respect and ask better questions. She outlines different sages to prayer that exist, with vocal prayer being the most basic, and mental prayer being the most developed. She articulates that people's approach to the path may vary; different passages inspire people differently, and some religious practices offer more help for some than for others, but this is appropriate, and there are many paths to the same mansion. Through all her advice, she encourages a joyful approach to living one's religion, because we should be happy to serve God with love as he loves us.

In the peaceful land of the Riddaer, Jahdo the ratcatcher's son stumbles upon a meeting between a city councilman and a dangerous, mysterious woman. Suddenly the boy is tangled in a web of intrigue and black magic that drags him far from his beloved home. In the company of Meer, a blind bard of the Horsekin, Jahdo must travel to Deverry to unravel the evil that binds him. Gut there the boy is caught up in dangers far greater than any he has ever known. Two powerful sorcerers--the human Jill and the elven Dallandra--are battling to save the country from a goddess gone mad. Their strongest ally is the mercenary soldier Rhodry Maelwaedd, a berserker bound to both women by fate and magic...and to the dragon upon whom all their lives may depend. For fantasy lovers who have never read the novels of Deverry before, Days of Blood and Fire is the place to begin.

Katherine Kerr's writing takes a bit of getting used to, but it's worth the effort. She approaches her stories with a Celtic storytelling mindset, which means she conveys events according to their significance to the story, as opposed to chronologically. Consequently, while the stories begin in the "present" (which is an elastic concept, anyway, in a fantasy setting), the events unfold, chapter wise, both in the "present" and in the distant past. This can be frustrating, at first, but Kerr's writing is heavily steeped in Pagan and Western Mystery tradition, and the Celtic setting (and mindset) of her characters means that time, or chronological time, is not essentially relevant. To be honest, I found the first book infuriating, as I spent a lot of time trying to adjust to the writing style. However, I found the story engrossing enough that I persevered, and by the second book was so hooked I've read all ten in her three series.

Kerr's story evolves around the concept of reincarnation, and unfinished business, and "karma", and fate. The same souls recur again and again, just in new bodies, over the course of the centuries over which the story unfolds.

Kerr's world is one of High Fantasy, populated by Elves, Men, and Dwarves, as well as faeries/elementals, which she terms the "Wildfolk". However, hers is a slightly more dark, dangerous and less clear cut world than the works of other High Fantasy authors, not the least due to the fact that someone who was your friend in a former life can re-emerge in the story centuries later as a foe, and vice versa. There is a tremendous amount of magic, but it's the magic of the Western Mystery tradition (quite a bit of Golden Dawn and even Enochiana), and that of R.J. Stewarts Faery tradition. There are dragons, and giant beast men.

The Elves are a fallen race, driven out of their magnificent and palatial cities centuries before by invaders, and who now roam the plains as primitives. They possess the potential to be superlative magicians, but the knowledge was lost in the fall of their civilization. Humans, though warlike and shorter lived, have preserved this knowledge, but guard it jealously. The Wildfolk, basically magic incarnate, are unhinged from the effects of "karma", but lack permanence of personality, and cannot grow or develop, cursed to stagnation. The Dwarves are a secretive mystery, entrenched within the earth. Each has something to offer the other, and the story that unfolds is the story of this "technology" exchange, of sorts, between them.

Fans of Marion Zimmer Bradley, who clearly influenced Kerr, will be enraptured by this series, as will fans of Kate Eliott, who Kerr, herself, clearly influenced. It's phenomenal! Devotees of the New Age, Esoteric or Occult will find themselves nodding and smiling as they read, and sincerely hoping Kerr's writing will do for the Western Mystery and Faery traditions what Bradley's has done for Wicca.

I found this book to be quite enjoyable, though I think that I would have liked it more if I had read the other books in the series. It stood on it's own rather well, but there were a few things that I didn't understand as well as I think I could have if I'd read the other books.

The only thing that really bothered me about this book was the name of the Sorceress. Jill just didn't fit in with the other names in the book, and the excuse that was given wasn't a very good one, or at least it wasn't to someone who had only read that book. It was alluded that there might have been a better explanation in another book, something to do with who her father was, but it was not satisfactory to me.

I did, however, find the characters to be vibrant and the plot to be engaging, so that little complaint really isn't much of a complaint at all. This was, I thought, a rather decent fantasy novel and if I stumble across more of her work, I will likely pick it up.

Similar to "The Dragon Revenant" Kerr again returns to a linear plot previously set up in "Time of Omens," again abandoning her usual interaction of stories set within differing time periods. Obviously by now I am an enthusiast of the tale and world begun in "Daggerspell" and would recommend fans of better fantasy fiction take a look. Despite the positive response of the previous reviewer, however, Kerr's books are not written as stand-alones, and without the information provided by the earlier works, one's enjoyment of this book will be greatly limited. Despite the fact that it was the weakest book in the series, start with "Daggerspell": By the time you reach "Days of Blood and Fire" I'm sure you'll conclude that the considerable time invested was enjoyably well spent.

I do however have one reservation regarding this book: The introduction of a dragon. It may be a personal quirk on my part, but rarely have I found the active appearance of dragons in a tale either satisfying or credible. Often anthropomorphised in manner either typecast or silly - McCaffrey's romanticized and laughable wyrms are but the most notable examples - their inclusion as characters almost invariably fails to be convincing (At the risk of sacrilege I would include Tolkein's Smaug). Though the dragon here is present for only a few pages, it is apparant that it will play a large role in the next book, and it talks, which may not bode well for the conclusion of the series. Those of you who delight in clever wyrms, carry on. I will reserve final comment for completion of the next book.

This is the best fantasy book that I have ever read, and possibly one of the best books overall. Anyone who is a fantasy reader should definately pick this one up. It kept me on the edge of my seat right up until the end, where I immediately ran out to pick up "Days of Air and Darkness" to find out how this chapter in the Deverry saga ended. Full of action, intrige, and emotion, this book is sure to give anyone a good read. I am about to order the rest of the series to see what else has gone on.

Whether or not you started with Daggerspell or if you have just recently started reading the works of Katharine Kerr, you should definately read this. I found the book entertaining with all the old characters mixed with the new and their wonderful skill at getting wound up in problems that seem to large to remedy. You get to see parts of her world that you do not see in the other books which is always exciting with this author. She transends into the world "high fantasy" well and the ending is rather different from most of her others because it is sudden and leads into the next book.

This outstanding book took me to Ireland with the turn of each page. What a great gift this makes for the lovers of both Irish history and poetry. KB adroitly weaves the story of Ireland's past and present in a way that makes Gathering Stones better than chocolate. I want more!

KB's artful use of words draws us behind the scenes. Her rare gift is to draw us into the souls of wounded and resilient characters. We smell the misty air, rejoice in rugged coasts, embrace warm tears, rejoice in their land and history, and brood with them through troubled times. Read it to experience Ireland; study it to learn the art of soul-telling!

Within this beautiful book, the Irish heart beats with the cadence of the bodhrán, and wind and stone are recurrent themes of both loss and discovery. Ballentine's remarkable knowledge of history comingles with her unique poetic style to create a harmony of past and present. The complex enigma of a country and its people resonates especially in her poem, "Rosaleen's Dark Harbor": "No matter how bright the sun, the rain still falls./We dream of another place, resign ourselves to leaving this one." Gathering Stones is a richly-balanced book with the somber undertones and lit brilliance that so satisfies the reader's appetite, it makes her hungry for Ballentine's next book.

Gathering Stones is a collection of lyrical poems that allow the reader to emerse him/herself in the mystery of Ireland's past and present. KB Ballentine's talent shines through in these poems as they are crafted skillfully in the music of the Irish language. I can recommend this beautiful collection of poems to anyone.

Gathering Stones encapsulates the beauty and mystery of Ireland. The exquisite language of Midsummer's Eve captures and holds my memory of just such a night spent over there.

This poet captures the stark painful reality of starvation, love, and loss. These pages brought me deep into Ireland and held me there. This is worth the read!

Fifteen year old Getorix, the son of a Celtic leader, is captured and is eager to be sacrificed with honor. To his horror, he is selected as a slave to a boy his age. Talk about a major attitude adjustment! The setting is Rome, a hundred years before Christ. The time is before Julius Caesar. Geary's storytelling weaves history and details of the city of Rome into an easily read adventure story of two boys forced to be together who navigate a relationship through culture clashes, status expectations between owner and slave and the bull-headedness of youth. Getorix even takes you through the sewer system of ancient Rome.

This is the type of book you recommend to friends.

Getorix is a teenage son of a Cimbri ruler who is captured, along with his father, and taken to Rome for a triumph and eventual execution. His father is killed, but he is spared and becomes a slave in the household of Quintus Lutatius Catulus, a Roman general and official. The story concerns the developing relationship between Getorix, Catulus' son, Lucius, and Keltus, a Celtic slave of the household. The author gives us a taste of what the life of a Roman household slave would be like, plus a description of some of the politics existing in the time before Julius Caesar becomes absolute ruler. An excellent appendix gives the neophyte reader a list of Latin and 'barbarian' words and what they mean. This book may be boring to adults, but is quite good for pre-teens and teenagers. It is fortunate that the activities and perversions of Sulla are not discussed fully, or it would not be suitable for young readers. The story ends without a satisfactory ending, leading me to believe there will be a sequel as Getorix deals with his status as a slave and his vow to make his father proud of him.

Getorix: The Eagle and the Bull is a story of a young boy's adventures in Rome that is comperable to the Harry Potter novels in that the concept is equally as fascinating. Geary's attention to historical detail paints a vivid image of Rome during a time period that is educational as well as entertaining. Getorix's incessant stubborness in fufilling his promise to his father emphasizes the cultural difference between the Celts and Romans and is the foundation of an unlikely friendship in the end. This book leaves the reader awaiting a young adult adventure series that has the potential to be brilliant.

This is a beautifully written, riveting tale of a Celtic boy on the cusp of manhood, who along with his father, was captured in battle by the Romans. The boy, Getorix, is determined to honor a vow to his father made just before the father is executed. He is spared by General Catulus and given to his son, Lucius, as a slave. However, Getorix will be no one's slave, especially not a slave to a Roman enemy. His growing friendship to a boy who would be his master, and his desperate need to become a man his father would have been proud of sends him on a journey of pain and self-discovery which will ultimately chart his course in life. I see this book as a young adult book only in that there are no scenes of sexuality or obscene language. It is a wealth of insight into the life and politics of Rome before Julius Caesar and has been meticulously researched. The author, Judith Geary, speaks to an intelligent reader with language that propels the reader to another time and commands the reader to experience a slice of history along side her richly developed characters. I was hooked from the first page to the last and can not wait to read it's sequel.

Judith Geary's debut novel, Getorix: The Eagle And The Bull is set in the days of the Roman Republic (rather than the later Roman Empire) and is the story of a young Celt named Getorix. Following the adventurous life of Getorix which includes the depressing defeat of his father in a battle with the Romans, Getorix: The Eagle And The Bull deftly carries readers through a Celtic family struggles and Getorix befriending a Roman soldier who has spared his life. A superbly written novel whose author has taken great pains to be as historically accurate as possible in the little details so important to background settings and plot developments, Getorix: The Eagle And The Bull is very strongly recommended as a thoroughly captivating and intimate story of a young man's struggle with identity and pride. Written for a young adult readership, Getoix: The Eagle And The Bull is the first installment of a three volume trilogy and will leave the reader looking eagerly toward the next two titles in this superbly crafted and original series.