- Paperback: 160 pages
- Publisher: Cassell Illustrated (1 July 2006)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1844035506
- ISBN-13: 978-1844035502
- Product Dimensions: 24.1 x 18.8 x 1.3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 557,082 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
Many of the beliefs and customs of the ancient Celts persist even today in western culture. They survive in curious and often surprising ways within folk tradition. In "Celtic Gods, Celtic Goddesses" Bob Stewart takes a penetrating and detailed look at the mythology, magic and religion of the Celts and examines their enduring strengths and their continued relevance. Bob Stewart's examination of the complex and fluid relationshop between the gods as people, as symbols of nature and as sacred powers makes "Celtic Gods, Celtic Goddesses" a fascinating and invaluable source of reference.
About the Author
Bob Stewart is a composer and writer. His books include two volumes on the medieval Merlin texts and studies of magical tradition in folklore.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a well-written and insightful exploration of Celtic spirituality. Although it is analytical and grounded in historical fact, it approaches the Celtic mindset with an open heart, and on equal footing. There is no assumption that the modern or Christian mindset is superior, and by the sensitive way Celtic spirituality is described, it was implicit that the author admires the Celts' spiritual sophistication, and respect for the land around them. An interesting introduction to a complex topic.
There are also lots of b/w photos and illustrations, and about four full-page colour artworks of individual Celtic goddesses and gods.
There are also lots of b/w photos and illustrations, and about four full-page colour artworks of individual Celtic goddesses and gods.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
9 reviews
36 of 40 people found the following review helpful
"..can help you better understand the Soul of humanity.."
3 Jan 2000
Format:Paperback
As a widespread tribal people, the Celts did not have a centralized, codified religion. Nor can we be exactly sure what they believed or how they practiced their beliefs at any given time & place. In "Celtic Gods, Celtic Goddesses," R.J. Stewart unveils some of this mystery for us. It is well-researched, with excellent color illustrations. Substantial excerpts from Celtic literature - mostly oral tales reflected in a Christian mirror - are included. There is special emphasis on the Celtic goddess figures, who are rather slippery to grasp with their triple aspects & mixes of fertility & warrior powers. The preCeltic origins of the Mother Goddess & the connections between Celtic & Roman myth (Minerva/Brigid) are explored.
This is not a "Bible" of Celtic religion. No such book exists or ever existed. Anyone trying to invent an easy cut & paste "pagan" spirituality will probably find this book a difficult read. But if you are looking for timeless metaphors that can help you better understand the Soul of humanity & lead you to nature & to a calendar of the seasons & the sky, "Celtic Gods, Celtic Goddesses" will be an essential addition to your library.
Bob Rixon
14 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Beauty in Abundance
9 Aug 2001
Format:Paperback
It's not the most complete tome on Celtic mythology, but it just might be the most beautiful! How could anyone look at these illustrations and not come away feeling enriched? Reviewers who have been hard on this book seem to think it walks the fence between historical record and whimsy. I submit that any study of the ancient Celts must do exactly that. The Celts remain something of an enigma because of their lack of written history. And the same people who gave us a deep and abiding love of nature and reverence for all things female were also known to lop off a few heads when angered. Let's take the best of what an ancient society had to offer and leave the brutal rest to the "scientists." This book makes a splendid introduction for the uninitiated. The worst thing a newcomer to Celtic spirituality could do would be to crack open a heavy-handed archaeological study or how-to for druidic practitioners. I can think of no gentler introduction to Celtic mythology than this one. Readers might not come away with an in-depth understanding of the subject, but they will almost certainly come away with a new love for an ancient way of thinking and a drive to seek out further discoveries. The FACTS surrounding the ancients will forever remain elusive, but the FEELING is within these pages. Feel and enjoy.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
It is a good start.......
16 Jun 2007
Format:Paperback
One of the first pleasant surprises within this book is that it touches upon Deities and legends that go beyond the British Isles, which have up until recently held a bit of a monopoly on Celtic *anything*. There are myths and Deities from Germany, France, etc. My main complaint is that it is woefully incomplete. I would love to see more information about pretty much everything in the book. What I also found astounding was that Stewart could title a section "Mother Goddesses" (pg. 58) and only name ONE Goddess by name, and that one (of them all!) The Morrighan! Then delve more into Cernunnos as the Lord of All Animals and the Hunter God and Celtic Gods which I believe IS important on one hand - as the Goddess is balanced by the God; however that said, the God has his own section in this book, and when discussing the Mother Goddesses, I expected to read about Celtic Mother Goddesses, not about Cernunnos, "Mabon as The Divine Child of Light, the Celtic Apollo" as Stewart calls him, and quotes from The Mabinogion based on Lady Charlotte Guests's translation which is the most Victorian and repressed of the lot! Might give Patrick Ford's "The Mabinogi" a try if you're looking for something that will not edit the Welsh tales for Victorian sensibilities. I have a fair amount of respect for RJ Stewart and his work, however, what I found in this was a need for MORE balance and certainly MORE information - MORE research on the Goddesses in particular as he already has a solid base with the Celtic Gods. He knows his Gods, that's evident - but when it came to the Goddesses, there is where the balance faltered for me. Still, it's well worth a read, there is a LOT of great information in this book and it is a great start for anyone who is looking to get into actually studying the Celtic Pantheon in any way deeper than playing it lip service. I give it 3 out of 5 cauldrons.
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