Queen of the Night: Rediscovering the Celtic Moon Goddess

by Sharynne MacLeod NicMhacha

Queen of the Night helps readers understand the role and power of the moon in the ancient religions, folklore, and mythology of Ireland and the British isles and then discover how to tap that power in their daily lives. Queen of the Night is a journey into the world of Celtic cosmology, shamanism, and sacred animals, as well as Celtic language, art, and culture, to discover the power and centrality of the moon. Since the earliest times, from stone circles and passage graves to the rites and customs of Druids, the moon has been the symbol of the Goddess and has played a crucial role in worship and celebration. In 13 chapters representing the moon's monthly and annual cycles, NicMhacha tells the story of Celtic moon mythology, as well as touching upon Greek, Hindu, and Norse traditions. Each chapter sets forth the role of the moon in Celtic tradition and culture and includes poetry, quotes, or prayers honoring the moon. At the end of each chapter, she offers meditations, ceremonies, and exercises to help readers connect with the moon and apply its power to their lives. From the world of fairies to bards, seekers, and shamans/ from the moon's role in the secret meetings of women spinners to the role of sacred animals and mythic beings, Queen of the Night is a lively, informative, and transformative book for anyone who wants to understand and experience the power of the moon.

Genres: Mythology, Paganism

267 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2004

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

With all the dull/dumb Wicca 101, Druid 101, Fairy Shaman Dolphin Crystal Child 101 books out there saying all the same things (if you have a solid background in Western Magical Trad, some basic Eastern practice, and varieties of shamanism) - yay, wow, thank you Goddess! Queen of the Night's written by a SCHOLAR, yes, someone who STUDIED the topic beyond tossing together last year's 101 books and adding some "personal gnosis". She is an actual professor in Ireland and she's a Pagan. She is writing this book for her colleuges, but adding exercises that are amazing at the end each chapter for the Pagans. It's not dumbed down in any way which is so refreshing. She expects that the reader is smart, wants facts, and cares about integrity. PLEASE WRITE MORE BOOKS! The fact that it's never clearly understood just what the Celts had for a moon Goddess was irrelevant - she offered details about the Celtic calender that make a lot of sense, great Indian information that clicked in wonderfully for anyone who has done their Indo-European studies, and millions of other details. This book is worth 100 of the same old same old books being passed off as new. Most Pagan writers have no scholarly experience and can't write a footnote to save their lives - BUY THIS BOOK! (I took a star off due to the vague conclusion that we have no idea if the Celts had a moon Goddess.)

[Lynne Cantwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll cut to the chase: the author doesn't name any goddess for the honor of Celtic Moon Goddess, although she makes a case for Arianrhod (whose name means Silver Wheel, for one thing) in the Welsh tradition.

Unfortunately, it takes her 168 pages to get there, in a book that only has 228 pages of text (the rest are appendices, etc.). I was familiar enough with the material in her earlier chapters to contemplate setting the book aside. But the author redeemed herself later, with folklore from the Celtic lands; a meditation I may try one of these days; and even a few recipes.

[April · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dragging my heels with this one, I find myself disagreeing with the author on many points and she has not convinced me in any way that there was some hidden celtic moon goddess.

[Maria (a)]

DNF @ 24%. I really wanted to like this, but I thought it was messy, disjointed and written in such a way that I had to puzzle over what it said, instead of letting the meaning sink in. I liked the exercises and I like what NicMhacha set out to do, I just am not a fan of the execution.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read