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Living the Irish Wheel of the Year: A Guide for Practicing Pagans
For those called to walk the sacred wheel of the Irish year, Living the Irish Wheel of the Year offers the most comprehensive guide available to authentic Celtic seasonal practice. Drawing on three decades of direct experience as a practitioner and Priest of the Mórrígan, Donald Quill presents the eight festivals of the Irish calendar as living traditions rooted in Ireland's ancient landscape, mythology, and spiritual consciousness.
This essential resource explores each seasonal turning point with unprecedented depth. From Samhain's liminal threshold between worlds to the solar drama at Newgrange during Winter Solstice, from Imbolc's awakening fires of Brigid to Bealtaine's passionate celebration of fertility, from Lughnasadh's first harvest to the balance of the equinoxes-each festival receives thorough treatment including historical context, mythological foundations, practical altar guidance, seasonal recipes, and rituals that honor both tradition and contemporary practice.
Beyond festival celebrations, the book provides extensive guidance for building meaningful relationships with Irish deities. Detailed chapters explore working with Brigid, the Dagda, Lugh, the Mórrígan, Danu, Manannán mac Lir, Goibniu, and Ogma. Each deity profile includes mythological background, seasonal associations, offering practices, devotional prayers, and guidance for personal relationship building.
Quill directly addresses practical concerns of modern practitioners, particularly those in the diaspora. He carefully distinguishes authentic Irish tradition from neo-Wiccan interpretations, explaining why the Irish Wheel is not simply "the Wiccan Wheel with Celtic names." He offers thoughtful guidance for honoring Irish deities while living far from Ireland's sacred landscape, and addresses the intersection of Irish spiritual practice with indigenous land sovereignty-essential reading for ethical practitioners.
Comprehensive chapters on daily and seasonal practice provide foundation for sustainable spiritual life. Readers learn to create and maintain altars through the turning seasons, develop meaningful devotional practices, work with Irish herbs and seasonal foods, craft ritual objects, and integrate Celtic spirituality into modern routines. The book emphasizes practical sustainability over performative celebration.
Extensive reference materials include seasonal correspondence tables, comprehensive glossary with pronunciation guidance, quick-reference guides for ritual structure, and troubleshooting advice for common challenges. The appendices address overlooked practical maintaining practice during difficult periods, celebrating when schedules conflict, solo versus community practice, and deepening practice over decades.
This is not superficial celebration or cultural appropriation. It is a serious practitioner's guide for those genuinely called to Irish polytheism. Quill demands cultural respect, historical awareness, and sincere devotional relationship-while remaining accessible to dedicated newcomers.
Whether practicing alone or with community, in Ireland or across oceans, readers will find both inspiration and instruction for living in harmony with ancient rhythms that shaped Celtic consciousness. Living the Irish Wheel of the Year invites you to step outside linear time into the sacred spiral-to walk the wheel throughout the seasons of an entire life.
Essential for practitioners of Irish Paganism, students of Celtic spirituality, polytheists working with Irish deities, and anyone seeking authentic, respectful, sustainable practice rooted in Ireland's living traditions.
This essential resource explores each seasonal turning point with unprecedented depth. From Samhain's liminal threshold between worlds to the solar drama at Newgrange during Winter Solstice, from Imbolc's awakening fires of Brigid to Bealtaine's passionate celebration of fertility, from Lughnasadh's first harvest to the balance of the equinoxes-each festival receives thorough treatment including historical context, mythological foundations, practical altar guidance, seasonal recipes, and rituals that honor both tradition and contemporary practice.
Beyond festival celebrations, the book provides extensive guidance for building meaningful relationships with Irish deities. Detailed chapters explore working with Brigid, the Dagda, Lugh, the Mórrígan, Danu, Manannán mac Lir, Goibniu, and Ogma. Each deity profile includes mythological background, seasonal associations, offering practices, devotional prayers, and guidance for personal relationship building.
Quill directly addresses practical concerns of modern practitioners, particularly those in the diaspora. He carefully distinguishes authentic Irish tradition from neo-Wiccan interpretations, explaining why the Irish Wheel is not simply "the Wiccan Wheel with Celtic names." He offers thoughtful guidance for honoring Irish deities while living far from Ireland's sacred landscape, and addresses the intersection of Irish spiritual practice with indigenous land sovereignty-essential reading for ethical practitioners.
Comprehensive chapters on daily and seasonal practice provide foundation for sustainable spiritual life. Readers learn to create and maintain altars through the turning seasons, develop meaningful devotional practices, work with Irish herbs and seasonal foods, craft ritual objects, and integrate Celtic spirituality into modern routines. The book emphasizes practical sustainability over performative celebration.
Extensive reference materials include seasonal correspondence tables, comprehensive glossary with pronunciation guidance, quick-reference guides for ritual structure, and troubleshooting advice for common challenges. The appendices address overlooked practical maintaining practice during difficult periods, celebrating when schedules conflict, solo versus community practice, and deepening practice over decades.
This is not superficial celebration or cultural appropriation. It is a serious practitioner's guide for those genuinely called to Irish polytheism. Quill demands cultural respect, historical awareness, and sincere devotional relationship-while remaining accessible to dedicated newcomers.
Whether practicing alone or with community, in Ireland or across oceans, readers will find both inspiration and instruction for living in harmony with ancient rhythms that shaped Celtic consciousness. Living the Irish Wheel of the Year invites you to step outside linear time into the sacred spiral-to walk the wheel throughout the seasons of an entire life.
Essential for practitioners of Irish Paganism, students of Celtic spirituality, polytheists working with Irish deities, and anyone seeking authentic, respectful, sustainable practice rooted in Ireland's living traditions.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2026
1 person is currently reading
About the author
Donald Quill
8 books11 followersDonald Quill writes stories that linger in the shadows—where myth, memory, and the supernatural converge.
He first introduced readers to his thoughtful, lyrical style with From the Threads of Silence, a standalone meditation on the unseen connections that shape human lives.
Donald then turned to the realm of mythic fantasy with the Songs of the Crowmother series. Beginning with Echoes of the Otherworld and continuing with Broken Rites, the series explores fractured lands where Celtic myth, sacrifice, and the endurance of memory collide in sweeping, atmospheric narratives.
His most recent work, The House on Ashburn Street, carries that same haunting sensibility into modern times—a chilling paranormal thriller where a family must confront not only the dark history of their house, but the secrets that haunt them from within.
Drawing from a lifelong fascination with ancient myth, folklore, and the thin places where past and present blur, Donald crafts tales that explore identity, sacrifice, and the unseen forces that bind us.
When he isn’t writing, he can often be found walking misty river paths, studying old legends, or listening for stories still hidden in the stones.
He first introduced readers to his thoughtful, lyrical style with From the Threads of Silence, a standalone meditation on the unseen connections that shape human lives.
Donald then turned to the realm of mythic fantasy with the Songs of the Crowmother series. Beginning with Echoes of the Otherworld and continuing with Broken Rites, the series explores fractured lands where Celtic myth, sacrifice, and the endurance of memory collide in sweeping, atmospheric narratives.
His most recent work, The House on Ashburn Street, carries that same haunting sensibility into modern times—a chilling paranormal thriller where a family must confront not only the dark history of their house, but the secrets that haunt them from within.
Drawing from a lifelong fascination with ancient myth, folklore, and the thin places where past and present blur, Donald crafts tales that explore identity, sacrifice, and the unseen forces that bind us.
When he isn’t writing, he can often be found walking misty river paths, studying old legends, or listening for stories still hidden in the stones.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 3, 2026
Many thanks to Forgotten Rites Publishing and NetGalley for sharing an advanced copy of Donald Quill’s thoughtful book Living the Irish Wheel of the Year: A Guide for Practicing Pagans. I’m not a practicing pagan, but I found the title eye-catching. I am of Irish ancestry, and I loved reading about Irish mythology, history, and culture, so I was intrigued by this book since it sounded like it took a look at a sometimes overlooked aspect of Irish culture- the pre-Christian traditions of the land that shaped a lot of the mythology and beliefs, and in some ways helped to for a syncretic version of Catholicism that still persists today. Quill’s has written a detailed and considerate guide and reference that navigates readers and those curious to reconnect with their surroundings. Quill refers to the Wheel of the Year as a “rhythm that pulses through the land, the aur, and the blood of those who remember.” As I was reading this guide, I could better understand that to engage with this wheel of the year is to think about time differently, not quite linearly, but rather as more cyclical, or as Quill says, like a “sacred spiral.” While reading this guide, I was thinking a lot about Chelsey Luger and Thosh Collins’ book The Seven Circles: Indigenous Teaching for Living Well. Both books re-examine traditional and indigenous ways as a means of reconnecting with the land and as a result bringing greater peace and understanding to ourselves. After reading this book and considering Quill’s notions about time, I was reminded of Jenny Odell’s Saving Time, in which she considers the different ways that people have considered time outside of capitalist systems that ask us to work for our time. For Quill, Luger and Collins, and Odell, time can move in different ways than linearly. In many cultures, activities, chores, tasks, and even our menus are determined by seasonal changes. And much like Luger and Collins’ book, Quill’s guide also offers important reminders of offering thanks and gratitude to those responsible for the change of the seasons, the bountiful harvests, the warmth of the hearth and many other necessities of everyday life that we often take for granted. It was this call for a kind of pause to think and thank for all that we have that I really appreciated from Quill’s guide. Although I haven’t implemented these practices, I could see how taking the time to stop, reflect, and realize how much we have and how we are connected to nature and our environment can lead to deeper feelings of gratitude and empathy for all.
While Quill’s book presents a practical guide for engaging in traditional Irish practices, it also serves as a kind of reference book for both the mythical gods and goddesses and the festivals for these gods and goddesses that mark important seasonal transitions in the Irish Wheel of the Year. This was my favorite part of the book. Quill’s research and organization of these prominent mythical figures and their holidays reveals much about the traditional Irish practices and beliefs but also sheds some light in more modern traditions and holidays that have been adapted and incorporated by other cultures and belief systems. Quill not only provides background details about these figures and holidays but also presents ways to honor them and hold their festivals. I also loved that Quill recognizes that for many of us, especially those of us in America or who live in large cities, reconnecting with these traditional ways might present some challenges, whether it is accessing green space or even procuring the plants, herbs, and other natural elements that can be essential to honoring these traditional Irish ways. As a result, he not only shares the traditional methods but also makes suggestions about how American and city-dwelling individuals can adapt their practice to engage with these traditions and connect with the Irish Wheel of the Year. This was a fascinating book that provides many different practical applications to reconnect to the environment and develop a deeper appreciation for the world and others. Quill takes a considerate approach, acknowledging that for those who are new to traditional Irish practices, they may not want or be able to implement all of the practices at once. Furthermore, he also shares strategies and substitutions that will allow practitioners to use alternative methods and materials to practice this thoughtful and contemplative way of life. If anything, it seems like adopting the Irish Wheel of the Year allows readers to experience a greater sense of awe and appreciation for the world, especially in being grateful for all that we have. Even though I have not adopted the specific practices recommended in this book, I can see how taking the time, even if it is a few minutes each day, to reflect and be thankful can change someone’s outlook on the world, especially now when it seems like there is always bad news lurking behind each headline or screen that we view. Living the Irish Wheel of the Year will enable readers to reconnect with their environment, feel more gratitude, and experience time in a different manner. Highly recommended!
While Quill’s book presents a practical guide for engaging in traditional Irish practices, it also serves as a kind of reference book for both the mythical gods and goddesses and the festivals for these gods and goddesses that mark important seasonal transitions in the Irish Wheel of the Year. This was my favorite part of the book. Quill’s research and organization of these prominent mythical figures and their holidays reveals much about the traditional Irish practices and beliefs but also sheds some light in more modern traditions and holidays that have been adapted and incorporated by other cultures and belief systems. Quill not only provides background details about these figures and holidays but also presents ways to honor them and hold their festivals. I also loved that Quill recognizes that for many of us, especially those of us in America or who live in large cities, reconnecting with these traditional ways might present some challenges, whether it is accessing green space or even procuring the plants, herbs, and other natural elements that can be essential to honoring these traditional Irish ways. As a result, he not only shares the traditional methods but also makes suggestions about how American and city-dwelling individuals can adapt their practice to engage with these traditions and connect with the Irish Wheel of the Year. This was a fascinating book that provides many different practical applications to reconnect to the environment and develop a deeper appreciation for the world and others. Quill takes a considerate approach, acknowledging that for those who are new to traditional Irish practices, they may not want or be able to implement all of the practices at once. Furthermore, he also shares strategies and substitutions that will allow practitioners to use alternative methods and materials to practice this thoughtful and contemplative way of life. If anything, it seems like adopting the Irish Wheel of the Year allows readers to experience a greater sense of awe and appreciation for the world, especially in being grateful for all that we have. Even though I have not adopted the specific practices recommended in this book, I can see how taking the time, even if it is a few minutes each day, to reflect and be thankful can change someone’s outlook on the world, especially now when it seems like there is always bad news lurking behind each headline or screen that we view. Living the Irish Wheel of the Year will enable readers to reconnect with their environment, feel more gratitude, and experience time in a different manner. Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Donald Quill has created an accessible and practical guide for those interested in exploring Irish pagan traditions. The book covers essential topics such as the origins of the Wheel of the Year, the sabbats, deities, and ways to establish a daily spiritual practice—providing beginners with a clear starting point.
Unlike many spiritual or pagan texts that can feel dense or overly academic, this book strikes a balance between being informative and easy to read. Quill also includes a helpful list of affordable items that beginners can purchase, making the practices discussed approachable and budget-friendly. Overall, this is an excellent resource for anyone seeking to learn more and begin shaping their own personal path.
Unlike many spiritual or pagan texts that can feel dense or overly academic, this book strikes a balance between being informative and easy to read. Quill also includes a helpful list of affordable items that beginners can purchase, making the practices discussed approachable and budget-friendly. Overall, this is an excellent resource for anyone seeking to learn more and begin shaping their own personal path.
February 4, 2026
Bless the Goddess, this was a great read! I love reading takes from practices around the World and this one was fabulous! The author did a great job and this is distinctly different from your standard wheel of the year books. If you have Irish roots, or practice the Celtic traditions, this book is a must for your library!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews