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Pagan Portals - Celtic Witchcraft: Modern Witchcraft Meets Celtic Ways
Learn how Celtic legend and mythology can bring magic into your daily life. Walk with the Tuatha Dé Danann and hear their wisdom on the wind. See colour as a doorway to a magical world. Speak to animals and become one with the turn of the seasons. Including practical exercises that can be performed by witches of all abilities, this book will teach you how your Celtic forebears are still alive, in the sorcery and skill of the magical practitioner
102 pages, Paperback
Published April 29, 2016
31 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 17, 2025
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DID NOT FINISH
If you have been following my book journey for a while, you will know what I’m about to say. I don’t have rules about reading a certain book, but there is one thing I always stick to:
I give a chance to every book that comes my way. If I have it in my physical library – it will be picked up at some point.
Pagan Portals – Celtic Witchcraft is a book I won from a giveaway. It is not usually a genre I go for, but I do love witchcraft and spells. It intrigues me.
This book focuses on the Celtic Witchcraft and explains what it means to firstly, be a witch and what Celtic culture is all about – the beliefs, the customs etc.
After reading 30 pages, I decided that this book is not for me. This is, therefore, the second ”Did Not Finish” for 2019.
It starts very slow, gives detailed information of all things Celtic and the history of Celtic Witchcraft. It was a very boring introduction for me.
Then I got involved in a few life lessons without any added benefit really, and a full overview of a moon cycle followed by a detailed report on how the author’s behaviour changed during all these phases. This might be something you are interested in, but I felt like wasting my time reading someone’s daily moon diary. This was the moment I decided to close this book and move on.
I can understand why some might like this book, and you are valid! I am aware a lot of you will love and appreciate this book for what it is. And that’s okay. I just don’t seem to fit into this group. I love learning about witchcraft, witches and find out new things, but this book didn’t give me what I was looking for.
Better luck next time!
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
DID NOT FINISH
If you have been following my book journey for a while, you will know what I’m about to say. I don’t have rules about reading a certain book, but there is one thing I always stick to:
I give a chance to every book that comes my way. If I have it in my physical library – it will be picked up at some point.
Pagan Portals – Celtic Witchcraft is a book I won from a giveaway. It is not usually a genre I go for, but I do love witchcraft and spells. It intrigues me.
This book focuses on the Celtic Witchcraft and explains what it means to firstly, be a witch and what Celtic culture is all about – the beliefs, the customs etc.
After reading 30 pages, I decided that this book is not for me. This is, therefore, the second ”Did Not Finish” for 2019.
It starts very slow, gives detailed information of all things Celtic and the history of Celtic Witchcraft. It was a very boring introduction for me.
Then I got involved in a few life lessons without any added benefit really, and a full overview of a moon cycle followed by a detailed report on how the author’s behaviour changed during all these phases. This might be something you are interested in, but I felt like wasting my time reading someone’s daily moon diary. This was the moment I decided to close this book and move on.
I can understand why some might like this book, and you are valid! I am aware a lot of you will love and appreciate this book for what it is. And that’s okay. I just don’t seem to fit into this group. I love learning about witchcraft, witches and find out new things, but this book didn’t give me what I was looking for.
Better luck next time!
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
July 2, 2018
This is a small book with big impact. In nine short chapters, Savage covers the basics like what it means to be on the Celtic path as a witch, color associations (minimally) elements, spirit, tools and more.
The writing style is easy to read. The tone is conversational and friendly. Yet it is filled with wisdom. At the beginning of the book she states "Witchcraft is about power that comes from within…" (p1) and "When I say I am a witch, I'm saing I harness the energies around and within me to instigate change." (p4). This shows a deep understanding of the craft and how it is mastered.
Savage discusses how our emotions - even those most people consider negative - assist us in moving forward. At the same time she reminds us we are part of the bigger picture.
It's a short book so some of her descriptions are a bit short - like the moon phases. However, she's accurate from the perspective she takes. She makes the assumption people are energized by the full moon but not everyone is. She does state this is how she reacts to the moon phases so she lets people know there are no right ways to react just your way. Along with her discussion on the moon phases, she discusses how to use your energy during the phase to enhance y our magical practices.
In her color chapter she only covers black, white, and red because these are Celtic related. While this will not provide comprehensive symbols for colors, it focuses on the Celtic aspect of colors.
Savage starts every chapter with a Celtic Triad. This is a saying which goes along with the material she is discussing. For instance, chapter 7 (pg 59) states "Celtic Triad: There are three things that are never at rest in anyone: the heart in working, the breath in moving, and the soul in purposing." This chapter addresses the symbols of tools and how they work as well as more esoteric things like binding.
Savage has taken a complex topic and boiled it down to its basic tenets. She provides the reader with a pleasant and easy to read book which provides information and wisdom. Each page offers a connection to Celtic witchcraft as well as wisdom the reader needs to consider as they work their way through the book. This may be a little book but it packs a punch.
The writing style is easy to read. The tone is conversational and friendly. Yet it is filled with wisdom. At the beginning of the book she states "Witchcraft is about power that comes from within…" (p1) and "When I say I am a witch, I'm saing I harness the energies around and within me to instigate change." (p4). This shows a deep understanding of the craft and how it is mastered.
Savage discusses how our emotions - even those most people consider negative - assist us in moving forward. At the same time she reminds us we are part of the bigger picture.
It's a short book so some of her descriptions are a bit short - like the moon phases. However, she's accurate from the perspective she takes. She makes the assumption people are energized by the full moon but not everyone is. She does state this is how she reacts to the moon phases so she lets people know there are no right ways to react just your way. Along with her discussion on the moon phases, she discusses how to use your energy during the phase to enhance y our magical practices.
In her color chapter she only covers black, white, and red because these are Celtic related. While this will not provide comprehensive symbols for colors, it focuses on the Celtic aspect of colors.
Savage starts every chapter with a Celtic Triad. This is a saying which goes along with the material she is discussing. For instance, chapter 7 (pg 59) states "Celtic Triad: There are three things that are never at rest in anyone: the heart in working, the breath in moving, and the soul in purposing." This chapter addresses the symbols of tools and how they work as well as more esoteric things like binding.
Savage has taken a complex topic and boiled it down to its basic tenets. She provides the reader with a pleasant and easy to read book which provides information and wisdom. Each page offers a connection to Celtic witchcraft as well as wisdom the reader needs to consider as they work their way through the book. This may be a little book but it packs a punch.
June 10, 2020
Gives a brief explanation of how witchcraft was back in the Celtic ere, that there are many Celtic routes, but she chosen to write about Irish Celtic. So if you are looking for and other Celtic influences to help with your craft, try another read. Has good knowledge of some aspects of Celts and their knowledge with Wicca/Druidism and how you can interpret the past ways and make it interchangeable to your chosen path....
September 5, 2021
A great short book that has a lot of excellent advice on the craft. It is very quick to read which makes it a good thing to have if you are on appts., etc.
October 12, 2021
A short but useful guide to the essentials of Celtic witchcraft. Would have loved some more detail on deities though.
May 11, 2024
Tre stelle e non si può dare veramente di più. Non perché sia un brutto libro, ma perché non dà veramente niente, a conti fatti. È adatto unicamente a chi non ha mai sentito parlare di stregoneria e non ha idea di come avvicinarsi all'argomento. Per qualsiasi altra persona che abbia letto almeno un mito e qualche libro di stregoneria, è totalmente inutile. Non approfondisce nulla: il paragrafo sugli animali si riduce a tre animali scelti dall'autrice, lo stesso vale per gli strumenti magici e i colori. Ha detto cose giuste e valide, ma purtroppo è da considerarsi come una piccola introduzione, e non come un solido passo avanti. Se stai cercando un libro di magia celtica, lascia stare. Se sei al tuo primo approccio e non hai idea di come muoverti in questo nuovo mondo, si tratta di un valido inizio.
Per me, che bazzico ormai da una decade, è stato piuttosto deludente.
Per me, che bazzico ormai da una decade, è stato piuttosto deludente.
July 12, 2017
A nice introduction to Celtic Witchcraft. The only thing missing is a "Suggested Reading" list.
May 11, 2016
I started out thinking I wouldn't like this book based on the introduction and first chapter.
However, as I eread that first chapter and focused on subsequent chapters, I began to better appreciate just what the author was saying.
While I don't necessarily agree with everything she wrote, I do think that this is an important resouce of information for anyone who wishes an introduction to Celtic Witchcraft and Paganism. It;s purpose is not to overwhelm us with everything we could possibly know, but to whet the appetite.
I would say, if you are someone who wants everything neatly laid out with precise rules and ways of doing things, if you need to follow exact formulae with no room for intuitive interpretations, then this book is probably not for you. However, through reading and at least attempting some of the exercises presented in the pages, you may just see a glimpse of your own intuitive abilities.
As Mabd says in the final chapter:
However, as I eread that first chapter and focused on subsequent chapters, I began to better appreciate just what the author was saying.
While I don't necessarily agree with everything she wrote, I do think that this is an important resouce of information for anyone who wishes an introduction to Celtic Witchcraft and Paganism. It;s purpose is not to overwhelm us with everything we could possibly know, but to whet the appetite.
I would say, if you are someone who wants everything neatly laid out with precise rules and ways of doing things, if you need to follow exact formulae with no room for intuitive interpretations, then this book is probably not for you. However, through reading and at least attempting some of the exercises presented in the pages, you may just see a glimpse of your own intuitive abilities.
As Mabd says in the final chapter:
"We have discovered stepping stones across a great river, and how to light our own candles to see through the darknes or fog that may shadow out path....there are many things to learn, and unless reading this is only a refresher for you, you will probably be only one or two steps across that great river. How you reach the other side is entirely up to you."
April 29, 2016
I publish Green Egg Magazine, and I have guest reviewers on occasion as well as those working with the magazine who do reviews on a regular basis. This book was reviewed by a guest reviewer, and what follows is the review as it was published in the Spring Equinox issue of Green Egg Magazine.
Pagan Portals Celtic Witchcraft
By: Mabh Savage
Review By: Tip Massaro
In my life reading is one of the things I enjoy the most. Our continued search for knowledge and understanding, is something that drives me on constantly. Pagan Portals/ Celtic Witchcraft is one of those books that really allows you to see inside the Celtic belief. The way it is brought to you, it is easy to immerse yourself into the book. I learned quite a bit of new things from it and have indeed tucked it upon the shelf of books I refer to most of the time. I loved the natural approach in that the book allowed you to not only see but feel. Her perspective on the Celtic culture or what remains of it, is refreshing and easy to follow. I truly enjoyed the exercise that she recommends in Chapter 3. For anyone who enjoys learning new paths or just wants to strengthen the belief you already have. I do believe you would enjoy this wonderful journey into the land of the Celtic Path.
Pagan Portals Celtic Witchcraft
By: Mabh Savage
Review By: Tip Massaro
In my life reading is one of the things I enjoy the most. Our continued search for knowledge and understanding, is something that drives me on constantly. Pagan Portals/ Celtic Witchcraft is one of those books that really allows you to see inside the Celtic belief. The way it is brought to you, it is easy to immerse yourself into the book. I learned quite a bit of new things from it and have indeed tucked it upon the shelf of books I refer to most of the time. I loved the natural approach in that the book allowed you to not only see but feel. Her perspective on the Celtic culture or what remains of it, is refreshing and easy to follow. I truly enjoyed the exercise that she recommends in Chapter 3. For anyone who enjoys learning new paths or just wants to strengthen the belief you already have. I do believe you would enjoy this wonderful journey into the land of the Celtic Path.
March 15, 2016
A beautifully written book looking into the myths and legends that support the modern day practice of Celtic Witchcraft drawing on Mabh’s personal experiences of walking this pathway and the wisdom of the Tuatha De Danann.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews