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The Celtic Way of Seeing: Meditations on the Irish Spirit Wheel
The Celtic way of seeing posits a direct link between the eye and the heart, a link that connects seekers to forces, energies, and knowledge that exist beyond the corporeal world. Here, Frank MacEowen explains this intuitive way of seeing by retelling a traditional Irish story, "The Settling of the Manor of Tara." The story is essential because it introduced to Irish culture the concept of the four directions — north, south, east, and west. For the Irish, just as for Native Americans, the directions act as guides and protectors. Once seekers learn to “see” the directions, spirituality becomes a living thing, making each seeker not just an observer but a participant. After retelling the ancient story in beautiful, prose evocative of ancient Ireland, MacEowen then places its wisdom in contemporary terms, and shares exercises and practices that help readers incorporate the teachings into daily life.
288 pages, Paperback
First published February 20, 2007
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367 people want to read
About the author
Frank MacEowen
3 books27 followersFrank MacEowen is a Scottish-Irish American poet, teacher, and shamanist in the visionary traditions of his Celtic ancestors. A native to Mississippi, he facilitates retreats in Celtic spirituality, contemplative practice, and ecopsychology, and guides individuals in private shamanic sessions and dreamwork.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 10, 2016
Frank MacEowen is no stranger to accusations of cultural appropriation [see here]. But unlike his former books, this one pulls from Eastern philosophy (with a bit of pilfered from Indigenous Australians and tossed in) and Jungian psychology more so than claiming Native American allusions and connections. He frequently uses words such as "enlightened warrior," "Dreamtime," "mandala," or pulls from Harner-esque neoshamanism with the use of "shamanic" in regards to non-"shamanic" Gaelic traditions. (The Irish/Gaels/Celts had no shamans as shamans are specific to Tungus peoples and culture.)
In some places, he is very upfront about it - e.g., on page 55 he states, "To use terminology from the Shambhala tradition..." But even being transparent about it at times, this entire book is merely HIS creation and/or interpretation.
There is no Irish Spirit Wheel. The Irish have no mandalas (in the sense that Eastern cultures do). He took the airts (directions - North, East, South, West, Centre) and their associations from Gaelic culture—specifically Irish—and turned them into a mandala where they originally were not.
MacEowen filters Irish culture through an Eastern (Buddhism/Taoist) lens and calls it Irish tradition. I'm sorry, but no. There is nothing at all wrong with Eastern philosophy, but to call it Irish is gross disrespect to both Irish culture AND Eastern cultures. If he wants to mix them, that's his personal decision. However, to write this book from the "authority" of it being Irish/Celtic is false and perpetuates misinformation. Especially to then label it as THE "Celtic" way of seeing.
He also is very soft polytheistic and modern in the way he speaks about pagan Irish culture. "The Goddess" is something foreign to Gaelic tradition. It is a Wiccan notion. The ancient Gaels were hard polytheists; they had no great "Mother Goddess" nor did they view the gods as psychological archetypes.
This book is not Irish or Celtic; it's MacEowen's own invention/viewpoint. He takes native Gaelic words/phrases such as dán and Oran Mòr and tweaks their meanings to fulfil his own agenda. For instance, Oran Mòr does literally translate to "Great Song," but it has nothing to do with any metaphysical and universal "shaping force," and everything to do with traditional Gàidhlig music. It means pibroch or Highland bagpipe music.
(At least he did give a source as to where he got the metaphysical definition [Stuart Harris-Logan, Singing with Blackbirds - states that Óran Mór was one of the names given to God, the Great Song from which all things arose], but this is the first place I've ever heard of it being something mystical in nature. This is something I'm going to research more myself and I'll amend this review later if my findings back up what's stated.)
He also says that geancannach, a fairy lover, is "a daily practice, one rooted in tradition and in our love of life." (page 89) That's entirely HIS own interpretation. I've never, ever seen it referred to as anything other than a fairy lover or form of poetry. This is exactly how misinformation gets spread. People are not upfront about their take on things and instead hand it over like fact.
All the quotes used after headings are pulled from other traditions other than Irish/Gaelic, which is what the book is supposed to centre on. Chögyam Trungpa, Lao-Tzu, Hazrat Inayat Khan, Sakyong Mipham, C.C. Jung, Shantideva, Morihei Ueshiba, Buck Ghosthorse, Steve Roach, John Keats, Holy Bible, while having wise or pretty things to say, have nothing to do with Irish/Gaelic culture. So why were their words looked to over native sources? Sure, there's also quotes from Caitlín Matthews (who, along with her husband, has her own run-ins with cultural appropriation), R.J. Stewart (same with the cultural appropriation), Sinéad O'Connor, and John O'Donoghue but that's hardly the people one should be looking to for quotes on ancient Irish culture.
There was nothing in MacEowen's book that was pulled from triads, mythology, proverbs, or ancient Gaelic poetry and quoted. Sayings that Gaelic polytheists use today to inform their practice. There's even websites here and here dedicated to these nuggets of wisdom that could have easily been incorporated, but instead MacEowen chose those of other cultures to get his agenda across. Actually, there was one time he used an old Irish saying, but that was it (page 100).
I think there's nothing wrong employing Irish tradition to create rites and rituals and such that work for you, but I think it should be kept strictly within Gaelic traditions. There's no need to bastardise things. Irish mythology can absolutely be looked at to inform practice and create contemporary interpretations, but the problem comes in when one claims their interpretations are fact, the one and only way, or exactly what the Irish practice(d) themselves. Hubris looks good on no one.
In some places, he is very upfront about it - e.g., on page 55 he states, "To use terminology from the Shambhala tradition..." But even being transparent about it at times, this entire book is merely HIS creation and/or interpretation.
There is no Irish Spirit Wheel. The Irish have no mandalas (in the sense that Eastern cultures do). He took the airts (directions - North, East, South, West, Centre) and their associations from Gaelic culture—specifically Irish—and turned them into a mandala where they originally were not.
MacEowen filters Irish culture through an Eastern (Buddhism/Taoist) lens and calls it Irish tradition. I'm sorry, but no. There is nothing at all wrong with Eastern philosophy, but to call it Irish is gross disrespect to both Irish culture AND Eastern cultures. If he wants to mix them, that's his personal decision. However, to write this book from the "authority" of it being Irish/Celtic is false and perpetuates misinformation. Especially to then label it as THE "Celtic" way of seeing.
He also is very soft polytheistic and modern in the way he speaks about pagan Irish culture. "The Goddess" is something foreign to Gaelic tradition. It is a Wiccan notion. The ancient Gaels were hard polytheists; they had no great "Mother Goddess" nor did they view the gods as psychological archetypes.
This book is not Irish or Celtic; it's MacEowen's own invention/viewpoint. He takes native Gaelic words/phrases such as dán and Oran Mòr and tweaks their meanings to fulfil his own agenda. For instance, Oran Mòr does literally translate to "Great Song," but it has nothing to do with any metaphysical and universal "shaping force," and everything to do with traditional Gàidhlig music. It means pibroch or Highland bagpipe music.
(At least he did give a source as to where he got the metaphysical definition [Stuart Harris-Logan, Singing with Blackbirds - states that Óran Mór was one of the names given to God, the Great Song from which all things arose], but this is the first place I've ever heard of it being something mystical in nature. This is something I'm going to research more myself and I'll amend this review later if my findings back up what's stated.)
He also says that geancannach, a fairy lover, is "a daily practice, one rooted in tradition and in our love of life." (page 89) That's entirely HIS own interpretation. I've never, ever seen it referred to as anything other than a fairy lover or form of poetry. This is exactly how misinformation gets spread. People are not upfront about their take on things and instead hand it over like fact.
All the quotes used after headings are pulled from other traditions other than Irish/Gaelic, which is what the book is supposed to centre on. Chögyam Trungpa, Lao-Tzu, Hazrat Inayat Khan, Sakyong Mipham, C.C. Jung, Shantideva, Morihei Ueshiba, Buck Ghosthorse, Steve Roach, John Keats, Holy Bible, while having wise or pretty things to say, have nothing to do with Irish/Gaelic culture. So why were their words looked to over native sources? Sure, there's also quotes from Caitlín Matthews (who, along with her husband, has her own run-ins with cultural appropriation), R.J. Stewart (same with the cultural appropriation), Sinéad O'Connor, and John O'Donoghue but that's hardly the people one should be looking to for quotes on ancient Irish culture.
There was nothing in MacEowen's book that was pulled from triads, mythology, proverbs, or ancient Gaelic poetry and quoted. Sayings that Gaelic polytheists use today to inform their practice. There's even websites here and here dedicated to these nuggets of wisdom that could have easily been incorporated, but instead MacEowen chose those of other cultures to get his agenda across. Actually, there was one time he used an old Irish saying, but that was it (page 100).
I think there's nothing wrong employing Irish tradition to create rites and rituals and such that work for you, but I think it should be kept strictly within Gaelic traditions. There's no need to bastardise things. Irish mythology can absolutely be looked at to inform practice and create contemporary interpretations, but the problem comes in when one claims their interpretations are fact, the one and only way, or exactly what the Irish practice(d) themselves. Hubris looks good on no one.
September 11, 2017
Would have been good if the Irish spirit wheel was filled out with Irish sources, which are plentiful and ripe for the picking.
Instead there is a mish mash of Jungianisms with everything from native american source s to Rumi. Hardcore cultural appropriation of the worst kind while ignoring Irish sources and contexts for a so called Irish Spirit wheel.
Piss poor and lazy....
Instead there is a mish mash of Jungianisms with everything from native american source s to Rumi. Hardcore cultural appropriation of the worst kind while ignoring Irish sources and contexts for a so called Irish Spirit wheel.
Piss poor and lazy....
March 25, 2009
Fits in well with Carl Jung's ideas and really emphasizes balance and the "proper order of things." Very helpful.
June 4, 2025
Read in one post-trip sitting. Just what I needed.
MacEowen's "The Mist-Covered Path" will likely always be my fave, but I had the same experience with "The Celtic Way of Seeing" -- of it being the exact right book at the right time. While it's true what many others have stated here -- that the book relies more on quotes and examples from Eastern wisdom traditions than from the Irish triad wisdom cycles or Scottish poetry, and that the "celts" did not use "mandalas" per se -- the heart of this book is full of truths about the human condition. MacEowen has both deep academic training and wide spiritual experience about the ways we, as humans, can get lost, and also about the metaphors, symbols, values, and questions that can help us step back onto the path. His knowings about the wisdom from many different spiritual paths is solid and he writes like a poet (because he is one!), like a Celtic bard. The frame of this book is the invitation to remember again and again what we used to know, offering the reader the gentlest, sweetest call back to herself.
MacEowen's "The Mist-Covered Path" will likely always be my fave, but I had the same experience with "The Celtic Way of Seeing" -- of it being the exact right book at the right time. While it's true what many others have stated here -- that the book relies more on quotes and examples from Eastern wisdom traditions than from the Irish triad wisdom cycles or Scottish poetry, and that the "celts" did not use "mandalas" per se -- the heart of this book is full of truths about the human condition. MacEowen has both deep academic training and wide spiritual experience about the ways we, as humans, can get lost, and also about the metaphors, symbols, values, and questions that can help us step back onto the path. His knowings about the wisdom from many different spiritual paths is solid and he writes like a poet (because he is one!), like a Celtic bard. The frame of this book is the invitation to remember again and again what we used to know, offering the reader the gentlest, sweetest call back to herself.
October 17, 2020
I'd been given this book by a dear friend and was curious. As to my knowledge there is no official spirit wheel of Irish origin. The Celtic Way of Seeing is a misnomer. The book is a popular interpretation of the mythology of Ancient stories and a deft weaving of Hindu, Buddhist. Shinto, and other Eastern traditions along with Lakota and Indigenous American beliefs with a thread of Celtic traditions and characteristics. The Irish thread is continually captaining the prose, however the title would be better served if it was The Human Eye: Meditations on the Spirit.
May 16, 2022
Frank MacEowen is travelling a road of spiritual and cultural reclamation many of us Settlers and allies in North America are interested in. He shares his experiences and knowledge along the way while being transparent and humble throughout it. I appreciated his thoughts and stories, and it's great to see people trying to decolonize and reclaim their ancestry.
June 13, 2023
I did enjoy the book. It had an interesting view on how to view the elements He referenced the mandala as a spiritual map that appears in almost very cultural. The mandala is used throughout the book. For some that may be problematic.
December 22, 2024
incredibly beautiful and inspiring
Thank you Mr. MacEowen for this follow up to “Mist-Filled Path” and “Spiral of Memory & Belonging”. My path and way is brightened
Thank you Mr. MacEowen for this follow up to “Mist-Filled Path” and “Spiral of Memory & Belonging”. My path and way is brightened
April 15, 2008
Looking at the Celtic Spirit Wheel, we see a Mandela that defines our life. In the north is the battle: the aggressive part of ourself as well as the addictions that we come against. In the South is music. Music is the soul, the art, and the passions of our lives. To the west is knowledge, not just academic knowledge but also intuition, spiritual knowledge, and the sight. To the east is prosperity, prosperity in financial ways but more importantly in the ability to give to others and live a fulfilled live. In the center is sovereignty. Sovereignty encompasses destiny, peace, and contentment.
The Celtic Way of Seeing examines each of these Mandela directions and explains how they can be used to reflect one's life and how they can be used to work through particular issues. The key is balance and harmony, being pulled in one particular direction usually creates imbalance in the other aspects. By reflecting on these notions, the real heart of issues becomes very apparent.
I really enjoyed reading The Celtic Way of Seeing. The Celtic spirit wheel is quite easy to use and brought me a different perspective.
The Celtic Way of Seeing examines each of these Mandela directions and explains how they can be used to reflect one's life and how they can be used to work through particular issues. The key is balance and harmony, being pulled in one particular direction usually creates imbalance in the other aspects. By reflecting on these notions, the real heart of issues becomes very apparent.
I really enjoyed reading The Celtic Way of Seeing. The Celtic spirit wheel is quite easy to use and brought me a different perspective.
August 29, 2012
This book came along at a critical time for me. I planned a trip to Ireland, my paternal roots as part of my 40th birthday gift to myself, in search of learning more about half of my genetic make-up, and Irish culture from the source. Though I had done some initial ancestry research, it was not enough to go and dig up more info in Ireland, nor did I really want to in my first trip. It was more about "feeling my way" through her. I'm glad I did. This book allowed me to use my heart as a compass. Frank MacEowen provided me with an appreciation and understanding of the archetypal and Celtic spirituality via each of the five sacred directions; the Center (our center, where we find balance), East (prosperity), South (inspiration), West (knowledge) and North (battle).
It has permanently altered both how I see the world around me and how I view myself, with and without an Irish filter. It has opened my mind to the simultaneous multiplicity and unity of all things. It could just as easily have been called, "The Celtic Way of BEING."
It has permanently altered both how I see the world around me and how I view myself, with and without an Irish filter. It has opened my mind to the simultaneous multiplicity and unity of all things. It could just as easily have been called, "The Celtic Way of BEING."
September 17, 2012
I was hoping for more depth and width in Mr. MacEowen's book, though I was fond of what I did read. This book is friendly to the layperson and individual completely new to Celtic spirituality, as well as informative for those of us with some familiarity in the tradition. I appreciated the study and symbolism of the four directions that was articulated. Some of the exercises seemed a bit remedial to me but would be useful and interesting for someone new to this tradition. I recommend this short read for those both new to and familiar with Celtic spirituality.
October 2, 2015
Very interesting. Initially felt very drawn to this book for personal reasons, and found it resonating quite deeply with me while reading it. Was quite disappointed when I did some research of my own afterward, in an attempt to find similar theories and practices or further reading, and found next to nothing that aligned with this particular text. Intriguing and still enjoyable as a stand-alone book, but not quite as much validity as I would have hoped.
November 14, 2016
I enjoyed this book. It was light reading, for sure, but enjoyable nonetheless. I could identify with a lot of what he said and it was an interesting way to think of things, that's for sure. If you are looking for a specific path to what Celtic spirituality is, it is rather vague. But, I like the exploration of the concepts so I will be doing more studying.
January 15, 2013
a lovely unusual book of a working to developing a mandala. With unique aspects of celtic folklore thats ancient but very relevant as a guide to ways to find balance in life. I read it a couple of years ago and it stays on my side table to refer back to time and time again.
August 12, 2014
Very nice book, with some nice messages for us drawn from Celtic myth and wisdom. It's major downside is its severe lack of references/footnotes, but it's a lovely book to read and has much wisdom between its covers. I enjoyed it.
February 4, 2016
A good discussion of the Celtic cross or Irish Spirit Wheel.
August 9, 2012
MacEowen's accessible writing will ease even the spiritually-tentative into exploring the intricacies not only of the Irish Spirit Wheel, but also of their daily life.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews