Horses and the Mystical Path: The Celtic Way of Expanding the Human Soul

by Adele von Rust McCormick, Marlena Deborah McCormick, Thomas E. McCormick

On a trip to Scotland, the psychotherapist family team of Adele, Marlena, and Thomas McCormick — pioneers in the psychotherapeutic use of horses — discover that early Celtic mysticism holds important insights into an equestrian-partnered spirituality. Through serendipitous encounters, they learn that the ancient Celtic people befriended the horse to cultivate the human heart and soul, and that horses accompanied the Celts as they spread their spiritual vision far and wide. The McCormicks soon embark on a wisdom pilgrimage. From India to Mexico to Spain and Morocco, they follow the ancient relationship between horses and humans, exploring a mystical path lit by a spirit of unity and beauty. With help from their horses, the McCormicks learn to integrate spirituality with their psychological training, forming a new, powerful form of healing. Horses and the Mystical Path recounts their memorable journey, and the lessons they learn from their amazing equine guides.

Genres: Horses, Spirituality, Animals, Philosophy, Psychology

191 pages, Paperback

First published August 12, 2004

Reviews

[Luminea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I initially expected this book to focus on the connection between horses and pre-Christian Celtic deities such as Rhiannon and Epona, so was surprised to find instead that it explored Celtic Christian mysticism. I was unfamiliar with much of this information, and found it very fascinating. This book is a beautiful testament to how horses can enrich us psychologically and spiritually, can help us to know ourselves better, and can unite us with all of creation as well as the divine source.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book on a whim; I just so happeend to notice it when I was waiting for the restroom and looked down and it was out of place on an old milk crate at Trident Bookseller's Cafe. I picked up and bought it and read it within the week. It is most definitely one of my top ten books.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read about how horses can help you find your real self, and not the masks you hide behind. It's a spiritual/psychological point of view that the Celts were strongly known for, being in tune with self, a higher power, and all of creation.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful

this book fell into my life just as I was gifted w my first horse, a traumatized Paso Fino. the journey is horrifying and spellbinding. I don't think I could have stayed the course w/o this book. Thank you, Jesus, for this family.

[Susan Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I as a therapeutic riding instructor I am always deeply moved by the experiences the horses share. It is often times the horses that tell me the most about the riders, even when the riders have the ability to speak. Sometimes the persons words are not congruent with what their body is feeling and the horses know that and make it known to me. The subtle eye shift, hesitation in step, head lift or breath gives me information and I can help the rider find comfort, or change something that makes the connection better between the two.

I was called to this book in a search online, so I ordered a copy. I read several of the reviews that seemed unfavorable, yet I bought it anyway. I agree that portions of the stories seem to sell their program, but most of it is sharing some of the stories of how they became connected to horses and how they have helped them in their work to help others with mental illness or trouble of some kind.

I think this book is not meant for everyone, but those that have made connections with horses and work in a therapeutic field will understand some of the deeper esoteric delving's into spirituality and religion. There is some undefinable place between quantum physics and formal religion that horses can bring us to - I don't have a word or description for it, maybe no one does. But a spirituality or soulfulness is as close as I've come.

I enjoyed the stories of their horses, how they acquired them & what they have learned and shared with others. As well as learning a bit about the Celtic beliefs and being closer to a religious being.