Celtic Myth & Magick: Harnessing the Power of the Gods and Goddesses

by Edain McCoy

Tap into the mythic power of the Celtic goddesses, gods, heroes, and heroines to aid your spiritual quests and magickal goals. Human and divine energies complement each other; when joined, they become a potent catalyst for true magick and change. Celtic Myth & Magick describes the energies of over 300 cross-referenced Celtic deities and heroic figures so you can quickly determine which one can best help you in attaining specific goals through magick--such as greater prosperity (Cernunnos), glowing health (Airmid), or a soul partner (Aengus MacOg). This guidebook explains how to use creative Pagan ritual and pathworking to align yourself with the energy of these powerful archetypes. Undertake three magickal quests to the inner plane--where you'll join forces with Cuchulain, Queen Maeve, and Merlin the Magician to bring their energies directly into your life. This inspiring, well-researched book is written especially for solitary Pagans who seek to expand the boundaries of their practice to form working partnerships with the divine.

Genres: Paganism, Mythology, Nonfiction, Witchcraft, Spirituality, Wicca, Religion

464 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some people don't like Edain McCoy's books, they relegate them to "fluffy-bunny" status. I personally despise that term and think that the ones who use it are self-important wanna be know-it-alls. There, I said it, LOL. Whatever level ANYONE is in their own search for faith and spirituality should never be demeaned and condescended to as these people who use such a term tend to do.

I liked this book, it was more of a dictionary for me of some of the lesser known (to me) deities and figures in celtic mythos. The rituals would be helpful to those who use them, I personally would only use someone else's to build upon to make my own, if I were so inclined. But this is her, McCoy's, path and choice. She did a pretty decent job in this book.

Although the elitist crowd will still look down on her work, if you are just beginning your studies into Celtic Myth, then this is a good reference.

Also look into Patricia Monaghan!

[Melissa H.S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the idea of this book, but being an avid reader of actual Celtic mythology, I found the reference portions of this book to be inaccurate. It was still interesting to read parts of the book, but it was difficult to take it seriously considering the inaccuracies.

[Kathleen Garber · Rating 2 out of 5]

It has a great listing of Celtic deities and some interesting stories of Merlin and such but isn't what I was expecting and not much help otherwise.

[Ron Fitzwater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another in the large number of books on God and Spirituality I have read in my search for answers. Nope, haven't found any yet.

[Gale Bruckner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroug overview of magical practice through a Celtic lens. Historical and Mythological information is also reviewed in this context.

[Nikki Ashendorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started the craft 14 yrs ago, I was very interested in the celtic path as I am Irish, this is a great book for celtic information. I go back to it often to learn about different celtic deities.

[Strangerealms · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for those who need a reference book about celtic deities and who are not knowledgeable about celtic mythology. It is my case indeed.

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I mean it was really involved and had a ton going on, but this one wasn't for me.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good soothing read and well paced. But it does approach things from a very hetro-normative perspective. Though some attempt has been made to counteract this.

It states things as 'fact' that are now under question or disapproved. But this could be a mark of when it was published.

While this review may so far sound negative, I did really enjoy it. I would also recommend it as a beginners guide. I like how different myths have been included. As well as the ritual suggestions.

While relatively fact based, it was still an enjoyable, informative and soothing read.

It should also be noted that I listened to the audio version of this book. The narration was really good. It was clear and measured and very enjoyable.

[Kelly Vermillion · Rating 3 out of 5]

I confess to still be reading this book, but I've already found a lot of misinformation just in the beginning of the book. Mainly surrounding Wicca and Wiccan traditions. But there are certainly many other inaccurate things. I had to look up the original publishing date and upon realizing that this book was originally published in 1995, decided to take the book for what it was. That being said the history in this book is questionable, but everything else seems useful. I'll give a better review for this book upon completion.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

In many ways, an excellent reference. Written in the 1990s, so the gestures toward gay acceptance seem inadequate in 2022. Some of the comments are gender essentialist to the point of seeming transphobic and homophobic, even though I don't think that is the author's intent. The dictionary of names in Celtic mythology is outstanding, though I would have appreciated more references to primary sources.

[Michelle (RavenLily) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
I was already aware of a lot of the info in this book. Although there is a small amount of inaccuracies, altogether is has some good information for beginners. Instead of being read all at once, it is more of a reference guide. I would recommend this to anyone interested in Celtic myth or culture who doesn't already know much.

[Dodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came across this book through audio Amazon. The book has some basic information but most of the book is a dictionary of the different Celtic gods and goddesses. There are a few guided meditations included.

[Susan Isabella Sheehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been in my home since 1996. Edain shared her knowledge of Celtic Myth & Magick without reservation. She was an amazing person and I am so happy to have gotten to know her through her books and online.

[Annathena K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Working through this book I felt it had some inaccuracies in it especially in the reference section. Also recommending DJ Conway’s books are a huge red flag to me since they are very inaccurate. It also gave a 1000 foot view instead of narrowing in on things. Overall not a book I would recommend.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have two of these books now! I wrote so many notes in the first one! The Gods/ess section is phenomenal!!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but. Just be sure to verify all research stated in the volume as facts.

[Hadassah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of information with a long list of Celtic deities but the rest is highly influenced by Wicca which is a modern religion.

[Heather Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of information & tools!!!

[Em · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel dumber for having slogged through this. Poorly researched dreck.

[JunyBee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good reference book for Celtic Gods and Goddesses.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Debbie Hoskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her historical information may need to be fact checked - no references are given. There is a large listing of Celtic Gods and Goddesses with short explanations about them and the parts of life they rule over.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though much of the ritual and main text I find to be on the "fluffier" side, I find the appendice very helpful and keep the book on my shelf for quick reference to various Celtic deities. I always recommend this book as a reference book over a "how to". One can never have too many reference books in their "crafty" library and this is a great addition for cross referencing other materials you have or find on the internet.

[Wanda Paryla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for anyone on a Celtic involving spiritual path, or if you're just looking to bush up on Celtic deity and lore. If you're on a "magickal" path and are new, this book is a great introduction to Celtic gods and goddesses with many extras thrown in that are quite helpful. I've had mind for about 14 years and I still consider it a fantastic reference.

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, it was reccommended to me by a very good friend. I have yet to read it from cover to cover but have been through it all. So now I am actually trying to read it properly, front to back.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Michelle. I whole heartedly agree. All of Edain's books approach Wittan with common sense and a dose of reality that is missing in the books favored by those self important folks to whom you refer.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is awesome! Seriously. My favorite bit was the extensive list of all of the gods, goddesses and other characters from the Mabinogion and other tales. I don't work with deities but it was a large resource in one place and for that alone I think it's worthwhile.

[Iris]

Hah, I was weaned on this book!

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book of myth by a well-researched writer.