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Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul: A Celtic Guide to Listening to Our Souls and Saving the World
A leading spiritual teacher reveals how Celtic spirituality -listening to the sacred around us and inside us – can help us heal the earth, overcome our conflicts, and reconnect with ourselves.
John Philip Newell shares the long hidden tradition of Celtic Christianity, explaining how this earth – based spirituality can help us rediscover the natural rhythms of life and deepen our spiritual connection with God, with each other, and with the earth. Newell introduces some of Celtic Christianity’s leading practitioners, both saints and pioneers of faith, whose timeless wisdom is more necessary than ever,
Pelagius, who shows us how to look beyond sin to affirm our sacredness as part of all God’s creation, and courageously stands up for our principles in the face of oppression.
Brigid of Kildare, who illuminates the interrelationship of all things and reminds us of the power of the sacred feminine to overcome those seeking to control us.
John Muir, who encourages us to see the holiness and beauty of wilderness and what we must do to protect these gifts.
Teilhard de Chardin, who inspires us to see how science, faith, and our future tell one universal story that beings with sacredness.
By embracing the wisdom of Celtic Christianity, we can learn how to listen to the sacred in nature and within one another, but our culture – at the times even our faiths – have made us forget what each of us already know deep in our souls but have learned to surpress. Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul offers a new spiritual foundation for our lives, once centered on encouragement, guidance, and hope for creating a better world.
John Philip Newell shares the long hidden tradition of Celtic Christianity, explaining how this earth – based spirituality can help us rediscover the natural rhythms of life and deepen our spiritual connection with God, with each other, and with the earth. Newell introduces some of Celtic Christianity’s leading practitioners, both saints and pioneers of faith, whose timeless wisdom is more necessary than ever,
Pelagius, who shows us how to look beyond sin to affirm our sacredness as part of all God’s creation, and courageously stands up for our principles in the face of oppression.
Brigid of Kildare, who illuminates the interrelationship of all things and reminds us of the power of the sacred feminine to overcome those seeking to control us.
John Muir, who encourages us to see the holiness and beauty of wilderness and what we must do to protect these gifts.
Teilhard de Chardin, who inspires us to see how science, faith, and our future tell one universal story that beings with sacredness.
By embracing the wisdom of Celtic Christianity, we can learn how to listen to the sacred in nature and within one another, but our culture – at the times even our faiths – have made us forget what each of us already know deep in our souls but have learned to surpress. Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul offers a new spiritual foundation for our lives, once centered on encouragement, guidance, and hope for creating a better world.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2021
31 people are currently reading
448 people want to read
About the author
John Philip Newell
35 books107 followersJOHN PHILIP NEWELL is an internationally acclaimed spiritual teacher and popular speaker and the widely read author of several books, including Listening for the Heartbeat of God and A New Harmony. The former Warden of Iona Abbey in the Western Isles of Scotland, he is the founder of The School of Earth and Soul (A Celtic Initiative of Study, Spiritual Practice and Compassionate Action) and teaches regularly in California, New England, Virginia, Colorado, New Mexico, and Canada as well as leading international pilgrimages to Iona.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 9, 2022
I like how the chapters in this book all focus on various Celtic historical figures or saints. The chapters about John Muir and Saint Brigid are wonderful. It also contains a good amount of poetry. It would make an inspiring read in connection with Earth Day and Earth Month, or any time of the year actually, and will be especially appreciated by anyone with Celtic heritage.
January 29, 2023
Lovely book
In all honesty I wasn’t expecting The book to be so themed around Christianity and Celtic Christianity. I do not identify as such, but I took the wisdom all the same as a way to nurture my spirit and deep in my love for the earth which I have found through this book. My favorite part was the deep history of nine Celtic leaders and the events happening during the time that inspired them to share and speak their truth of love..Retold and shared to us by John Philip Newell!
In all honesty I wasn’t expecting The book to be so themed around Christianity and Celtic Christianity. I do not identify as such, but I took the wisdom all the same as a way to nurture my spirit and deep in my love for the earth which I have found through this book. My favorite part was the deep history of nine Celtic leaders and the events happening during the time that inspired them to share and speak their truth of love..Retold and shared to us by John Philip Newell!
January 5, 2023
This is an excellent book, especially for beginners in mystics, like me. The major mystics are all covered here succinctly and are easily understood. Likewise, there is the simple progression shown in Celtic mysticism in history. One cannot help but contemplate where we might be today if Augustine and his dualism had not won the day and Pelagius was not excommunicated.
Of interest to me is the author's major premise that we of today have always know this deep in our hearts. Seemingly history and formal religion has taught this out of us or suppressed it only to have it gamely try to come out decades later. Hopefully, Pope Francis and all the more modern evolutionary theologians will win the day. At least John Philip Newell here gives us hope that we are on the right track and on the right side of history.
Of interest to me is the author's major premise that we of today have always know this deep in our hearts. Seemingly history and formal religion has taught this out of us or suppressed it only to have it gamely try to come out decades later. Hopefully, Pope Francis and all the more modern evolutionary theologians will win the day. At least John Philip Newell here gives us hope that we are on the right track and on the right side of history.
May 23, 2022
Lots of good content based on Celtic wisdom. However, it’s nine personal examples were 8 men and one woman. The author did mention one more woman in his conclusion. I have to believe there were at least handful of other women who he could have lifted up through his research. So once I realized this, it spoiled some of his messaging.
September 29, 2021
Great book, easy to read. Really just gives a synopsis of writers and leaders that helped promote a Celtic version of spirituality. Excellent for an introduction to the concept. It would be especially great for those who are leery of words like spiritual, nature, and universe so they may be able to see the benefits of caring for God's creation. I believe we all know these truths in our hearts and souls. But popular opinion shoves these feeling down and religious leaders who have used specific verses for spiritual abuse shove those feeling even further down and make people feel shameful for wanting to be immersed in God's creation. God says he speaks through the silence. Read this book and just sit outdoors and breath in the silence. God will speak to you.
July 27, 2022
Five stars just isn’t enough to rate this book. Ten stars would be more accurate. Every chapter resonated with me on a deep level. This book was a call to action, a healing, hope filled antidote to our world today. He reminds us what we already know from deep within, that we are all connected to each other and to our earth, and to God. We are spiritual beings called to be stewards of our beautiful, sacred earth. Being with nature for me is being with God. Gardening is my prayer. The words in this book are my hope, a breath of life giving air.
December 18, 2021
This is the first of his books I have read. It’s message is very timely in an era when we are struggling with our relationship to the Earth and many are uncomfortable with the established churches but still seeking God. JPN introduces us to the ancient stream of Celtic thought which addresses these issues and gives us something to build on.
May 28, 2022
If you’re interested in Celtic spirituality forget Newell and read all of John O’Donohue beginning with ANAM CARA.
November 9, 2024
This book was a gift given to me. When I received it from the author’s hands in a gesture out of generosity, I was, immediately, drawn to the cover with its inspiring title and the photo in the background that takes us to the heart of a forest.
In this book, John Philip Newell brings to life again the lives and teachings of the Celtic teachers, some of them recognised as Saints in the Celtic world as is the case of Saint Brigid of Kildare in the fifth century. We are introduced to the earliest Celtic Christian representatives, like for example Pelagius (400 CE), to the ninth-century Irish teacher John Scotus Eriugena, to the spiritual resistance movement of the Gaelic speaking population of Scotland in the XVI century that created Carmina Gadelica, a unique collection of the oral Celtic tradition of song and prayer, to the prophets of the nineteenth-century as Alexander John Scott and John Muir, to Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, the French scientist and priest that on the 20th century recovered the ancient Gallic vision of life as a whole, to George Macleod in 21 st century Scotland and to conclude to the Scottish poet, Kenneth Steven.
From my point of view, the great achievement and merit of the author is to bridge all these teachings from different periods in history, bringing together those different personalities of the Celtic World finding a common thread to all their teachings: an awareness of the sacred essence of all things that finds existence in the sacredness of the earth and of each human soul. It’s the core of the Celtic spiritual tradition offered in the nutshell of this book that makes me feel wanting to retain each one of these teachings in my being.
I also understood that the Celtic spiritual tradition is not disconnected from the spiritual wisdom of other great religious traditions as well. In fact the insight of the author that “what is deepest in us corresponds to what is true is not a new concept (…) it has been argued that for us to recognise truth, there must be something within us that already knows it” was a touchstone for me.
The reading of this book was a call for raising awareness, because to embody these teachings offers possibilities for transformation, not only in our lives but also in the current planetary context we are living in as human species. For the simple reason that everything is interrelated. This is another idea that the author underlines and with which I do resonate too.
These teachings are more relevant, verosímil and needed than ever in the midst of the various crisis that we are facing today in every level of our civilisation. These crisis are a result of disconnection that mislead us to “treat the earth and one another as less than sacred.”
This point of view made me see that the Celtic spiritual teachings offers by merit possibilities to change the paradigma that has ruled so far and has failed and created so many delusions in so many fronts of the world. For the same logical understanding that “to awaken again to this deep knowing is to be transformed in the ways we choose to live and relate and act.”
This book leaves a message of hope in the groundswell of waking up to the dignity of every human being and living creature on earth. “There is no going back,” in the words of the author.
I felt very grateful with the “pearls of wisdom” in this book, namely: the words and prayers of awareness associated to each one of the nine spiritual Celtic teachers revealed.
In this book, John Philip Newell brings to life again the lives and teachings of the Celtic teachers, some of them recognised as Saints in the Celtic world as is the case of Saint Brigid of Kildare in the fifth century. We are introduced to the earliest Celtic Christian representatives, like for example Pelagius (400 CE), to the ninth-century Irish teacher John Scotus Eriugena, to the spiritual resistance movement of the Gaelic speaking population of Scotland in the XVI century that created Carmina Gadelica, a unique collection of the oral Celtic tradition of song and prayer, to the prophets of the nineteenth-century as Alexander John Scott and John Muir, to Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, the French scientist and priest that on the 20th century recovered the ancient Gallic vision of life as a whole, to George Macleod in 21 st century Scotland and to conclude to the Scottish poet, Kenneth Steven.
From my point of view, the great achievement and merit of the author is to bridge all these teachings from different periods in history, bringing together those different personalities of the Celtic World finding a common thread to all their teachings: an awareness of the sacred essence of all things that finds existence in the sacredness of the earth and of each human soul. It’s the core of the Celtic spiritual tradition offered in the nutshell of this book that makes me feel wanting to retain each one of these teachings in my being.
I also understood that the Celtic spiritual tradition is not disconnected from the spiritual wisdom of other great religious traditions as well. In fact the insight of the author that “what is deepest in us corresponds to what is true is not a new concept (…) it has been argued that for us to recognise truth, there must be something within us that already knows it” was a touchstone for me.
The reading of this book was a call for raising awareness, because to embody these teachings offers possibilities for transformation, not only in our lives but also in the current planetary context we are living in as human species. For the simple reason that everything is interrelated. This is another idea that the author underlines and with which I do resonate too.
These teachings are more relevant, verosímil and needed than ever in the midst of the various crisis that we are facing today in every level of our civilisation. These crisis are a result of disconnection that mislead us to “treat the earth and one another as less than sacred.”
This point of view made me see that the Celtic spiritual teachings offers by merit possibilities to change the paradigma that has ruled so far and has failed and created so many delusions in so many fronts of the world. For the same logical understanding that “to awaken again to this deep knowing is to be transformed in the ways we choose to live and relate and act.”
This book leaves a message of hope in the groundswell of waking up to the dignity of every human being and living creature on earth. “There is no going back,” in the words of the author.
I felt very grateful with the “pearls of wisdom” in this book, namely: the words and prayers of awareness associated to each one of the nine spiritual Celtic teachers revealed.
November 19, 2023
A treasure trove of ancient wisdom that I will explore again and again.
In Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul, John Philip Newell invites the reader to reawaken themselves to, as he puts it, "what our souls already know to be true" about our relationship to the divine, the earth, and our own spirits. To help with this reawakening, Newell uses the wisdom of eight Celtic prophets and one Celtic community to highlight various streams within Celtic spirituality. He teaches theses various wisdoms with a tone that is straightforward and incredibly readable; one does not need an educational background in theology or spirituality in order to follow Newell's train of thought.
My only major criticism is that of the eight prophets he discussed, he only chose to discuss one woman: St Brigid of Kidlare. In the conclusion, though, he briefly mentioned Nan Shepherd, who he called the female version of John Muir (to whom Newell dedicated an entire chapter). The fact that he mentioned Shepherd briefly and only in the conclusion highlights his awareness to female Celtic prophets who are doing this important work, too. It is my hope that he makes their contributions a more focal point in his future works.
Overall, it's a profound collection of sacred wisdom that I highly recommend and will revisit myself.
In Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul, John Philip Newell invites the reader to reawaken themselves to, as he puts it, "what our souls already know to be true" about our relationship to the divine, the earth, and our own spirits. To help with this reawakening, Newell uses the wisdom of eight Celtic prophets and one Celtic community to highlight various streams within Celtic spirituality. He teaches theses various wisdoms with a tone that is straightforward and incredibly readable; one does not need an educational background in theology or spirituality in order to follow Newell's train of thought.
My only major criticism is that of the eight prophets he discussed, he only chose to discuss one woman: St Brigid of Kidlare. In the conclusion, though, he briefly mentioned Nan Shepherd, who he called the female version of John Muir (to whom Newell dedicated an entire chapter). The fact that he mentioned Shepherd briefly and only in the conclusion highlights his awareness to female Celtic prophets who are doing this important work, too. It is my hope that he makes their contributions a more focal point in his future works.
Overall, it's a profound collection of sacred wisdom that I highly recommend and will revisit myself.
August 26, 2025
Read this on audiobook. Really enjoyed its perspective on how we view the world and everything in it as sacred, and the history of persecution/silencing of voices that disagreed with those of empire/the larger church. It was a bit repetitive at times but as I resonated with the main themes and repetitive mantras, it simply helped drive them home. Enjoyed the journey through history, and the modern day implications of loving each other and the world and God or spirit or however we view our beliefs and faiths. Would recommend to anyone interested in exploring Celtic legends and history and faith traditions or people seeking to learn more or expand their own faith and ideas. Also, loved the audiobook narrators voice - so calming and wise. Might update this with quotes if I go back to listen to bookmarks, may not. Anyways, peace and love.
May 31, 2022
Deeply wise, and beautifully written and spoken.
If you wish to journey along the path of Celtic Christianity this book feels so True. For me, it has definitely opened up a new way to being Christian that avoids dogma and imperial churches and embraces all creation as an expression of the Trinity. Moreover, it is a poetic call to treat all creatures not as instruments but as beings to be loved as expressions of God.
Add the voice of the Scottish narrator, and Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul also becomes deeply meditative as well as enlivening.
I thoroughly recommend it.
If you wish to journey along the path of Celtic Christianity this book feels so True. For me, it has definitely opened up a new way to being Christian that avoids dogma and imperial churches and embraces all creation as an expression of the Trinity. Moreover, it is a poetic call to treat all creatures not as instruments but as beings to be loved as expressions of God.
Add the voice of the Scottish narrator, and Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul also becomes deeply meditative as well as enlivening.
I thoroughly recommend it.
March 25, 2022
Excellent excellent excellent!!!! Especially when trying to understand the goodness that God declared in creation. I'm not a depraved soul from before my birth, but rather, my goodness is being restored after the sins that I committed in life, because of what Jesus did by his crucifixion and resurrection!!! That is my understsnding right or wrong.
August 11, 2022
This is a great overview charting the people and time periods of Celtic spiritual thought and with times at the end of each chapter to pause and think and receive the wisdom personally from each Celtic prophet who has gone before us.
Is it comprehensive? No. Is it an introduction that whets the appetite for more? Yes.
Is it comprehensive? No. Is it an introduction that whets the appetite for more? Yes.
February 27, 2023
Newell explores the thinking and writing of people like Pelagius, Saint Brigid, Alexander John Scott, John Muir, Pierre Teilhard and George MacLeod, all of whom espouse a Celtic wisdom and belief in the sacredness of each human and of the earth, and in so doing, underscores our call to awaken to a revererence for each other and for the earth, if our world is to survive.
March 3, 2024
It's always fun to read something I know little about. Newell, a Celtic teacher and former warden of the Iona Abbey, explores the history of Celtic history and development of their worldview. His premise is "what the soul already deeply knows, that both the earth and every human being are sacred." He beings with Pelagius (6th century) and denotes the long history of Celtic culture which is pre-Christian. The Celts were an agricultural, tribal community that lived throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. They were pushed back to Scotland and British Isles by the Roman Church and Empire. Newell continues with a catalog of Celtic prophets and teachers, including John Muir. Very interesting.
February 24, 2025
Inspired, eye opening and life changing. John Phillip Newell invites us into a deeper, more mystical understanding of the nature of faith and reality and the sacred space where the two collide. Drawing on a wealth of wisdom from Celtic Mysticism, this will open your eyes to the God in all things. A beautiful work that made me tear up on more than one occasion!
October 2, 2021
A masterful and beautifully written review of some of the shining lights of Celtic spirituality over the centuries—all of whom faced opposition from the religious powers that be. Newell powerfully charges our spirituality with a call not only to deep contemplation, but earth-saving action.
October 3, 2021
I would recommend this to anyone who values creation and is concerned about finding a thoughtful spiritual approach to earthcare. Loved learning more about Celtic spirituality and its meaning for all of us.
June 15, 2023
Powerful. Provides a historical background for the Celtic fath/traditions and explains how they were nearly eradicated due to imperialistic Roman catholicism. For anyone who feels out of touch with the big 3 Abrahamic religions but feels so deeply spiritual. Pagan vibes ✨️
September 15, 2021
A fantastic look at some Celtic mystics, thinkers and doers. Makes me want to go back to Iona asap.
October 4, 2021
Nine prophets are showcased here that have really been tuned in, connected to matter and spirit, to show us what is possible here on Earth with Christ and Creation.
November 22, 2021
Newell is gifted at communicating the value of Celtic spirituality.
July 6, 2022
2.5 to 3 stars
August 23, 2022
I haven't read anything so full of hope in ages!
March 18, 2023
A breath of fresh air from ancient and modern Celtic prophets. May we listen and live by their wisdom.
September 4, 2023
Loved it, read it twice and listened to it.
May 2, 2022
soul brothers, heart sister and fellow heretics :)
an inspiring tour de force and plea for the return to mystery, imagination and integrative oneness (shalom-ness)
an inspiring tour de force and plea for the return to mystery, imagination and integrative oneness (shalom-ness)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews