The Apple Branch: A Path to Celtic Ritual

by Alexei Kondratiev

Certain cultures in different parts of the world have maintained a respectful and balanced relationship with their natural environment, and some people today, especially those in industrial/capitalistic societies, are turning to them to learn how to rediscover these ancient and sacred attitudes toward the land and the environment. The traditions of Celtic-speaking communities in particular offer a highly effective method, expressed through mythology (as in the symbolic apple branch) and implemented through seasonal rituals.

Alexi Kondratiev outlines rules for Celtic-circle membership and shows how to become conversant with Celtic culture and mythology, and at least one of the surviving Celtic languages. He also provides the actual formula of words given for each of the Celtic rituals and visualization sequences. These rituals are closely connected with the passage of time, especially the four seasons, as well as other feast days. In this book the ancient traditions of all six Celtic nations are brought to life. Alexi Kondratiev, who knows sixty-four languages well enough to teach them, conducts classes in a variety of Celtic subjects at the Irish Arts Center in New York City, and has been a contributor to a number of magazines and journals, including Keltoi, Carn, and Keltria.

Genres: Paganism, Spirituality, Religion, Nonfiction, History, Mythology, Magic

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Alexei Kondratiev was an American author, linguist, and teacher of Celtic languages, folklore and culture. He taught the Irish language and Celtic history at the Irish Arts Center in Manhattan, New York from 1985 until his death on May 28, 2010.

Wikipedia

Reviews

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is dense but very well worth it. I'm lucky enough to know Alexei, and he is probably the most broadly and deeply educated and intellectually precise human I have ever encountered. He offers a historical grounding in what can be known about the pre-Christian Celts and posits possible answers to the questions of how a reconstructionist approach to Celtic ritual could go about being both faithful to its roots and alive and resonant in its present context.

[Leigh · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author is derisive of Wiccan founders when describing Celtic gods (particularly Cernunnos) and how they are treated in Neo-Paganism but when it comes to the rituals, they are very Wiccan, to the point that I probably would not even perform them. Also, he tries to include all Celtic culture but doesn't differentiate between them and switches among them with dizzying speed. Also, the deities he does mention (of which there are very few) are watered down and it almost seems like an attempt to make any God or Godess you choose to fit the ritual.

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for finding ideas for rituals and accurate information on Celtic history and holidays in the context of Celtic cultures and traditions. It's not the be-all and end-all of Celtic ritual but it's a good starting point. It's possible for both Celtic Pagans and Christians to use it.
Essential for anyone pursuing a Celtic path. One caveat, is that he does tend to lump all Celtic cultures together, it's important to see them as connected, but at the same time probably not appropriate to use all Celtic languages in the same rite!

[Lilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A highly-informative look at the Celtic festivals, both pre-Christian and Christian. Not too fond of the ritual format though, as it is very Wiccan-esque. But it's worth a read if only for the folklore contained within.

[Dr. Bill Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is well written and very informative. It is hands-down this is the best book I've read about Celtic Tradition and Ritual. That being said he is very soft and accepting of the destructive effect the Christian invasion had on Celtic Tradition.

[Venus · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're looking for a book on Celtic Wicca this would be an excellent resource, despite the author's attempts  to the contrary. This is not a great book for reconstructionists and it offers nothing for Gaulish Celts. However there are some good ideas and some excellent information among the chaff.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out my review on my website: The Apple Branch