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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Celtic Wisdom
A comprehensive look at Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and continental Celtic traditions, both Pagan and Christian, this guide includes the Celtic approach to shamanism, fairies, Wicca, neopaganism, magic, and Druidism. It draws a map for today's Celtic quest, with the way of the pilgrim, honor of one's ancestors, and the language and culture. Exploring the Celtic universe-gods and goddesses, mythic heroes and warriors, wonderworkers, underworlds, and otherworlds-this manual also covers legends such as King Arthur, Merlin, and the Quest for the Holy Grail.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2003
18 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Carl McColman
37 books112 followersCarl McColman writes about the spiritual life, covering topics like mysticism (The Big Book of Christian Mysticism), contemplative prayer (Answering the Contemplative Call), monastic spirituality (Befriending Silence), Celtic traditions (An Invitation to Celtic Wisdom), Paganism (The Complete Idiot's Guide to Paganism), and Wicca (When Someone You Love is Wiccan).
He is also a blogger (www.patheos.com/blogs/carlmccolman) and podcaster(www.encounteringsilence.com) .
Why did Carl McColman, a Catholic author, write books about Paganism? Read the answer here: www.patheos.com/blogs/carlmccolman/20...
He is also a blogger (www.patheos.com/blogs/carlmccolman) and podcaster(www.encounteringsilence.com) .
Why did Carl McColman, a Catholic author, write books about Paganism? Read the answer here: www.patheos.com/blogs/carlmccolman/20...
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 20, 2007
Among the to-do lists I’m working on clearing out at the moment, one of them is my collection of reading lists. Yes, I have so many books I want to read that I actually have them sorted out by topic and/or source to make picking through them easier. One of them is a list of books on Celtic spirituality, since I’ve felt for a long time that my own path was headed that direction.
The first book I was able to find off this list was The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Celtic Wisdom. Had I discovered this book much earlier in my Celtic studies, I would have enjoyed it a lot more. As it is, though, I wouldn’t mind having a copy of my own to mark up and dog-ear at will.
The information was good, clear, thoughtfully organized and presented.
For a starting point, it’s excellent. It’s a general, introductory resource. It invites you to explore and consider various aspects of Celtic spirituality without forcing it on you.
For someone who used to be absolutely anal about learning to pronounce every word correctly, it leaves something to be desired.
I did come away with a ton of notes, most of them quick-reference lists and definitions. I also learned that of the paths, I happen to lean heavily toward the Bardic path, the one I thought I’d have the least in common with. It makes a lot of sense, though. The Bard was the historian, the teacher, the performer. Reading over the information on the Bards, it really resonated within me, and even led to some unexpected realizations about my professional and personal life that might end up leading me toward an interesting resolution if I can just stay focused and determined (This shouldn’t be an issue now that my ambition is starting to rear its ugly head again.)
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Celtic Wisdom is a good read. Even if you aren’t contemplating a Celtic lifestyle for yourself, you should still read it.
This one should be added to my wish list. It was readable, full of personality, a bit too simple for where I am in my studies, but still very useful.
The first book I was able to find off this list was The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Celtic Wisdom. Had I discovered this book much earlier in my Celtic studies, I would have enjoyed it a lot more. As it is, though, I wouldn’t mind having a copy of my own to mark up and dog-ear at will.
The information was good, clear, thoughtfully organized and presented.
For a starting point, it’s excellent. It’s a general, introductory resource. It invites you to explore and consider various aspects of Celtic spirituality without forcing it on you.
For someone who used to be absolutely anal about learning to pronounce every word correctly, it leaves something to be desired.
I did come away with a ton of notes, most of them quick-reference lists and definitions. I also learned that of the paths, I happen to lean heavily toward the Bardic path, the one I thought I’d have the least in common with. It makes a lot of sense, though. The Bard was the historian, the teacher, the performer. Reading over the information on the Bards, it really resonated within me, and even led to some unexpected realizations about my professional and personal life that might end up leading me toward an interesting resolution if I can just stay focused and determined (This shouldn’t be an issue now that my ambition is starting to rear its ugly head again.)
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Celtic Wisdom is a good read. Even if you aren’t contemplating a Celtic lifestyle for yourself, you should still read it.
This one should be added to my wish list. It was readable, full of personality, a bit too simple for where I am in my studies, but still very useful.
September 10, 2023
I bought this book when it first came out because a student of mine said she was "a Celt" and I was intrigued by her definition (and, I'll admit it, dubious--so many Americans latch on to Irish culture without knowing much about it that I suspected she might be one of those) and she suggested that this was a good overview to get started with. Over the years I've read different chapters as they interested me, but more recently I read it cover to cover and found it very useful, even though it's now 20 years old.
Often when I'm trying to get a handle on a big picture, a book like this--A Dummies, Idiot's Guide, or some other less formulaic text really is the best start to lay the groundwork for later, better understanding. This single volume corrals a lot of information in easily digestible chapters and ranges from a background of Celtic history and lore to explorations of the possible historical/pagan practices and how those have been moved into neo-pagan/Wiccan/Celtic Christianity aspects of spirituality. Individuals gods/goddesses/saints are covered as well as ethical and philosophical concerns. It also has a fabulous appendix for further reading.
I refuse to take a star away because the information is two decades old now, but I would love to see an updated version, or at least an updated reading list.
This book will be of interest for anyone who is interested in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, or Brittany and the history of those places and the lives of the people who lived there centuries before us. While it is primarily for novices who are interested in Celtic spirituality, I believe that there is information here that would be useful for anyone who is intrigued by different customs and religious beliefs, neo-paganism, and body-mind-spirit connections.
An aside: while all Celtic peoples are covered here, there does seem to be slightly more info from Ireland than the other locales.
Often when I'm trying to get a handle on a big picture, a book like this--A Dummies, Idiot's Guide, or some other less formulaic text really is the best start to lay the groundwork for later, better understanding. This single volume corrals a lot of information in easily digestible chapters and ranges from a background of Celtic history and lore to explorations of the possible historical/pagan practices and how those have been moved into neo-pagan/Wiccan/Celtic Christianity aspects of spirituality. Individuals gods/goddesses/saints are covered as well as ethical and philosophical concerns. It also has a fabulous appendix for further reading.
I refuse to take a star away because the information is two decades old now, but I would love to see an updated version, or at least an updated reading list.
This book will be of interest for anyone who is interested in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, or Brittany and the history of those places and the lives of the people who lived there centuries before us. While it is primarily for novices who are interested in Celtic spirituality, I believe that there is information here that would be useful for anyone who is intrigued by different customs and religious beliefs, neo-paganism, and body-mind-spirit connections.
An aside: while all Celtic peoples are covered here, there does seem to be slightly more info from Ireland than the other locales.
March 26, 2018
After many years of trying to find a religion which resonated with me, I realized I was a Pagan. I can recall a past life living in Ireland, and a clairvoyant friend told me I was persecuted for being one of the last Pagans when Christianity came there.
I also wanted to learn more of my Irish heritage. These Idiot's Guides vary, some are informative and interesting. This one had a lot of information, and I want to write an article about it. But the writer was very dry and I was bored with the book most of the time.
So you will learn from it, but read it a little at a time.
I also wanted to learn more of my Irish heritage. These Idiot's Guides vary, some are informative and interesting. This one had a lot of information, and I want to write an article about it. But the writer was very dry and I was bored with the book most of the time.
So you will learn from it, but read it a little at a time.
May 4, 2020
This is the first Complete Idiot's Guide I've read cover to cover and without wishing to be insulting it truly is an 'idiot's guide'. It's the book I should have read many years ago. Having said, there were a number of things I did learn and it's an excellent source guide with a great bibliography. It's also fairly comprehensive in its coverage, including all facets of Celtic culture or wisdom from the pagan to the Christian and more modern movements. If I had to nominate one minus for the book, it's that there's no pronunciation guide for the many gaelic words; otherwise a good book.
April 27, 2009
This book is a great book that gives an introduction to the different styles of Celtic Spirituality. It presents the essence of ancient culture and suggests its applications in today's world.
It has down-to-earth profiles of the druids, bards, seers, and other wisdom-keepers. It has excellent advice on how to incorporate the Celtic Wisdom into your own life.
The book has a short history of the Celtic nations, their mythology and lore and it has it in a way that is easy to understand and digest.
This book is a must have in every Celtic seeker's library of books. It is also an ideal place to start if you are just starting out and not sure of anything except that you are drawn to the Celts.
It has down-to-earth profiles of the druids, bards, seers, and other wisdom-keepers. It has excellent advice on how to incorporate the Celtic Wisdom into your own life.
The book has a short history of the Celtic nations, their mythology and lore and it has it in a way that is easy to understand and digest.
This book is a must have in every Celtic seeker's library of books. It is also an ideal place to start if you are just starting out and not sure of anything except that you are drawn to the Celts.
July 21, 2020
A good overview and introduction to its subject matter, and makes it accessible to everyone. My only real complaint is that it kept recommending people go to their local new age/occult bookstore or shop, which aren't as common as they used to be.
Many of the books recommended are now over 20 years old, if not more, but given that this was pub'ed in 2006, that's a bit understandable.
Many of the books recommended are now over 20 years old, if not more, but given that this was pub'ed in 2006, that's a bit understandable.
February 28, 2009
A very simple-to-understand book full of good and accurate information about the Celtic path. I highly recommend this book to people starting out and wanting to learn more about the druids or the Iron-age celts.
Want to read
November 13, 2011They have the wrong cover displayed for this book
July 29, 2014
useful
October 3, 2011
A good over-view of Celtic wisdom and history with plenty of ideas for continuing your study.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews