Celtic Wisdom
Celtic spirituality is a rich and multi-layered topic. The wisdom of the peoples who eventually settled in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Brittany and Galicia is rooted in sacred stories of gods and heroes, and agricultural rites and practices that have survived as folklore and myth. With the coming of Christianity to the Celts, beyond the corrupting influence of the Roman empire, a beautiful expression of a spirituality that celebrated both heaven and earth emerged. Today, Celtic wisdom has much to teach us, about the importance of community, the reality of mysticism, the necessity of living in harmony with our environment, and the joy to be found in simple pleasures such as sharing a song or a story with friends and loved ones.
Here are a few opportunities to assist you in your own journey into the wisdom of the Celtic world:
- Learn about the Celtic spirit through an insightful interview with Irish visionary John O’Donohue.
- Take a virtual tour of an Irish Holy Well at the Brigid’s Well page.
- Read a book or two on the spirituality of the Celts (just click on the book covers or title below to purchase the book from Amazon).
366 Celt by Carl McColman
Celtic Spirituality edited by Oliver Davies
The Celtic Monk translated by Uinseann O Maidin
Where Three Streams Meet by Sean O Duinn
King of Mysteries by John Carey
Listening for the Heartbeat of God by J. Philip Newell
Each of these books approaches Celtic wisdom and spirituality from a different perspective: historical, textual, devotional, and/or monastic.
Check back in the future, when I hope to have more information on this page, and pages linked from it, for a devotional and spiritual exploration in the riches of Celtic wisdom. Until then, slainte!
What about a link here to Patrick’s Confession so people can read directly from the actual source of Celtic Christianity? There is a translation or two available freely on the internet.
December 14, 2009 at 3:24 pm
I also like Esther de Waal. She has been a great influence for me.
March 21, 2010 at 9:27 am
What a great selection of books! Makes me want to run out to the store and buy some more books.
FYI, I also included a list of keeper books on Celtic Spirituality on my blog http://www.thecelticmonk.blogspot.com
Blessings and aloha from Hawaii,
Fr. Andrew
April 30, 2010 at 2:35 am
These don’t necessarily deal with Celtic Spiritually specifically, but good books with insight into it nonetheless:
novels by Stephen Lawhead including Patrick, The Song of Albion Trilogy, and the Pendragon Cycle
The Celtic Way of Evangelism by George Hunter
How The Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill
Sun Dancing by Geoffery Moorhouse
May 18, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Just discovered your wonderful website yesterday and have just spent about an hour exploring your book suggestions. Many I have read or already own (but haven’t read yet!) What an awesome resource!
I agree with Rev. Dave that although the books he mentioned are not “how to” books, the insight they offer is profound. I especially loved Sun Dancing. Thanks for all the work and effort that you have obviously put into this book list and the website. I will visit it often. Thanks.
May 25, 2010 at 10:15 am
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