Celtic Magic (Llewellyn's World Magic)
Author:
Genres: Religion & Spirituality, Nonfiction
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Author:
Genres: Religion & Spirituality, Nonfiction
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Admittedly, I have a soft spot for this book because it was my introduction to magic. However, I am now a practicing Gaelic Celtic Reconstructionist and witch. Looking at it now that I have studied the various Celtic cultures and their mythology, the title is VERY misleading.
If Conway would have titled this "Gaelic Wicca" then I would likely raise my rating. Unfortunately, the majority of this book is exactly that, Wicca with a dash of Gaelic mythology thrown in. Her descriptions of the Celts as having a near Utopian society are fabrication. She mostly focuses on deities from Irish lore, and ignores the rest of the Celtic equation, including Welsh and Gaulish legends. I would like to express that the short reference chapters on herbs and deities are a nice introduction to them, though incomplete.
For a more accurate and in depth idea of Celtic paths, read anything by John Michael Greer, Morgan Daimler, Caitlin Matthews, and John Matthews. Each has their preferred Celtic pantheon and it shows, but you'll learn about the huge variety of cultures that made up the Celts.
For magic, I recommend Scott Cunningham, Deborah Blake, Raven Digitalis, John Michael Greer, and Raymond Buckland. You'll get far less fluff and both beginner and advanced magic.
If Conway would have titled this "Gaelic Wicca" then I would likely raise my rating. Unfortunately, the majority of this book is exactly that, Wicca with a dash of Gaelic mythology thrown in. Her descriptions of the Celts as having a near Utopian society are fabrication. She mostly focuses on deities from Irish lore, and ignores the rest of the Celtic equation, including Welsh and Gaulish legends. I would like to express that the short reference chapters on herbs and deities are a nice introduction to them, though incomplete.
For a more accurate and in depth idea of Celtic paths, read anything by John Michael Greer, Morgan Daimler, Caitlin Matthews, and John Matthews. Each has their preferred Celtic pantheon and it shows, but you'll learn about the huge variety of cultures that made up the Celts.
For magic, I recommend Scott Cunningham, Deborah Blake, Raven Digitalis, John Michael Greer, and Raymond Buckland. You'll get far less fluff and both beginner and advanced magic.
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