Pagan Portals - Celtic Witchcraft: Modern Witchcraft Meets Celtic Ways

I have had a glimpse and it looks great so far - can't wait to read more!

This is a great book for us Pagans ..Arrived early ..Very pleased with this purchase and seller

This is a nicely researched and clearly written book. Some Celtic myths and witchcraft are united to create an interesting combination of magic in the the present day. With detailed instructions and practical ideas, this book offers to bring the aforementioned magic into daily life. The book is suitable for those who are beginners and more experienced in the so called 'dark artes' and includes many straight forward exercises and offers inspiration and wisdom from Irish myths to guide the reader. I particularly liked the end section, Chapter nine 'Highway Under the Hill' which gives sensibly sage guidance in all practical aspects of starting up. The use of Celtic traids at the beginning of each chapter is a brilliant inspirational device to aid focus and intent. The one minor point is the glaring omission of the goddess Cerridwen's infamous Cauldron of inspiration, the very cornerstone of many belief systems in modern paganism, from the chapter 'The Cauldron and the Club'. A rather large oversight in my opinion.

Love it

This is an excellent book for anyone wanting to explore the Celtic magical tradition, whether you have a Celtic ancestral background yourself or not. It’s one of those books to read and enjoy, then keep as reference to look back on. It explores the relationship between the Celts and their gods, their own spiritual side and the natural world with anecdotes and practical advice on how to bring your witchcraft into everyday life, with exercises and meditations to help you do that. Many of the chapters are headed with Celtic triads, which gives a poetic feel to the book which seems very appropriate for any writing dealing with the Celts - in fact there’s a whole chapter dealing with poetry, music and the use of words in rituals and spells. There’s also lots of down-to-earth advice - literally, since a lot of Celtic thought relates to the outdoors, the earth and the animals that lived with them and around them. Primarily I think the book emphasises joy. The joy of exploration of one’s own self and of one’s capabilities; of getting to know the world around us and the other creatures in it; of being whole, spirit, mind and body working in harmony.

Gives a brief explanation of how witchcraft was back in the Celtic ere, that there are many Celtic routes, but she chosen to write about Irish Celtic. So if you are looking for and other Celtic influences to help with your craft, try another read. Has good knowledge of some aspects of Celts and their knowledge with Wicca/Druidism and how you can interpret the past ways and make it interchangeable to your chosen path....

Reading the books of author Mabh Savage feels like visiting an old friend and having a relaxed conversation at her kitchen table! The thing that struck me most, as I first held Celtic Witchcraft in my hand, was the short bio on the back informing me she “was raised by two Wiccan parents who have a passion for Celtic history, both mythological and actual”. Wow! Having been raised in a Roman Catholic family (and then spending several decades “debriefing myself”), my mind started spinning, trying to imagine what it would be like to have Wiccan parents like Mabh! In her other book A Modern Celt Mabh’s parents speak for themselves. There is a whole chapter where she visits and interviews them. She gives a verbatim account of the conversation. She does the same thing with friends who have an interesting background, gift or message. In Celtic Withcraft she describes how Celtic legend and mythology can bring magic into your life (and you do not need to be Celtic to do this!) Once I finished both books I was left feeling that I have met her, her parents, her rescue Crow (called Crowley) and her friends. Her books are gentle, intimate, very much based in everyday occurrences. It is about magic but she also debunks magic a little, saying that for instance good planning is a form of magic (and I had not thought of it that way!) As an international teacher of shamanism (and sacred art) I have many students who embark on long and complex (at times frustrating) quests to seek their ancestors, their roots, their bloodline. Mabh is extremely fortunate that she grew up knowing her roots, hearing the legends about the Tuatha de Danaan and the Celtic gods, goddesses and heroes from birth.It gives her writing an ease and confidence that is enviable. If you are looking for a gentle but grounded introduction to the Celtic Tradition, these two books make a good start. If you then want more facts or more details she recommends other authors and texts so you can continue exploring! Imelda Almqvist

Maybe my expectations were too high but I was left a little disappointed by this book. There is little explanation or introduction to the deity’s and mythology figures mentioned, as if the author expects the reader to already know who they are. The structure also jumps around and gets s but muddled. It reminds me more of someone’s journal musings rather than a published book.

Mabh Savage's Pagan Portals - Celtic Witchcraft is an inspired look at how to incorporate older Celtic beliefs into modern witchcraft practice. This short text deftly weaves together personal experience, myth, magic, and actual practice into a seamless whole that resonates with poetry and spirit. I enjoyed the way the author included both personal insights as well as folklore, and I found the excercises and suggested practical applications interesting. Like all the books in the Pagan Portals series, this one is pretty concise but it touches on a lot of different important elements from connecting to the moon and seasons to color symbolism, from animals to magical tools. A truly unique look at how the old ways and folk beliefs can and do exist today in the hearts of modern witches just as powerfully as they always have, and this book is certainly a useful addition to the library of any witch interested in a Celtic path.

Easy to read and full of information.

A good read for beginners. Short and informative, giving basic understanding to beliefs and practices.

Great reading! Kinda short, but well worth the time.

Perfect