In this beautiful treasury of sacred wisdom, Mara Freeman shares the rich legacy of the Celts -- the festivals, gods and goddesses, saints, faeries, music, poetry, and storytelling that anchor this magical tradition. Discover myths, rituals, recipes, and crafts for every month of theyear. Honor Saint Brigit with a prayer in February, or ensure a merry start to May with a bowl of frothy syllabub. Come together with friends and neighbors to celebrate community in the high days of August, then learn to weave a solstice wreath in snowy December. Traditional blessings, ancient lore, and guided meditations inspire you to reconnect with the rhythms of the natural world, and view the sacred as an integral part of every day. Rediscover the wisdom and healing power of nature, and cultivate and honor your soul as you would the earth. Let the spirit of the ancient Celts enchant you in every season, year after year. For over 2,000 years, oppressors and natural disasters have worked against the Celts, threatening to obliterate the ancient tribe's language, traditions, and spirituality. "Yet in the past 30 years or so, many willing minds and hands have undertaken the task of rekindling the guttering flame of the Celtic spirit," writes author Mara Freeman in Kindling the Celtic Spirit . Freeman is, in fact, one of those maintaining the fire, having spent 35 years studying Celtic traditions and assembling this well-written and organized tribute. Following the format of the Celtic calendar, Freeman shares the stories, recipes, spells, and Gaelic expressions that go with each of the monthly festivals and celebrations. The February chapter celebrates the Festival of Brigit (the goddess who represents the bride or young maiden). October pays tribute to the Festival of Samhain (the celebration that marks the beginning of winter and may have been the Celtic New Year). She recounts the origins of Samhain Eve, or "Mischief Night," which Americans celebrate by trick-or-treating. She teaches magical spells, tells a spine-chilling spooky story, and shows readers how to carve turnip lanterns, using a large rutabaga. Although she writes about faeries, tree spirits, and other mythological creatures, Freeman narrates with confidence and maturity, so that readers feel as though they are sitting with a learned scholar. The elegant pen-and-ink illustrations by Linda Carol Risso capture the humble pagan origins while respecting the sophistication of Celtic design. The upshot is a beautifully crafted book with plenty of substance for those who like immersing themselves in this enchanting, age-old tribe. --Gail Hudson ?This is an excellent book, offering a bright window into the Celtic World.?--John Matthews, author of "Drinking From the Sacred Well??a stunning book, rich in enchantments, legend and lore?abounding in practical wisdom to nourish body and soul.?--Margie McArthur, author of "The Wisdom of the Elements"Mara Freeman?has a profound understanding and appreciation of [Celtic] tradition, and a talent for sharing it effectively."--Alexei Kondratiev, author of "The Apple Branch: A Path to Celtic Ritual""Mara Freeman has written a book that is fun, deep, playful, serious, useful, magical and enlightening.?--Matthew Fox, author of "One River, Many Wells and "Original Blessing?A very important work...[a] long awaited and much needed inspirational manual...?--Elizabeth Murray, author of "Cultivating Sacred Space??Mara Freeman brings a depth of scholarship and clarity of presentation that outshines the rest.?--R. J. Stewart, author of the bestselling "Merlin Tarot, " and many books on meditation, music and magic..".a tempting invitation to the world of the Celts."--"Knoxville Sentinel"A fascinating book."--"The Carmel Pinecone In this beautiful treasury of sacred wisdom, Mara Freeman shares the rich legacy of the Celts -- the festivals, gods and goddesses, saints, faeries, music, poetry, and storytelling that anchor this magical tradition. Discover myths, rituals, recipes, and crafts for every month of theyear. Honor Saint Brigit with a prayer in February, or ensure a merry start to May with a bowl of frothy syllabub. Come together with friends and neighbors to celebrate community in the high days of August, then learn to weave a solstice wreath in snowy December. Traditional blessings, ancient lore, and guided meditations inspire you to reconnect with the rhythms of the natural world, and view the sacred as an integral part of every day. Rediscover the wisdom and healing power of nature, and cultivate and honor your soul as you would the earth. Let the spirit of the ancient Celts enchant you in every season, year after year. Mara Freeman, an accomplished writer, lecturer, and storyteller, has studied Celtic and British sacred traditions for more than thirty-five years. An Archdruidess in the Druid Clan of Dana, she teaches at the University of Creation Spirituality and is the founder of the Chalice Center. She divides her time between her