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Readers' Reviews of
KINDLING THE CELTIC SPIRIT:
Ancient Traditions to Illumine your Life
throughout the Seasons

by Mara Freeman
HarperSanFrancisco, 2001
ISBN 0-06-251685-X 400 pages
..We
have already begun using some of the seasonal rituals, crafts, recipes & meditations
in our own home and know that this book will be a companion to us for years to come.
Dave Berry, Cotati, CA
A
Bibliophile's Delight!
Very rarely do I find a book
with stories so well told and with information so well researched and presented that it
functions in both of these ways.... I have owned the book only for a few months, and yet
it has become a regular companion...Kindling The Celtic Spirit is not a book to read once
and put on the shelf; it is a book to live with. Freeman sets out to show us that our
Celtic ways can be an abundant lifestyle not an occasional foray into a distant past. If
my experience is any measure, she has succeeded brilliantly.
Michael Gorman, Sacramento, CA
Wonderful Poetry
What I like most is the
way she uses poetry and her choices of poetry. Most books on Celtic spirit tend to use
poetry that doesn't flow or connect to my heart. Most of her choices, or choices of
translations, are wonderful. Rose Welsh, St. George,
UT
A
King's Ransom of Celtic Tradition
This wonderfully researched,
thought-out and laid-out book is seasoned with an abundance of Celtic lore. ...Kindling
The Celtic Spirit would make a wonderful gift for anybody who cherishes Irish/Celtic
tradition or as a book to keep beside ones bed, to read before sleeps so that one may
drift off and enter a magical time and place where faeries played in sacred groves, bards
sang of courageous deeds, and the Tuatha De Danann lived and prospered.
Andrea Bonacquisti,
Detroit, MI USA
A Treasure Trove of Ancient
Wisdom
This beautifully conceived
& executed book is bursting with an abundance of Celtic lore, legends, traditions,
history, resources and practical applications for enriching our lives through the ways
& wisdom of our ancestors. It carries the reader from month to month through the year
and brings the meaning & significance of each month and season fully alive. We have
already begun using some of the seasonal rituals, crafts, recipes & meditations in our
own home and know that this book will be a companion to us for years to come. David Berry, Cotati, CA
The Most Comprehensive
Information
I received Mara's book from a friend as a gift. I had just written the lead article for
our organization's newsletter on Bride, and so looked Her up in Kindling the Celtic Spirit
to see what information the book had. Mara had the most comprehensive information that I
had come across in my research. Many books have maybe a paragraph or two on Bride, but
Mara had a whole section. She mentions such as customs as the Bride-og and literature such
as the Carmina Gadelica as well as excerpts from the collection. Mara combines research,
inspiration, and a gift for writing in Kindling the Celtic Spirit, and I highly recommend
it. Stacey J. Weinberger, Oakland, CA
A Threshold Between the
Worlds
Mara's beautiful book is a wonderful companion for anyone looking for that country beyond
the mists where sacred story lives. For those already familiar with things Celtic, it's a
resource for ritual and celebration. I can't wait to get the accompanying CD.
Sea Raven, Washington, D.C.
Warms the Heart
The anecdotes, recipes,
meditations, and stories warm the heart and make for an enjoyable read. I truely felt that
Mara captured and represented the Celtic Spirit in an honest and refreshing way. Heather Bassett, Salt Lake City, UT
A Beautiful Book
The first pleasure of this
book is simply holding it and looking at the beautiful typography and layout. After that
many pleasures await you in the words between the covers. Ms. Freeman explores the myths
and festivals of the Celts and brings the magic and joy found in the wisdom traditions of
Ireland in a clear voice to the modern world. Reading these blessings and guided
meditations, the lore and ritual and recipes one can reconnect with the ancient spiritual
teachings of the Celtic peoples. Rowan Fairgrove, San Jose, CA
Re-ignites my Spirit
Mara Freeman has done a wonderful job of introducing me to the Celtic Spirit. Her
stories, descriptions and anecdotes that take the reader through the seasons of
"celebration" are very enjoyable. I will read this over and over to renew my
awareness of the Celtic Spirit and to reignite my own spirit. A calming, quiet, enjoyable
way of winding down from a hectic or stressful day as one sits around a fire, curled up
with this book. Evelyn
Ortiz,Campbell, CA
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