Sacred Earth Celebrations 2nd Edition

Uplifting and inspiring, it explores eight Celtic festivals, how they were celebrated and understood in the past, the underlying changing energy of the Earth, and the ways we may use this energy to create meaningful celebrations for today to deepen our connection to the Earth and our fellow human beings.

Cliff Seruntine describes his family's adventures living on a secluded homestead in Nova Scotia.

Deepen your connection to the Earth by learning to work with the natural cycles of the year—an inspirational guidebook from an expert in healing techniques and Celtic wisdom Our relationship to the Earth has changed. We have become more aware of how our actions can affect the balance of Nature. Earth Wisdom is a potent reminder to appreciate the natural vitality, unity, and intelligence of all life. Covering everything from tree lore and Celtic festivals to Moon energies and herbalism, it includes imaginative ways to experience the seasonal cycles and ways to heal and develop our relationship with the Earth, the trees, and the plants through practical and heart-centered interaction. This book inspires us to restore our own connections to the Earth, encouraging us to follow our own personal spirituality and intuitive wisdom. In so doing, it increases our potential for creating positive change in our lives and in the world!

For the ancient Druids, the healing and magical properties of herbs were inseparable from the larger cycles of the seasons, the movements of the planets, and the progression of a human life. A Druid’s Herbal shows the reader how to use herbs when creating rituals to celebrate festivals and significant life passages such as births, house blessings, weddings, funerals, and naming ceremonies. Drawing on extensive research and a deep personal experience with Pagan traditions, Ellen Evert Hopman explores the history and folklore surrounding the eight major Celtic festivals: Samhain, Winter Solstice, Imbolc, Spring Equinox, Beltaine, Summer Solstice, Lugnasad, and Fall Equinox. Included in each discussion are complete instructions on the medicinal and magical uses of the herbs associated with each celebration. Using these Celtic traditions as examples, the author suggests ways to incorporate the symbolic and magical power of herbs into personal rituals that honor all phases of life from childbirth to last rites. Also included are chapters on how to prepare herbal tinctures, salves, and poultices; herbs used by the Druids; herbal alchemy and the planets; and the relationships between herbs and sacred places. Filled with practical information and imaginative suggestions for using herbs for healing, ceremony, and magic, this book is an indispensable and comprehensive guide to age-old herbal practices.

In 'Letting in the Wild Edges', Glennie Kindred encourages us to celebrate the bounties of nature and reconnect with the Earth. Season by season we are given tips for foraging wild foods, learn how to grow edible and native plants in our gardens and are given recipes for making simple medicines from our finds. By letting wild native plants in to our lives and gardens, Glennie helps us to trust and listen to our intuition and expand our many senses.

For Aífe, the beautiful adopted daughter of Drui healer Ethne and her warrior partner Ruadh, life revolves around the sacred beauty and ancient mystery of the Old Ways. Surrounded by lush, green trees and frolicsome wildlife, the Forest School has been the heart of her Druidic education-and her beloved home. But to become a healer and priestess, she must leave behind all that she loves and journey to the Druid Isle . . . Handsome and spirited, Lucius is resolved to seek adventure outside of the Christian monastery where he was raised. Following a daring escape one night, Lucius arrives at a Pagan Gaulish village and discovers their gentle way of life. But a political firestorm is brewing, and Lucius is caught in the middle as the church and the Romans attempt to destroy everything the Druids hold dear. In his desperation to escape ruthless enemies and untold dangers, Lucius finds himself on the Druid Isle, where he will face the biggest decision of his life. Set on a third-century island off the coast of Scotland, this instructional Celtic tale delves deeply into the spiritual mysteries of the Druids, offering glimpses of Druidic daily life, herbal lore, and ancient rituals, along with a fascinating look at the Romans, Gauls, and Britons. Includes a Celtic/Druidic glossary. "One of the best features of the book is the small bits of old lore from the Druids scattered throughout . . . I would definitely recommend this book!"—Rev. Skip Ellison, Archdruid of Ár nDraíocht Féin (ADF) and author of Ogham: The Secret Language of the Druids

This user-friendly source book will be of great value to everyone wishing to celebrate and honour the changing rhythms and seasons of the Earth and her cycles. Sacred Celebrations explores each of the eight Celtic festivals, looking at how they were celebrated and understood in the past, the underlying changing energy of the Earth and ways we may use this energy to create meaningful celebrations for today. This book does not attempt to follow or recreate the past, but encourages us, whether celebrating on our own or with family and friends, to follow our own inspired interpretations of each festival, to touch the sacred, share and participate in the power of nature, express our feelings and find ways to focus on spiritual regeneration and healing. Book jacket.