Celtic Totem Animals [With CD and cards]

By John Matthews

Book Overview

Here is a fascinating collection of traditional Celtic stories to amaze and entertain you. Animal tricksters, boasters, and heroes all dwell herein, set amidst the dazzling universe of Celtic lore.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1590030222
• ISBN13: 9781590030226
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: Red Wheel
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.3" x 1.8" x 7.3"

Customer Reviews

Terrific tool for Celtic shamans

This is a marvelous tool for those interested in a more shamanic approach to Celtic spirituality. You will often encounter animal guides in your workings and this book (with accompanying cards) is a wonderful resources with a uniquely Celtic focus. The included drumming CD will also be a invaluable aid to your meditations.

Spirit Animals for New Students of Celtic Shamanism

Mention the topic 'Celtic shamanism' and one will eventually encounter the writings and prolific work of John and Caitlin Matthews, both wisdomkeepers in the Celtic visionary traditions, living in Britain. CELTIC TOTEM ANIMALS is the latest project of John Matthews in 2002 and is a good overall introduction to those beginning students who have not been exposed to Celtic traditions, the totems, or to the specific method of shamanic journeying (sometimes referred to as 'soul flight', 'active dreaming' or 'walking between the worlds'). CELTIC TOTEM ANIMALS is just exactly that: a beautifully conceived project, providing a good doorway for introducing the beginning student of shamanism to the influence of the totemic dimensions, clearly showing that John Matthews is as much in tune with those people who are just learning about the Celtic traditions as he is those seasoned practitioners who benefit from his other writings. NOTE: For those who are long-time practitioners of shamanic work or who are practiced with various divinatory systems, do note that CELTIC TOTEM ANIMALS is--in my estimation--designed for beginning students. CELTIC TOTEM ANIMALS will be basic gnosis and praxis. However, I also think even some seasoned practitioners--especially of Celtic mysticism and shamanism--will find value in the versions of the traditional stories that John shares in the book; stories that clearly express and articulate the totemic and shamanic dimension within Celtic tradition. CELTIC TOTEM ANIMALS consists of: a.) a well-researched and informative book (complete with profile of the major totems of Celtic tradition, nine sacred stories from the Celtic tradition expressing the totemic influence of the animal powers in the Celtic mythos, along with an introductory explanation and instruction in shamanic journeywork, b.) a set of 20 cards depicting some of the major Celtic totems (note: the artwork is nice, in a kind of woodblock print form, however, the cards are also extremely small--2 inches by 2.5 inches and might be somewhat disappointing to those folks who were expecting full-sized cards as are found in tarot systems), and c.) a good basic shamanic journeying CD with three tracks of drumming, complete with call-back.