The Magic Arts in Celtic Britain (Celtic Interest)

By Lewis Spence

Book Overview

In this fascinating, scholarly study, noted author and folklorist Lewis Spence provides a compelling and thoroughly researched account of occult beliefs and practices in Celtic Britain, including the origins of the Druids and their association with the Divine King, the Arthurian cults and the mystery of the Holy Grail, questions of second sight (the ability to envision the world of spirits), Celtic spells and charms, necromancy, prophecy, divination, the Celtic belief in reincarnation, mysticism, and many other topics. Readers will find here a wealth of information on mystical occurrences and magic feats, as well as fascinating discussions of the magical books of the Celts, Druidic spirituality and sacrificial practices, augury, the Celtic spirit world -- with its populations of banshees, leprechauns, brownies, and a host of lesser spirits -- and much more. Brimming with an abundance of material that illuminates how, for the Celts, the world was permeated with spirits, mystical happenings, and the power of the unseen, this erudite, painstakingly researched account will appeal to anthropologists, folklorists, and anyone interested in the beliefs, customs, and spiritual life of the ancient Celts of the British Isles.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486404471
• ISBN13: 9780486404479
• Release Date: February 2012
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Spiritual, magical, mystical!

Author Lewis Spence spends a great deal of time trying to explain to the reader that he is not the authority on this subject, however the depth of the passages in this book contradict his claim. The book offers readers a very detailed summary of various forms of the Magic Arts (Celtic spirituality, Arthurian Legend, Druids, etc...)....Rating of 4 stars only because there are just a small smattering of sketches/plates to accompany the text. I've read in various interviews with Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant that this book inspired him to write Stairway to Heaven!