🕯️ Occult Philosophy

A Modern Celt

✍️ Savage, Mabh
Reader Score
4.6
(1 review)
$19.95
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A Modern Celt examines ancient Celtic mythology and its practical applications in modern paganism.

This work connects a two thousand year old culture with 21st century living. Savage outlines key deities and demigods from Celtic legend to show how their stories offer power for everyday problem solving. The wheel of the year is integrated with a modern calendar to highlight seasonal shifts, while contributions from various members of Celtic paths explain the ongoing draw toward their heritage and environmental preservation.

Key Themes
Tuatha de Danaan legends Seasonal wheel celebrations Magic and ancestral connection
Literary Context

This text sits within modern paganism and Celtic spirituality, bridging ancient traditional roots with contemporary 21st century society.

Difficulty
● Easy
Recommended For Fans Of
Starhawk · Gwydion Pendderwen · Llewellyn Publications' seasonal guides
🕯️
Occult Philosophy
🏛 Moon Books 📅 2013 📖 180 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781780997964
Fun Fact
Savage effectively illustrates how ancient Celtic wisdom remains vibrant and practical for today's spiritual journey, particularly in its exploration of the Tuatha de Danaan and the Wheel of the Year. Those seeking a purely academic or historical treatise might find it leans more towards contemporary application and personal reflection. However, for practitioners and curious minds eager to infuse their lives with ancestral connection and ecological mindfulness, this book serves as an accessible and inspiring guide within the modern Celtic pagan landscape.

📝 Description: A Modern Celt

Mabh Savage provides a study of modern Celtic paganism and its roots in ancient culture. Raised in Yorkshire, England by Wiccan parents with a passion for actual and mythological Celtic history, Savage draws on her personal experiences and involvement with several pagan groups to explore her heritage. The book is organized into eight chapters and an appendix. Early sections examine key figures like The Morrigan, The Dagda, Brigid, Lugh, and Cu Chulainn, along with the Children of Danu. Subsequent chapters cover seasonal celebrations, magic, the craft of the Fae, and the relationship between Celts and their creatures. The text continues with discussions on inspiration from elf mounds, speaking with ancestors, and personal experiences with the Fae, ending with a final chapter titled Sunset. An appendix offers a few exercises for readers interested in magic with a Celtic twist. The book suits readers who want to connect Celtic traditions with modern life, environmental preservation, and their own ancestry. It does not suit those looking for a comprehensive historical survey without modern pagan perspectives or personal musings from contemporary practitioners.

📑 What's inside

  1. Acknowledgements
  2. Introduction
  3. Chapter 1. From Here to Eternity -The Children of Danu
  4. The Morrigan: Bloody Queen of Battle
  5. The Dagda: Good God of the Club and Cauldron
  6. Brigid: Songs, Sons and Smithies
  7. Lugh: Long Arm, Fierce Shout
  8. Cu Chulainn: A Very Human Demi God
  9. Chapter 2. Turning the Wheel - The Seasons and Celebrating Them
  10. Lambs in the Belly
  11. The Sun's Return
  12. From Lammas to Lughnasadh
  13. Day of the Dead
  14. Hanging in the Balance
  15. Chapter 3. Magic - The Craft of the Fae
  16. The Power of Prophecy
  17. Healing Hands
  18. Cath's Experience
  19. The Witchcraft of Craft
  20. Chapter 4. Taming the Wild - Celts and their Creatures
  21. Chapter 5. Inspiration from the Elf Mounds
  22. Chapter 6. Speaking with the Ancestors
  23. Chapter 7. Fingers through the Veil - Personal Experiences with the Fae
  24. Chapter 8. Sunset
  25. Appendix A. A Very Few Exercises for Those Interested in Magic with a Celtic Twist
  26. Appendix B. Celtic Inspired Correspondences
  27. Appendix C. A Few Key Figures and Beings from Celtic Mythology
  28. Glossary of Gaelic Terms
  29. Bibliography

💎 Expert review

“
💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
Mabh Savage delivers an engaging synthesis of ancient myth and contemporary relevance, making Celtic wisdom accessible to modern seekers. The book shines by linking the Tuatha de Danaan to current ecological efforts, offering a fresh perspective on traditional festivals. However, readers expecting rigorous academic historiography or dry theological debate may find it too personal or informal. It is not suited for those who prefer detached scholarly analysis over practical spiritual application. Instead, it appeals to practitioners looking for inspiration and connection. Those seeking deep textual criticism might feel shortchanged by its reflective tone, but enthusiasts of living tradition will appreciate its warmth and actionable insights for integrating the Wheel of the Year into daily life.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking to ground their modern spiritual practice in ancient wisdom will find this book invaluable. It offers a vibrant path for those who wish to reconnect with the natural world through the lens of Celtic tradition. By bridging the gap between the ancient Tuatha de Danaan and today's challenges, Mabh Savage provides practical insights for preserving the planet while enriching one’s inner life. The seamless integration of the Wheel of the Year into the modern calendar makes it accessible for daily application. If you desire a spiritual framework that honors history while addressing current ecological needs, this engaging exploration will inspire your journey and help you understand your place in the natural order.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5
★★★★★
If you're seeking to infuse your spiritual practice with the rich tapestry of Celtic lore, or curious how ancient myths can empower modern living, this book is for you. It's perfect for those yearning for a deeper connection to nature and a heritage-inspired path.

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
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Esoterica Books editorial team

Mabh Savage delivers an engaging synthesis of ancient myth and contemporary relevance, making Celtic wisdom accessible to modern seekers. The book shines by linking the Tuatha de Danaan to current ecological efforts, offering a fresh perspective on traditional festivals. However, readers expecting rigorous academic historiography or dry theological debate may find it too personal or informal. It is not suited for those who prefer detached scholarly analysis over practical spiritual application. Instead, it appeals to practitioners looking for inspiration and connection. Those seeking deep textual criticism might feel shortchanged by its reflective tone, but enthusiasts of living tradition will appreciate its warmth and actionable insights for integrating the Wheel of the Year into daily life.

❓ Frequently asked questions

It directly addresses this by exploring how the narratives and figures, particularly the Tuatha de Danaan, offer practical wisdom and empowerment for navigating personal and societal challenges in the 21st century.
Yes, it specifically examines key figures from the Tuatha de Danaan and their associated legends, considering their applicability to real-life situations and the spiritual power they can offer.

📖 Who should read this

If you're seeking to infuse your spiritual practice with the rich tapestry of Celtic lore, or curious how ancient myths can empower modern living, this book is for you. It's perfect for those yearning for a deeper connection to nature and a heritage-inspired path.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Ancient Wisdom, Modern Life

This book brilliantly connects the enduring legacy of Celtic traditions to the complexities of the 21st century. It demonstrates how timeless myths and figures like the Tuatha de Danaan provide practical insights and empowerment for navigating personal struggles and everyday existence in our contemporary world.

Rhythms of the Earth

By aligning the Celtic Wheel of the Year with current calendars, the text invites readers to embrace seasonal festivals as vital markers. This framework encourages a deeper appreciation for the planet's cycles, fostering an understanding of humanity's role within a grander, ancient, and ongoing natural order.

Ancestral Connection, Earth Care

Savage explores how a profound connection to Celtic heritage can ignite passion for environmental stewardship. The book illustrates how ancient reverence for nature, embedded within Celtic spirituality, inspires contemporary actions aimed at preserving our world for future generations, drawing strength from ancestral ties.

📜 Historical context

This work stands within a growing resurgence of interest in indigenous European spiritualities, particularly Celtic traditions. It builds upon centuries of folklore collection and scholarship, offering a contemporary interpretation that moves beyond mere historical recounting to apply these ancient ways to modern spiritual and ecological concerns, aligning with the broader modern pagan movement.

📚 Glossary

Celtic Spirituality
Tuatha de Danaan
Wheel of the Year

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. Which aspect of Celtic spirituality, as presented in the book, resonates most deeply with your personal experiences or current challenges?
  2. How might integrating a greater awareness of the Wheel of the Year impact your daily routines or your connection to the natural world around you?
  3. Consider a specific legend or figure from Celtic mythology; how can their story offer guidance or a new perspective on a problem you are currently facing?

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