Download or read book The Quest for the Celtic Key written by Karen Ralls-MacLeod and published by Luath Press Ltd. This book was released on 2013-08-20 with total page 465 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Quest series from Luath Press continues with the quest for all things Celtic, an investigation into aspects of Celtic history that have previously been neglected or lost. The authors argue strongly that the evidence they have uncovered within folklore, legends, the guilds, and the oral traditions of secret societies in Scotland, link together with striking similarities. They further suggest that these links are not coincidence but the last visible threads of belief systems that have been at the center of the Scottish psyche for centuries. The Celtic Key makes sense of the underlying beliefs that have contributed to, motivated, and shaped a nation through the ages. REVIEWS A fascinating journey through the mystery and magic of Scotland's past...the authors describe the people, places and traditions -- Watkins Review, London, Winter 2002, Issue no. 4A refreshing look at Scotland's past...we are presented with such a wealth of information; well worth reading -- Dalriada, journal of Celtic heritage, Scotland, 2003A spellbinding step into the...world of ancient Caledonia and the people who laid the foundations of Scotland -- West Lothian Courier newspaper, 27 June 2002An enthralling and informative journey through time which deserves a place on every Scottish bookshelf...their sources are well documented -- Scots magazine, Vol 158 No.2, 2003Without resorting to colourful conjecture...it nevertheless adds its own voice to the enduring mysteries of Scotland's Celtic heritage -- Historic Scotland magazine, Winter 2002-3 issue

Download or read book The Quest for the Celtic Key written by Karen Ralls and published by Luath Press Limited. This book was released on 2002 with total page 448 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The authors argue strongly that the evidence they have uncovered within folklore, legends, the guilds, and the oral traditions of secret societies in Scotland, link together with striking similarities. They further suggest that these links are not coincidence but the last visible threads of belief systems that have been at the center of the Scottish psyche for centuries. The Celtic Key makes sense of the underlying beliefs that have contributed to, motivated, and shaped a nation through the ages.

Download or read book Medieval Mysteries written by Karen Ralls and published by Nicolas-Hays, Inc.. This book was released on 2014-03-01 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Journey into twelve of the world’s favorite medieval mysteries and cross the threshold into the world of the High Middle Ages. From Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales to Umberto Eco’s Name of the Rose to Dan Brown’s bestselling The Da Vinci Code, the medieval period continues to intrigue, inspire, entertain, and fascinate many today. This is a book for the general reader and specialist alike, Medieval expert, former Rosslyn Chapel museum exhibition curator, and bestselling author Dr. Karen Ralls guides the reader through the key historical facts, legends and lore, affiliated places, and major symbolism of 12 popular medieval enigmas, providing a lively introductory portal which includes some of the lesser-known, sidelined, or unacknowledged aspects of each of these enduring topics. The story of each subject comes alive as never before, providing a solid introduction for all readers as well as further suggested resources for teachers and researchers. Also included are photographs, a recommended reading section, maps, a list of the key major sites associated with each topic, and a full bibliography. Topics covered include: King Arthur, Merlin, and Glastonbury The Grail Quest Mary Magdalene The real meaning of Black Madonnas The Knights Templar, the Cathars, and Rosslyn Chapel Medieval Guides and Troubadours Heresy and Heretics

Download or read book The Quest written by George Robert Stow Mead and published by . This book was released on 1912 with total page 832 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Land of the Gods written by Philip Coppens and published by Adventures Unlimited Press. This book was released on 2015-02-25 with total page 258 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Land of the Gods is the historical, archeological story of the ancient inhabitants of Scotland, the Lothians and the Borders tribes, whom the Romans called the Goddodin. The Romans did not conquer these ancient inhabitants, though when they retreated from Britain, neighboring tribes tried to lay claim to their lands. Then a magnificent warrior emerged from these ancient Scottish tribes. Remembered as Arthur, he fought for the survival of his land and won, and his Camelot was the Lothians and Borders region. After his reign, the region was finally overrun and his people fled to Wales, where over time, the story of their magical kingdom to the north and their mythical hero coalesced into the myth of Camelot and King Arthur. Today, remnants of the spiritual architecture of these tribes are visible in Cairnpapple, Traprain Law and other ancient Scottish monuments. They accentuated their region's unique volcanic landscape to reflect their mythology, which spoke of gods descending to Earth from the sun god Loth.

Download or read book The Quest for the Irish Celt written by Mairéad Carew and published by Merrion Press. This book was released on 2018-03-29 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Quest for the Irish Celt is the fascinating story of Harvard University’s five-year archaeological research programme in Ireland during the 1930s to determine the racial and cultural heritage of the Irish people. The programme involved country-wide excavations and the examination of prehistoric skulls by physical anthropologists, and was complemented by the physical examinations of thousands of Irish people from across the country; measuring skulls, nose-shape and grade of hair colour. The Harvard scientists’ mission was to determine who the Celts were, what was their racial type, and what element in the present-day population represented the descendants of the earliest inhabitants of the island. Though the Harvard Mission was hugely influential, there were theories of eugenics involved that would shock the modern reader. The main adviser for the archaeology was Adolf Mahr, Nazi and Director of the National Museum (1934–39). The overall project was managed by Earnest A. Hooton, famed Harvard anthropologist, whose theories regarding biological heritage would now be readily condemned for their racism. Mairéad Carew explores this extraordinary archaeological mission, examining its historic importance for Ireland and Irish-America, its landmark findings, and the unseemly activities that lay just beneath the surface.

Download or read book The Quest for Celtic Christianity written by Donald E. Meek and published by Dunedin Academic PressLtd. This book was released on 2000-01-01 with total page 273 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Celtic Christianity enjoys immense popularity. It has generated a torrent of books, videos, cassettes and even new 'Celtic' churches. This book explores the reasons for such interest and examines how the modern version squares with what we know of the original Celtic Christianity.

Download or read book Seething Cauldron written by Payam Nabarz and published by Lulu.com. This book was released on 2010 with total page 229 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Sufi ritual meal ceremony of 'Deeg-Jush' translates as the 'Seething Cauldron' or 'Boiling Cauldron', and, like its Celtic equivalent: the Cauldron of Cerridwen, it symbolizes the transformation and change of the initiate as he/she becomes cooked in the cauldron. In this collection of essays covering Persian Magi, Zoroastrianism, Sufism, Freemasonry, Wicca, Druidry, Neo-Paganism, Mithraism, and Thelema; Payam Nabarz takes a down-to-earth look at contemporary spirituality. Contents: The Persian Fool and Trickster: Haji Firouz Anahita: Lady Of Persia Zoroastrian Angels and Demons Mithras and the Right Handed Handshake Of The Gods Influences Of Freemasonry and Sufism On Wicca and Neo-Paganism Sacred Plants (Drugs In Religion) The Right Hand Path Or Left Hand Path; Star Wars, Excalibur and Lord Of The Rings To Genes, Memes, Gods and Beyond (Sex, Chocolate and Religion) Spirit Of Peace

Download or read book The Wicker Tree written by Robin Hardy and published by Luath Press Ltd. This book was released on 2013-07-22 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A black comedy of religious sexuality and pagan murder, which inhabits the same territory as The Wicker Man. If I am a Rabbi, Jehova is my God. If I am a Mullah, Allah the merciful is He. If a Christian, Jesus is my Lord. Millions of people worldwide worship the sun. Here in Tressock I believe the old religion of the Celts fits our needs at this time. Isn't that all you can ask of a religion? Gospel singer Beth and her cowboy boyfriend Steve, two virgins promised to each other through 'the Silver Ring Thing', set off from Texas to enlighten the Scottish heathens in the ways of Christ. When, after initial hostility, they are welcomed with joy and elation to the village of Tressock, they assume their hosts simply want to hear more about Jesus. How innocent and wrong they are. REVIEWS: 'Erotic, romantic, comic and horrific enough to loosen the bowels of a bronze statue.' --Christopher Lee 'Robin Hardy looks set to snare a new generation of followers with the long overdue follow-up... another tale of faith, sex and sacrifice.' --Sunday Herald'... the writing style is typical of the genre and Hardy has upped the stakes. After a slow set-up, the plot romps along, with unexpected twists and turns, to its inevitable and frustratingly avoidable conclusion. Those who identify with the youthful protagonists will find it thrilling and horrible, a story to disturb sleep.' --Scottish Review of Books 'Let's face it, there are strange communities in the world.' Purity rings in hand, a young evangelical Christian singer and her devoted fiancé leave the comfort of their Texas home to journey into heathen parts of the earth, hoping to spread the word of God across the land. Their mission takes them to a bizarre Scottish town whose people and practices turn their world inside out. To call it a culture clash would be too gentle. To reveal anything further would be a blight against the heavens. 38 years after directing THE WICKER MAN (and following a 22-year filmmaking sabbatical), celebrated iconoclast Robin Hardy has reunited with producer Peter Snell and returned to the Pagan pantheon with this hugely eccentric successor film, THE WICKER TREE. The distinction is an important one to make, as this is neither sequel nor re-imagining, but rather a film narrative cut from the same universe (or as its maker refers to it, 'a spiritual sequel'). Hardy is a one-of-a-kind filmmaker, and THE WICKER TREE is brimming with the stamp of his personality. It has ample Scottish colour, reaching out through tons of catchy folk songs interspersed throughout the film. Clever plays on religious iconography and an acute understanding of Pagan ritualism. Ethereal locations. A charged sense of the sexual. A dreamlike sense of the magical. Costumes, dances and animal masks. An off-centre look at the absurdities of faith (in this case, neither Christian nor Pagan get off easy), THE WICKER TREE could be called a black theological satire, a strange breed of irony-fuelled comedy-musical-horror-thriller-drama. Call it however you like, it will bring a smile to your lips and, perhaps, a torch to your belief system. Based on Hardy's novel [...] and featuring appearances by Christopher Lee, members of the Beltane Fire Society and a compellingly show-stopping Graham McTavish, this is a film that's been brewing for many years, one that has proved exceedingly difficult to mount. Now, finally, it is here. Prepare to ride the laddie and join us in celebrating the second coming of one of cinema s great seers. May Day is upon us. THE WICKER TREE is about to burn' --Mitch Davis, Director of Fantasia Film Festival, on the motion picture The Wicker Tree

Download or read book A Passion for Scotland written by David. R. Ross and published by Dundurn. This book was released on 2002 with total page 148 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Scotland of the past and the Scotland of the future. That is the essence of A Passion for Scotland, and its author David Ross takes the reader on a passionate journey through the story of this country, which stirs the primal fires from the opening lines. It is a personal, patriotic yet unbiased view of the path the Scots have taken, and of the path they are trying to forge into the 21st century, and is fascinating and moving by turns. It provides a wealth of material on Scotland, from history through to politics through to travel. But it is also an impassioned call to his fellow countrymen. Inside this book you will find out about Wallace and Bruce, Montrose, the Jacobites, John McLean, and Tartan Day USA. You will find out ?what makes a Scot?. Plus, revealed for the first time, details of the final resting places of all Scotland?s kings and queens.

Download or read book Key Of Knowledge written by Nora Roberts and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2003-11-25 with total page 358 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts unlocks the dreams of a woman on a quest for the truth in her second Key Trilogy novel. Dana Steele has always found her greatest passion in books. But now her boss is making her job as a librarian a living hell. Luckily, she now has a Plan B… High on a hill overlooking the town of Pleasant Valley, Pennsylvania, sits the Warrior’s Peak estate. It’s where Dana was invited to meet Malory Price and Zoe McCourt—and where they learned that they were destined to find three keys to unlock a box holding the souls of three mythical demigoddesses: one an artist, one a bard, and one a warrior. With the promise of a million dollars each dangled before them, the women couldn’t refuse. And as Malory found the first key, they formed a fast friendship and decided to go into business together. For Dana, that meant her dream of owning a bookstore was about to come true. And now, as Dana finds herself on the threshold of some major life changes, it’s her turn to find a key. She has four weeks to unravel a riddle involving her past, present, and future, and to find the truth hidden among deception and lies—or succumb to her worst nightmare. Don’t miss the other books in the Key Trilogy Key of Light Key of Valor

Download or read book Eclipse of Fate my healing journey through past life recall written by Barbara Burritt and published by . This book was released on 2005-10 with total page 96 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The Prehistories of Baseball written by Seelochan Beharry and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2016-03-09 with total page 331 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Baseball's roots lie deep in our ancestral past. The ancient arts of throwing (distance warfare), hitting (close quarters combat), and running (attack and retreat) were woven into the earliest forms of baseball. Early humans recognized the importance of the sun and sought to placate it with sacrificial offerings, imitating its movements and deifying it. Myths and relics of these foundational practices and beliefs were carried westward across the Old World by Indo-European peoples. Games for the early British and Continental Europeans (notably the Celts and Druids) served military, religious, social and educational needs. As the Celts and Druids came under the control of the Roman Empire, and later the Christian Church, their customs and practices, including games, fell out of favor. Despite persecution, some folk games survived the millennia under such names as "stool-ball," "tut-ball," and "base-ball." Descendants of these peoples brought their variant games to the New World where the standardization of various informal rules led to their rapid spread. Baseball, with its underlying beliefs, superstitions and practices, still brings us together with familiar and comforting rituals as we assemble under the sun.

Download or read book Music and the Celtic Otherworld written by Karen Ralls-MacLeod and published by Edinburgh University Press. This book was released on 2000 with total page 232 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Covering themes close to Scottish and Irish folklore, this work explores the universal concept of the spiritual dimension of music from the Celtic sources.

Download or read book The King Arthur Conspiracy written by Simon Stirling and published by The History Press. This book was released on 2012-02-29 with total page 439 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Arthur led the Britons to the brink of victory but was cut down by treachery and betrayal. Arthurian legends have since been corrupted, leading to popular but false assumptions about the king and the belief that his grave could never be found.Drawing on a vast range of sources and new translations of early British and Gaelic poetry, Arthur explodes these myths and exposes the shocking truth. In this, the first full biography of Arthur, Simon Andrew Stirling provides a range of proofs that Artuir mac Aedain was the original King Arthur; he identifies the original Camelot, the site of Arthur’s last battle and his precise burial location. For the first time ever, the role played by the early Church in Arthur’s downfall and the fall of North Britain is also revealed. This includes the Church’s contribution to fabricated Arthurian history, the unusual circumstances of his burial and the extraordinary history of the sacred isle on which he was buried.

Download or read book Scotch on the Rocks written by Arthur Swinson and published by Luath Press Ltd. This book was released on 2020-05-22 with total page 186 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On the night of 4 February 1941, the SS Politician founders off the coast of South Uist. The salvage – nearly a quarter of a million bottles of duty-free whisky and hard currency worth, today, ninety million pounds. And to islanders across the Hebrides, it's theirs for the taking, hiding, drinking or selling. This is the true story behind Sir Compton Mackenzie's Whisky Galore. Arthur Swinson's careful research casts an honest light on the events leading up to – and following – this tremendous bounty. Awash with contraband, the communities nearby faced unexpected problems: from the government; the police; customs inspectors; and, not least, each other.

Download or read book More Richly in Earth written by Marilyn Bowering and published by McGill-Queen's Press - MQUP. This book was released on 2024-05-14 with total page 213 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Mary MacLeod (Màiri nighean Alasdair Ruaidh) was a rarity: a female bard in seventeenth-century Scotland. While her lyrics were honoured, she was also marginalized, denigrated as a witch, and exiled, both for being a writer and for what she wrote. Presented as a chronicle of journeys through the Scottish Hebrides, More Richly in Earth explores MacLeod’s legacy, preserved within landscape, memory, and identity. In an act of recovery and restoration, Canadian poet and novelist Marilyn Bowering pieces together the puzzle of radically different accounts of MacLeod’s life, returning to the places the bard once lived with the help of contemporary Scottish Gaelic poets and scholars. Through investigation and imagination, Bowering forms a connection with MacLeod despite vast differences of culture and language, time and place. Their connection deepens as Bowering twines MacLeod’s story with accounts of the people and places that shaped her own life, a connection that ultimately reveals the foundations of Bowering’s artistic vocation to herself. MacLeod’s life and writing, little known today beyond the Gaelic world, harbours cultural truths about a transformative era of war and colonization in Gaelic Scotland. Bringing a poetic sensibility to investigative scholarship, More Richly in Earth offers a profound reflection on the necessity of art in all forms.