So I thought I would do something a little different today and promote a few books that I have read, liked and used to teach my little cousins about aspects of paganism and recommended to my family so that they get what I am doing.
The first batch of books are for the Kiddies.
1. A Child’s Eye View of the Fairy Faith by Morgan Daimler.
Synopsis: The Faery Faith has been practiced by Christians and Pagans alike for hundreds of years, as documented by anthropologists including W. Y. Evans Wentz. In this book, you can discover the Folk of the Otherworld who have long been loved and feared by the people.
My Notes: The book is only 78 pages so it will be something that the kiddies can read and not get bored with. I tried it on a few of my unsuspecting cousins, and they loved it so much they wanted to know more.
2. A Child’s Eye View of Irish Paganism by Blackbird O’Connell.
Synopsis: Céad mile fáilte romhat! The polytheistic faith of Old Ireland is coming alive once more. Child’s Eye View of Irish Paganism details Págánacht, providing concise information on this ancient faith and its modern practice. In these pages, learn the history and mythology of the Emerald Isle – from the last Ice Age, The Four Invasions, the Potato Famine, and on through to the Troubles. Fear the Fomorians and the Fir Bolg; and thrill to the adventures of the Gods and Goddesses known as the Tuatha dé Danann. Learn a smattering of Gaeilge, the official language of Ireland. A Child’s Eye View of Irish Paganism includes a description of the Four Treasures of Ireland, as well as individual entries for eleven of the most prominent figures in Irish myth, including Cú Chulainn and Fionn Mac Cumhall. Though written for children age 8 to 13, this book is an easy and informative read for busy adults as well.
My Notes: As the author said at the end that this is aimed for kiddies from age 8 – 13, but I caught my cousin who is 21 reading it the other day. So I asked him, and my younger cousins 7 and 11 what they thought and they all said the same thing. They enjoyed the ease of the book and now they had a good reference for when I read mythology to them, or in the case of my older cousin (of the batch who read the book lol) it was a good reminder of what they know.
3. A Child’s Eye View of Ancient Druidism by Blackbird O’Connell
Synopsis: The Druids are as misunderstood and mysterious today as they were in the days of Caesar. Written by a practitioner of the modern Irish Pagan religion, this work combines thorough research and modern passion to demystify these legendary figures. This book is an excellent read for people of all ages interested in learning the facts about the beliefs of the people called the Druids, and about the Druids themselves. It speaks clearly and concisely about the people from history that we know held this most prestigious title. O’Connell talks about the Gods and Goddesses that they served and the heroes venerated by their people. This work draws on the writings of people who knew the Druids personally to help bring the ancient facts to light once more. Finding clues in archaeology, history, and mythology, Blackbird O’Connell paints a surprising picture of these once forgotten judges and leaders.
My Notes: This one I actually gave to my husband to read, I’m not a druid but it had the historical information that I needed to explain to my husband on where my practice came from and the people the practice servedbut in a small package that won’t bore him to death like everytime I had to explain this to him lol.
**Blackbird O’Connell likes to say that the editing on the books are not great, I didn’t find them to be that distracting, what interested me the most was the information in the books themselves.
Now for the grown up books.
1. By Land, Sea, and Sky by Morgan Daimler
Synopsis: This book is a selection of modernized, paganized prayers and charms from volumes one and two of Carmichael’s Carmina Gadelica, intended for use by Druids, Celtic Reconstructionists, or others interested in Celtic spirituality. The Carmina Gadelica is a six volume collection of prayers, charms, and folklore from Scotland assembled around 1900 by Alexander Carmichael. This book represents modernized, re-paganized versions of selected prayers and charms from the first two volumes of the series. It is designed to be used by Celtic Polytheists, Druids, or anyone else interested in Celtic Spirituality. All original deity references have been replaced with the names of Irish gods, and the language has been modernized, but otherwise the content has been kept as true to the original as possible.
My Notes: This is my “go to” book when I’m stuck on a prayer and need inspiration or when I’m in a hurry and need something in a flash.
2. Where the Hawthorn Grows: An American Druid’s Reflections by Morgan Daimler
Synopsis: Where the Hawthorn Grows is a reflection on being an Irish reconstructionist Druid in America. It looks at who the Druids were and different aspects of Celtic folk belief from a reconstructionist viewpoint as well as discussing daily practice and practical modern applications.
My Notes: You may read the review of the book here. This one I read purely for me!
Celtic Scholar's Reviews and Opinions 