Rating: 
Summary: Authentic as well as beautiful!
Review: As a graduate of a medieval studies program specializing in Irish literature, I am prompted to write this review to let people know how thrilled I am to have come across a book that contributes so much to our understanding of Celtic spirituality and how to apply its teachings in a modern context. Far from being "new-agey" this book is head and shoulders above the usual Wiccan and pagan-based junk that passes for "Celtic." "Kindling the Celtic Spirit" is lucidly written, honest about what we know and what we don't know about the Celts, inspiring, and above all, offers an accessible introduction to many of the key aspects of Celtic mythology and spirituality - I particularly loved the sections about music and animals, the chapter on tree-lore and the many marvelous recipes! The author really knows her stuff and is an exceptionally lyrical writer of a caliber not to be found in most popular books on the market today. It's definitely a book to keep or to give to friends to get them hopelessly addicted to the beauty of Celtica!
Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: I loved this book. Its descriptions of the turning of the year, things to do (crafts, recipes as well as rituals), beautiful poems and stories make this a wonderful introduction to Celtic beliefs. I found this book to be a great companion book to books on modern day Druidry (such as the like by Emma Restall Orr and Philip Carr-Gomm). This book helps one build a better connection with the past and helps us to better honor our ancestors as well as the Gods.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring and Full of Research
Review: I received Mara's book from a friend as a gift. I had just written the lead article for our organization's newsletter on Bride, and so looked Her up in Kindling the Celtic Spirit to see what information the book had. Mara had the most comprehensive information that I had come across in my research. Many books have maybe a paragraph or two on Bride, but Mara had a whole section. She mentions such as customs as the Bride-og and literature such as the Carmina Gadelica as well as excerpts from the collection. Mara combines research, inspiration, and a gift for writing in Kindling the Celtic Spirit, and I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Not quite reconstructionist, but still tops
Review: I'm a Celtic Reconstructionist (for more on that see imbas.org). This book is full of good information, though I do not like the way she puts the sun holy days in prominance (not something the old Celts did.) But she does mention Sam & Gam energies of the year (basically light and dark) which is good. What I like most is the way she uses poetry and her choices of poetry. Most books on Celtic spirit tend to use poetry that doesn't flow or connect to my heart. Most of her choices, or choices of translations, are wonderful. I don't like the way she collects all her information (animal lore, myths, seasonal crafts ect) under a particular month ONLY because it's hard to reference later. Her uses of stories are also done well. She choses good stories to tell that illustrate the holy day and then tells them beautifully. The only thing I really don't like is the fact that the book, like Faery Wicca by Stepanich, is a way to gather "followers" and bring in the dough through classes, trips, workshops and divination. At least if you don't read the appendixes you won't see that part though ;o) Oh, another useful thing she does is give prononciations (sp) of Celtic words! :o) :o)
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful and Inspiring
Review: John Matthews, author of Drinking From the Sacred Well says:
"This is an excellent book, offering a bright window into the Celtic World." This book could have been called 'Kindling the Pagan Spirit' it contains plenty of ideas for seasonal celebrations, recipes and stories, information on the Gods and Goddesses of the Ancient British Isles as well as the festivals they celebrated. Mara Freeman writes beautifully, she is an expert storyteller and if you are looking for inspiration and want to be inspired this book will certainly do that and more!
Rating:
Summary: Re-kindling My Spirit
Review: Mara Freeman beautifully put together the essences that make up the Celtic Spirit. The anecdotes, recipes, meditations, and stories warm the heart and make for an enjoyable read. I truely felt that Mara captured and represented the Celtic Spirit in an honest and refreshing way. The book is easy to read and follow. It also allows you to start and stop anywhere you choose. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with Irish ancestry, or those who want to know more.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Way to End a Hectic Day
Review: Mara Freeman has done a wonderful job of introducing me to the Celtic Spirit. Her stories, descriptions and anecdotes that take the reader through the seasons of "celebration" are very enjoyable. I will read this over and over to renew my awareness of the Celtic Spirit and to reignite my own spirit. A calming, quiet, enjoyable way of winding down from a hectic or stressful day as one sits around a fire, curled up with this book.
Rating:
Summary: A THRESHOLD BETWEEN THE WORLDS
Review: Mara's beautiful book is a wonderful companion for anyone looking for that country beyond the mists where sacred story lives. For those already familiar with things Celtic, it's a resource for ritual and celebration. I can't wait to get the accompanying CD.
Rating:
Summary: A Bibliophile's Delight!
Review: My house is the house of a bibliophile: book shelves line the walls, most of them stacked two volumes deep: books I've read that I will probably not read again, books I intend to read. Then there are the gems that have become an integral part of my life. Among these are the stories so well written that I read them again and again to recapture the magic. Also amid the best are the books that I use for research, those deep wells that come amazingly and repeatedly to my rescue with ever more pieces of insight.
Very rarely do I find a book with stories so well told and with information so well researched and presented that it functions in both of these ways. Such a rare hybrid is Mara Freeman's first book, Kindling The Celtic Spirit. I have owned the book only for a few months, and yet it has become a regular companion. For a less skilled writer, such a patchwork of the arts, crafts, history, philosophy, and scholarship would be a cumbersome hodgepodge. Somehow, Freeman magically leads us through each month of the Celtic year with a sense of deep interconnectedness and wisdom, overlaid with just plain fun. Each chapter is more wonderful than the last, because the last has left you a richer reader, a more informed traveler. It is the business of the bard to use words to open the gateways to other realms and thereby aid us in our journeys. This Mara Freeman does, and well. The bard preserves and honors our heritage even as she illuminates our present circumstances. This too Mara Freeman does, and well. The bard builds bridges between our ancestors, ourselves, and our descendants. This Mara does enchantingly.
Kindling The Celtic Spirit is not a book to read once and put on the shelf; it is a book to live with. Freeman sets out to show us that our Celtic ways can be an abundant lifestyle not an occasional foray into a distant past. If my experience is any measure, she has succeeded brilliantly.
Rating:
Summary: What a beautiful book filled with wondrous things!
Review: The first pleasure of this book is simply holding it and looking at the beautiful typography and layout. After that many pleasures await you in the words between the covers. Ms. Freeman explores the myths and festivals of the Celts and brings the magic and joy found in the wisdom traditions of Ireland in a clear voice to the modern world. Reading these blessings and guided meditations, the lore and ritual and recipes one can reconnect with the ancient spiritual teachings of the Celtic peoples.
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