Customer Reviews

Celtic Totem Animals [With DVD]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Mention the topic 'Celtic shamanism' and one will eventually encounter the writings and prolific work of John and Caitlin Matthews, both wisdomkeepers in the Celtic visionary traditions, living in Britain. CELTIC TOTEM ANIMALS is the latest project of John Matthews in 2002 and is a good overall introduction to those beginning students who have not been exposed to Celtic traditions, the totems, or to the specific method of shamanic journeying (sometimes referred to as 'soul flight', 'active dreaming' or 'walking between the worlds').

CELTIC TOTEM ANIMALS is just exactly that: a beautifully conceived project, providing a good doorway for introducing the beginning student of shamanism to the influence of the totemic dimensions, clearly showing that John Matthews is as much in tune with those people who are just learning about the Celtic traditions as he is those seasoned practitioners who benefit from his other writings.

NOTE: For those who are long-time practitioners of shamanic work or who are practiced with various divinatory systems, do note that CELTIC TOTEM ANIMALS is--in my estimation--designed for beginning students. CELTIC TOTEM ANIMALS will be basic gnosis and praxis. However, I also think even some seasoned practitioners--especially of Celtic mysticism and shamanism--will find value in the versions of the traditional stories that John shares in the book; stories that clearly express and articulate the totemic and shamanic dimension within Celtic tradition.

CELTIC TOTEM ANIMALS consists of: a.) a well-researched and informative book (complete with profile of the major totems of Celtic tradition, nine sacred stories from the Celtic tradition expressing the totemic influence of the animal powers in the Celtic mythos, along with an introductory explanation and instruction in shamanic journeywork, b.) a set of 20 cards depicting some of the major Celtic totems (note: the artwork is nice, in a kind of woodblock print form, however, the cards are also extremely small--2 inches by 2.5 inches and might be somewhat disappointing to those folks who were expecting full-sized cards as are found in tarot systems), and c.) a good basic shamanic journeying CD with three tracks of drumming, complete with call-back.

This is a marvelous tool for those interested in a more shamanic approach to Celtic spirituality. You will often encounter animal guides in your workings and this book (with accompanying cards) is a wonderful resources with a uniquely Celtic focus. The included drumming CD will also be a invaluable aid to your meditations.

This set wasn't the best one I've owned on totem animals. The information was pretty good but there wasn't all that much. It includes some history on totems, a few legends, and backround on 20 common totems. The cards were extremely cheap and I only got to use them a few times before they wore. Also, the CD wasn't very good material in my opinion. I would really only reccomend this set for beginners.

WHY BOTHER TO GET A DECK PUBLISHED AT ALL IF THE PUBLISHER IS TOO CHEAP TO DO IT RIGHT??? WHEN YOU GET A DECK THAT FALLS APART AFTER A FEW WEEKS IT TAKES AWAY FROM THE DECK AND THE AUTHOR AS WELL!! OLDER DECKS AT LEAST CAN BE COUNTED ON FOR THICK CARDS. BUY PRE 1995 ON ANY DECK.