Customer Reviews

The Fires of Yule: A Keltelven Guide for Celebrating the Winter Solstice

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

 

 

This book blends pagan and Christian symbols and stories to create a unique version of the Winter Solstice celebration that can be participated in and enjoyed by anyone who seeks to reconnect with ancient traditions in a contemporary and more meaningful way. The author makes a sincere effort to bridge the gap between secular and spiritual points of view, hoping that the reader will open his or her mind to new customs and possibilities for reawakening an aesthetic sense of the sacred season. Mr. Whitsel's rich language is a nice change from the matter-of-fact, utilitarian wording of so many current books on spirituality and reveals the deep passion that he feels for this subject. Certainly, one isn't compelled to "believe" in a new "system" of spirituality in The Fires of Yule, only invited to draw upon whatever symbols and rituals serve to augment one's appreciation of the Solstice, whether those be Celtic Christian or Celtic Pagan.

This year during December, as I awaited the magick of the Winter Solstice and the New Year to be born, I read this exciting little book by Montague Whitsel! I am a priestess in the Wicchan tradition, and for years I have been looking for a way of walking my Way through the Winter Solstice Days with poetic, folkloric and magical symbols and rituals. This book -- ecclectic to the hilt -- has provided me with the most thorough guide I have yet run across. It's not your usual cup of brew! It might take you by surprise; but I will be recommending it to everyone in my covens, and to all my friends!

This is a guide to a celebration called the Fires of Yule that is celebrated in a fictional world created by the author. He draws on both pagan and christian themes to create a practice for experiencing the gifts of Yule. And he certainly succeeds: whether you follow the activities to the letter or simply incorporate a few ideas into your Yule celebration - you will undoubtedly experience a deeper relationship with the winter solstice. I must admit I found some of the author's poetry pretty awful (sorry!). But you don't have to like everything about this book in order to be blessed by its unique spirit. I recommend it for all open-minded pagans and adventurous christians.

Er, I felt I needed to review this as I was so very shocked when I read the intro. Maybe I can quote some relevant phrases: "the 'keltelven traditions' are a fictional construct based on research into Celtic and Pagan European traditions...the book you are about to read is written in the kind of Celtic mindset that permits of converse with people in 'other worlds' (in this case a 'fictional' landscape) and thus when you read about "the Kelteven Traditions" remember that what you are reading about is a fictional construct... All of the quotes in this book are drawn from sources attributed to characters living in the fictional landscape." My impression is that this is a celtic variation on Tolkein.

I have not actually read the book, only skimmed it-- I have no idea how to rate it. I was looking very quickly for a couple of resources on holiday traditions that precede the christian christmas and this is one I grabbed. Whoops! I gather that the author has made up a world, populated it with characters, and given them religious practices based on his research on Pagan traditions. Then he wrote a guide to their holiday traditions. I am totally new to the whole concept but I am pretty sure that the dates he uses for the 12 days of christmas are way off. So if you are a novice looking for actual information on holiday traditions I would steer clear. Perhaps the more knowledgeable Pagan practioners are able to glean new and interesting suggestions to use within their own celebrations. I just wish I had been warned.

I believe the author captures a life and history that few would forget and the book brings new depth and character to most books of its kind which are few. I can't wait to see his next book on the shelves soon. He has a vision and does a great job showing and guiding u through a book i give this book 4 stars i dont dont give that high of rating on most books Bravo to the author