Customer Reviews

The Mist-Filled Path: Celtic Wisdom for Exiles, Wanderers, and Seekers

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I am the author of the book in question. I take issue with the individual's assertion that I am "weak minded" simply because I am willing to look starkly into the face of the shadow-side of my ancestral culture(s) as part of my process of self-exploration. One of the perspectives I present in the book is that *ALL* cultures have a residual shadow. Whatever energies are there that are not brought to consciousness and transformed continue to influence us. This same perspective--although worked with differently in practice--is something that the late Swiss psychoanalyst C.G. Jung asserted vehemently. He once remarked, "Whatever is avoided in the shadow is lived out as fate." I would ask you: What is weak minded? Not wanting to look at the reality of these things, or being willing to step into the thick of it. Am I willing to openly embrace the fact that some of my ancestors were involved in oppressing others? Yes. And in acknowledging that and embracing that as one sliver that comprises the legacy of my ancestors (others were freedom-fighters for the downtrodden), I am able to learn from their journey. By being willing to own up to the fact that *some* of my "White" ancestors oppressed others I am able to transform that energy to become something else and to work toward creating a different kind of world. Does this make me "PC"? I think not. It makes me awake. "PC" would imply that such an orientation toward unbridled love and human equality is only being portrayed for some measure of gain. The only gain worth gaining is freedom. The inner work I describe in my books is done so to help facilitate some individuals in becoming truly free. Are you?

The Mist-Filled Path is a timely and inspiring message to wake up from the often tedious and soul-numbing industrial world. It's focus is Celtic (particularly Irish and Scottish), but certainly it transcends culture, and may sing in the spirits of people of many cultures. I feel this is a particularly important "call" in a place such as the U.S. where we have often lost a connection to our roots, culturally and spiritually. If we do not know from whom and where we have come from, it is difficult to know who we are now, and where we are going. This book is not about going back, and romanticizing the past, but rather about engaging the living stream of the Celtic spirit, to orient ourselves in the direction of a soulful and life-affirming future. One of the negative reviewers called it "new agey", and though I respect the right of other's to their opinion, I have to say that I disagree. I think in a world full of Llewellyn print books and shady scholarship, Frank's work is one of authenticity.

The role of the ancient druid was essentially to hold the memory of the tribe (amongst other things). That role is no different in the modern world, though perhaps its method has changed. Frank lyrically reminds us of who we are in a world that drives us to be what he calls sleepwalkers. You, my friend, are a druid. This pint is for you.

Slainte

The Mist-Filled Path is a book that truly conveys the essence of the human spiritual search in action from a Celtic perspective. What I liked about it so much was how human the author is. We are really brought along on his journey and I felt changed because of it. At every turn MacEowen offers us an inside view of the inner landscape of someone who has authentically been called to the shaman's path in modern life, and who lives life according to the shaman's heart. Such a book is able to see the interconnections between cultures, peoples, religions, in way that re-sanctifies the human condition of all people--whatever ethnicity or culture. In The Mist-Filled Path the reader will learn about the various expressions of the Celtic spirit--the pagan, druid, shamanistic, and the Celtic-Christian. The reader will also be given various meditations and exercises that aid in developing an expanded sense of consciousness about a number of topics: the elements, the sacred flow of time, working with nature as a healing guide, etc. This is not a textbook. The Mist-Filled Path is a living spirit; a truly relevant and timely message, expressed as a collection of teachings and ideas in the true Celtic storytelling style. MacEowen's harrowing experiences of near-death, his experiences doing a traditional Sun Dance with the Lakota Sioux people, and rediscovering the living wisdom of his Irish and Scottish ancestors makes for a powerful reading experience. The Mist-Filled Path left me with a greater understanding of why the various expressions of the Celtic traditions were pushed down (or "eclipsed" as MacEowen says), and why they are re-emerging today. A remarkable and fascinating book.

I picked up this book on my recent travels here to the United States. I was particularly drawn to comments on the back of the book; advance praise from three well-known Celtic writers and others of note. I have just finished reading it and must say that I enjoyed it thoroughly. I completely concur with the other reviewers who have given this book high marks. The Mist-Filled Path was a joy to read. It combines a number of features in a masterful way, including personal and historical storytelling, pre-Christian Celtic ideas and neo-Platonist concepts, and the account of Frank's personal journey of rediscovering his Celtic roots is a wonderful and inspiring example of someone becoming steeped in the Celtic spirit today... This book clearly expresses the best of the Celtic soul, not only of its antecedent forms, but also proposing a much needed ethic for today. Certainly this is not a book for strident Celtic scholars or tight-laced historians, nor does Mr. MacEowen make such grandiose claims. To the contrary, he declares humbly in the pages of this book that it is a spiritual reflection for the here and now, one which I was deeply served by.

This book touched my soul. Clearly written, personal, a book with true spirtual guidance for those Americans who feel their distance Irish or Scottish roots, but don't quite understand them. From the first chapter, Frank MacEowen spells out the realities of our society and why we are so discontented. Throughout the book he includes the universal themes of the major religions with Celtic beliefs in a way that makes sense. He puts into words so many things in life I wondered about but didn't understand. He also includes practices, which are like meditations to help heal your soul. The book has changed my life. It has given me great comfort. I reread it often. My Irish heart has found the door it was yearning for.

I was immediately drawn to this book from its beautful cover. It is a book whose cover and title lives up to its contents. What a powerful, honest, gripping, adventurous, and stirring book. I felt blessed to read it. It brings together the best of the Celtic spirit, both in ancient and new ways that are relevant to us all, whoever we are. The Mist-Filled Path offers a helpful way of thinking and spiritual practice to anyone, whatever their culture might be, because the vision of the book is of an enlightened society where everyone can be truly and fully themselves. This book is a combination of Celtic sacred teachings and teaching stories, with a real call to action for each of us to investigate our lives in a new and fresh way. I was left with such a feeling of empowerment and hope in my life from Frank's words.

MacEowen is a brilliant author, he writes with genuine insight and a touching humour that makes this an easy book to read. As a gentle introduction to the concept of Celtic spirituality, you simply can't go past this book.

Wondering if your Celtic roots are calling to you? This is the book that will teach you to listen, and to value the little mutterings of the soul that are so hard to hear.

Although not a true workbook for studying Celtic spiritual practice, MacEowen gives some basic ritual and spiritual work, as well as laying the groundwork for the reader to establish their own variations on these themes.

I really enjoyed it the first time. And it is often something I pick up from sheer impulse, just to re-read a certain chapter ... to get the feel of it again, or to calm myself down.

A beautiful, fluid, magickal work.

A truly grand book! I came to this book with no expectations in mind. I don't tend to read "Celtic spiritual" books, as most of them seem silly to me. I am more of a fan of hard facts and history, but I found myself pleasantly surprised by The Mist-Filled Path. The author talks about Celtic history and our modern society in a way that was oddly healing for me to read. I also greatly valued hearing of the unique experiences of this brother, as he helped me to see that living a spiritual life that is connected to the earth and my ancestors IS possible. I am ready for his next one! Namaste'.

This book is about the author's personal journey into Celtic Spirituality...my favorite part was the meditation of the three cauldrons, which is very similar to chakra alignment. Some people may complain that his techniques are too "New-Agey", but as I have experienced some of the things he discusses in the book, I can vouch for his sincerity in those areas at least. I have read it so many times, I have worn out the binding...and I plan to buy a replacement copy very soon.

It's beautiful and simple...the exercises are actually quite easy to follow, and even if you are not of Celtic descent, its a wonderful book to read anyway...

After eyeing this book for several months, i finally succumbed and purchased it on a whim. Pure stroke of destiny. i haven't read anything so profoundly moving in a very long time. This book spoke to my soul. Frank is a beautiful writer, and has a knack for reaching into your heart with his masterful work. This book speaks to the modern dilemma of lost souls and annlienation from the natural/sacred world. I haven't had much exposure to either celtic spirituality or shamanism, but with Franks wonderful sharing of both, i'm inclined to take a closer look at both. Though I found I already agreed with and felt a deep resonance with much of what he was writing about. This book is timely and inspiring, another stepping stone on the long road to healing of our world. 5 stars +!!