Sacred Cauldron (Llewellyn's World Magic Series) [Paperback]

Maccrossan (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 302 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications (January 1, 1951)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875421032
• ISBN-13: 978-0875421032
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 3.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,133,310 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Dry Rituals Anacronistic Vision, April 21, 2001

By 

R. J Kaucher (Cincinnati, OH) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sacred Cauldron (Llewellyn's World Magic Series) (Paperback)

As far as books concerning the Celts published by Llewellyn go this is one of the best. The MacCrossan has a good basic knowledge of Celtic linguistics and history but he treats the cultures as if they were things of the past. His rituals are also so dry that the ancient filidh and druídh would probably cry. I'd suggest that you pick up a copy of _the Apple Branch_ if you can find it. When entering into Celtic Paganism it's important to remember that the Celts are still posses living cultures and languages.. MacCrosan really seams to forget that.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a point to note, March 1, 2001

By 

Christopher S. Thompson (Portland, Me USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sacred Cauldron (Llewellyn's World Magic Series) (Paperback)

I am only passingly familiar with MacCrossan's book, but it does appear to have certain fundamental flaws- such as dry ritual scripts, and an anachronistic focus on reconstruction rather than living Celtic tradition. But as far as I know, and according to Celtic scholars who have read the book, the basic historical information is for the most part correct. I'm posting this to balance out the previous review- anyone who considers Cunningham a reliable source cannot possibly know what they are talking about.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars What more do you want?, July 17, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Sacred Cauldron (Llewellyn's World Magic Series) (Paperback)

Boasting "...a comprehensive course in the history and developement of Celtic religious lore, the secrets taught by the Druids, and the... rites and cerimonies as practiced by modern-day members of the Druidactos...", The Sacred Cauldron lives up to its claims. Mac Crossan gives historic information, linguistic study, and bardic lore of the Celtsas well as including information about a specific sect of modern Druidry. He gives no indication that he will teach spirituality, nor living faith, only a historic look at the Druids and Celts. If you are looking for an acurate book on Druidry, that teaches facts and doesnt make things up (such as druid links to wicca, the "authentic" way the Druids astral projected, or any other fancifull "facts" of a practice we know little about) then MacCrossan is a much needed adition to your library, and not Cunningham (who is Wiccan, not Druid) or Conway (who teaches druid astral journeys, of which we have no way of knowing).