Yearning for the Wind: Celtic Reflections on Nature and the Soul [Paperback]

Tom Cowan (Author), Sandra Ingerman (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2003

Throughout the ages, shamans and mystics have recognized that all created things share some level of consciousness, and that ordinary and nonordinary realities interact at some point. This book by a well-known Celtic American shaman explores those interactions and interconnected pathways, looking at the interdependence of our material life with our inner life and that of nature. Each chapter is a small window into the mysteries of nature and soul as they infuse daily life. Cowan draws on the teachings of medieval mystics, fairy legends, Celtic songs, present-day poets and seekers, Native American stories, and other traditions. From these strands he weaves a Celtic knot of spirit that is both beautiful and strong.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: New World Library (May 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577314115
• ISBN-13: 978-1577314110
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #583,478 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Living Wisdom, July 1, 2003

By 

Frank MacEowen - See all my reviews

This review is from: Yearning for the Wind: Celtic Reflections on Nature and the Soul (Paperback)

Yearning For The Wind is one of those books you keep on your bedside table and refer to repeatedly to soak up the author's vision. It is a collection of forty vignettes, each of them containing a jewel in the form of story, ancient cosmology, or teaching about the nature of the soul, and the soul of nature. Tom is a master storyteller and one embodiment of an ancient living tradition of spiritual awareness. A blend of traditional ideas from primal Irish spirituality, contemporary ways of looking at life shamanically, and truly humorous ways of holding space for the mysteries of life to unfold, Yearning For The Wind is a book that truly fosters a "reading between the lines." And, when you read between the lines of this book you find whole worlds waiting for you.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A sweet offering, August 28, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Yearning for the Wind: Celtic Reflections on Nature and the Soul (Paperback)

Tom Cowan's latest book is a delightful read, beautifully illustrating how the sacred world interweaves with the everyday. If your soul is Celtic, the prose and dream-like presentation of this book will inspire you into your own knowings. Central to the process of healing the Earth is our individual reconnection with the soul of Nature, a potent and necessary source of healing power and wisdom. Cowan describes his own healing process with humor and candor, challenging readers to take charge of their centers, walk in truth, and most importantly, to remember.

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most wonderful books I've read in a long time!, November 18, 2003

By 

merrymousies (Waterford, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Yearning for the Wind: Celtic Reflections on Nature and the Soul (Paperback)

This book is one of the most wonderful books I've read in a long time! I'm almost all the way through it now and every chapter is just so wonderfully written - its deep and philosophical yet not so heavy that you can only make it through a few pages. The author weaves together Celtic lore, shamanisn and experiences with nature to just pull all sorts of "meaning of life" type ideas together. The chapters weave in upon each other such that there may be a line in one chapter that hits you and you put it in the back of your head and then a few chapters later he develops the idea further. One thing I love is that throughout the book, the author presents ideas but does not preach or try to impose a way of thinking - its more like sitting with a friend, philosophising on life. It so wonderful I'm seeking out more of his books. The writing style is so accessible. After a long day at work I usually can only get through a few pages of a book or magazine before falling asleep. This book keeps me reading into the night....50 pages later I decide I better rest and save some for tomorrow. This is definitely a book I'll be reading again and loaning out to friends. There's so much in here, just one read isn't enough. Highly ghighly recommend. I'd give it 10 stars if I could!