Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Chock full of interesting information, April 1, 2005
Margie McArthur has gone into a lot of detail to present in her book The Faery Tradition of the Celtic peoples, and the art of Healing with the aid of the Faery folk. She traces the practice of seeking aid from the Faery's, as documented by many sources and brings it into modern day practice.
This is a big undertaking. Ms. McArthur is very detailed and has documented her research well. The book is easy to read. It is a handbook for those seeking the history and lore of the Faery folk. It is the actual history of the practice of "Faery Healing" and is more than just a casual read.
The Introduction of the book gives us the focus: "This book is about the traditions of Faery Healing among the Celtic peoples of the British Isles as evidenced in their faery lore and folk healing customs. It will focus specifically, though not exclusively, on healing beliefs, traditions, and practices associated with the faery folk." Ms. McArthur has set up a big job with this, and she follows through very effectively.
The first three chapters are dedicated to the history and myths. She includes documentation of Faery practices and lore. Page after page of various stories, recorded history and references are expertly drawn together to a wonderful conclusion that the author draws from all the material presented. Check the Chapter "End notes" for some very wonderful references that are worth following up if you wish to expand even further.
After giving you all the background, the author now draws you into the actual healing tradition. There is discussion on the use of natural cures: herbs, insects, animals, stones and crystals. All uses are discussed in connection with the healing arts as natural healing elements. There is the discussion on magical practices, such as the correspondences for day of the week, tides, colors, and numbers - all important to working magic and here shown how to be used in setting up your healing practices.
The beginning of the book does have the usual caveat right up front and well noted; that this book offers the history and folklore of a healing practice and that if you are ill, seek a doctor. So, as you get deeper into this book, it is important to remember this book is for reference only as the topics that are covered do discuss medical references and healing.
The magical part of the book does get much more involved, as it begins to cover things we are more familiar with - crosses, amulets, circles, bindings, divinations, and magical beliefs. There is discussion on the "Psychological Aspects of a Cure" that I found to be quite interesting and well researched. Ms. McArthur also discusses hypnosis (Mesmerism), and again, the references are interesting, and the topic intriguing.
There is a whole chapter dedicated to the medical healers of Irish Tradition, and is well worth the read for the reference material and the wonderful stories of Irish healers. Another chapter covers Faeries and Witches, their associations and more myth and lore. She draws references for both witches and faeries being healers as well as being able to curse, and draws the conclusion that both existed, as is the nature of the polarity/duality of life. A very interesting chapter that is also worth the read for the references and the conclusion.
The section on "Making the Cure" discusses "Faery Induced Ailments and their Cures". This is an interesting section of those illnesses that have been associated with the Faery folk, such as "Faery Blast" or wind, "Faery Stroke", "Evil Eye", bad luck, and other such calamities. This is followed by two chapters dealing with the cures, which cover Faery Herbs and Faery Stones. This is a delightful section to be sure, giving all sorts of lore on particular herbs and their associations and a brief overview of some stones specific to the faery folk.
Ms. McArthur then delves into "Faery Healing for Today". She discusses the Faery Tradition today, how to get in touch with the Faery Folk in various ways, how the earth relates to our practice and respect for its properties, and a chapter on "Yesterday's Faery Healing: Assessing the Past", an interesting look at "Faery-Caused Disorders" and how we see these things today.
The last part of the book is "A Practical Manual for Faery Healing" and is just as large as the material covered to this point. For those who are serious about pursuing this modality of healing, the manual offers reflection on the healing process as outlined by Ms. McArthur, gives you the tools, discusses basics such as grounding, chakras, magical exercises and associated correspondences and Deities. There is a chapter on the "Cosmology of the Faery Realm" covering the realms of Faerydom, various discussions and meditations to bring you closer to these and tables that help explain it all. There is a chapter on "Traveling within Faery Realm", a chapter on "Practical Work within the Faery Realm", a chapter on the emotional energies of working in the Faery Realm, some meditations on "Brigid's Mantal" and "Airmid's Cloak", healing medicines, a chapter on "Empowering Yourself to Heal" and much more.
The Book concludes with some Appendices and a Bibliography. There is information on Festivals, the authors Fiona MacLoud and William Sharpe, and a Suggested Readings appendix. The bibliography is extensive and there is an Index for reference.
The book is well put together. It explains the material clearly using some interesting references and makes it point well. The material is in depth, giving the reader something to chew on as well as being entertaining. The more specific material does not become boring, and I found this book to be an interesting handbook on the Faery Tradition presented.
If you are looking at Celtic healing practices based on the Faery Tradition this book stands out as a good source of information. If you practice a Faery Tradition, or want a book that is a collection of some very good reference material on both Faeries and a healing modality based on this Tradition, or you are just interested in a well referenced book on Faery Tradition, this book is a good addition to your library. boudica
|
|
|
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Enchanting and Magickal, May 26, 2005
This is probably one of the most enchanting and magical books on Faery Lore that I have ever read. Well researched and well thought out, "Faery Healing" takes the reader way beyond the fluff and rainbows of the "Tinkerbell" type fairy and into the real world of the Fey. It provides a very strong foundation for the beginner, and has a wealth of information that will keep even the advanced student interested and absorbed.
Faery Healing is broken up into five parts, and each chapter contains exercises that help the reader to more deeply connect into the Faery Realm. Part one takes the reader through the origins of the Celtic Faery Healing Tradition. Part two is on faery ailments, their cures and a materia medica of both stones and herbs. Part three gives suggestions for actually working with the Faery. Part four is the manual for faery healing, and includes a map for traveling throughout the faery realm. Part five is the appendices and bibliography, which include an excellent reading list and a list of the Faery Festivals.
I find Ms. McArthur's writing enjoyable and easy to understand, and would highly recommend it to both the beginning and advanced student of the Celtic Faery Healing tradition.
|
|
|
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book should be on every faerie lover's list of MUSTS!, December 11, 2005
I am one of those people that keep amazon.com's stock rising, when I discover a subject I devour every single word I can find on it until my mailman begs me to stop! Faeries have always enchanted me and this boo has just been a delight. Out of all the many books I have read on the Faeries, well, this one is the most comprehensive by far!
The first part covers the basics of lore and stories and history, but in a way that is fresh and vibrant!
The last part has realistic ways for us to discover and enjoy relationships with the Faerie people. Nothing too over the top or involving things you would be horrified to have to tell your mom your were doing. Just reasonable, heart warming, fabulous ways to deepen your path.
If you could only buy ONE book on the Faerie Faith, make it this one!
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
by Orion Foxwood
by R.J. Stewart
by D.J. Conway
