Product Description

The "Celtic Wheel of the Year" offers an original and inspiring selection of prayers for individual use. Divided into monthly sections, it incorporates Celtic Christian and Celtic Pagan traditions in a single pattern of prayer. Prayers combine the Christian seasons with the seasons of the Solstices and Equinoxes. But they also reach beyond both traditions, dancing together and finding a new way of worshipping; one that we can enjoy in private spirituality or as a partaker of established religion.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #118734 in Books
• Published on: 2007-07-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

Review
Tess Ward has written a spiritual handbook full of wisdom, grace and creativity. It dips into the deep wells of Celtic tradition and beyond to gather the clear water of life. This is a book of prayer to be treasured. Mike Riddell, author of The Sacred Journey and Godzone Tess Ward writes like a mystic. Deeply immersed in nature, embedded in folklore, poetic in word and vivid in the images evoked, both the introductory material for each month and the accompanying prayers awaken deep sentiment and the soulful realisation that we are always within the divine embrace in which we live and move and have our being. A gem for all seasons! Diarmuid O'Murchu MSC In an age of global warming and increasing ecological vulnerability, the only viable spiritualities are those which re-connect us to the earth and deepen our sense of connection with the divine spirit that enlivens it. Tess Ward's book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking such a spirituality. Her prayers and reflections offer a creative synthesis of Christian symbols and other nature-based traditions, and the structure of the book reminds us of the sacred qualities of the passing seasons. For anyone looking for a livelier, embodied and grounded faith, Tess Ward offers an important, hopeful and refreshing way forward. Dr. Gordon Lynch, Dept of Theology and Religion, Birmingham University, author of The New Spirituality "The Celtic Wheel of the Year" is a must read for everyone interested in praying with an ecological awareness. Tess Ward offers refreshing reflections and creative prayers that weave mysticism, feminism, and embodiment with Celtic and Christian spirituality. The earth connection grows stronger with each prayer. Diann L. Neu, codirector of WATER, The Women's Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual, and author of Return Blessings.

About the Author
Tess Ward was a psychiatric nurse and is now an Anglican priest and spiritual director/counsellor. She has been chaplain at an Arts Centre, alternative worship leader, leads retreats and spirituality groups, and has been "road testing" her prayers for 8 years. She lives in Oxford, England, where she is now a hospital chaplain.

Customer Reviews

A GIFT that WILL become your spiritual companion
'Tess's book is a gift, and one which I have long searched for... a liturgical treasure chest that sums up where I now find myself in this beautifully muddled and messy world of faith. It carries the reader on a rich and inspirational journey of prayer and reflection through the whole year - following the Celtic Wheel. There are, of course, many hundreds of 'Celtic Christian' books today but what sets this volume apart is the author's obvious love for the Pre-Christian Celtic heritage of this land, a love which means she does not merely resort to the Christianisation of Pagan traditions and customs but lets them speak for themselves. Tess unashamedly and passionately uses both Christian and Pagan elements to create a prayer book that is valuable to those of any faith but especially those find themselves somewhere between the two worlds of the Christian and the Pagan. I am one of those and this book is just what I've been looking for!
Tess is also a fine historian and injects to each month a thought provoking and exciting introduction... informing us of some parts of our history that other books choose to leave out. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to treat themsleves to a special gift, a gift that for many will certainly become a dearly loved companion.'

Celtic christianity
An inspirational and moving book. Provides insight into the origins of christianity in Britain and how it links to our cultural history. There is a chapter for each month of the year. I read it throughout 2008 and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone, particularly if you are interested in your celtic roots and believe in Jesus.

The Celtic Wheel of the Year
Inspirational book. Information on each month is most informative and the prayers speak from the heart. Highly recommended