Celtic Cosmology and the Otherworld : Mythic Origins, Sovereignty and Liminality

The early medieval manuscripts of Ireland and Britain contain tantalizing clues about the cosmology, religion and mythology of native Celtic cultures, despite censorship and revision by Christian redactors. Focusing on the latest research and translations, the author provides fresh insight into the beliefs and practices of the Iron Age inhabitants of Ireland, Britain and Gaul. Chapters cover creation and cosmogony, the deities of the Gaels, feminine power in narrative sources, druidic belief, priestesses and magical rites. Cover Table of Contents Introduction A Note About Indo-European Root Words Part One: Mythic Origins 1. Cosmology and the Celtic Dreamtime 2. Creation, Cosmogony and the Ancestry of the Gods 3. Sacred Cycles and the Mythic Symbolism of Time Part Two: Sovereignty 4. Divining the Divinities: The Mórrígan, Danu and Anu 5. Restoring the Rightful Goddess: Sovereignty in the Tales of Findabair and Gwenhwyfar 6. Mistress of the Wild Things: Abundance and Feminine Power in Early Irish Sources Part Three: Liminality 7. The Circle of Nine: Priestesses, Islands and Magical Rites 8. Bird-Mask and Rowing-Wheel: Mug Roith, Tlachtga and Traditions of Druidic Power 9. Cauldron of Awen, Stream of Imbas: The Symbolism of Water and Divine Inspiration Chapter Notes Bibliography Index "Focusing on the latest research and translations, the author provides fresh insight into the indigenous beliefs and practices of the Iron Age inhabitants of the British Isles. Chapters cover a broad range of topics, including creation and cosmogony, the deities of the Gaels, feminine power in early Irish sources, and priestesses and magical rites"-- Provided by publisher