Celtic Magic: A Practitioner's Guide

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Thames & Hudson

Hardcover

208 pages

135 x 201 mm

ISBN 9780500029732

English

Feb 2025

Druids and divination, curses and charms: the Celtic world was filled with magic and intrigue - but how did people practise magic and what did they use it for? Brigid Ehrmantraut takes us on a journey through the Celtic-speaking world to explore the different ways people interacted with magic. Some sought aid through deities and dedications, while others wanted to punish their enemies with spells and curse tablets.

Our voyage through the Celtic world sweeps into medieval Wales and Ireland, touching on Scotland and Brittany in the process. Protective prayers, such as St Patrick’s loricae, and miraculous tales from saints’ lives reveal the interplay of magic and religion. While the power of star signs and medicinal charms connect Celtic practices to broader medieval traditions. Finally, the book celebrates the legacy of Celtic magic, linking ancient magic to modern Celtic-inspired spirituality.

Throughout the book, the reader will find tips and tricks for practising their own magic, including creating curses, dedicating ex votos to the gods, and a medieval Welsh cure for a hangover.

Thames & Hudson