A guide to the history and practices of the Druids and the Celtic faith • Reconstructs the Druidic faith from surviving remnants, parallels with other Indo-European traditions, and dedicated study of scholarly sources • Details magical rites and ceremonies, methods for consecrating an outdoor temple, and customs for celebrating important festivals such as Beltaine and Samhain • Discusses rules for firecraft, making offerings to deities and spirits, and the ancient Coligny calendar, including the names of the months in old Gaulish Druids and their magic, lore, and rituals have fascinated all those who encounter them, from the ancient Greeks and Romans onward. Even today, the mere mention of their name evokes pictures of standing stones, mistletoe, golden sickles, white-robed priests, and powerful sorcerers. But were they really as we picture them? Drawing on comparative mythology and linguistics, archaeological evidence, and etymology, Teresa Cross offers readers a comprehensive course in the history and development of the Celtic spiritual tradition and its lore, reconstructing the Druidic faith from the remnants that have survived and dedicated study of scholarly sources. She also reveals parallels with other Indo-European traditions, such as the similarities between Celtic and Vedic Hindu beliefs and practices. She chronicles the ethics and spiritual teachings of Druidism and the Celtic faith and examines what happened to these beliefs during centuries of Christianization. Moving from history to practice, Cross details magical rites and ceremonies as practiced by modern-day followers of Druidactos. She explores the structure of the Touta, which roughly corresponds to “tribe,” methods for consecrating a nemeton, the outdoor temple that offers the optimum sacred space for the meeting of heaven and earth, and the rites and customs associated with important festivals such as Beltaine and Samhain. She also explores the rules of firecraft, the sacred art of giving to the cosmos, making offerings to deities and spirits, sacred food and beverages, and the ancient Coligny calendar, including the names of the months in old Gaulish. Offering an authentic handbook for starting your own Celtic group led by Druids, Cross reveals the meanings and metaphysics behind the Celtic and Druidic customs and traditions, reuniting the fragmentary remains of long-lost Druid culture with the still-living practices of the Celtic faith.

"5 B.C. and 54 B.C. - Julius Caesar invades Britain twice, only to leave empty handed... A.D. 60 - The Romans single-mindedly target the extermination of the Druids and the destruction of their sacred sites. What fear drives them to do so?... Present day - Who were the Druids? Were they priests or astronomers? Scientists or sorcerers? What is the ancient and terrifying secret from the Mahabharata that links the megalithic sites of Britain to the Druids, Julius Caesar and a mysterious queen who lived 4,000 years ago? These are the riddles that Vijay Singh and the task force must answer if they are to save the world from a fate worse than death. But time is running out.... Explore the science behind the Mahabharata in this explosive thriller packed with action, puzzles and mysteries from the past."--Publisher description.

The most renowned Druid priest in North America, Isaac Bonewits has spent the last four decades devoted to Druidic study. Now he imparts his wisdom through this elegant and thoughtful tour of ancient and modern Druidism. With impeccable scholarship, Bonewits explores the Druids' archeology and mythology, and helps to demystify their rituals and prayers.

In AD 60 the Roman Empire occupies Britannia, destroying its ancient culture. Under the leadership of Boudicca, the Iceni rise up against Nero's forces but it is a losing battle. Yet the Druids are masters of nature, and in a final desperate strategy to avoid slavery, the priests summon their greatest magic to open a portal into an alternative world. One last Celtic tribe, the Ordoveteii, race to cross the threshold…

For 500 years, Europe was ruled by the Celts, a powerful race who believed acts of nature were omens of the gods, where nobility was earned and where honor was valued above life. The most revered were the Druids: bards, healers, judges, and seers. A special few protected the secrets of ancient Earth magic. Rhonwen, a passionate young healer, must forge a path through a land being ravaged by the war with Rome. Haunted by an oath of vengeance, she struggles against betrayal and gambles her life on an arcane healing magic from distant Gaul. Mallec flees from his ferocious warrior tribe to become a scholar at the great center of druidic learning. His training fails him when he discovers an ancient rite for immortality. Once mastered, he must protect the knowledge from those who thirst for its power and are bent on his destruction. Celt against Roman — two civilizations larger than the continent they share. One must yield forever. Can druid magic endure the onslaught of Roman legions? Can the wisdom of nature survive Rome's lust for conquest? Who are the barbarians in a world where power and ambition mean more than honor and sacrifice?