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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
Kind of disappointing to read this after reading and re reading her book about The Morrigan, which was so extremely well written and does a fantastic job of clearly explaining the nuances, paradoxes, and widely believed misinformation surrounding Celtic and especially Irish mythology in general. This book does not do that. This book repeatedly cites xenophpbic Roman anti-Celt propaganda designed to make Druids look like barbarians that has been thoroughly debunked by modern scholars (which she acknowledges, then goes on to perpetuate more of it as fact). Since Brigid was euhemerized as a Saint, her personal mythos has even more nuance and paradox to it, which for a beginner's book this does a pretty okay job of handling without creating hard lines between what is and is not "christian" or "pagan". but a lot of the "traditional tales" have been colorfully rewritten and diverge from the original source materials or miss key elements of the original myths with no explanation. a lot of the "traditional" spells and charms are heavily saturated in wiccan influence. overall a good book and I did benefit spiritually from reading it, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone with absolutely 0 experience in Celtic or Gaelic paganism.
informative
medium-paced
This book left me in awe. Weber is not only deeply comprehensive in her approach to introducing Brigid, acknowledging her complexities and mythological contradictions, but she is also comprehensible and accessible. This is the kind of book you could read multiple times and get something new out of it each time, and yet the first reading gives you such a holistic and loving portrait of Brigid that you can't help but feel incredibly connected to her, and moved. In this manner, Weber's book is suitable for both "Brigid newbies" and longtime devotees alike. The author's humor and style, blending traditional folklore, retellings of classic tales, analysis, and just enough personal experience, feels less like a formal class and more like an incredibly enjoyable fireside chat with a friend who's deeply passionate about the subject and eager to tell you about it in various ways, to connect Brigid with your life and experience. I'm eager to read whatever Weber writes next!
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
I went into this book hoping for some information on how to practice with Brigid and hoping to have just one book to flip through rather than needing many (like one does with most Celtic pagan topics). I was excited to read this as I know Weber's book on The Morrígan is widely considered to be very good. I am mildly disappointed.
Pros: The author has a lot of personal experience she shares throughout the book, and you can feel the passion from her through the pages. There are a good variety of Brigid folktales and mythological tales included. The author does include many meditations and spells to work with Brigid, including ideas to help you personalize them as needed. Much of the information on Brigid is accurate.
Cons: The author is a Wiccan priestess and at no point is this made clear to the reader. Since this is not clarified, it would be easy for someone to mistake a lot of the beliefs and ritual structure the author presents as traditionally Celtic, rather than modern Wiccan. The author tries to be sensitive about cultural appropriation but goes on to share information from Haitian Vodoun (a closed practice) and dips her toes into appropriating Native American practices (there's a "Find your Brigid Spirit Animal" exercise that is particularly guilty of this). The author does not do a great job of citing sources and often does not explain things that should be explained to the reader.
Overall, it depends on what you want out of the book. In my opinion, there are better informational books on Brigid that don't insert Wiccan beliefs/practices that could give someone a clearer picture of the Goddess. But the exercises, spells, and personal experience given by the author are helpful when it comes to developing a spiritual practice. Just keep your critical eye open.
Pros: The author has a lot of personal experience she shares throughout the book, and you can feel the passion from her through the pages. There are a good variety of Brigid folktales and mythological tales included. The author does include many meditations and spells to work with Brigid, including ideas to help you personalize them as needed. Much of the information on Brigid is accurate.
Cons: The author is a Wiccan priestess and at no point is this made clear to the reader. Since this is not clarified, it would be easy for someone to mistake a lot of the beliefs and ritual structure the author presents as traditionally Celtic, rather than modern Wiccan. The author tries to be sensitive about cultural appropriation but goes on to share information from Haitian Vodoun (a closed practice) and dips her toes into appropriating Native American practices (there's a "Find your Brigid Spirit Animal" exercise that is particularly guilty of this). The author does not do a great job of citing sources and often does not explain things that should be explained to the reader.
Overall, it depends on what you want out of the book. In my opinion, there are better informational books on Brigid that don't insert Wiccan beliefs/practices that could give someone a clearer picture of the Goddess. But the exercises, spells, and personal experience given by the author are helpful when it comes to developing a spiritual practice. Just keep your critical eye open.
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Highlights: historical tales about Brigid, wells/bard/forge framing, chapters on Imbolc and animals. I am not a devotee and skimmed the exercises and rituals but a practitioner will find these helpful.
I liked a lot of the information and insights from the author. I wish things were cited a bit better, though.
I fell in love with Brigid and her fascinating history via this book. I enjoyed how Weber brought herself into the narrative and helped to personalize the connection between this ancient myth/goddess/theme and our modern world. I listened to this, which makes the ritual parts a bit odd and has me wanting a paperback copy for reference. I did one of the rituals and found great comfort in it and was excited to do a quick pilgrimage to St Brigid's statue in Kildare, Ireland, when I was visiting.
Uno dei libri migliori sulla storia della Dea Brigid. La presenza di fonti storiche mi portano ad apprezzare maggiormente il testo. La presenza delle esperienze personali dell'autrice è in questo caso apprezzata, in quanto non particolarmente invadenti e ben dosate.
Come hanno fatto notare altri lettori, si concentra molto anche sulla Brigid cristiana. La cosa può essere un malus, ma dal mio punto di vista è invece interessante, perché sono le fonti più prossime a noi per poter risalire agli attributi originari.
Come hanno fatto notare altri lettori, si concentra molto anche sulla Brigid cristiana. La cosa può essere un malus, ma dal mio punto di vista è invece interessante, perché sono le fonti più prossime a noi per poter risalire agli attributi originari.