Dear Book Lovers, Mystics and Mages,

It is our pleasure to announce that VISIONS OF THE CAILLEACH by Sorita d'Este
and David Rankine is now available for order from the Avalonia Books website.
This book explores the myths, folklore and legends of the Cailleach, pre-eminent
amongst the British Celtic Goddesses. This is a unique collection of lore and
research, brought together for the first time. Without a doubt a book which
will interest all those interested in Celtic mythology, British folklore and
indigenous spiritual beliefs and practices, as well as all those who strive
towards honouring the Earth as the living embodiment of the feminine divine.

For further information on this book, as well as information on how to order,
please visit our website http://www.avaloniabooks.co.uk
. A full table of contents is available at
http://www.avaloniabooks.co.uk/catalogue/titles/visions_cailleach.htm

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VISIONS OF THE CAILLEACH
Exploring the myths, folklore and legends of the pre-eminent Celtic Hag Goddess
ISBN - 978-1-905297-24-5

Standing astride the British landscape, looms the giant blue form of the
Cailleach. Whether she is seen as a benevolent earth-shaping giantess, harsh
winter hag goddess, shape-shifting crone, guardian of sacred wells and animals,
or ancient bestower of sovereignty; the Cailleach appears in many roles and
manifestations in myths and legends across the British Isles.

Tracking the Cailleach across thousands of years through folklore, literature
and place names, the authors have uncovered startling references which hint at a
hidden priestess cult worshipping the Cailleach from ancient times through into
the twentieth century. By exploring her myths and legends, they demonstrate the
hugely significant role of the Cailleach in the early history of the British
Isles.

The demonization of the Cailleach through the Middle Ages by the Christian
Church paralleled that of women and witches, and is reflected in various other
supernatural hag figures possibly derived from her and discussed in detail, such
as Black Annis, Gyre Carling, Mia Lia, Nicneven and the Old Woman of the
Mountain.

Looking beyond the veil of the sacred landscape, the vision of the Cailleach
confronts the seeker, in hills and rocks, lakes and wells, burial chambers and
stormy skies. Now finally the primal elemental power of the Cailleach is
revealed in her full glory, in the tales and places of Ireland, Scotland and the
Isle of Man; as well as in traces of her presence in England, Wales, Jersey,
Brittany, Spain and Norway.

This unique and ground-breaking work brings together for the first time the
wealth of folklore, stories and legends regarding this most significant of
British supernatural figures, whose myths and wisdom are as relevant today as
they have ever been.
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http://www.avaloniabooks.co.uk

...
"Determined now her tomb to build,
Her ample skirt with stones she filled,
And dropped a heap on Carron-more;
Then stepped one thousand yards to Loar,
And dropped another goodly heap,
And then with one prodigious leap,
Gained carrion-beg; and on its height,
Displayed the wonders of her might"

Jonathan Swift, 1667-1745


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www.avaloniabooks.co.uk
BM Avalonia, London, WC1N 3XX, United Kingdom
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