Celtic Prayers and IncantationsHere, in one concise volume, are highlights from Carmina Gadelica, a 19th-century anthology of ancient Gaelic prayers and incantations. Enriched with a combination of pagan and Christian imagery, these texts are written witnesses to a centuries-old oral tradition—a rare literary feast of Gaelic folklore from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. This collection of prayers, hymns, charms, incantations, blessings, runes, poems, and songs sweeps the landscape of the Gaelic imagination. An extraordinary assembly of verse and prose, it reveals the mysteries of a culture's arcane knowledge and spellbinding lore. From incantations used in healing, to blessings on livestock, prayers for protection against the evil eye, and seasonal hymns that include Christmas carols, these religious texts fascinate with their dignified, liturgical style. A monumental achievement in literature, this written record of ancient prayers captures the beauty and wisdom of the oral originals, which were once recited around traditional peat fires. Drawn from the depths of Celtic Christianity, they are a lasting testament of Gaelic faith. |
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Common terms and phrases
Amen angels art thou beauteous beloved Beltane beneath blessing blood breast Bride calf Carmina Gadelica catkin charm Christ the Priest cleave Columba Consecrate didst disease Ditch of Mary Encompass envy everlasting evil eye fair Mary Father Feast Day figwort flocks gentle Give Thou glory God the Son God’s grace h-ug Hail King hand harm heart heaven heifer herds Heron legs Hey the Gift High King Hill-i-ruin Ho my heifer Hogmanay hoiligean Holy Spirit Incantation Jesus keep kindly kine King of kings Lamb land Lord’s Day luck machair MaryVirgin Michael the victorious ṃthan Mother night nine ofall ofAriel ofBride ordained palm peace pluck prayer Rosary of Mary runes Sain saints seven paters sheep shield Smooring soul spell styes sunwise thee Thine Thou art thou churn Thou King Thou shalt Three thy share thyself tonight Triune udder Virgin withering