Singing with Blackbirds

[littleraven]

Has anyone read this book?

It's subtitled "The Survival of Primal Celtic Shamanism in Later Folk-Traditions" which is intriguing, but I would rather trust someone elses word if at all possible.

[Sìle]

littleraven said:

Has anyone read this book?

It's subtitled "The Survival of Primal Celtic Shamanism in Later Folk-Traditions" which is intriguing, but I would rather trust someone elses word if at all possible.

I haven't even heard of it, but would also be interested in reviews.

Cheers,
Webwitch ;D

[arth_frown]

Sounds like core Shamanism, here's a review I found on Amazon.

'Singing with Blackbirds' is a study of the survival of primal Celtic shamanism in later folk-traditions of Gaelic speaking peoples. This is an insightful and intelligent study that brings together areas of study not normally combined. Even better, it is a book that is both learnéd and accessible, all too rare these days.

The method of the book is simple. It explains what is meant by shamanism, takes examples from around the world to discuss some of the essentials, and then compares this with what we know of Gaelic spiritual practices. Whilst it becomes clear that Druids were not shamans in the narrowest sense of the word, it is also evident that much of what they did was shamanic in form and content.

This book casts light on two areas of interest and illuminates both with original insights. Anyone interested in increasing their understanding of ancestral Druids and the way they worked should read this book.

[Deleted]

Not read it yet, but it looks very interesting ...

[Blackbird]

Aye, it does! Who is the author, and do we know anything else about him/her?

[arth_frown]

admin said:

Aye, it does! Who is the author, and do we know anything else about him/her?

The authors name is Stuart A. Harris-Logan
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuart_Harris-Logan

[potia]

I do know Stuart a bit but I haven't read either of his books and I would be very interested in hearing if anyone has read either of them and what they thought.

Stuart lives in Glasgow and is known to some of the local Pagan/Heathen folk although he doesn't attend moots round Glasgow to my knowledge anymore. Opinions on him vary.

He works in the University of Glasgow at the library so certainly would have access to some excellent resources research wise.

Blessings
Potia.

[littleraven]

"Opinions on him vary."

Potia, to quote the Doctor, "that is textbook enigmatic".

What are the varying opinions? Not for the purpose of ruining his reputation (people here are beyond such things IMHO, and can make their own minds up), but saving people the price of a book if it's potentially of dodgy quality.

[potia]

I don't actually know anyone who has read either of his books so I really can't say how he is as a researcher and writer. He certainly has the intelligence to do it fairly well and while I don't know anyone personally who has read his books I haven't seen a bad review either.

Most opinions that I know of are about him personally from some situations and behavior about three years ago now. I am biased but I don't know him now and he may have changed and developed considerably since then for all I know.

Those in Glasgow that knew him at that time seem to vary from wanting to give him the benefit of the doubt to not wanting to have anything at all to do with him.

Because of my personal opinions I have not wanted to buy his book myself until I hear from others whose opinions I value that it might be worth buying. He may be very good as an author but I am not really able to judge him fairly on that issue.

Blessings
Potia.

[Francis]

Strange choice of cover for the book? She doesn't look particularly Hebridean to me! I guess the publishers/ cover designers were just on auto-pilot.

Some reviews here and link to his new website;

www.greyhouseinthewoods.org/swib.htm

[arth_frown]

hi LR

have you read the book yet?

[littleraven]

arthfrown said:

hi LR

have you read the book yet?

No, I will be getting it though. I've got enough books in the 'to read' list. Although that didn't stop me buying a couple off the net over the weekend.

[bram]

I just realised I have the book!!!

And I've read it - just have to remember what I thought of it!!!!!

He does revisit some of the old ideas - Cernunnos represents the Shaman, Animal Guides being related to clans and tribes (Kerrs = sheep, MacGregors = bloodhounds according to Book of Arran). He relates some shamanic practices that can be traced/interpreted from the legends (imbas forsnai) etc.

It's quite a good book to make you think. Although, by definition, shamans only exist in Siberia every society has had people who 'walked between the worlds' so why shouldn't the ancient Brits.