Yearning for the Wind: Celtic Reflections on Nature and the Soul

I found "Yearning for the Wind" to be an absolutely inspiring text that gives great insight into the heart of Celtic Theology. Of particular interest to me, and something I hold as a personal belief is the Celtic mystery tradition, going back to the time of Plato, that all created things share in the divine life of the Creator (pp. 56). I believe that the spirit of God is in each of us. Some may ask how the spirit of the divine can be found in those who are not godly, yet we find this too explained in "Yearning for the Wind" and in Celtic Theology in general. In the text a story is related of two groups of sheep. One group being white and the other being black. From time to time one of the white sheep would wander over to the group of black sheep and would itself turn black. And, later a black sheep would wander into the white flock and would thereafter turn white. I took this to mean that we tend to take on the likeness of those with who we associate. So... when we associate with those lacking an abundance of the divine spirit we ourselves show a lack of this spirit too. Yet, the divine spirit that is in us will grow when given an environment that is nurturing to the spirit. Along this same line however, we are never completely black, nor are we ever completely white. In "Yearning for the Wind" we see this reflected in the story of the tree, half of which is on fire, the flames blazing up to the top of tree; while the other half of the tree is green, leafy and beautiful. Although not explained in great detail I found the story of the burning tree to be similar to the Chinese theory of yin and yang. Each is the opposite of the other, yet yin flow into yang and yang flows into yin, and at the heart of each is the essence of its own opposite. In each person we can find the rage and flames of the burning half of the Celtic tree and at the same time we can find the shade, and leafy beauty of a tree in the fullness of its bloom. I believe it is what we do with that that is found within each of us that dictates the course of our lives, and how brightly the spirit of the divine is reflected in us. In Celtic Theology we read the story of Dagda's harp, the music of which affected the soul of man. It is the music of sleep that brings us to that state beyond joy. The Buddhists call it `satori' and the Hindus call it `nirvana', but in each case it is simply realizing the spirit of the divine living within each of us. When we reach a state where we realize that inner divine spirit we can thereafter use that spirit to aid others ~ as with the Celtic songs of healing, which heal those who hear them as well as those who sing them. We must not think however that Celtic Theology is all mystery and hidden spirit. Those of the Celtic faith are very much in tune with life in this world. We see this reflected in the reply of one of Finn MacCool's men when asked by St. Patrick what had sustained him before the `Gospels'. "The warrior-hunter answered `The truth in our hearts, the strength in our arms, and the promise on our lips'." This clearly summarizes the Celtic Moral Code: "To live from the deep inner knowledge of the heart and soul, to manifest it by physical action, and to be true to one's word." (pp. 83) Although every religion attempts to offer a code or commandments to guide the moral lives of the faithful, I believe that this Celtic insight into morality says it best. For if a man follows the deep inner knowledge of his heart and soul, does he not draw upon the spirit of the divine that is within us all? And, by drawing upon this inner spirit of the divine a man's physical actions with be brave and right and strong. With strength of spirit, and strength of deed, our word will surely be honorable and true.

This is a great book and not just a book to be read through once, but to be kept around for regular reference. I used it as a daily reader and it will go into my rotation of books which I use when looking for inspiration or just something upon which to meditate. I am a shaman myself, have been practicing/studying for some twenty-five years now. While I find much help from readings from various cultures, my genetic heritage is Irish/Celtic and I consider myself a Celtic shaman.I found this book most helpful in the dedication to the history of the Celts and Druids, not just in Ireland, Scotland and Wales, but even back to when the Celtic tribes moved from Eurasia to the west, conquering much of what is now Europe. For instance, learning that the Danube river is named for a Celtic Goddess was quite interesting, given its geographical location.However, beyond the history, Tom Cowan gives us much to ponder about the connections between us all, especially our connections with the Earth. He offers a healthy sprinkling of rituals and meditations for the reader to try, which are very helpful.What I like best is that he shows that humans are not alone, but are connected to all of Creation around us, and that living with a sense of that connection on a daily basis is a very spiritually healthy way to live. It is my belief that a healthy spirit means a healthy body and soul. Very good book with my high recommendation.

I've recently realized that I'm very spiritual, in a naturalistic (i.e. nonsupernatural/nonmystical) sort of way.There are very few books out there for folks like me. I've studied Buddhism (I especially like Zen), Taoism, Pantheism, and Religious Naturalism, to name a few areas that I've examined.A while back I read a book on Druids but that was before I realized my naturalistic spirituality.My ancestors are from England, Ireland, and Scotland and so I decided to get this book to learn a little bit about Celtic spirituality (I also got 'The Mist-Filled Path').I really enjoyed reading this book. I don't believe in the mystical/supernatural/superstitious elements, but I enjoyed trying to find the psychological reasoning/explanations underlying them. I found myself smiling at what I was reading on almost every page.I'm a truth-seeker and this is a beautiful little book with some nice kernals of truth hidden in it, if you're willing to hunt for them.

Tom Cowan's Celtic Reflections is a wonderful read. Every chapter contains pearls of wisdom. The book is also written in a way that builds on concepts presented earlier to make the point later in the book. The reflections draw on Celtic traditions and myth, as well as Cowan's personal life. His explanation of spirit and living "in the spirit" was particuarly poignant. I plan read sections again to try to pull out individual practices and meditations. Although they are presented in almost every chapter, I wish there had been a summary or methodology to the techniques that were presented. Overall, though, an excellent book worthy of reading and study, whether you are into Celtic traditions or simply want to experience another way look of seeing the world.

I’ve enjoyed reading Tom Cowan’s book, and I plan to keep it at my bedside to read again and again.

Yearning for the Wind is an excellent book for anyone wanting to know more about spirituality and soul tending of the Celtic peoples. It brings home the idea that we are all one. We are all connected, plants, animals and humans and as such we need to tend to all of us not just the part we like. We as humans have lost an important part of who we are and this book will help you understand how and when and how to get it back.

Arrived much sooner than expected.

Loved this book, if you are looking to appreciate God in all His glory, this charming and heartwarming book of nature and lore is for you.

Read this whole book with a smile. I love how each tale connected to the next Love love love the spiritual reflections in each tale.

Genius! Everything is connected... Nature and soul.The way its written is like Celtic knotwork, where the tongue of one essay, becomes the tail of the next (seemingly unrelated) one.Profound and beautifully written.. One to read again and again.

To explain the ineffable is not something to take on lightly, Tom Cowan has in this book and touched something essential, that rings true for me..

I found this little book a treasure of short in breaths of wisdom, teaching and true to the celtic spirit

arrived as expected