By (author) Michael Wilson
An anthology of weekly contemplations and practices for spirituality through the lens of psychology, inspired by the culture and mythology of the Celts in Britain and Ireland and their connection with nature.
This functional and thought provoking book illustrates how Celtic tales of the Otherworld offer exciting openings for understanding, including dreams, non-ordinary states of consciousness, content of the deep imagination, and a bigger Mystery of life.
Celtic myths and legends are alive with metaphor and symbolism, which is often thought to be the language of the deep imagination and is so vital to a soulful path. The dreamlike quality of myth and legend, where the boundary between fact and poetic imagination is misty, allows us to engage with them symbolically to promote insights for daily living.
Bringing psychology alongside the Celts in this way allows for a conversation on spirituality where psychology sometimes leads and, at other times, where Celtic voices illustrate poignant truths for a path travelled in depth.
Following the Celtic year, the book consists of eight parts, with six or seven weeks per part, throughout the year, providing a balance of reflection on core themes and practices, beginning with a festival. Each week offers tales and folklore from Celtic mythology, followed by a suggested practice of meditation and contemplation, allowing readers to reflect on their corresponding themes in their own lives.
Ultimately, Portals into Deep Imagination is a companion for contemporary spirituality in an age of transition, a resource for path-walkers to live more from soul via the ancients, nature connection, and life’s Mystery.
By (author) Michael Wilson
Michael Wilson’s lifelong connection with nature is the ground of his spirituality and path in life generally. For the past twenty years he has developed and facilitated nature-based programmes in the UK, especially in Northumberland and Scotland. His work draws upon his experience as a psychotherapist and depth psychologist. He is also author of Resource Focused Counselling & Psychotherapy (Routledge, 2017) and co-author of Creative Ethical Practice in Counselling & Psychotherapy (Sage, 2012).
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“This is a fascinating and important book which offered us an approach to living based upon the mythology and beliefs of the Celtic peoples. Flowing around the Sacred Year, it offers a much-needed approach to the rediscovery of spirituality - not religion as such, but a system of acknowledging the deeply empowering presence of spirit in all things. Michael Wilson offers us a voyage of discovery which includes meditation, journeying and the consideration of some important questions. Recommended for all those seeking a deeper and more profound understanding of life.”
John Matthews, Author of Taliesin, the Last Celtic Shaman
“Recognising Spirituality is not the same as a Religion, this book in a warm invitation to listen to the original Celtic myths and tales about Spirituality as they speak for themselves; to playfully engage with them week-to-week and bring their insights into our inner and outer lives. This guidebook to practical involvement with deep tradition uses active imagination, attention to dreams and new ways to be with the natural world, to bring this about.”
Dr. Dale Mathers, Jungian analyst, author of Dreams: The Basics
“An astonishing project which effortlessly interweaves mythology, psychology and spiritual practice. Transformational, thoughtful and accessible.”
Andrew Anderson, author of The Ritual of Writing.
“It’s hard to imagine that you won't start to experience a deeper sense of purpose through this work. This is an important and significant book in relation to a lived spirituality.”
Roselle Angwin, author of A Spell in the Forest.
“Michael Wilson gifts us with a vision that is both magical and soulful.”
Eimear Burke, Chosen Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids.
