Reviews

Book Review-Celtic Tree Alphabets: Mystic Signs and Symbols of Ogham and Colebren by Nigel Pennick

Book Review

Celtic Tree Alphabets: Mystic Signs of Ogham and Coelbren 

By: Nigel Pennick

Publisher: Destiny Books 

176 Page Paperback

Release Date: July 23rd, 2024

Celtic Tree Alphabets stock photo courtesy of publisher

Celtic Tree Alphabets: Mystic Signs and Symbols of Ogham and Coelbren by Nigel Pennick is as much an academic book on the Ogham and Coelbren alphabets used by Druids and Bards of Ireland, Wales and even Scotland, as it is instructional. Pennick doesn’t disappoint, and gives accurate information; instead of providing instructions, as other books often do concerning ancient alphabets and divination/magical uses, instead shows their uses and meanings, associations, and the like throughout history, inspiring the reader (as it did me) to learn and incorporate these magical characters into one’s personal practices. First, Pennick discusses the Celtic Ogham alphabet, its possible origins, and modern associations as well as ancient. Then, detailed meanings, backed by historic information and research are given, further adding to the energy of each Ogham feadha. Magical uses, potential meanings and historic uses all align to give the reader valuable insight into the Ogham. After this section, Pennick discusses deities related to forests, and their interactions with the Ogham tree and bird correspondences. Then, Pennick discusses Coelbren, a Welsh Bardic-Druidic alphabet that was used more literal writing, than divination or magic, even though according to Bardo-Druidic myth, as Pennick states, it has divine origins.

I chose to pick this book to review for two main reasons:

  1. I am a huge fan of Nigel Pennick and all of his work
  2. I have a large interest in anything Celtic, and especially information about the Ogham and other Celtic alphabets

Beyond this, I found myself inspired, as I typically am with Pennick’s writing, to incorporate Coelbren as a cypher alphabet in my magickal workings, especially for my more Celtic-centered practices. I’ve been slowly learning the Ogham over the course of a few years, but I found Celtic Tree Alphabets to be the pièce-de-resistance in my collection of works on Ogham, the Coelbren addition was an added bonus. I appreciate that Nigel Pennick includes photos, even if they’re black and white, of historical monuments, paintings, etc., to illustrate his work. I have no critiques of Celtic Tree Alphabets and would recommend this book to anyone looking to learn the Ogham, anyone interested in Celtic spirituality, and anyone pursuing a Druid path. Because of this, I give Celtic Tree Alphabets: Mystic Signs and Symbols of Ogham and Coelbren a 5 out of 5. It’s an amazing book and I believe there are many people out there who would benefit from reading it.

Nigel Pennick is an authority on ancient belief systems, their practices and traditions. He has extensively studied and researched Runes, Ogham, Magic and Witchcraft, and the Occult. He is the author of over 60 books, including personal favorites such as Operative Witchcraft and The Pagan Book of Days. He lives near Cambridge, England.

 

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Author Bio:

The Modern Merlin has been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Witch, Sorcerer, Wizard, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician, Occultist, Shaman, Seer and Soothsayer for 15 years, worshipping and casting magick with deities and spirits from many cultures, including Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse & Germanic, Celtic, Egyptian, Sumerian, as well as many Faeries, Nymphs, Dryads, Ancestors and other nature and land spirits and spirits of place. He practices Necromancy and Deathwalking, as well as Traditional Witchcraft, Druidry, Hellenism and Ceremonial Magick, incorporating all of them into a cohesive practice, with some shamanic touches. He studies and practices Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination such as Runes, Palmistry and Ogham. He has a personal blog where he shares Astrological, Pagan, and other magickal wisdom for free! He gives readings and other spiritual services on his Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!