Women of the Celts

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Women of the Celts by Jean Markale, originally published in French in 1972

Celtic studies were Jean Markale’s speciality though he wrote extensively about religious and historical mysteries of France. During the Celtic period in European history, this book explores the role of women in social life, and the power they held within society. They could own property and they had widespread sexual freedoms, including divorce. The Celtic Goddesses were powerfully honoured and female prophets and religious leaders and educators had parity with men. Women were also respected warriors on the battle field.  

The major thesis is based on Celtic myths of womanhood, and they make wonderful reading, especially the grail quest for the paradise of love where woman is the initiator, transformer, and deliverer of the developed male psyche. Chapters include Rebellion of The Flower Daughter, Princess, Lady of the Night, The Great Queen, Lady of the Orchard, etc. 

Sheer poetry! Markale takes us on a journey like that of Odysseus! He was a prolific writer and all worth the joy of reading! He is an authority who believes in the honouring of women! How rare is that! 

Reviewer Wendy Stokes https://wendystokes.co.uk