I really loved this exceptional 285 page book of prayer, it reached deep into my soul and seemed to pull all my carnations into alignment. The format is great, the author follows the calendar year as she takes us through the days of the week, giving us a veritable menu of day and night spiritual prose. There are two things that really endeared this new buddy to me, first is the blending and honoring of the Celtic and Christian practices, and second, are the precious stories and rich histories that accompany each day. As I would read the prayers I could hear myself saying them in my memory as if it were yesterday, it was a strange feeling, but very comforting as well. I would recommend this profound Godsend to anyone at any level of their spiritual journey. This sweet primer has definitely made it's way to my heart and to my spiritual tool box. Thanks Tess, for opening these tired eyes just a little bit wider. ~ Riki Frahmann, Mystic Living Magazine Nov 2007

Although the sub-title is ‘Celtic and Christian Seasonal Prayers’ this book is much more than this. Tess Ward, an Anglican priest, hospital chaplain and spiritual director/counsellor has created an inspiring and very practical book that will be of interest and use to preachers, teachers and all those who enjoy the challenge of new prayer material combining Celtic Christian and Celtic Pagan traditions. ‘God’ is treated as gender free and encompassing a multitude of understandings. The seasons and the Christian year flow naturally through the entire book. Tess Ward writes with warmth and her personal experience and pilgrimage of faith shine from all the pages. I have used many of the prayers in both personal and public worship and referenced a number of relevant stories in my talks and sermons. This book is highly recommended. It will make a perfect gift at any time of the year. There is no better way to conclude than by quoting the cover endorsement by Diarmuid O’Murchu MSC, “Tess Ward writes like a mystic. A gem for all seasons!’ It is a gem indeed. ~ Revd. John Churcher, Progressive Christian Network Dec 07

Tess Ward is an Anglican priest whose work very much feels to be in service to the community and the sacred, and this book exudes a real sense of that giving. For the many within the Druid community who are married to Christians, whose children or parents are practising Christians, whose childhood Christianity is still strong within their soul though now they may be revering other gods, or who indeed do weave together the Pagan and Christian in the creation of a rich fabric of British heritage, this book would be a beautiful addition to their library, for reference, use and inspiration. ~ Bobcat, Druid Network

This book offers a pattern for daily prayer drawing on the two strands of Christian and Celtic tradition, taking us through the rhythm of the seasons in a refreshing and deeply spiritual way. Divided into monthly sections, it combines the Christian seasons with the seasons of the Solstices and Equinoxes. A week of daily prayer is offered for each month with well researched introductions to each section covering the historic and current way we celebrate the festivals of each season with relevant biblical and spiritual references. These themes are taken up in the prayers for the week which are meditational in style. There is a daily invitation to silent prayer with the words “Be still in the silence and aware of the Love with and within…” This book offers an original and inspiring pattern for daily prayer which reconnects with the awareness of God in all things. Although intended for personal devotions, this book offers some refreshing lead-ins to silent prayer and provides a valuable resource for those leading Quiet days or retreats on a Celtic theme. ~ Yvonne Walker, Julian Magzine

Tess's book is a gift, and one which I have long searched for... a liturgical treasure chest that sums up where I now find myself in this beautifully muddled and messy world of faith. It carries the reader on a rich and inspirational journey of prayer and reflection through the whole year - following the Celtic Wheel. There are, of course, many hundreds of Celtic Christian books today but what sets this volume apart is the author's obvious love for the Pre-Christian Celtic heritage of this land, a love which means she does not merely resort to the Christianisation of Pagan traditions and customs but lets them speak for themselves. Tess unashamedly and passionately uses both Christian and Pagan elements to create a prayer book that is valuable to those of any faith but especially those find themselves somewhere between the two worlds of the Christian and the Pagan. I am one of those and this book is just what I've been looking for! Tess is also a fine historian and injects to each month a thought provoking and exciting introduction... informing us of some parts of our history that other books choose to leave out. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to treat themsleves to a special gift, a gift that for many will certainly become a dearly loved companion. ~ Mark Townsend -, author of The Gospel of Falling Down and The Wizard's Gift

The text is beautifully illustrated by Clare Arnison-Newgass. The descriptions are earthy and very British, so much so that readers might not understand the sense of the descriptions if their climate is very different from that of the British Isles. The language connects strongly with women’s spirituality and feminist themes, which might put some readers off. ... I think Celtic Wheel of the Year is particularly wonderful. It is one of the most original liturgical books I have ever seen, and since the art of crafting creative liturgy is rare we need to cultivate more liturgists of this exquisite a caliber. ... For many of us who are married or partnered with Christians, or are Christian and partnered with Pagans, this book is a beautiful addition to our library, for reference, use and inspiration. ~ Lisa Mc Sherry, www.facingnorth.net

Tess Ward writes like a mystic. A gem for all seasons!