Author: Howard, Michael.

"well informed and recommended " Celtic Connections

"enjoyable and interesting...excellent sourcebook, informative, easy to read " Dragon's Brew

The old festivals and folk customs which are still celebrated all over the British Isles each year represent a survival of the ancient concept of a seasonal cycle based on the sacredness of the land and the earth. The progress of the year is marked in folk tradition by customs and festivals, recording the changing seasons. Some festivals belong to a seasonal pattern of the agricultural cycle, others record the mystical journey of the Sun across the sky, both dating back to pagan religions. Each is a unique happening which can be experienced on many different levels of understanding and enjoyment. The Sacred Ring of the year is a reminder of our ancient past and is still a potent symbol for the 20th century.