Sacred Spaces: Stations on a Celtic Way [Englisch] [Gebundene Ausgabe]

In this book, Margaret Silf introduces seven traditional sacred spaces:

* the infinite knot
* the Celtic cross
* hilltops
* wells
* groves and springs
* thresholds and crossing places
* boundaries

Each chapter features one of these sacred spaces and through them we are led into a deeper reflection on what such sacred space can mean in our own lives. The author weaves into her text imaginative retellings of sacred stories from scripture and legend to help us find the thread of our own story, and she encourages us to reflect on how we might mark the key stages of our journey in a sacramental way.

Beautifully written and illustrated with evocative photographs, Sacred Spaces is a book for all those engaged on the inner journey, whatever the starting point. Drawing on the riches of the Celtic tradition, it helps us to see that as we go deeper into our own sacred space we move closer to the centre and heart of all creation.

What is it that draws us to the tops of hills and mountains? How can we explain that special thrill of touching the stones of the summit cairn? Whether our aspirations roam the Alps or Himalayas, or are content merely with the humble hillsides of our neighbourhood, there is something powerfully attractive about the top of a hill. Not surprisingly, hilltops are significant landmarks in our human search to connect to the divine.

I have spent many weeks of my life walking the hills of my homeland. When I reflect on these wanderings, I see, in my mind's eye, apparently interminable strings of summits, linked by ridges and plateaux, and separated by valleys and clefts. Whenever a summit is reached, there always seems to be another, higher one, just out of reach, demanding another burst of energy to reach it.

And this is a helpful picture, too, of how our 'spiritual journey' often looks. There are moments of vision, making the climbing worthwhile, but wherever we stand still to take stock, there is always something more beyond our range, drawing us onward, attracting us in spite of the rocky journey that seems to separate us from our hearts' desire.

So many stories from ancient spiritual writings and traditions, including those of Celtic times, speak of hilltops as sacred space. Hilltops are as close as we get to heaven, perhaps, and a potent reminder of our deep longings to reach out towards what is utterly beyond ourselves. They also afford a view - a fresh perspective of the land from which we have come - and new insights into the journey that still lies ahead.