The Soul’s Slow Ripening: 12 Celtic Practices for Seeking the Sacred

So grateful for this gentle and inviting book. In recent years I have been learning more about my ancestors as part of anti-bias work— wanting to dislodge the social construct of ‘whiteness’ within me and look deeper. As part of this process I learned that the bulk of my lineage, like 98%, is Scottish and Irish. This drew me to study Celtic Christianity in a new way— as more of a family story I am included in rather than something I might study as an outsider. I also yearn for Christian practices that are Earth honoring. This book has delivered delightfully on both desires. It is beautifully written and has been a wonderful companion through Advent and Christmas: adding some spiritual nourishment to the season. I highly recommend! Warmly Courtney Pinkerton

Christine tells us in the introduction "when we follow the threads of synchronicity, dreams and serendipity, we are each led to a life that is rich and honoring of the soul's rhythms, which is a slow ripening rather than a fast track to discernment." Twelve chapters of clear and grounded insights into soul growth in a slow and steady way, is a huge resting place when bombarded daily with quick fixes, overnight transformation opportunities, and instant bliss.I am so grateful to Christine for writing this book and honestly reminding us "...the soul's ripening is never to be rushed and that it takes a lifetime of work. The gift of the contemplative path is a profound honoring of the grace of slowness." Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, this book will reassure you and encourage you to try new and soulful ways of finding daily alignment with the essence of your journey back to God. Many thanks Christine!

I find the content of this book well organized and accessible to the reader who may not have previous knowledge of Celtic spirituality, and I also think it could be useful to those more studied in the area, simply because of how well the Celtic practices are organized. The practices that are defined and described are quite beautiful, although I find some of the exercises that are included with each practice to be contrived and some simply did not appeal to me. It also seemed to me that some of the examples intended to support the practice (in the Biblical Context and Personal Reflection sections) were a bit of a stretch and the connection not always apparent.In places, the text is choppy-word choice and placement within a sentence seem off, and paragraphs don't always flow clearly. I found myself rereading sentences and paragraphs because the writing was not consistently fluid or because something didn't make complete sense.I do think it is worthy read, and there are plenty of parts I enjoy and find informative. I appreciate the author's honesty and humility when referencing her own life and spiritual path.I would give it a 4 for content and organization and a 3 for quality of writing.

Having just returned from a writing retreat with Christine Paintner off the coast of Ireland, I couldn’t wait for her newly released book, The Soul’s Slow Ripening, to arrive! Christine writes with knowledge, respect for, and deep love of the Celtic tradition, and gives 12 practices for personal devotion and growth, as well as guidance for a larger group. Christine’s writing and witness is an anchor during unsettling times in my personal life and in these troubling times in the US. Her guidance through these Celtic practices and the stories of the saints of Ireland reinforce my own deepening love of the spiral path. She reminds me to “. . . allow (my) soul its own slow time to ripen and unfold,” wisdom for us all.

This book is "Spot On" in terms of a resource that helps to follow the Quest of Celtic Spirituality, from a Christian tradition and perspective. Practices that we can use! I highly recommend this book!

I cannot say enough good things about this book. It's filled with information on Celtic spirituality, Celtic saints and contemplative practices that nurture the soul. I've been introduced to several practices I was not familiar with, such as Lectio Divina and contemplative photography. I purchased this book to use in conjunction with an online class that is facilitated through the author's website, Abbey of the Arts. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in Celtic spirituality. I intend to purchase more books by this author--she's amazing!

Really enjoyed this book. Reading it brought me closer to my cultural and spiritual roots. Insightful and inspiring I would recommend this to anyone in need of a break from life's anxieties.

A very nourishing book full of thoughtful and engaging introductions to practices for deepening spiritual awareness. It would make a wonderful resource for a group who are interested in exploring Celtic ways of seeking the sacred.

I love this book and have it on both audio and printed. I will get all of this authors books.

Celtic christianity grew on the edges of Roman christianity, building on the native traditions which grew up in close contact with the natural and supernatural world. This beautifully written book introduces us to physical and creative practices that open our eyes to God in fresh ways and places.

This is certainly a very readable book which sets out well the Celtic approach to many asoects of the spiritual life. Where I have doubts is similar to some other writings I have read. In adapting to pagan practice I am sometimes uneasy that they have not totally translated these into a firmly biblical expression of Christianity - I see elements of pantheism and syncretism peeping round the corner at times. It is absolutely correct that creation reflects the nature and purpose of God, but creation is not God. God is above creation and we use creation to point us to Him. "All heaven declares the glory of God" wrote the psalmist.A few aspects of how we take it forward spoke little to me. I can seldom remember my dreams even if I remember having them which is even rarer. And because of severe hand tremor taking photos is not really possible for me. And I can seldom read my own writing for the same reason. That does not invalidate the general thrust of what we are encouraged to do in response for those who are able to do this. A number of the chapters certainly related to my own searching and practice and provided helpful advice.I would also comment that I get concerned at what sometimes appeared to bean emphasis on the solitary. There are real dangers in this, as there were with the Desert Fathers after Constantine institutionalised the Church. God in Holy Trinity is community and we are made for community for mutual support encouragement and growth. The writer of Hebrews instructs us not to abandon meeting together. It is so important for the vast majority of us that we are within the worshiping praying sacramental life of a congregation. A solitary life is very much a small minority practice and then probably for a period only. A key aspect of Celtic expression I have picked up on elsewhere is the wandering preaching nature of its early practitioners.

I found this an absorbing and interesting readThere were many helpful practices and spiritual exercises. Full of many treasures a book to dip into time and time again.

Good. I like all her books