Book Club Questions for Celtic Spirit: A Journey to the Heart

1.  The power of story

Traveling for twelve days with a group of twenty strangers 24/7 has its own set of dynamics. How do you think this framework enhanced or detracted from people’s stories? The overall story? Have you ever taken a bus tour or cruise? How did your experience compare?

The group’s story, the stories of each individual traveler, the degree to which they shared stories with one another, and the Celtic love of story weave together to suggest the power and importance of story. Where do you see that being especially true? How do you see ‘story’ affecting the characters and the changes they experience?

What did you think of the Irish storyteller and the stories he chose to tell? In what ways did they offer insights into the Celtic spirit? 

Megan loves the notion of the world needing a new story for the new century. What are your views on that? How did you experience the communal story Dorrie facilitated with the group on Day 11?

2. The Journey

What do you see as the meaning of “journey of the heart”? What journeys have you taken? Do you think of your own life as a journey? 

Some view their experience as a spiritual journey, even a pilgrimage. Which characters would you consider were on a spiritual journey or pilgrimage? What factors would you say contributed to their success or lack of progress?

At the end of all trips, a new journey begins, informed by what has gone on along the way. Think about the people you ‘met’ at the first dolmen portal and then again at the last portal. How did they change and what changes most surprised or pleased you?

3. Transformation

Dorrie talks often about the transformational power of the sites the group visits.l How does this belief fit with your own worldview?

Which characters would you say made major transformations? In your opinion, what factors contributed to these changes?

The notion that there is a transformational power to ancient and sacred sites recurs. Which, if any, resonates with you? Have you ever felt the energy or sense of transformation at a particular place?  If so, please share where and when - if you are willing.

4. The Sacred

Kate offers a favorite quotation by Joseph Campbell: Your sacred place is where you find yourself again and again. How does that definition strike you?  What would your definition be? What sites or situations would you deem sacred?

A major theme is the universality of Celtic spirituality. Brigit’s Well is the first place where group members talk about their religious backgrounds.  What are the various worldviews, religions, and belief systems that were evident? Given these backgrounds, were you surprised at any reactions evoked by an individual at one of the sites?

If you were going or going back to Ireland, what sites would you most want to visit? What spoke to you?

Were you in any way offended by the depiction of any of the characters? Or put off by their views?

5. Intergenerational Dynamics

A pick-up group of musicians in an Irish pub often includes teenagers. On the bus tour, young people intermingle with strangers with whom they have no role or expected relationship. Who benefited and in what ways? Where do you see such intergenerational exchanges in real life?

In what ways did the inclusion of the youth voice enhance or detract from the story? Did their views and insights on building a 21st Century story resonate with you?

6. The Ancient Ones

Many of us learned that early peoples were primitive and that human evolution has been incremental. Yet, ancient sites, especially places like Newgrange, evoke the question “what did ancient people actually know and how did they know it?”.  What is your understanding of places like Newgrange and Stonehenge? 

What do you make of the alignment of Newgrange and the sun at the winter solstice? Other sites and standing stones aligned to the sun, moon, or stars? Vortex energy? Ley lines?

How did you relate to the experience people in the story had with Newgrange? If any one of you has been there, please share.

7. Celtic Culture

Through Timothy, visits to the pubs, the Irish storyteller and the Celtic dancers, the group is exposed to some of traditional Irish culture as interpreted by present-day people who carry forth the story. What was your takeaway of Ireland seen through their eyes? How does it compare to other modern day glimpses you have had of Ireland?

Trish finds a postcard celebrating some of the great writers of early twentieth century Ireland. What Irish writers do you particularly admire or enjoy?

Kevin is a student and lover of Yeats. How does that bring shape and meaning to Kevin’s story? to the overall story? What about Jackson’s interest in Joyce?

8. The Other Kingdom

Yeats was a leader in capturing the spirit of the stories of the Old Religion and gave new life to Irish folklore that included leprechauns and the world of Faerie. How do you react to this aspect of Celtic culture?

Rose brings her own fascination with the fairies to Ireland and expands her experience with the Other World. How did that strike you? 

And, what did you think of Lily? Her music? Her role in the overall story?

9. Magic 

The teenagers have animal spirit cards, tarot, and ogham sticks for social time. They ask the adults what they think of such oracle devices. What did you think of the responses?? How would you respond?

Celtic pagans use the term “magick” to differentiate their rituals from that of black magic or satanic work. The book only touches on this subject. Yet, there is the suggestion of magic in the unique blend of dance, story, and power of place that weaver through Celtic culture. What are your views on magic and the Celtic experience of our travelers? 

And, Celtic Spirit-what does it mean to you?