From the back cover:

An anthology of weekly contemplations and practices for spirituality through the lens of psychology, inspired by the culture and mythology of the Celts in Britain and Ireland and their connection with nature.

This functional and thought provoking book illustrates how Celtic tales of the Otherworld offer exciting openings for understanding, including dreams, non-ordinary states of consciousness, content of the deep imagination, and a bigger Mystery of life.

Celtic myths and legends are alive with metaphor and symbolism, which is often thought to be the language of the deep imagination and is so vital to a soulful path. The dreamlike quality of myth and legend, where the boundary between fact and poetic imagination is misty, allows us to engage with them symbolically to promote insights for daily living.

Bringing psychology alongside the Celts in this way allows for a conversation on spirituality where psychology sometimes leads and, at other times, where Celtic voices illustrate poignant truths for a path travelled in depth.

Following the Celtic year, the book consists of eight parts, with six or seven weeks per part, throughout the year, providing a balance of reflection on core themes and practices, beginning with a festival. Each week offers tales and folklore from Celtic mythology, followed by a suggested practice of meditation and contemplation, allowing readers to reflect on their corresponding themes in their own lives.

Ultimately, Portals into Deep Imagination is a companion for contemporary spirituality in an age of transition, a resource for path-walkers to live more from soul via the ancients, nature connection, and life’s Mystery.

Endorsements

“Flowing around the Sacred Year, it offers a much needed approach to the rediscovery of spirituality. Michael Wilson offers us a voyage of discovery which includes meditation, journeying and the consideration of some important questions. Recommended for all those seeking a deeper and more profound understanding of life.” John Matthews, author of Taliesin: The Last Celtic Shaman.

“This book is a warm invitation to listen to the original Celtic myths and tales about Spirituality as they speak for themselves; to playfully engage with them week-to-week and bring their insights into our inner and outer lives.” Dr. Dale Mathers, Jungian analyst, author of Dreams: The Basics.

“It’s hard to imagine that you won’t start to experience a deeper sense of purpose through this work. This is an important and significant book in relation to a lived spirituality.” Roselle Angwin, author of A Spell in the Forest.

“An astonishing project which effortlessly interweaves mythology, psychology and spiritual practice. Transformational, thoughtful and accessible.” Andrew Anderson, author of The Ritual of Writing.

“Michael Wilson gifts us with a vision that is both magical and soulful.” Eimear Burke, Chosen Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids.

Portals will be published by Aeon on 29 April 2025.

Book launch events

• Saturday 24 May: Venue: Berwick Parish Centre, The Vicarage Parade, Berwick-Upon-Tweed TD15 1DF. Time: 10.00am to 11.30am. This event will include a 40 minute presentation about the book including readings, followed by Q&A, and refreshments. To join me, please email mike.wilsonuk(at)outlook.com (replace ‘at’ with ‘@’)

• Saturday 31 May: Venue: South Wing, Eric Liddell Centre, 15 Morningside Road, Edinburgh EH10 4DP. Time: 2.30pm to 4.00pm. This event will include a 40 minute presentation about the book including readings, followed by Q&A. To join me, please email mike.wilsonuk(at)outlook.com (replace ‘at’ with ‘@’)

More dates to follow, including in London (TBC). . .

^{Images: sample of presentation slides with titles from Portals}

Meanwhile, pre-order your copy through Aeon, or from good bookshops, including local independent bookshops, or from: Waterstones; Bookshop.org; Amazon.