The Magic Arts in Celtic Britain

Lewis Spence’s study examines magical beliefs and practices associated with Celtic Britain, beginning with the nature of Celtic magic and the disputed origins of Druidism. It considers spells, charms and magical books, alongside the role of prophecy, divination, necromancy and second sight in Celtic tradition.

The book also discusses the Celtic spirit world, ideas of reincarnation and the development of Celtic mysticism. Later chapters turn to the Arthurian tradition and the mystery of the Grail, placing these themes within Spence’s wider account of religious belief, occult practice and legendary lore in Britain and the Celtic world.