Book Synopsis
Professionally edited and formatted, "Celtic Crone Songs" is a haunting collection of 10 songs inspired by the mysterious rites of early Celtic pagan women. The words and music are by R. S. Perry, poet, composer and artist. The songs are for medium voice with piano accompaniment. (A page of the music can be seen on cronesinger.com.) The songs include "The Sacred Seasons," "Samhain," "Imbolc," "Beltane" and "Lammas" and other rituals observed by the ancient Celts celebrating the Triple Goddess as manifested by Maiden, Mother, and Crone. The lyrics are imaginative poetry based on inspiration from pre-Christian sources, folklore, rituals, magic and mythology. The "crone" was a powerful, wise woman, held in high regard by her community. Some believe that early Irish Christianity incorporated many aspects of Celtic pagan rites, especially in the Culdee church. Today's holidays of Yuletide, Mayday and Halloween derive from pagan festivals.