Cerridwen is known as the Goddess of transformation in Welsh mythology. In her cauldron she stirs her wisdom brew, which was intended for her own son, Morfran. However, things do not quite go to plan. This is a story of plant magic, inspiration, and a mother's love. Cerridwen, and the young boy who stirs the cauldron, Gwion, take an initiatory journey, shapeshifting and moving through the elements of earth, water and air. This ancient story, retold by Emma Clark, with illustrations by Reti Toriella, brings into focus the multi-faceted nature of Cerridwen, who was loved by the Celtic Bards as a figure of inspiration and the bestower of the awen as well as being treated with suspicion and derision as a witch throughout history. This book redresses the balance and shows the reasons for the choices that Cerridwen makes along her magical path.
Praise for Cerridwen and the Cauldron"This gorgeously illustrated book is so honoring of the ancient divine feminine - a magical and enchanting book for the young as well as the rest of us."
-Miriam Robbins Dexter, author of Whence the Goddesses: a Source Book
"This book is a pleasure to read, with its artistic text and beautiful otherworldly illustrations: and also because I found it a re-storative telling of Cerridwen's story of transformation, and the power of her cauldron. I smiled as I entered into the story told here, and it continued to hold me in wonder and admiration for Cerridwen's creative and loving wilfulness, to come through failures and obstacles, for a better outcome, even beyond her knowing."
-Glenys Livingstone Ph.D., author of PaGaian Cosmology: Re-inventing Earth-based Goddess Religion
Emma Clark holds a PhD and teaches in the Department of Celtic and Scottish Studies at the University of Edinburgh. She has written books and articles on Celtic literature and has edited anthologies of Gaelic and Scottish poetry. The myth and symbolism of the land informs much of her research and she has always loved the magic at the heart of Celtic storytelling. This is her first children's book.
Reti Toriella is a Cerridwen priestess from Estonia. Her passion is wildlife, trees and animals. She holds a deep connection with nature. Reti lives in the forest with her fox. She loves to express this magical beauty in her art and crafts. Reti know how therapeutic painting and drawing is, like all creative activities. She gained this knowledge in art therapy at university. She loves music, deep shamanic drum beats and Celtic lyrical tunes. Her son and daughter have given Reti three grandchildren, to whom she shares her grandmother's wisdom and love.
