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Lilly Lewin joins Christine to kick off our series on Celtic Advent. As the season draws near, they discuss what they love about Advent - what they don't - and how Celtic Advent expands the season and slows it down. They also explore what this year's loss of their husbands has meant to them and their experience of seasons and seasonal celebrations.

Takeaways

• Advent is a time to slow down and prepare for Christmas.
• Celtic Advent offers a unique perspective on the season.
• Creative practices can enhance the Advent experience.
• Grief reshapes how we celebrate Advent.
• Christmas traditions can be reimagined in meaningful ways.
• The invitation of Advent is to notice and reflect.
• Advent is about preparing room for Jesus in our hearts.

Lilly is worship curator of ThinplaceNASHVILLE and freerangeworship.com. She takes worship outside the box, beyond singing, through multi-sensory prayer, experiential worship, and art. Lilly leads workshops, & creates Sacred Space experiences in the US and abroad. Author of Sacred Space with Dan Kimball, and articles in Youthworker Journal, & Curating Worship by Jonny Baker. You can connect to her through her website Freerange Worship or join her on Instagram or Facebook.

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In this re-podcast of an earlier conversation with Christine, David Cassian Cole shares his journey into Celtic spirituality, detailing his early experiences and the accidental yet transformative encounters that shaped his spiritual path. He discusses the founding of Waymark Ministries, which focuses on sharing insights from Celtic Christianity and mysticism. The conversation also delves into the significance of Celtic Advent, its unique structure which includes three sets of 40 days, and the reception of Cassian's book on the subject. Additionally, the role of women in Celtic leadership is highlighted, along with practical advice for celebrating Celtic Advent amidst the busyness of the season.

Takeaways

• David's journey into Celtic spirituality began with a mystical experience.
• Celtic Christianity emphasizes a unique rhythm of three sets of 40 days.
• Celtic Advent offers a sacred space before the commercial rush of Christmas.
• The book 'Celtic Advent' has been well received and is popular among readers.
• Celtic Christianity had a strong emphasis on women in leadership and connection with nature.
• Rather than being church-based, Celtic Christianity developed in the context of monastic life.
• Celtic Christians viewed the coming of Christ as a repetitive event in life.
• Intentionality is key in celebrating Advent amidst busyness.

​David Cassian Cole is the Founder and Executive Director of Waymark Ministries; he is an international Spiritual Teacher and Retreat Leader; he has lectured in Christian & Bible Colleges; has appeared in numerous television programs; is an award winning author of 8 books, including 'Celtic Advent', as well as being part of collaborative published writings; and was Deputy Guardian of The Community of Aidan & Hilda, a Celtic-inspired New Monastic Order that he was a member of for 20 years.

He has been a full time Church Minister and Teaching Pastor in different churches and is qualified in 'Spiritual Care' (holistic care and pastoral counselling); as well as being a certified Reiki practitioner; he holds a Masters' degree in 'Christian Spirituality', specializing in the Christian mystics, and writing his thesis on how historic Celtic Christianity can inform New Monastic ideas of Discipleship.

More about David Cassian's work can be found at Waymark Ministries

Purchase a copy of Christine Sines book Celtic Advent: Following An Unfamiliar Path

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This week we are repodcasting Christine's interview with Celtic-inspired artist Mary Fleeson.

Christine Sine interviewed Mary Fleeson, an artist inspired by Celtic spirituality and the natural beauty of Lindisfarne. Mary shared her artistic journey, the influence of ancient manuscripts, and how her faith shapes her work. The discussion also explored the meditative process of creating art, the evolution of materials used in her craft, and the inspiration she draws from music and nature. Mary highlighted her current projects and aspirations, emphasizing the importance of making art accessible and meaningful.

Takeaways

• Mary's artistic journey began with a fascination for Celtic knotwork.
• The beauty of Lindisfarne deeply influences Mary's artwork.
• Mary's art aims to draw viewers into prayer and meditation.
• The process of creating art is meditative and requires focus.
• Ancient manuscripts like the Book of Kells inspire Mary's style.
• Music and poetry significantly influence Mary's artwork.
• Mary's current projects include prayer spaces and new art pieces.
  
  Mary Fleeson has lived on Holy Island, just off the coast of Northumberland, UK since 1997. She studied textiles at college then gained an honours degree in Three-Dimensional Design in 1992. About her work Mary thinks that her style originates from doodling in lessons at school (!) combined with opportunities during her education to experiment with many different types of media and techniques.
  
  Together with her Christian faith, living on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and being surrounded by its natural beauty and visible history, is the greatest inspiration for Mary's work; a feeling of being part of a rich cycle of life which began in pre-history and encompasses extremes of peace and violence, poverty and prosperity. She also studies early manuscripts and ancient calligraphy from around the world to gain an insight into how calligraphy and illumination have enhanced works, both religious and secular, throughout the ages.
  
  Over the last 25 years Mary has created over 120 pieces of artwork that sell as prints and greeting cards and has written and designed over 75 books including devotional, prayer, poetry and colouring books. Alongside creating illuminated art and writing Mary creates meditational weaving made from found scraps and yarn and enjoys teaching people how to create celtic knots.

Mary Fleeson and her work can be found on the Lindisfarne Scriptorium facebook page and website.

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