I’m a great lover of all things Celtic. As I live in England, I’m surrounded by
ancient ruins and other Celtic memorabilia, so I’m in the ideal place to indulge
my interest. I based the fantasy world of my Magic Knot Fairies’ series
on Celtic mythology and have used areas rich in Celtic myth and legend to set my
stories. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Dublin and the Wicklow Mountains of
Ireland where part of THE
MAGIC KNOT is set, and Wales where part of THE PHOENIX CHARM is set.
This summer I spent two weeks visiting castles and other historic sites in
Scotland to do research for my third book, THE RUBY KISS that will be out
at the end of 2010.
Two of the most beautiful aspects of Celtic heritage are the intricate symbols
and designs. When I visited Ireland, I took a tour around an ancient monastery
and graveyard. The place was magical, full of beautifully decorated Celtic
crosses. We also have Celtic crosses on Dartmoor in South West England a few
miles from where I live.
The shape of the Celtic Knot gave me the fundamental idea on which my Magic
Knot Fairies’ fantasy world is based. In my series, The Magic Knot is a
magical pendant similar to a Celtic Knot possessed by every person with fairy
blood. The three linked rings symbolise mind, body, and spirit. Lovers give
their Magic Knot into the safekeeping of their soul mate-the ultimate
demonstration of trust and commitment that binds them together in mind, body,
and spirit for life.
Celtic symbols also gave me story ideas in the second book, THE PHOENIX CHARM. My
heroine is a water nymph. She has a sensual allure that her family were ashamed
of, so they made her hide her natural gift by binding it with Celtic symbols
painted on her skin. My heroine Cordelia has six Celtic symbols drawn on her
back and mirrored on her front. These cover the energy centers of her body (also
known as chakras in traditional Indian medicine).
The Celtic symbol of the maze traditionally marks the entrance to the
Underworld, so this appears in the book marking the entrance to the Welsh Fairy
King’s domain, as in Welsh Celtic mythology, he is also King of the Underworld.
My favorite piece of jewelry is a Celtic cross set with abalone shell that I
bought when I visited Ireland to research my first book, before it was
published. I’m convinced the cross brings me luck.
To find out more about my contemporary fantasy series and to read excerpts,
please visit www.helenscotttaylor.com.
To read a free short fantasy romance story please visit the special features on
the Dorchester website
I've read a few books on celtic designs and they're quite intricate, almost a lost art.
(Alyson Widen 3:45pm February 3, 2010)
Celtic mythology and their symbolism bring an exciting element to the story. I definitely want to read 'Magic Knot'.
(Rosemary Krejsa 5:26pm February 3, 2010)
There is such a mystery about Celtic mythology. I love how the stories lure you in, it's magic!
(Lisa Glidewell 10:52pm February 3, 2010)
I love the Celtic music both vocal and instrumental. I'd also love to learn some more about the history of the Celts and of Ireland. The only time I was able to visit Eire was on my way back from a 10-year stay in Germany on my return home to Canada. I visited some friends from university in Dublin and they showed me around the countryside a little while I explored the centre of Dublin on my own one day. The time was definitely too short, but I'm so glad I was able to go there at all. I've yet to see either of your books here. Perhaps I can also get the city library to get a few copies of them. All the best to you.
(Sigrun Schulz 1:05am February 8, 2010)
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