Nic Phillips

In this exceptional study of the Black Madonna, author, scholar and artist Nic Phillips leads you on a pilgrimage through the history, myth, practice and modern relevance of her many images around the world and asks astute questions about how they have been interpreted and misinterpreted over the centuries. As though restoring the artefacts themselves, he gently strips away layers of supposition and imposition to show the truth beneath, but also looks to the value of the later meanings and significance accrued by these sacred portrayals of a Black Virgin. Starting with one of the most famous of her statues in Chartres, France and then casting light on the less explored phenomenon of syncretic worship within the African and Indian diasporas, we learn how the mysterious Black Madonna became equated with Dark Goddesses such as Kali, the primal fury of the Vodou Lwa Ezili Dantor, and Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico. Taking us into an in-depth exploration of a figure who has been interpreted as both Mary Magdalene and various Orisha, this expertly-researched book shows what a powerful figure this Dark Mother remains throughout the world as a symbol of the strength and liberation of the oppressed. Whilst many existing books on this subject have focused mainly on myths which have grown within the European Grail tradition, Breaking Chains embraces both a personal journey and an objective approach to finding the real power behind the Black Madonna, not only mythically and historically but politically. In a fascinating and accessible work, including his own extraordinary paintings inspired by statues and stories around the world, Nic Phillips shows that the Black Madonna is the focus for a living, breathing, evolving movement, and is perhaps even more relevant today than ever before.

The Evolution of the Black Madonna

Breaking Chains

Celtic Saints of Western Britain is an exceptional exploration of the lives and deeds of many of the saints of Wales, Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. Included are better known saints such as David, Nectan, Michael and Piran, as well as some of the more enigmatic figures, such as Cuby, Helen, Just and Morwenna. Author and artist Nic Phillips successfully brings the saints to life - both by recounting the stories of these mystical, dramatic, humorous, and sometimes argumentative characters and through his distinctive, full-colour illustrations inspired by pilgrimages through the sacred landscape of their world. Drawing on historical and archaeological research, as well as medieval hagiographies, place names and folk remembrances the reader is invited to explore the saints within the Celtic landscape they inhabited. They travelled widely, and their lives were often tangled in a complex web of family connections, teachers and acquaintances. We find the Irish saints Brigid and Patrick celebrated in the south-west of England, alongside biblical figures such as the archangel Michael; and Joseph of Arimathea, who according to local legend, founded Britain's first church at Glastonbury. Occupying an imperative place in the Celtic world, the lives of the saints were filled with miracle and magic, sacrifice and compassion. Nic Phillips clearly demonstrates their enduring power as teachers, through the humanity and virtue they embody. About the Author: Nic Phillips is an English artist and writer with a degree in History and Archaeology from Cardiff University. He spent 12 years in Wales, before moving to Glastonbury, Somerset, to work at one of his most cherished heritage destinations, Glastonbury Abbey. Nic began exploring the landscape of the West Country from a young age with regular holidays in Cornwall which would eventually inspire some of the paintings herein and the book which followed. After illustrating two tarot decks with Kim Huggens exploring the Divine Masculine and Feminine, entitled Sol Invictus and Pistis Sophia, Nic developed his art on a larger scale. He launched Nic Phillips Sacred Art and studying and creating Eastern inspired icons, alongside depictions of the Goddess, as well as numerous saints, in a distinctive modern style.

Celtic Saints of Western Britain

Kim Huggens

Explore the myths, legends, and folklore found in Tarot cards, as well as descriptions of how to use and read the cards. Each card's symbolism and mythology is explained in depth, referencing original sources of the legends so that you can discover more yourself. Several original Tarot spreads are included for use with The God Tarot, inspired by the deck itself and the many mythologies and Gods explored in its cards. Includes: 78 original and colorful tarot cards Special instructive manual providing interpretations and symbolism, including myths and divine aspects, and 10 revealing layouts for successful tarot spreads.

Nic Phillips

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