(Hedgehog)
Beasts of Albion is beautifully done and well thought out. Miranda Gray presents the animals of the British Isles with their traditions and stories. She groups the animals into three legs of a spiritual triangle. (Within in each of the three kingdoms, three trines (legs of a triangle) represent an aspect of that kingdom. “In Trine of Nurturing, for example, each animal represents a different aspect of nurturing.”) Lion represents the Kingdom of Strength, Dragon the Kingdom of Wisdom, and Unicorn the Kingdom of Purity. Together, the three kingdoms form the whole of life.
The small group of animals that the author covers is uncommon, and includes three animals of British mythology: Lion, Dragon, and Unicorn. Included are animals such as Badger (Brock), Hedgehog, and Toad, which are rarely discussed by other “animal wisdom” books and cards. However, Miranda Gray has Cow and Bull represent two different animals.
Each card has an animal drawn with a medieval-style tile background. The tiles are color-coded to the part of the triangle where the animal belongs. The animal is depicted with their teaching. The author explained that she wanted the artwork to be magical and enchanting, so the animals could seem as though as they were alive.
Hedgehog has a shield, since Hedgehog’s teaching is “Shield of the Soul.” This animal belongs to the Trine of Protection in the Kingdom of Wisdom. Toad is crowned with the Toad Stone of English lore. Toad’s teaching is “Jewel of the Self.” This animal belongs to the Trine of Transformation in the Kingdom of Purity.
Beasts of Albion by Miranda Gray are a nice addition to any collection of “animal wisdom” books and cards.
(For further explanation of Animal Card Systems, go to A Brief Note on Tarot and Animal Cards.)
Return to Individual “Animal Wisdom” Book Reviews page
Return to the Main Animal Page
Purchase this book used from Barnes and Noble.
This book is out of print at Amazon. Here is a suggestion for further investigation of early Albion.
Va. Carper
June 4, 2007