Celtic Bestiary (Contemplative Coloring)

Coloring is no longer for children only.

Adult coloring books stimulate our imaginations. They can also be a form of mindfulness technique, just as yoga and meditation are. Research shows that coloring can reduce stress by helping to slow heart rate and respiration, loosen muscles, and stimulate the brain. Coloring can open up a quiet space where we are able to hear the Divine voice speaking to our hearts.

The images in this coloring book were drawn from medieval bestiaries, and the descriptions of the animal are summaries compiled from actual ancient texts. Although today we may no longer believe that a panther's breath is so sweet that it draws everyone to her . . . or that barnacle geese grow on trees . . . or that mermaids even exist, we still can learn from these fantastical bestiary creatures, just as medieval readers did. Each animal included here, from dragons to goats and unicorns to crocodiles, is a delight in its own right. Each one allows us to engage with the Divine as the ancient Celts did-and as we might have when we were children-using our imaginations, our creativity, and our hands to connect mind, heart, and body with God and Creation.

Ask the animals, and they will teach you,

or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;

or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,

or let the fish in the sea inform you.

Job 12:7-8