Iona Jenkins’ book is a portal into the creative flow which, in Welsh and in the language of the Druids, is known as Awen (akin to our Irish abhann) and is translated as ‘flowing spirit’. The author is a contemporary bard who writes in the poetic language of that flow. Not only does she access the spiritual, creative Awen, she lives in it, turning her life into a work of art, painted in vivid word colours. In this series of meditations and life reflections, the bard meets her muse, a rather intriguing angel, who gives her poetic and spiritual guidance. We are drawn right into her internal and external worlds to dance in their magic.
 
As a writer, I see this book as a valuable tool to access creativity. One doesn’t have to believe in angels. The meditation practices at the end of each chapter are an inspirational way to meet one’s own, personal muses, to access the spiritual flow and to learn to sing with the bards from the Oran Mór (yes, again, our Irish amhrán mór), the Great Song of the Universe. The whole experience of this book requires an openness of spirit. It is not for sceptics.

Orla O’Connell Pagan Ireland Magazine Autumn 2023​ About the Book

"There are some books which you just want to sit with, underline, read leisurely, and let sink deeply into your soul. This is one of those books. 

This book is filled with Jenkins' stories of the experiences she has had while walking the spirit pathway. Most notable and the major theme of her book describes her encounters with an ethereal light being she identifies as an angel. Her guide appears in moonlight and its form and words fit within her cultural beliefs as to what an angel is. I love that she notes that she views her guide in this manner because of her own expectations. Her openness in allowing for other interpretations provides a permission structure for anyone reading and/or on their own spirit journey to understand such experiences in their own way whether it be angelic, otherworldly, imaginative, dreamlike, mythic or manifest in this reality."

"​To Sing with Bards and Angels weaves together the fertile worlds of our spiritual and creative lives with the natural world and the realm of Spirit, illustrating with personal stories, poems and suggestions for practice, how the relationships between these worlds are intimate, inseparable and life-enriching. Iona Jenkins' gentle wisdom illuminates the landscape of the heart and the song of the soul in each of us.”

"​...sure to inspire everyone who longs for a life filled with creativity and spirituality that embraces both the outer beauty of the Earth and the inner beauty of the soul."

"​Iona Jenkins suggests myriad ways to call down angels of inspiration to ignite your own creative forces."

​"A beautifully crafted book full of evocative poetry and wonderful prose."

Read About Iona
on the Penarth Times