Loreena McKennitt (Morden, February 17, 1957) is a Canadian singer, composer and musician, who specializes in creating Celtic and world music.

Her most beloved works include albums like The Visit (1991), The Mask and Mirror (1994) and The Book of Secrets (1997).

Her work ethic and her conception of art are based on her humble and passionate approach to everyday life, described by Loreena himself this way:

Certain principles have become my compass points. I reference them whenever I make important choices and decisions, professionally or personally. They are things to which I strive and am pleased to share some of them with you.

• Be compassionate and never forget how to love.
• Think inclusively.
• Reclaim noble values such as truth, honesty, honour, courage.
• Respect one’s elders and look to what they have to teach you.
• Be empathetic.
• Look after the less fortunate in society.
• Promote and protect diversity.
• Respect the gifts of the natural world.
• Set your goals high and take pride in what you do.
• Cherish and look after your body, and, as the ancient Greeks believed, your mind will serve you better.
• Put back into the community, as there have been those before you have done the same and you are reaping what they sowed.
• Participate in and protect democracy: it does not thrive as a spectator sport.
• Undertake due diligence in everything.
• Seek balance and space, and solitude.
• Don’t be afraid to feel passionate about something.
• Learn to be an advocate and an ambassador for good.
• Be mindful of your limitations.
• Indulge and nurture your curiosity as it will keep you vital.
• Take charge of your life and don’t fall into the pit of entitlement.
• Assume nothing and take nothing for granted.
• Things are not necessarily what they seem.