Customer Reviews

Druid Magic: The Practice of Celtic Wisdom

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

Druid Magic is a book that is certainly an interesting look at the beliefs and worldview of neo-Pagan Druidry--the contemporary reconstructionist Druid philosophy that has largely been inspired by the English 17th century Romanticist movement of Edward Williams. However, I feel that it is important to make note that it cannot be taken as an accurate representation of the Druid tradition as a whole--the ancient religion of the various Celtic peoples.

The book attempts too much, attempting to serve as an authoritative historical perspective (which it falls short of, including a couple of glaring inaccuracies), and an offering of the practices of modern Druidry (which it could have done more of).

New students and seekers exploring these ways will certainly find some valuable basic material addressing certain components of orientation that one will find in both neo-Pagan Druidry and in Druidism (the ancient druidic religious stream, as opposed to the neo-Druidry of today, which does in fact survive today in certain practices that have their source with continuing rural Celtic folk faiths as opposed to neo-reconstructionism).

However, unfortunately, many readers may be duped by DRUID MAGIC into taking their rendition of neo-Pagan Druidry to somehow be the full spectrum of the actual Druid tradition, and this is inaccurate.

I have to agree with the reviewer from Boulder, Colorado (see below) on two points as well.

There WERE in fact organized colleges or learning centers of Druidism, most especially in Ireland and Scotland, including the Isle of Iona and North Uist. The authors make a claim against such a phenomenon, yet even a scanty survey of druid history will suggest that many of the Celtic countries sent fledgling students to Scotland for tutelage. One of the most famous of the Draoi (druids) in Scotland was named Durach, who maintained a learning center on the Isle of Iona (known even today to some Scottish Highlanders as Isla na Druideach, Isle of the Druids) where he transmitted, essentially, the arts and skills of advanced psychic ability and extra-sensory perception ...

Likewise, the evidence is also overwhelmingly clear that in parts of Scotland and Ireland certain families of Druidic origin (namely the O'Cassidys, the MacPhersons, the MacMillans, the Lamonts, the MacEwens, etc.) transitioned into either bardic roles or church ecclesiastical roles within the Celtic Church, or both.

The authors make the classic mistake of neo-Pagan scholarship today (which almost always has an instant knee-jerk reaction to anything Christian without holding open the reality that there were very druidic-like versions of contemplative Christian practice) by suggesting that Druidism and the pre-Roman Celtic Christian contemplative and mystical traditions were somehow completely at odds, which they were not, historically, nor even theologically up to a certain point ("Christ the Word has always been among us. There has never been a time when the Druids of Britain did not know of the Word."--Taliesin)

The authors do offer some interesting visualizations and meditations for the seeker and practitioner, to at least attune themselves to the spirit of certain druidic orientations and themes (the Otherworld, nature, etc.)--which might be helpful to some, but like so many of the Llewelyn books I was disappointed.

As a practicing Druidic Neopagan and a teacher of the history of the Celtic nations and their spiritual traditions, I've been frankly astounded at some of the recommendations I've seen for this book. Serious-minded modern Druidic practitioners who have argued for years against claims for shamanic traditions among the ancient Druids seem to have laid down their arguments wholesale in the face of a book that does nothing more than relabel most of those practices as "Druid Magic", rather than "Celtic Shamanism". If one sets aside quibbles over labels like these, there are vastly better and more reliable works out there, such as THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CELTIC WISDOM.

Setting aside the historical inaccuracies covered by others who have already reviewed this book, in general, this is an overinflated hodgepodge of a few quotes from primary source materials taken out of context and tarted up for inclusion in a sort of "DIY" modern Druid training scheme mixed with the New Agey men's group sexual agenda of co-author Mann--most of which has nothing whatsoever to do with the sexual politics of the ancient British Isles (for which readers would be better off starting with SEX AND MARRIAGE IN ANCIENT IRELAND).

Though this book is nowhere near the level of idiocy to be found in books like THE 21 LESSONS OF MERLIN or WITTA, it is still rarely better than silly.

...And don't fall for the "Ph.D." after co-author Sutton's name...it apparently stands for her self-bestowed title, "Practicing Holistic Druid."

I find it unfortunate that in an era where some incredible research is being released on the Druids in books such as The Druids, by Peter Berresford Ellis and The Druids: Celtic Nature Priests, by Jean Markele, that something like this would come out and make some of the outlandish claims that it does, e.g., there were never Druid colleges, or Druids never transitioned smoothly into Celtic Christianity.

Where did you dredge this up? In the Scottish Highlands there is very good evidence that there were Druid colleges (see "Celtic Druidism: Early Colleges in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland", Dalriada Celtic Heritage Trust journal DALRIADA, Bealtinne 2000 issue, written by an authentic living seannachie (bard) from the Isle of Skye named George MacPherson.

We know very well from both oral tradition and recorded accounts within Highland and Irish culture that the Isle of Iona was the site of a college of Druidic training before the coming of Columkille. No, there were no people from southern England in attendance. It was a center of transmission to specifically Gaelic Druids.

There is also an incredible wealth of information available now about the transition of Druids over into the pre-Roman Church of the Celts. (See Ellis' The Druids--a much better purchase for your pound). Certainly there was resistance in some cases and certainly there was resistance of Celtic missionaries to some of the indigenous Druidic religion as well, but the evidence of a synthesis at this point far outweighs the former.

The problem with Celtic-fantasy books like Druid Magic is that it strives for a kind of mish-mash of Welsh, Irish, Scottish and Breton culture, without realizing that Celtic mysticism, religions, folk shamanism and Druidism was not some kind of homogenized tradition. There are drastic differences between the customs and languages (and therefore the thought processes) of people in Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

Ironic that in this book there is a desire to distance their "druidry" from anything that might involve the Celtic Christian tradition, and yet they actively cling to an archetype of the "Peregrine Druid." The 'peregrinatio' metaphor and mythos is actually part of the Desert monastic tradition of pre-Roman Christian mysticism of which the Celtic Church was a part before the Synod of Whitby.

I cannot recommend this book. I think readers would be much more highly served by some of the more respected writers in the field, such as F. Marian McNeill's 'The Silver Bough', Elizabeth Sutherland's 'Ravens and Black Rain', Francis Thompson's 'The Supernatural Highlands', Anne Ross' 'Folklore of the Scottish Highlands' and the very excellent work of Jean Markele and Peter Berresford Ellis. For the experientially inclined I recommend Tom Cowan's Fire in the Head and similar writings. But, generally speaking--and I think my perception is shared by many of us in the Irish and Scottish community--if you pick up a book on Paganism, Druidism or Celtic matters and you see a little crescent moon on the binding of the book, place it carefully back upon the shelf and keep looking. The historical inaccuracies and fly-by-the-seat of our witchbrooms in these Celtic-fantasy works aren't even worth starting your Bealtinne fire with. Sorry to be so harsh, but come on. . . . . .

There's lots of information in this book, including what is and isn't a Celt, what is and isn't a Druid, info on shapeshifting and other magic, spirituality, symbols, the Tree Alphabet, sources for further reading, and much more. I'm not a Druid, but I have an interest in Celtic history and culture. This is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in Celts, Druids, or magic in general.

The book is written in a way that's easy to understand, even if you're not familiar with Celtic lore or magic. Even if you don't intend to practice, it's great reading, and will help you understand the difference between magic in fairy tales and real magic.

DRUID MAGIC dispels the myths that surround magic cultures and opens the path to Druid wisdom for those seeking it.

This is a challenging book, but not necessarily always because of content. First, one must get past the deplorable habit of the the publisher Llywelyn to sell everything with exclamations points like a carnival barker (Let this wisdom inspire you to create positive changes as you become a Druid! Bring your inner Druid to life!). And one also has to get past the rather mixed up arrangement of topics. But once you do that, there are some interesting subjects here, including some like sacred sexuality and passages for the dead, that aren't covered in other books. There is Celtic wisdom once you dig for it and the authors own unique viewpoint is gives one yet another view of a living Druid practice. One of the authors originated the Celtic Studies program at her university in New Mexico so the scholarship is present though not overwhelming at all. And the authors take a very modern almost Jungian approach to mythology and its application in our lives. So, forgive the book its flaws and you will actually add to your learning process.

I was, by turns, very interested and very disappointed in this book. The information inside is accurate, intelligent and well-written, but what it lacks is depth and solidity. What I mean by this is that most of the subjects were merely skimmed over and not really explored to their fullest extent. The book was also very "fluffy", by which I mean it was very new age and PC rather than revealing some of the grittier, dirtier truths of the Druid path. Most of the rather abhorrent and barbaric practices of the ancient Druids aren't even touched upon, instead it seems as if they are purposefully ignored. I gave the book three stars because it does have some interesting tidbits of information that can be used by a student. I wouldn't recommend this book as a beginning primer because some of the conecpts require a certain pre-familiarization. I also wouldn't wholly recommend this book to an expert, because they are probably already quite familiar with what the book has to say. I would say this book is perfect for the middle student who has a good grasp of the basics of Celtic wisdom and is ready to go deeper.

What a disappointment this book was to me. Although I'm sure that those who have never ventured into the realms of druidism might benefit from some of the info, it was clearly to me very superficial in its content and when I came upon a new chapter I was left without "enough" information to keep me interested in finishing the book. I am certainly not a Celtic scholar nor "schooled" in the ways of the druid but Iv'e been around and can honestly say from experience if this path interest you go up to a tree and commune with it, learn how to read the stones for guidance, seek out the reflection in the waters that stare back at you, and finally just ask the ancient druids for guidance and knowledge by going into the otherworlds. Much knowledge is to be gained in these ways and practice is essential. Remember this was an oral tradition. Seek out works by Caitlin and John Matthews especially the oracles such as 'the arthurian tarot", the "celtic wisdom tarot" and the "druid animal oracle" by Philip Carr-Gomm. It seems the stories and myths have much to teach us, and I have found these in particular to be quite powerful. May your journey be a beautiful one.

As a university professor in mythology, I've used Druid Magic to illustrate the living practice of a myth-based spiritual path. The authors take a scholarly yet practical approach. They have sifted through the available myths for glimpses of the Druids and accurately brought them to life. This book is unusual because the authors are researchers without being dry and detached, yet mercifully steer clear of New Age fantasies about Druidry. This is not another book ABOUT Druidry, but one that encourages readers to investigate becoming Druids. My students of Celtic descent find Druid Magic compelling, informative and lucid.

I must comment about a lengthy review of Druid Magic posted by someone prior to this one. The person clearly has a bone to pick with anyone who is not Scottish (One of the authors of Druid Magic is Scots-British and the other is Scots-Irish-American, but that was overlooked). That review contained so many inaccuracies about the book which a simple reading would dispute, and is so full of polemic, that I can only encourage that person to write a different book from that slant!

Overall, authors Sutton and Mann have done a masterful job of presenting Druidry in a fresh and applicable way while staying close to valid sources. My advanced students say that few books arising from mythology can accomplish this.

Druid Magic is itself a magical book. It gives practical and imaginative ideas for a reader to develop her/his own intuitive, joyous Druid pathway. For newcomers to Druidism, it is a complete package that will be both a thorough introduction and a source of ongoing inspiration. For those who have traveled down the Druid Way for a while already, the book offers activities and insights that are fresh, undogmatic and grounded in good scholarship. I can't imagine anyone with an interest in Druidism who would not be enchanted by this book. A new "classic." Five stars!

I recently bought this book and found it very insightful and enriching. They are many activities for the beginner and novice a like. It is a great wealth of imformation for the solitary practioner and couples, and provides a great jumping off point for those who are seeking out others on the same path. Giving information of groves and their locations as well internet information to start the process. I would highly recomend this book for anyone who is just curious or a practioner.