Customer Reviews

The Lost Books of Merlyn: Druid Magic from the Age of Arthur

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

I'll keep this brief and simple: Douglas Monroe is grossly ignorant about almost everything he discusses in his books. What he knows of genuine history, mythology, Celtic languages and customs, herbalism, treelore, archeology, etc. wouldn't fill a thimble. I'm not talking about someone making an occasional mistake here. Monroe gets almost everything he says about the ancient Druids wrong!

Yes, he plants a few lovely fantasies in the manure pile. Yes, he proves once again that almost *anything* can be used to generate magical energy (which is often mistaken by beginners for a spiritual experience) if people really believe in it. But Monroe's books are gynophobic, dishonest, New Age nonsense -- not "authentic Druid spirituality." The ancient Druids *were* the intellectuals of their tribes and they would not have accepted the idea that scholarship "doesn't matter."

Readers wanting details can see the earlier reviews here by myself, Ian Corrigan, and other scholars. Or visit the websites of "adf.org," "keltria.org," "druidry.org," or "summerlands.com." You'll see that we often disagree with each other about details, but are united in our contempt for this con artist.

If you are interested in learning 'facts' about Merlin or Druidism, don't look here. This is more of a manual for those practiced in the arts, rather than a book of factual information that helps to solidify a belief in something or to prove another wrong. There are many deep layers to this text and one must be aware of the occult teachings (occult just means 'hidden') to comprehend its relevance. Or it may just open the mind of the one unknowingly seeking self-initiation into the mysteries. But beware, this path is trodden with wrong turns and battles of faith...

A Cautionary Tale to future readers

Pondering the chasm-like split in reader reviews on Douglas Monroe's Merlyn book series, is a jolting experience which compels me to leave readers of THE DEEPTEACHINGS with this warning:

Most (if not all) of the unconstructive attitudes towards these books, can be traced to the author of "The Essential Guide to Druidism." I made the effort of attending one of his workshops in 2007, and found it more than a bit disillusioning; there was nothing even remotely `essential' about it.

Mr. Bonewits and his "environmental yuppie brand of druidism," came across as an 'eccentric egocentric' who would tolerate none but the voice of his own opinion, and with virtually no practical experience in spiritual development. Again and again he displayed an unbalanced `historic-over-all' criterion for judging druidic reconstructionist movements today.

I have also read on the web, the most outlandish gossip propagated against Mr. Monroe and his books, all of which later revealed itself to be unsubstantiated hearsay; in one case, for example, I found that the data pertained to another same-name individual altogether, and the initial reckless connection was made back at the 2002 Brushwood NY Pagan Festival by--- guess who?--- Issac Bonewits again!

On the other hand, my wife and I both attended two (3-day) summer seminars at the New Forest Centre in upstate NY, and found functioning there all that Bonewits and his group lacks: a real mystical system with substance behind it. No play-acting, no dramas. Just deep magick.

All this to say, that enough is enough! Douglas Monroe has gifted us with yet another masterpiece full of wisdom and timeless words for personal growth. May it continue to illuminate those ready for its message, and the author prosper to pen many more.

Dennis Moore, Cambridge Reader

Douglas Monroe has done it again. This book is one of the best, no greatest books I have ever read. It exseded all posible expectations I had after finding out of the books printing. It provides an incredible amount of information that any Druid , pagan, or even witch could use.

After studying Paganism for several years, I picked up this book about a year ago, looking to expand my knowledge of Druidism. The book is a beautiful work of fiction - if you can get past all the typos and grammar mistakes (my friends call me the Grammar Nazi) - and even perhaps a great inspiration for adding to your Grimoire...but it's basically crap if you're looking for real information on Druidism. Do NOT buy this expecting to learn a ton about Druidism. It is no more a reputable source on the path than Marion Zimmer Bradley's 'Mists of Avalon' and far, far less entertaining than her books.

Many people have questioned as to the "truth" or "false promises" behind Monroe's novels and to tell the truth, I was more skeptical than most, being a truth seeker and avid explorer of Philip Car-Gomm. Interrelatedly, there are many who question the Pherylt as effiable subject material. Many Car-Gomm followers who have done their READING and not just skimming of his books will find references to the Ferylt, merely another translation of the same material (READ The Book of Druidry, written by Ross Nicols and edited by Car-Gomm).As to some of Monroe's personal feelings regarding authenticity, he comes right out and says that there were female druids (contrary to popular gossip belief), but yes, anyone who has studied historical aspects of the same will tell you as well that it was a seperate and cooperative organization. Enough slander has abounded, and beyond, before you attempt to tear into this book, please read it. There is both truth and lies in everything.

Sincerely and Cordially,

Neagadon

This sequel of The 21 Lessons of Merlyn is a nice balance of history and highly usable and practical druidic magick. Anyone interested in Celtic magick, history, or spirituality would do good to read this wonderful book.

Monroe's done it again, all right. He's packaged pseudo-Celticdrivel into a hack novel and dubbed it Druidic Truth. Anyone who hasthe utter gall to quote DJ Conway as proof of his ridiculous claim that women were not Druids is no expert. He obviously has no idea that a dryad was a Greek tree spirit and not a priestess, else he wouldn't have used such an inaccurate source. His attempted defense of the Charm of Making, aka the plagiarized chant of Merlin in the film Excalibur, is equally weak. His "Druidic Magic" is stolen straight from Thelemic ritual, and poorly at that. I'd give it one star, but telling a good tall tale counts for something. This is one of the tallest I've read since the adventures of Paul Bunyan and Babe. Stay away from this book if you value the truth. Buy it if you want a laugh or are willing to use a mislabeled, misrepresented, mishandled system and call it Celtic.

Monroe has managed to outdo himself. This is . . . well, the kindest thing to call it is poorly constructed fiction--either that, or a tissue of lies. Why Monroe would bother making up garbage when we have more authentic material about ancient druids than we've had in hundreds of years is beyond me. He obviously knows neither Welsh nor Irish, the Welsh he attempts to use is embarrassingly awful, and as for the bits he presents as medieval Welsh, well, let's just say some of it's pretty funny. He has, once again, presented known eighteenth century creations as authentic druidic rite, a completely fictious "Welsh" version of the "tree alphabet" he calls BOIBELOTH which includes Hebrew and Arabic characters, and sounds that are not now, nor never have been in Welsh. Save your money--buy Piggott's The Druids, Koch and Carey's collection of Celtic authentic texts, Ford's Mabinogi or Kinsella's The Tain--all of which are authentic, and better written, and have fewer odd references to prepubescent little boys.

Doug Monroe combines ignorance about Celtic lore and Druidism with ignorance about occultism and the practice of magic. Together, they produce books which are at best foolish, and sometimes actively dangerous. Don't bother.