Principles of Druidry: The Only Introduction You'll Ever Need (Thorsons Principles Series) [Paperback]

Emma Restall Orr (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 25, 1999 | Series: Thorsons Principles Series

Druids respect the earth and our ancestors, honor the spirits of nature and celebrate individuality and creativity. This is a comprehensive introduction to a compelling spiritual tradition that is more popular today than ever.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Thorsons (March 25, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0722536747
• ISBN-13: 978-0722536742
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,885,550 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most balanced introduction to Druidry available., October 9, 1999

By 

"oakenshield" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Principles of Druidry: The Only Introduction You'll Ever Need (Thorsons Principles Series) (Paperback)

Of the many books about Druidry which I have read, I find this one to be the most honest and balanced introduction to modern Druidic thought and practice available. Expressing correctly that the path of the Druid is primarily an individual one, she goes on to discuss the current trends of it's followers, and presents helpful practicums for the initiate. The only drawback is that the book's use of British examples in the lessons, but the readers in other parts of the world can adapt these to thier own circumstances easily. I highly recommend this book to those who are students of Druidry, and those who are mearly curious about it.

31 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Typical British Druidry, February 21, 2004

By 

AE (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Principles of Druidry: The Only Introduction You'll Ever Need (Thorsons Principles Series) (Paperback)

The problem with selecting books to read on Druidism/Druidry today is that there are some huge differences between the way that the Druids in Britain and in America work. This book is a very short introduction into typical British Druidry.

The key difference between the two is that British Druidry is very Wiccanised. This book is the prime example. It isn't to say that this is a bad thing...but I can hardly find any differences in Celtic Wicca and Druidry as described by Emma Restall Orr. I don't think, therefore, that this book is representative of the Druid movement or good for beginners.

What do I mean by "Wiccanised"?
1.The use of the four Classical elements. It is popular in modern Paganism to use the four classical elements: earth, fire, air, and water. However, these are not the Celtic elements, which one would think should be used in Druidry, a Celtic religion. (those elements being only three: land, sea, and sky, or earth, air, and water)
2.Orr makes reference to casting a circle and working within the circle. In Druidic tradition, all things are sacred, and there is no need to sanctify space by casting a circle. Also, a circle is formed by the four elements, which I've explained are not Celtic. If you placed the Celtic elements they would form a triangle. Not only this, but casting a circle is a Wiccan practice. It was invented by Gerald Gardner and his lackeys and has no backing in any historical Celtic religion.
3.Her history... where are the references, where is the proof? There is no well documented history in this book, and if one is looking for a history on the Druids, I'd recommend "The Druids" by Peter Beresford Ellis.

I have no huge critisisms for this book, or for Emma Restall Orr. I found "Spirits of the Sacred Grove" (now under the title "Druid Priestess") to be an enjoyable read. However, when Celtic Wicca is passed off as Druidism, I can't help but critisize it.

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Introduction to the Druids Path, May 25, 2002

By 

Richard A. Hall (Havertown, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Principles of Druidry: The Only Introduction You'll Ever Need (Thorsons Principles Series) (Paperback)

This book not only explained the history of Druidism it also explained it's practices, festivals, and how it can still be integrated with many of todays modern religions. This book has helped me a great deal.