The Druidry Handbook: Spiritual Practice Rooted in the Living Earth Paperback – January 1, 2006

Great way to learn about the Drui ways

After listening to the book on Audible, I bought the book so that I can study it in detail. I’m a visual learner and I really needed to see the spelling of the Celtic/Welsh names. A wonderful framework and motivator for learning and meditation. I’m even inspired to keep a journal, so that’s good. 🫠

The best book on Druidry (or any nature based/ pagan spirituality) I've encountered in a long time.It had all the information I needed to connect the dots between other traditions and practices and get a firm understanding of Druidry. I only wish it had been the first book I encountered on my path (some 20 years ago).I still refer back to it for information on ritual, holy days, and the Ogam - I chose it over all the others in my large library.

Like many who come to this book, I know John Michael Greer for his Hermetic and general audience political writings. I was aware that he was the AODA's archdruid as well as having an affiliation with ADF, an more explicitly reconstructionist polytheist group. Greer admits that revival Druidry is largely inspired by Masonic, Hermetic, and Victorian romantic revivalist lore and is ecumenical in his approach here. Most of the "Celtic" references are Welsh and there is no theological commitment explicitly made the practice. Greer admits that these roots are early modern and not ancient, and while this will displease some, it is also more honest than some claims to the traditional relationship to Druidry.Like many, I find much of the ritual magic here to be anachronistic to Druidry, although Greer admits this, and just beyond my use of ritual practices. The historical part of the book, which is the first section, was refreshing modest its claims and did accurate the origins interesting, although if you are primarily interested in this aspect of the book, Ronald Hutton's books on Druids are much more detailed. The second part deals with the triads and paths, largely related to the curriculum of the AODA. I admit I do find AODA's take on meditation interesting if mostly speculative.While the most useful to Druidry revitalists in the AODA and OBOD--Celtic Reconstructions and even the ADF druids may not find this as usual--even an outsider to the world like myself can find nuggets of wisdom and use here

I am of the Bardic Grade in the OBOD, I am with the ADF and the AODA, I love this mans material so I am bit bias, I have many of his works and I can't say enough of how amasing they are. I have been practicing for well over 40+ years Since i was very very young. and I have to say I am always learning more and plan to never stop learning2 books I was able to get are:THE DOLMEN ARCH: A Study Course in the Druid Mysteries volume 1 The Lesser Mysteries by John Michael GreerTHE DOLMEN ARCH: A Study Course in the Druid Mysteries volume 2 The Greater Mysteries by John Michael GreerWonderful editions to have added to my very lovely libraryhappy hunting

This book is well worth the buy. Unlike so many other authors, john makes sure to explain that this is modern druidry, not ancient druidry. He doesnt try to pass off anything as ancient knowledge and even explains that some of the main texts of modern druidry is questionable when you consider whether its ancient or not. He gets you to understand that this is not important. druidry is a way of life, not a religion or a set of dogmas set in stone. Feel welcome no matter what your religion, its about reverance for the earth,land and changing the way you approach modern societies wasteful ways that everyone just accepts as "The way to be". This is by no means an ecofreak book though. It offers ways to change but doesnt act snoody or self rightous.This book is full of mystiscm aswell. It has several elemental charts, including the druid elementals, in depth ritual instructions and wheel of the year info aswell. It lays down the basics of druidism and at the end of the chapters it has a list of suggested reading. On top of this it has a section on the Ogham alphabet, instructs you on the divinitory meaning and such.It also covers meditation. Color breathing, thats all Im gonna say, you need to read the rest lol.It lays down the paths, earth path, sunpath, moon path. And it gives you the 1st degree corriculum, so bassically you can get started right away on your path to druidism. btw i am a follower of the witch path and this is a great way to suppliment that or any religious path.I would reccomend this book to all who are on spiritual paths in life.

As noted by Mr. Greer, there is little we can know for certain about the original Druids of the Celtic world, outside of the anecdotes preserved about them by their Roman adversaries. However, as many continue to seek links with the past and with nature across time and space, the romance of what people imagine about the Druids continues to inspire and resonate with many seeking a spiritual path based on nature and the ancient past. Thus, the birth of modern Druidry.Mr. Greer's book is divided into three parts, (1) "The Druid Tradition in the Modern World" (the Druid Revival which began in the 1700s and its various descendants), (2) "The Three Triads of Druid Philosophy" (which includes such subjects as the three rays of light, circles of manifestation, the elements of nature (three in druid tradition, as opposed to the 4 or 5 of alchemical or neopagan traditions), solar and telluric currents. stations of the year, ogham, and the place of Taliesin, Arthur and Merlin in Druidry, and (3) "Initiation into the Druid Tradition", which includes three paths of practice which connects one to nature (both contemplation and action), to ritual and the annual cycle, and to one's self through various practices of meditation.This book also serves as a manual for the first stage of the study of Druidry according to the approach of the AODA (Ancient Order of Druids in America), which Mr. Greer heads as Grand Archdruid ([...] Mr. Greer is to be commended on an honest, pragmatic and very readable approach to an earth-oriented spirituality to which many find themselves drawn.

The book made a considerable effort to provide the reader with sufficient information to enable the development of a meaningful and coherent personal Druidic path.There are numerous suggestions and JMG uses his copious knowledge very well to provide inspiration and guidance as well as instead gets into what is known about Druidry. I liked the way the book was sectioned into three, (Earth, Sun, Moon) as I felt this reflected Druidry well. The book also concedes that much about Druidry today ( neodruidry) is not necessary based on historical fact, but that this does not necessary render such beliefs or practices any less worthy, as it is the meaning to our lives and the spiritual satisfaction that such things provide here today that really matters. I would say that this is a must buy for those considering taking the Druidic path on a more serious level.

Wonderful book that's become a daily reference almost

I'm rating this book high with some reservation. The author is very knowledgeable and based on his position, is credible. The book holds a great deal of information that makes it useful as a reference tool, however, I felt there were too many soap box type rants that weren't necessary. It is worth the read for those interested in following the Druid path but I prefer the book I'm currently reading, which is The Druid Magic Handbook: Ritual Magic Rooted In The Living Earth also written by John Michael Greer.

The first book I purchase about the subject. Interesting, even if it speak mainly about one particular Druidism.

Came early and is really good. I got it for my nephew and he reads it everyday. He loves it.