Four Elements: Reflections on Nature

This is another book by the Irish poet John O'Donohue. I am interested in nature and thought I would enjoy reading about the author's reflections. So far I have read the introduction written by the author's brother - describing their childhood growing up in Ireland on a farm, doing chores but also being connected with their surroundings and the animals etc. I loved what the introduction describes - I came to an understanding of what my childhood was lacking - nature and being connected to the natural world in a meaningful way. So my next adventure is to read the sections on the Four Elements. I have great expectations.

Not what I expected Perhaps a but deep and cerebral. Actually too cerebral but cheap.

John O'Donohue's gifts that sense rhythms in humans as in his Anam Cara are capable of sensing rhythms in the four elements, earth, air, fire, and water. In this rich example of his Celtic wisdom flow patterns of life in the inanimate. It is a flow I have not sensed before, so it took time to resonate with the workings of a great mystic... time I had no regret about spending on the experience.

I read this book slowly, as part of the small stack of books I read each morning over coffee. I feel like John’s wisdom should be savored this way, in more quiet hours, where his words can truly reach deep within us.

One of my most favorite books of all times - I read it over and over with new insights every time.What a gift- so beautiful - touches the soul

Beautiful edition and cover, great design, easy and poetic language for those who wants to learn the basis and axys of Astrology -- or to read something more poetic to understand C. G. Jung.

This lovely collection of essays on the elements is imbued with the spirituality of the writer and the wild beauty of the Irish landscape. Thought-provoking and challenging, it quenches a thirst in the soul that you didn’t realise you had.

Anything by John O'Donohue is a beautiful thing to experience! I sometimes carry this book outdoors with me and read it while I am sitting under my favorite incense cedar tree, while the sun warms me ,and the wild birds carry on their songs of joy and greatfulness, or when my dog and I take a walk along the creek, but any time any where is a great time for reflection.

Astonishing writer and really insightful. This is a collection of his earlier writings. So his ideas are still in development. This book is not his best, but it is enlightening nevertheless. Well worth a read, but maybe after you've read Anam Cara.

I would give this five stars, except for the fact that it took longer than usual for the book to be dispatched. However, this is a very small quibble and does not detract from the quality of the book, which is excellent. I really love John O'Donohue's writings, so it's great to have this book in my collection.

Probably the best thing I have bought this year. Inspiring and spiritually uplifting.

I love this book. Having John O'Donahue's Anam Cara and Benedictus this has been a welcome addition to his gentle perceptive writing. Although there are poems repeated in their own context in all three books, there is a different flavour here.

John O'Donahue is magical. This book is magical.