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Mysteries of Druidry | 
 enlarge | Author: Brendan Cathbad Myers
Creator: Isaac Bonewits
Publisher: New Page Books
Category: Book
List Price: $17.99
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Avg. Customer Rating:  11 reviews
Sales Rank: 327576
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 240
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.2
Dimensions (in): 9.8 x 7 x 0.7
ISBN: 1564148785
Dewey Decimal Number: 299.16
EAN: 9781564148780
ASIN: 1564148785
Publication Date: May 1, 2005
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Product Description
The Druids were the mystics, philosophers, and magicians of the ancient Celtic world. Their spirituality was borne from their near-worship of poetry and music, their warrior prowess, and the world of nature. The Mysteries of Druidry reveals this mystical romanticism as it was in ancient times, and shows various ways to bring it to life today, in both private and social realms. Thoroughly researched, provocative, and informative, the book carries the reader back to the world of the Druids, not just through Celtic mythology and traditional storytelling, but through the author's own experiences of living and traveling in Ireland and visiting its sacred sites. The Mysteries of Druidry combines a high-quality "training manual" for modern spiritual Celts and Druids with an original and thought-provoking philosophical account of the spiritual meaning of Druidry. It includes: A professionally researched survey of Druidic history, tradition, and customs. Detailed descriptions of the mysteries of Celtic spirituality, including the Sacred Truth, the Great Marriage, the Hero's Journey, and the Otherworld. Practical guidance for meditation and ceremony, for individuals and for groups. The Celtic story of the creation of the world, presented together with a plan for re-enacting the story in ritual. The remarkable human side of Druidic spirituality.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 6 more reviews...
 Wicca + Nothing New June 8, 2008
2 out of 5 found this review helpful
I was really looking forward to reading this book, but was terribly disappointed once I did. Although the author admits to the modern nature of the alleged Celtic Tree Calendar (kudos for that,) he also considers the magic/sacred circle & the 4 quarters Druidic, which is claptrap (particularly the former.) Although knowledgeable about Irish mythology, the author relies on Iolo Morganwg's well known forgeries where British Druidism is concerned. There's also too much reliance on revival Druidry, which is a relatively modern invention, too. Some parts of the book are overtly reminiscent of Douglas Monroe's "21 Lessons of Merlyn." There was SOME good information in this book, but all of that's already been written before (often by better & more scholarly sources.) A lot of the author's opinions in this book, rather than scholasticism.
A significantly better book is Way of the Druid: Renaissance of a Celtic Religion and its Relevance by Graeme K. Talboys.
 Enjoyable and Educational May 29, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Ever wondered what it means to be a druid? Is it wearing a long robe and carrying a staff? Is it reciting poetry in a powerful voice while meeting in secret in the darkest places of the forest? What comes to mind when you think of a druid? Merlin, the great sorcerer and advisor to King Arthur? Or better yet, the wizard Gandalf from Lord of the Rings?
Well, I myself have wondered what it really takes to become a druid. Unfortunately most books I've read on the subject seem to just want to paint a pretty (and fluffy) picture of what being a true druid really is.
Then I received a copy of Brendan Cathbad Myers' book "The Mysteries of Druidry." I have to be honest here and say that one of the first things that drew me to this book was the forward written by Isaac Bonewits, who I know has a reputation for getting to the facts and avoiding the "fluff."
But as I started reading the book I found that I didn't want to put it down.
Myers covers everything in this book concerning druidry that I can think of, and much more. He talks about the celts and their history along with their mythology, holidays, the nine druidic mysteries, the Ogham, the Great Marriage, ceremonies and rituals and offers an excellent commentary on the importance of forging communities in our world today.
This book is filled with Myers' personal experiences, exercises and suggestions for creating rituals that complement the celtic mythologies. The book itself is laced with beautiful pictures (some actual photographs of sacred places in the celtic world) and poetry.
Becoming a practicing druid is much more than flowing robes and mistletoe. Unfortunately there is not much historical data that gives us details of the life of an ancient druid other than what was written by Julius Caesar (who wanted to portray druids as blood sacrificing pagans). But Myers offers historical and scholarly data and doesn't try to paint the druids in a perfect light. He has just as much to say about the shadowy aspects of druidry as he does the more romanticized theories that are so well known to us today. He also offers a very impressive bibliography for those interested in seeing where he came up with his own views on the subject.
The Mysteries of Druidry is a very enjoyable and educational read. It is well written, easy to read and understand, and I would highly recommend it to both the beginning and advanced students of this ancient art.
 Not for a beginner February 19, 2007
I was disappointed in this book. The promo material I received from the publisher has the lead line of `An ancient spirituality; a mystical order - crucial to healing the earth?,' so I was expecting something along the same lines as Mr. Myers' previous book. It just wasn't so. Still, I suppose that's the oversight of the promotions department at the publisher and not the author's doing.
I found the author to be well versed and knowledgeable on his subject matter. The book is a well-done, scholarly accounting of Druidry, both historical and present day. The text is well annotated with footnotes to back up the author's assertions and to help a reader place the many quotes from other scholars that frequent the pages. There are also many black and white photographs of places and architecture mentioned in the pages of the book.
There are many ritual enactments throughout the pages, allowing those who wish to delve into Druidic worship to jump right in. There are also retelling of classic Druid mythologies with thorough explanations of the whole cast of characters. If you ever wanted to know who's who and what they did this is a good book to read.
Overall, as a relative neophyte when it comes to Druidry, (I have attended several workshop presented by Isaac Bonewits, who wrote the forward for this book) I found the book to be hard going and somewhat difficult to follow in places. I do not have any problems with the facts as presented, given the amount of research and experience the author has accumulated over the years spent in Ireland studying the Druidic culture and history, however the prose themselves are for the most part very dry reading. I feel a serious seeker of Druidic ways and knowledge will get a lot out of this book, but for someone like myself, with only a passing familiarity of Druidry, the book's knowledge wasn't as accessible as I would have liked.
Reviewed by W. Lyon Martin - Author/illustrator of "An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child."
The title of the book says it all January 29, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
If you are interested in Druidry, celts, or mysticism this is a fantastic read. Mr Myers provides excellent information and his views of much of the information provided in the book. A must have book for any library.
An inspiring book on Druidry November 14, 2006
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
For those who are interested, curious, or well-versed in Celtic spirituality, Brendan Myers' second book, "The Mysteries of Druidry", will provide food for thought and different perspectives. Beginning with the Call of the Morrigan, Myers challenges the reader to consider how they have chosen to live their lives - are we wielding our power over our own lives? He suggests that life is far simpler and far more complex than many people recognize.
It is this sort of philosophical discussion which sets "Mysteries" apart from many other Pagan and natural spirituality books available. Myers does not shy away from asking difficult questions of the reader, and one comes away with the sense that one has grown a bit after reading this book - not only in knowledge, but also in the development of a different perspective about what is involved in Druidry and Celtic spirituality.
He leads the reader through the history of Druidry and then weaves it into a modern way of practicing this ancient spirituality. He encourages the reader not to just go through the motions, but to really learn about the world and invest time in the contemplation of it. He provides a unique perspective on ogham, incorporating biological information on the trees into his interpretation of the meanings. This deepens the understanding of their interaction with the natural environment and how that may have influenced their meanings and use in divination.
Myers' book provides accessible philosophical discussion and guidance for those who are on the Celtic spiritual path. He proposes ideas that will excite, will engage and will cause the reader to pause and reflect on their life. It is a truly worthwhile book, and I recommend it highly.
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