What do you think?
Rate this book
The Druid Way
Rare Book
176 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1993
10 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Philip Carr-Gomm
65 books182 followersPhilip Carr-Gomm was born in London, raised in Notting Hill Gate, and educated at Westminster School and University College London.
He met his first spiritual teacher, Ross Nichols, the founder of The Order of Bards Ovates & Druids, when he was 11. He began studying with him when a teenager, and joined the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids at 18. He studied meditation with Olivia Robertson in Ireland, who later founded the Fellowship of Isis, and in his twenties he founded The Esoteric Society in London, which organised journeys for members to Bulgaria and Egypt, and hosted talks by well-known authors such as Gareth Knight, W. E. Butler, and Arthur Guirdham.
In 1975 his Druid teacher died, and he followed a Bulgarian teacher, Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov for seven years, giving talks on his teachings and helping with the translation and publishing of his books into English. He also travelled to Bulgaria and studied the work of Aivanhov’s teacher, Peter Deunov, visiting Sofia annually for fourteen years, teaching Deunov’s Paneurhythmy dance in England and at Findhorn in Scotland. In his thirties he turned to a study of psychology, taking a BSc degree at University College London and Jungian analysis, with plans to become an analyst. On discovering Psychosynthesis, he trained instead as a therapist at the Institute of Psychosynthesis in London and began a private practice.
In 1988 he was asked to lead the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids. He organised the Order’s teachings into a distance-learning course, and edited his teacher’s book with John Matthews [1]. Since that time, the Order has grown to become the largest Druid teaching order in the world.
He met his first spiritual teacher, Ross Nichols, the founder of The Order of Bards Ovates & Druids, when he was 11. He began studying with him when a teenager, and joined the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids at 18. He studied meditation with Olivia Robertson in Ireland, who later founded the Fellowship of Isis, and in his twenties he founded The Esoteric Society in London, which organised journeys for members to Bulgaria and Egypt, and hosted talks by well-known authors such as Gareth Knight, W. E. Butler, and Arthur Guirdham.
In 1975 his Druid teacher died, and he followed a Bulgarian teacher, Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov for seven years, giving talks on his teachings and helping with the translation and publishing of his books into English. He also travelled to Bulgaria and studied the work of Aivanhov’s teacher, Peter Deunov, visiting Sofia annually for fourteen years, teaching Deunov’s Paneurhythmy dance in England and at Findhorn in Scotland. In his thirties he turned to a study of psychology, taking a BSc degree at University College London and Jungian analysis, with plans to become an analyst. On discovering Psychosynthesis, he trained instead as a therapist at the Institute of Psychosynthesis in London and began a private practice.
In 1988 he was asked to lead the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids. He organised the Order’s teachings into a distance-learning course, and edited his teacher’s book with John Matthews [1]. Since that time, the Order has grown to become the largest Druid teaching order in the world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 16, 2022
The title of this book might lead you to think it's a guide to Druidry, but it's neither a 'how to' book nor a systematic explanation of Druid beliefs. Other reviewers have been disappointed at this, but I found it a strength. Through the medium of a travel journal, Carr-Gomm provides a window into what it's like to be a Druid, and how Druidry can be lived out. The author is immersed in the stories and symbols of Druidry, and this shapes how he experiences and relates to place and time, in this instance the South Downs of Southern England.
Although I found the book enjoyable, there was much I disagreed with. (Finding these points of disagreement was also helpful, and what I had come to the book for.) I don't share the author's belief in reincarnation, and as a queer person I could not get on with the way gender was written about. There were also chunks of the book that were heavily speculative, e.g. when he writes 'It is here that giants and giantesses may truly and objectively exist,' I think he's stretching the word "objectively" beyond its conventional use; he makes claims like "the land has been found to possess chakra systems" without citation, and drops in a few confusing mentions of Atlantis. I found this kind of content a distraction from what was otherwise a powerful personal testimony.
Although I found the book enjoyable, there was much I disagreed with. (Finding these points of disagreement was also helpful, and what I had come to the book for.) I don't share the author's belief in reincarnation, and as a queer person I could not get on with the way gender was written about. There were also chunks of the book that were heavily speculative, e.g. when he writes 'It is here that giants and giantesses may truly and objectively exist,' I think he's stretching the word "objectively" beyond its conventional use; he makes claims like "the land has been found to possess chakra systems" without citation, and drops in a few confusing mentions of Atlantis. I found this kind of content a distraction from what was otherwise a powerful personal testimony.
August 5, 2025
The Druid Way by Philip Carr-Gomm was strongly recommended at an event I recently attended. As a Sussex resident I was attracted to a book located in areas I know well and with which I feel a strong connection.
The book relates a journey through the landscapes of Sussex and is both a travelogue and a book about modern Druidry. Philip Carr-Gomm advocates connecting with the land, nature, and ancestral traditions as a source of wisdom.
I enjoyed it despite not being particularly attracted to Druidism, aside from cherishing and connecting with nature.
3/5
The Druid Way is a book that weaves history, folklore, Druidry, spirituality and psychology into the story of a walk from a sacred hill in Lewes, Sussex, to the giant chalk hill-figure of the Long Man of Wilmington. A reviewer writes: ‘The book describes one person’s journey in the countryside of southern England that evolves into any-person’s journey of self-discovery, and discovery of the Goddess of the Land.’
The book relates a journey through the landscapes of Sussex and is both a travelogue and a book about modern Druidry. Philip Carr-Gomm advocates connecting with the land, nature, and ancestral traditions as a source of wisdom.
I enjoyed it despite not being particularly attracted to Druidism, aside from cherishing and connecting with nature.
3/5
The Druid Way is a book that weaves history, folklore, Druidry, spirituality and psychology into the story of a walk from a sacred hill in Lewes, Sussex, to the giant chalk hill-figure of the Long Man of Wilmington. A reviewer writes: ‘The book describes one person’s journey in the countryside of southern England that evolves into any-person’s journey of self-discovery, and discovery of the Goddess of the Land.’
July 13, 2013
I did genuinely really like this book. It sucked me in, and I felt like I was doing the journey with him, which is all you can ask from a book.
In spite of the fact that I've always been deeply drawn to the Celtic tradition, anything I've ever read about it academically, has left me cold, and also sort of stranded, because I didn't feel like I'd discovered much of anything. This book appeared out of nowhere and the path unraveled in front of me, in much the same way, that the South Down Way does for him in the story.
I had originally borrowed this book from my mum, because I'd taken it for a handbook on druidry, but after skimming a few pages, I thought, "travel log," and shelved it for ten years.
When I picked it up last week, (having decided there was no way in tarnation I was ready to resume studying Mircea Iliade's book on Shamanism), I was surprised to find it was indeed a sort of handbook on druidry disguised as a travel log.
It was much more accessible than anything I'd read about Celtic Paganism before. Carr-Gomm invoked a real sense of the land around him, and it's enchantment. I liked that he addressed the differences between Wicca, and Druidry. I found myself underlining interesting passages, about the different locations, and beliefs about them.
I did feel he dragged the reader a little too much into his indignation at the state of the planet. He did this effectively, but I'm not sure anger is the means to heal it at this point.
Some of the revelations and conclusions he drew about symbols, and landmarks, I found to be spot on, and instantly inspiring. A few others seemed to be meandering a bit, without really landing on solid ground. I like my parallels crisp and clear.
That said, he had me there and with him the whole time, and provided me with an immediate experience of Celtic lore.
In spite of the fact that I've always been deeply drawn to the Celtic tradition, anything I've ever read about it academically, has left me cold, and also sort of stranded, because I didn't feel like I'd discovered much of anything. This book appeared out of nowhere and the path unraveled in front of me, in much the same way, that the South Down Way does for him in the story.
I had originally borrowed this book from my mum, because I'd taken it for a handbook on druidry, but after skimming a few pages, I thought, "travel log," and shelved it for ten years.
When I picked it up last week, (having decided there was no way in tarnation I was ready to resume studying Mircea Iliade's book on Shamanism), I was surprised to find it was indeed a sort of handbook on druidry disguised as a travel log.
It was much more accessible than anything I'd read about Celtic Paganism before. Carr-Gomm invoked a real sense of the land around him, and it's enchantment. I liked that he addressed the differences between Wicca, and Druidry. I found myself underlining interesting passages, about the different locations, and beliefs about them.
I did feel he dragged the reader a little too much into his indignation at the state of the planet. He did this effectively, but I'm not sure anger is the means to heal it at this point.
Some of the revelations and conclusions he drew about symbols, and landmarks, I found to be spot on, and instantly inspiring. A few others seemed to be meandering a bit, without really landing on solid ground. I like my parallels crisp and clear.
That said, he had me there and with him the whole time, and provided me with an immediate experience of Celtic lore.
August 1, 2019
Had some really good information at points, but I didn't recognize a read thread. I kinda wished more of the knowledge and less history about certain places most people have no idea of where they are.
July 23, 2025
Lovely account of the author's exploration of the South Downs Way between Lewes to Wilmington taking in the sacred sites and exploring their history and meaning, with special reference to Druid tradition. Starting and ending at the Lewes Tump and circling the Long Man (or could it be a Long Woman?) of Wilmington, we share the thoughts, reminiscences and visions of the Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids as he encounters and re-encounters the sacred land, guarded on one side by the sea and on the other by the bony shoulder of the South Downs.
There are also beautiful examples of Druid ceremonies to mark birthing/naming, marriage/handfasting and death/parting, which show how modern practitioners continue the sacred traditions of the Old Ways of the indigenous Celts, honouring the land, the four elements, and the animal and bird life that shares our time and space on this beautiful planet. A hopeful and inspiring read.
There are also beautiful examples of Druid ceremonies to mark birthing/naming, marriage/handfasting and death/parting, which show how modern practitioners continue the sacred traditions of the Old Ways of the indigenous Celts, honouring the land, the four elements, and the animal and bird life that shares our time and space on this beautiful planet. A hopeful and inspiring read.
February 14, 2021
A quaint book following the pilgrimage of a man dealing with grief.
November 10, 2024
Found a first edition (though not first print 🥲) in a second-hand bookstore and decided to pick it up. It took a while before it called to me from my shelves but suddenly the moment was there to accompany Philip on his retelling of his journey in his local area. Written quite vividly, taking you with him along every stretch. I can't say that each chapter was equally exciting, but on the whole it was inspiring: what can I learn from walking my local land? And how to go about it? Clearly, just going out and walking a stretch won't be as effective as planning for it so you can do so without distractions and open yourself to the world, and I think that that is the biggest lesson from this book: see the world with new eyes. Oh, and have someone pick you up if
April 26, 2025
I read the revised edition with a green compass rose on the cover. I liked the additional commentary but the print quality of each chapter heading and quote of poetry was so poor that I gave up trying to read them. Philip Carr-Gomm picked an interesting way to unfold Druidic teachings, weaving it in with his walks across a bit of East Sussex. It is a creative and rather Bardic way to understand Druidry.
August 20, 2024
I was really excited as I loved the first parts of this book but it unfortunately lost me about half way. The long descriptions and sometimes random info made me feel like the author was just jotting down some thoughts at times and made it difficult to keep on with the story in my opinion.
September 8, 2019
A deeply honest and open exploration of a way of life as truly experienced by the author.
November 11, 2020
I've been researching texts on the old gods and a colleague recommended this. A beautiful collection of ritual, story, and culture. I recommend this read on the last week of October for best visualization. I found myself moved by the call to action to restore a balance with the earth. There was also vivid comparisons of the past to the present.
November 20, 2024
Was more of a memoir than a how to
December 23, 2013
This is a welcome new edition of a book that has been unavailable for a while. It charts Carr-Gom’s journey from his adopted home town of Lewes to the hill giant of the Long Man of Wilmington on many planes. Like fellow pilgrims of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, sharing tales along the way, we accompany Carr-Gom on his perambulations and it is like going on a multi-dimensional ramble with a wise and witty guide, and though we enter perilous territory – coming face to face with our/the Land’s woundedness – we know we’re in safe hands with this Chief Druid who takes us there and back again across a transfigured Sussex landscape, mythologised by his imagination, research and experiential encounters.
Finding the universal in the particular, Carr-Gom’s windings created a Sussex Dreamtime, in which each tump and copse, stream and curve, gains significance – the dance of the God and the Goddess, Child and Crone, across the land. Past, present and future, otherworld and this world merge – in a style reminiscent of Magic Realism, as the magical interrupts the mundane in unexpected ways. Giants throw rocks at each other across the South Downs; spritely nymphs and noble horse goddesses lead Carr-Gom further up the garden path – the Bonny Road – a Rhymer on the borders of Elfland, a Don Quixote of the Weald.
This subjectively imaginative approach to, effectively, Local Studies, is now deemed psycho-geography and has become cultishly fashionable, but is in effect as old as the hills. Our ancestors walked this land with the same awareness, and Carr-Gom, leading by example, walking his talk, gently encourages us to do the same. It is a journey we begin at our birth, or even before – and this personal odyssey is framed by such crossings over; tragic deaths which challenge and affirm one’s belief system (as beautifully compounded in the ceremony of passing included in full) and the Appendices usefully provides guidelines for other key rites-of-passage; along with suggestions for further reading for those wishing to plunge into the wildwood of Druidry.
It is a shame the fabulous map created by Bill Worthington for the original edition
(Element Books, 1993) isn’t included in this new version as a fold-out, as it charmingly renders Carr-Gom’s stomping ground as ‘Middle-Earth’ – an example of what can be done with one’s own neck of the woods – but perhaps it will be possible to order this separately. The book is nevertheless well-produced, with a lovely new cover and layout.
Whether you are interested in the Sussex landscape or not this book provides an inspiring guide as to how to interact with any landscape (‘Go on a journey. Start here – where you live’). It challenges us to connect with wherever we live; with each other; our loved and lost ones; and with the sundered or neglected aspects of ourselves. It is a journey to wholeness, to balance – epitomised by the ambiguous Long Wo/Man. As Carr-Gom keeps reminding us, there is no separation.
Thoth Publications, 2006, ISBN 13: 978-1-870450-62-1, www.thoth.co.uk
Finding the universal in the particular, Carr-Gom’s windings created a Sussex Dreamtime, in which each tump and copse, stream and curve, gains significance – the dance of the God and the Goddess, Child and Crone, across the land. Past, present and future, otherworld and this world merge – in a style reminiscent of Magic Realism, as the magical interrupts the mundane in unexpected ways. Giants throw rocks at each other across the South Downs; spritely nymphs and noble horse goddesses lead Carr-Gom further up the garden path – the Bonny Road – a Rhymer on the borders of Elfland, a Don Quixote of the Weald.
This subjectively imaginative approach to, effectively, Local Studies, is now deemed psycho-geography and has become cultishly fashionable, but is in effect as old as the hills. Our ancestors walked this land with the same awareness, and Carr-Gom, leading by example, walking his talk, gently encourages us to do the same. It is a journey we begin at our birth, or even before – and this personal odyssey is framed by such crossings over; tragic deaths which challenge and affirm one’s belief system (as beautifully compounded in the ceremony of passing included in full) and the Appendices usefully provides guidelines for other key rites-of-passage; along with suggestions for further reading for those wishing to plunge into the wildwood of Druidry.
It is a shame the fabulous map created by Bill Worthington for the original edition
(Element Books, 1993) isn’t included in this new version as a fold-out, as it charmingly renders Carr-Gom’s stomping ground as ‘Middle-Earth’ – an example of what can be done with one’s own neck of the woods – but perhaps it will be possible to order this separately. The book is nevertheless well-produced, with a lovely new cover and layout.
Whether you are interested in the Sussex landscape or not this book provides an inspiring guide as to how to interact with any landscape (‘Go on a journey. Start here – where you live’). It challenges us to connect with wherever we live; with each other; our loved and lost ones; and with the sundered or neglected aspects of ourselves. It is a journey to wholeness, to balance – epitomised by the ambiguous Long Wo/Man. As Carr-Gom keeps reminding us, there is no separation.
Thoth Publications, 2006, ISBN 13: 978-1-870450-62-1, www.thoth.co.uk
August 15, 2014
Overall this book wasn’t what I’d expected from the title. I was looking for history and overview of the Druid way of life. Instead, it’s the author’s personal journey, and some would say fantasy, as he walks an ancient path through the South Downs of England, wrestling with many a demon and decision. Indeed, some of these challenges could have been avoided by packing lunch and a raincoat. The journey, from what I can tell, is just a few day trips, but there is plenty of discussion of the author’s inner process. Since I’m not familiar with this area (but will be visiting next month), I would have greatly appreciated a map of the area and Carr-Gomm’s path through it. The landscape, towns, and ancient landmarks that he describes are intriguing, but it’s difficult to get a sense of how they all fit together.
My favorite chapter was about Druids and Wiccans, clearly describing the main differences between these traditions. It was succinct and informative. My least favorite part was the lengthy discussion about why the “Long Man,” an ancient hillside drawing, is missing a penis. Firstly, we moderns don’t know what the figure symbolized—perhaps the form was not meant to be sexual, a man, or even human. Secondly, compared with the Cerne Abbas “giant” hillside figure, the Long Man is also missing eyes, nose, mouth, and other features—but nothing is made of those omissions. It’s strictly speculation on the significance of the missing pee-pee, which seemed a bit silly after awhile. Also, there was a section about the death of a young girl and the ceremony that the author performed for her that seemed to have little to do with the rest of the book.
I would retitle this book: “The Inner Journey: A Druid’s Contemplations.” It could be an interesting book for those who like relating inner and outer landscapes while wandering out of doors with a mind that’s open to what comes, especially if the reader believes in devils, demons, and such. The descriptive passages of the landscapes themselves were quite enjoyable, and might interest travelers, provided that they have a more detailed map than I do.
My favorite chapter was about Druids and Wiccans, clearly describing the main differences between these traditions. It was succinct and informative. My least favorite part was the lengthy discussion about why the “Long Man,” an ancient hillside drawing, is missing a penis. Firstly, we moderns don’t know what the figure symbolized—perhaps the form was not meant to be sexual, a man, or even human. Secondly, compared with the Cerne Abbas “giant” hillside figure, the Long Man is also missing eyes, nose, mouth, and other features—but nothing is made of those omissions. It’s strictly speculation on the significance of the missing pee-pee, which seemed a bit silly after awhile. Also, there was a section about the death of a young girl and the ceremony that the author performed for her that seemed to have little to do with the rest of the book.
I would retitle this book: “The Inner Journey: A Druid’s Contemplations.” It could be an interesting book for those who like relating inner and outer landscapes while wandering out of doors with a mind that’s open to what comes, especially if the reader believes in devils, demons, and such. The descriptive passages of the landscapes themselves were quite enjoyable, and might interest travelers, provided that they have a more detailed map than I do.
June 5, 2015
A quote from the book: "The real magic lies not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes." That's how I read this book (or maybe that's how I read in general, because I've always thought books were magic and they took me to places, real or not, where I could dream).
Maybe it's just me, but I've always been intrigued by the tales of the Round Table, Arthur, Merlin, Druids, the Holy Grail... Of course, the same goes for Greek mythology, Egyptian, and so on. But, really, there was always a special place in my world for the Arthurian legend. No wonder I love Britain's ancient history which, of course, includes everything Celtic.
That's what this book is about: a man's inner and outer journey, a modern druid. He shows us the importance of respecting/preserving the Earth because it means our future. Isn't it logical? I think so. I like the concept of the hidden Goddess because of men's violence. It makes sense to me: everywhere men are committing all kinds of violence agains women, and all I can see is despair. I also like his interpretation of the ancient giant (outline): "when we look within, we see the giant in ourselves".
In the end, it's all about the journey.
Maybe it's just me, but I've always been intrigued by the tales of the Round Table, Arthur, Merlin, Druids, the Holy Grail... Of course, the same goes for Greek mythology, Egyptian, and so on. But, really, there was always a special place in my world for the Arthurian legend. No wonder I love Britain's ancient history which, of course, includes everything Celtic.
That's what this book is about: a man's inner and outer journey, a modern druid. He shows us the importance of respecting/preserving the Earth because it means our future. Isn't it logical? I think so. I like the concept of the hidden Goddess because of men's violence. It makes sense to me: everywhere men are committing all kinds of violence agains women, and all I can see is despair. I also like his interpretation of the ancient giant (outline): "when we look within, we see the giant in ourselves".
In the end, it's all about the journey.
December 10, 2010
Philip starts the entire concept as a physical journey through the various aspects of his local landscape. Adding to this journey is the manner of processing the deaths of two people that he had great respect for. Further into the journey comes the addition of a newborn child to his family - completing the motif of endings and beginnings that comprise the concept of making a journey. Interspersed throughout the chapters are various concepts on religious belief, local history, and Philip's own insights into weaving the daily processes of life with the mysteries that we all carry philosophically deep in our own being. Not only was it an enjoyable read for me -- it also helped me process an understanding that life's journey has endings and beginnings strewn throughout it. Personally, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
January 26, 2014
Still my favourite book by Philip Carr Gomm. If you're interested in nature religion or walking the South Downs, this is the book for you. It fills your mind with beautiful images of the English landscape, seeing it through the eyes of the author. It is also the most personal book Carr Gomm has written so far.
January 4, 2015
Brilliant and moving. Part travelog, part meditation on sacred landscape; an extended reflection on the inner meanings of time, place and journeying. Much more a revelation of the spirit of Druidry than an explanation of it's history and practice.
Carr-Gomm is a great and tender soul, and his book is just the sort of eccentric catch-all that represents English belles-lettres at it's finest.
Carr-Gomm is a great and tender soul, and his book is just the sort of eccentric catch-all that represents English belles-lettres at it's finest.
May 25, 2011
Reading this was like a spirituality upgrade, haha :)
Read
August 16, 2012like new
Read
December 9, 2012very good
February 8, 2015
Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews