Exploring Celtic Druidism (Exploring Series) [Paperback] [2008] (Author) Sirona Knight

by Sirona Knight

The first time Sirona Knight came into contact with the teachings of Celtic Druidism at the age of 16, she felt as though she had come home. Many Western seekers feel a similar affinity with the ancient tribe that revered both male and female deities and lived in attunement with the natural world. Having studied and written about the Celtic Gwyddonic Druid tradition for more than 14 years (Dream Magic, Celtic Traditions), Knight has assembled Exploring Celtic Druidism, a guidebook of spells and traditions for modern-day dabblers as well as serious students. Before delving into the magic and rituals, Knight offers an overview of the history of Celtic Druidism and an introduction to the Celtic gods and goddesses. Time and again, she emphasizes the most inspiring belief of Druidism--that connecting with nature is the best way to connect with one's spirit. She then names the tools needed for modern Celtic Druid craftwork, including a cord, wand, athame (double-edged blade), chalice (sacred vessel), salt dish, and incense burner. Next comes the Initiation--the ceremonial way to begin working magic, such as taking a sacred oath, setting up an altar, and finally, how to conduct the magic. Knight has considerable strength as a writer, researcher, and teacher. Expect plenty of concise and easy-to-follow instructions. --Gail Hudson

Genres: Paganism, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Wicca

Paperback

First published September 5, 2001

About the author

Sirona Knight, M.S. (Psychology and leisure studies, California State University, Sacramento), is a Third Degree Craftmaster and High Priestess of the Celtic Gywddonic Druid Tradition, and has been a contributing editor for Magical Blend. She is also a hypnotist, and writes for New Age Retailer and Aquarius.

Reviews

[Pren Clair · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book lays out some info and rituals that are very similar to ones you might find in Wicca or other earth based religions. Take everything said in here with a grain of salt because we do not know HOW the druids actually did anything. They left no written record. I take issue with the fact that the author is claiming this is "ancient magic" since her "order" of druids was founded in the 1700's. There WAS a resurgence of druidism in that era but it was HIGHLY romanticized and founded on nothing but the imagination of the people who were practicing it. That being said I don't necessarily think thats a bad thing. If you can take these practices and make them your own and give them meaning and put your own power in them I think thats great. I really DID love how Knight stated that druidism is a living practice that grows with the science of the times. As an oral tradition it would have grown through the eras and changed it was not a static religion. so in short, read with caution and the knowledge that nothing in here can be proven as fact for the ancient druids but don't write this book off wholesale if you are a practitioner of an earth based religion.

[Lilla · Rating 1 out of 5]

An absolute atrocity! Belongs up there with McCoy's farce, Witta.

[Mari · Rating 1 out of 5]

PLAGIARIZED

She only got half trained, got copies of the materials, handed it out to a second round of people for personal and financial benefit, then realized she could make real profit by outright publication

[Kim Stroup · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay, but I feek the title is a bit misleading, there were not a lot of rituals in the book.