Shaman Pathways - The Druid Shaman: Exploring the Celtic Otherworld

by Danu Forest

Covering the basics of Celtic shamanism, with reference to traditional lore and source materials through the lens of both ancient and modern Druidry and shamanic practice, The Druid Shaman is a well rounded guide, showing the seamless cross over between Druidry and shamanism in the Celtic tradition. It covers topics such as how to attain and work with guides and allies, understanding the spirit realm and interaction with spirits of all kinds, accessing powers of place, traveling the world tree and working with the seven directions and exploring and navigating within the Celtic Otherworld. With practical techniques, exercises and core skills, The Druid Shaman can be used as a practical manual as well as a valuable resource for practicing shamans and druids as well as those new to the subject.,

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Paganism, Mythology

96 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Laura Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really didn't know what to expect from this book; Druidry and shamanism are two traditions that are not often linked, and as a shamanic practitioner, I'm far more familiar with the latter. But as I read, I was fascinated and impressed. Danu Forest makes the case for Druidry, in its original form, as the native shamanic tradition of the Celts. The shape-shifting and world-traveling heroes from ancient Celtic tales draw us into the customs and practices of the ancestral Celts with their music, their tools, their rituals.

While Ms. Forest gives plenty of background regarding the Celtic spiritual traditions, particularly those with a shamanic bent, this is largely a practical book. It takes the reader through the process of creating shamanic tools, finding spirit allies in nature, connecting with the ancestors, traveling among the worlds and seeking knowledge of the future through divination. I do recommend following it up with further training if you intend to continue with shamanic practice but this book provides a firm foundation for basic shamanic practice in a Celtic style and is an excellent starting point for those who are interested in this path.

[Yvonne Ryves · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Druid Shaman, as the title may suggest, looks at shamanism from a specifically Druid perspective, and its place as the ancestral shamanism of Britain and Europe. The book begins with an introduction to the Celts, Druids, what a shaman is and a look at the shamanic tale of Taliesin. Practical Druidic shamanic tools are shared, along with the very important basic tools of how to raise your own energy and power and how to create sacred space. The importance of the world tree and the need for balance reoccurs throughout the book.

Whilst there is no attempt by the author to teach shamanic journeying, through a series of guided meditations/pathworking exercises the reader is gently encouraged to learn to make contact with their own Druid guides and indeed the very Earth itself.

I have worked with Shamanism for a number of years and as such it was fascinating to read Forest Danu's Druid Shamanism whilst comparing and contrasting it to my own form. Of particular interest to me was the section on divination and as with other areas of shamanism, it was interesting to read about divination from a Druid perspective. As someone who has recently become a student of the OBOD I also enjoyed her explanations of some of the myths, legends and figures that accompany Druidry.

This is a well researched book, written by someone who clearly has both the theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The book is also well referenced and has a good reading list for follow up reading. I would highly recommend Druid Shamanism to anyone with any interest in Shamanism in general and in particular Celtic and Druid Shamanism.

[Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good beginner's look at the basics that lays a strong foundation. Short and easy to work through.

It's not quite right for intermediates, so those with several years of experience in ritual and meditation will find it less helpful - though it can still give new insights or a valuable reframing as it refreshes those old skills.

[Joseph Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Shamanic Guide

Danu Forest does a great job in not only describing the techniques, but gives some insight into the lore of the Other world. I highly recommend this book for all those would-be Shamans!

[Elizabeth Kilcannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

poorly written.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

For many the path of Druidry assists in living a more full and vibrant life through a strong connection to the Earth and the communities in which they live in. Druidry can also lead practitioners down strange and unexpected paths through work in the Otherworld and Shamanism. The Druid Shaman by Danu Forest attempts to guide readers both new and familiar with the connections between Druidry and Shamanism through guided journey work, lore, and heartfelt love of the subject.

Each chapter is easy to read and guides readers step by step through the tools one needs to use Shamanism in their Druid practices. The first chapter covers tools used for journey work and basic meditations. From there chapters cover the basics to more esoteric types of work one might encounter when blending these paths. There are numerous exercises and meditations to practice with. For what is either of these paths but ones of action and work? 

Some parts really spoke to me. They fit nicely with the puzzle pieces that make up my practice already. Other areas covered in this book just seemed odd. They didn't really work in either path for me. Generally, this short book was a good fit and would serve other Druids currently focused on journey work well. I love that it is, mostly, focused on topics not covered by Beginner books but focused on the Ovate or intermediate level. 

[Heidi Hanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danu is a wonderful source of knowledge about Druid Shamanism, from both the Welsh and Irish traditions. This book is full of information, practices and encouragement for someone exploring the Celtic shamanistic tradition. I enjoyed doing some of the practices and meditations and found a bit of magic of my own using her scripts. The only thing missing here, at least for someone not familiar with Gaelic languages, is a glossery or in-text pronunciation of some of the words. That would be helpful to some readers. Really great book and resource for earth-based spiritual practitioners.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. Admittedly I didn't know much about shamanism when I started this book, so it was a good introduction to that as well. The book itself is merely an introduction, only touching on the main concepts, but it does it well. It also includes some 'exercises' to get in touch with the spirit world, all with a Celtic flavor.

[Sherrie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read!!

This is a fast read with several wonderful exercises to practice with. It’s well written, concise and easily understood. I will be keeping this book in easy reach, it will become one of my worn-pages book for sure!! Thanks for sharing this with us!!

[He · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple and elegant introduction to shamanic druidry. Forest provides a range of touchstones for the reader to connect with spiritual practices reminiscent of the Celts. A little short, yet I imagine there is so much more that could have been explored and included.

[J.W. Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

For such a small book, it was a wonderful and really informative read. I plan on finding more of Mr. Forest's writings

[Cheryl DT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful, but short

It has with plenty of exercises to practice and develop your skills. Just a bit short and lacking some basic info.

[Melynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, but brief intro.

[Sheena Cundy · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the explorer of the Celtic otherworld, this is an invaluable guide and workbook. Danu Forest shines the ‘bright knowledge’ of her own experience from these magical realms straight onto the page and prepares the student for journeying (the basis of all shamanic practice) into this multi-layered and deeply spiritual territory. As with any journey, signposts are important. The Celtic-Irish and British ancestral roots of Druidic lore are clearly set out and Shamanism as a method of finding healing and balance for the soul (practised by our ancestors) is explained thoroughly.
We know where we’ve come from.
The Celtic Shaman is viewed through a 21st century lens as a modern term with reference to Taliesin the great poet, as guide and initiator from history (mortal) and the mythic (otherworld) realms, giving he of the ‘radiant brow’ ample room to shine.
We know where we are.
Learning to expand awareness, to venture beyond physical boundaries to receive inspiration and instruction from the spirit world via guardians and allies is described as the shamanic state of consciousness…
Now we know where we’re heading.
In fact there is no stone left unturned by this writer as she lays the foundations for journeying with sound advice on tools and techniques from posture to divination.

How to raise energy in the tree posture is particularly useful as is also a thorough explanation of the soul - central to all shamanic work. As a keen yoga student I found the Kundalini ‘fire in the head’ piece particularly interesting as confirmation of the inter-connectedness of All Things, no matter where the origins – east or west.

And for anyone who gets themselves into a pickle with circles (more than you may think!) circle - casting is made easy with simple instructions and correspondences that make sense. A variety of illustrations throughout the book serve as an additional guide which is helpful.

This is a must-have for all shamanic students and teachers alike. One never stops learning and benefits are always gained from paying attention to the basics of any subject.
All good teachers lead by example… Danu Forest does this in The Druid Shaman, presenting her subject well and with the confidence of one who has travelled the landscape many times. Her confidence is infectious and carries the hallmark of good instruction and in acting as intermediary between this and the Otherworld; she shows us how our journey can be safe as well as magical.
Exploring has never been so enjoyable.
An inspiring and informative read.
)O(

[Donna Barney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better the second time around.