The Wisdom of Birch, Oak, and Yew: Connect to the Magic of Trees for Guidance & Transformation

by Penny Billington

Tune into the wisdom of three trees sacred to Druids―birch, oak, and yew―and use their powerful lessons and natural gifts to transform your life. Written by a Druid with more than twenty years of practical experience, The Wisdom of Birch, Oak, and Yew will guide you through a one-of-a-kind journey of magical self-discovery. Its unique change your perspective by "being as a tree" and consider yourself in light of the qualities of our arboreal friends. Engage with the spirit of each tree and explore its relationship to the stages of your life and the rhythm of your days. Experience within yourself each tree's positive attributes, gain perspective by taking on each tree's role as "witness," and find respite from the frenetic pace of modern life.
"Wise, inspiring, and entertaining, this is a profoundly practical book about nature's magic and how it supports our personal development. I warmly recommend it."―Dr. William Bloom, author of The Power of Modern Spirituality "A very fine book on the deep magic of the trees. Penny Billington shows us how these trees function as guides and initiators, teachers and friends and along the way gives us a first rate introduction to working with the energies of the land to promote healing and new life."―Ian Rees, Psychotherapist, Trainer, and Program Director of the Annwn Foundation

Genres: Nature, Spirituality, Paganism, Nonfiction, Environment, Magic, Witchcraft

360 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2015

Reviews

[Danni · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books to recommend to those exploring Druidry is The Path of Druidry by Penny Billington. Many of the best parts of that book are carried over to her book The Wisdom of Birch, Oak, and Yew. Readers who enjoyed the first book will discover even more reasons to appreciate this take on Druidry as they walk through the forest of Birches, Oaks, and Yews. 

While this is not a true sequel to The Path of Druidry, it feels a bit like a continuation of that work. The chapters are not structured as nicely as in The Path of Drudiry, but a focus on study then heavy practice outside remains. Readers familiar with the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids will see the similarities with some of the Ovate work in this title. The purpose is to bring readers into closer relationship with three trees and be able to call upon those tree lessons when needed. 

The Birch chapters teach us how to be flexible and be comfortable with newness in our lives. These chapters also form the foundation for how to form relationships with trees. Different methods of communicating with trees or visualizing their lessons are taught to readers. I think this alone makes this a great read for any Druid hoping to become better at plant/tree communication. 

The Oak chapters focus on strength and nurturing. Readers will be comfortable with the techniques used by this point. This will provide more space for depth in the workings and practical elements of the lessons. I don't know many Druids who don't develop a deep love or respect for the Oak tree. 

The Yew chapters teach about boundaries and mystery. I'll admit this was a hard tree to connect to. Wisconsin does not have many native or even ornamental yew trees. Finding a tree that is as old as yew trees and has the connection to boundaries is also tricky. I used our Cedar trees which form a hedge to blow winter winds. I think this section might prove more insightful for those who have Yew trees, but still workable for those of us who don't. 

I wish the structure of this book had been a bit more like The Path of Druidry, but overall found it to be a great continuation of the work within Druidry. Anyone currently studying with OBOD in the Ovate grade will find this a trusty companion to that course. Those looking to develop stronger ties to trees will also find much to enjoy and learn from here.  

[Megan Hancox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is actually a good, expansive book. It goes into depth about each of the three trees and what we can learn from them as human beings. There are plenty of exercises you can do to get a lot out of this book. It just wasn’t for me. I didn’t do the exercises so it is mostly my fault, I don’t think my mind is quite open enough for this kind of thinking. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in implementing Druidry practices in their daily lives.

[Larada Horner-Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable expansive book. I leave it with a deep respect for the wisdom of the trees!

[Karly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 Stars

This book took me on a journey and filled my journal. I will move forward in this life with all of the wisdom the trees gave me, and will never look at them the same.

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a review:

Once upon a time, in what feels like a different life, I was very much so into the Celtic and Druid tradition. In typical 'me' fashion I would grab every book I could on the subject, I have long since lost count of how many New Age books I read back then! Even though I do not practice this as a religion any longer, I still find the philosophy used in Neo-Druidism very soothing and applicable to my life. I mean, how can you not want to identify with a tree, it is so soothing to have your roots in the dirt standing tall with your leaves rustling in the breeze. Personally I have always identified with coniferous trees, specifically pines, spruces, and firs. To me there is no greater joy than walking through a coniferous forest barefoot, the mix of smells, texture of the fallen needles, and the look of the trees soothe my soul...but I am getting off topic just a little bit.

This is one of those books that mixes philosophy and magic in a way that does not make me roll my eyes in annoyance, always a pleasure. The author makes it very clear that this is not a book for invoking spirits and practicing a religion, this is a philosophy and magic is a tool. It is not waving wands and catching spirits in a circle, it is a way of looking at the world and your own energies and using them to your benefit. It is very similar to the way Eastern magical practices look at Chi, for a comparison.

So yeah, this book was a trip into my past, and a good one at that. It is well written, not at all pushy, and very fluid. I recommend it for anyone who is interested in Neo-Druidism, doing energy work with trees, or just wanting to look at a different philosophy.

[MeriBeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm uncertain how to classify this book by Ms. Billington. It's not a 'magic' book per se nor is it a simple philosophy book. It actually seems like one of those new age self help books with lots of mental exercises to help you clear your mind and figure out your path in life. I'm certain for some out there, likely the neo-druids and the followers of the Celtic Revival religious paths, this book would provide a lot of background and insight into their spiritual practices. For me, it became a thing to skim and try to pick out useful bits as the writing was very chatty, the exercises a bit boring, and all that 'go out into nature'... well... that just made me sneeze a lot as I have allergies. I can't deny this book has potential, it just wasn't for me.

Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.