Pagan Portals - The Awen Alone: Walking the Path of the Solitary Druid

by Joanna van der Hoeven

Druidry is a wonderful, spiritually fulfilling life path. Through the magic that is Druidry, we build deep and abiding relationships with the natural world around us, and through our connection to the natural environment we walk a path of truth, honour and service. We aim to immerse ourselves in the present moment, in the present environment, in order to share in the blessing that is the cycle of life. Throughout the ages, people have withdrawn from the world in order to connect more fully with it. This book is an introductory guide for those who wish to walk the Druid path alone, for however long a time. It is about exploration and connection with the natural world, and finding our place within it. It covers the basics of Druidry and how, when applied to the everyday life, enriches it with a sense of beauty, magic and mystery. This book is for those people who feel called to seek their own path, to use their wit and intelligence, compassion and honour to create their own tradition within Druidry.

Genres: Spirituality, Paganism, Nonfiction, Witchcraft, Religion, Mythology, Magic

120 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2014

About the author

Joanna van der Hoeven was born in Quebec, Canada. She moved to the UK in 1998, where she now lives with her husband in a small village near the coast of the North Sea.

Joanna is a former Trustee of The Druid Network. She has studied with Emma Restall Orr and the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. She has a BA Hons English Language and Literature degree.

She is regularly involved with charities and working for her local community.

Reviews

[Abigail Bok · Rating 3 out of 5]

Druidry is a frustrating subject of study. In part, of course, this is the inevitable result of severed tradition and the complete lack of primary texts. But the inherent difficulties tend to be exacerbated by the quality of the minds being bent on the problem. Druidry, and the pagan and witchcraft paths in general, cry out for a rigorous theology.

So far, I haven't found an author able to provide that rigor. Part of the problem is in the sort of person drawn to alternative spiritual paths--most are chronic seekers, wandering through different religious traditions like a bee sampling flowers. Any spiritual path they ultimately develop is syncretistic, drawing (indiscriminately, I would say) from traditions that developed in response to cultures and lives far removed from their own. The result always fails to feel authentic.

This book is quite charming, especially when the author gets detailed about her specific praxis--her prayers of gratitude greeting the day, her rituals to acknowledge sacred space, etc. It is also very well-intentioned, which is a relief in the world of paganism, where a certain proportion of the population is in it for power, however they choose to imagine it. Van der Hoeven is clearly devoted to doing no harm. Her love for the natural world shines through on every page, as well as her commitment to leading a mindful and spiritual life.

All that said, I found very little here that I could identify as specifically Druid, rather than generically pagan or generically New Age. There's guidance for traditional meditation, for guided meditation (here called inner pathworking), for the basic pagan seasonal festivals, for creating sacred space, even for prayer. It's well laid out but very elementary, brushing the surface of many topics without analysis or exploration.

As is often the case in such surveys, the muddled thought all too often expresses itself in muddled syntax, what in my years as a copy editor I secretly labeled "low-level illiteracy." Here's an example: writing of the spring equinox, she says, "It is a liminal time, a time that hovers between two realities waiting to see what will befall." I can suss out what she was thinking but am completely sidetracked by my desperate urge to seize a red pencil. The time is not waiting, the Druid practitioner is waiting--misplaced modifier!--and that's not how befall is used! If you must use Ren Fair vocabulary, use it right.

This book would probably serve the casually curious seeker, someone who wants to try on a Druid practice for a while like this year's fashionable coat. And perhaps my quest for real knowledge and understanding is just as much a romantic fantasy, considering the absence of primary source material cited above. But I have seen brilliant archaeologists re-create entire cultures from a couple of shards and a pile of bones, and I'm still waiting for someone to pull it off with the Druids.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Awen Alone is a beautiful and exemplary tool-set for those looking to practice Druidry on their own or researching the path. As with most "beginner" books, this book covers many of the topics you'd expect to see. There is a bit about the history of Druids, the Eight-fold Year, Gods/Divinity, Ancestors, and how the Earth plays a part in the path. All of this information is well researched and written. A complete novice will find it to be quite comprehensive. There are even some tidbits or metaphors that could prove to be most useful to someone who has been walking Druidry for many years.

But really, this book shines in all the parts that go beyond giving out standard information. The author does a wonderful job opening doors to the many ways one might enrich their Druid path without ever pushing readers to do, think, or feel a particular way about something. I especially enjoyed the way ethics were addressed. Ethics did not have its own chapter or specific set of rules. Instead, there were delicious moments that helped to reinforce the tenants of Druidry that guide a person to live a truthful and honorable life.

I've come away from reading this book feeling a bit more inspired about my path and am eagerly going to put some of its ideas into practice!

[Cathy Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book inspired me. Joanna van der Hoeven writes beautifully and her book shows the importance of honouring all living creatures, our ancestors. and the planet we are part of.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction. Not too long to put off someone who is just curious, but detailed enough to get started and pointed in the right direction.
Even as someone who has been studying druidry for years, I found new ideas and inspiration.

[Sam (Hissing Potatoes) · Rating 3 out of 5]

[ETA: Upping to 3.5 stars because I had an epiphany about being present in the moment not in small part due to this book.]

2.5 stars. Much of the book sounded overly idealistic. The writing was pretty bad and often repetitive, if not outright confusing to follow. I don't think I'll ever be able to wrap my head around "ancestors of the future."

I did appreciate the way the author talked throughout the book about mindfulness and being present in the moment. I really liked the discussion of seasons, festivals, and different activities that could be done to connect to nature accordingly.

[Ganesh Ubuntu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would probably be the only reviewer here who read the introduction to this book and thought "What the dear mother of all am I getting myself into?!" To me it felt shallow, narcissistic, artificial, and sterile. I felt like tossing the book into the nearest bin and never looking back. I'm glad that I haven't done that.

The book turned out to be deep, humble, authentic, and alive. It is a good introduction to what modern Druidry may look like when adopted by a particular person with a number of good hints to the variety of ways it can follow when taken by other people. It lists the basic elements that can be found in most of the modern Druid traditions and some practices that can be used to start a personal practice with little to no external help.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

By giving two stars, I don't mean to imply that this is a bad book, but it wasn't what the title led me to expect. For those new to an earth-based sacred practice, there is plenty of information here. I've been on a shamanic path for several years: mine is not a druidic path though much of the stuff in this book was familiar to me. I was curious about specifically druid practices but learned little here.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is much I appreciate in The Awen Alone: van der Hoeven's consistent emphasis on Druidry not being a "one right way" or dogmatic philosophy, the combination of gentle suggestions with encouragement to craft one's own practice, and some really lovely phrasings when describing the flowing inspiration of awen, the value of ritual, and the nature of spirit + spiritedness of nature.
For someone looking to learn a little about Druidry and the way that one particular individual Druid approaches their practice, I would recommend this text -- it is approachable and covers quite a lot of topics in its short length. van der Hoeven's discussions of ancestors, of crafting a daily practice, and of types of meditation are particularly strong sections.
I also appreciated that there were some clear attempts to be inclusive here: noting the reversal of holidays for Southern Hemisphere readers, problematizing sexist practices of some historic druid organizations, etc. (though at other points, the text was not so inclusive -- a passing reference to 'human overpopulation' and talk of 'women's cycles' - as though it is only women who have them - stick out in that respect).
I am slightly frustrated that quite a few sections are... not particularly Druid specific. For instance, pathworking meditation is a fine practice and certainly I'm sure many Druids engage with it, but it is in no way unique to Druidry. The wheel of the year is also not exclusive to Druidry (and certainly not all Druids follow it) though Ross Nichols had something to do with its emergence (this could've been noted more clearly I think). It is difficult to write a book about Druidry when, for each individual druid, the path is unique; I do think overall van der Hoeven did a great job of being non-dogmatic here, but in a few places I do think it could've been clarified that what was being discussed were not necessarily Druidry-specific ideas or practices.
I do wish some sections had footnotes, particularly the brief sections on historical topics; there is a bibliography and further reading list and the author does recommend Hutton for those more interested in druid history.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written introduction to the life of a solitary Druid.

[Kyle Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great starting place for the beginning or curious druid. The writing could use some editing, both in typos and repetition. It was a bit flowery, and I wish there were more concrete examples, but I realize that druidism is very much personal and tailored. I still recommend it for anyone who wants to decide if it's the path for them.

[Laura Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just finished a lovely book. The Awen Alone: Walking the Path of the Solitary Druid is part of the Pagan Portals series, shortish introductions to a variety of pagan subjects. For such a brief book, this one is certainly packed full. Joanna van der Hoeven has done an excellent job of creating a useful reference that's good for dipping your toes in but also promises to be worth referring back to farther along the line.

For starters, it has one of the best introductions to Druidry that I've read. Section One: Basics of Druidry is concise and understandable, combining interesting historical information with the tenets of modern Druid practice. There's a chapter dedicated to the concept of the Awen, a hard-to-pin-down term that's a Mystery of sorts. The author leads the reader to an understanding of the Awen not through dictionary definitions but through descriptions of experience that are a delight to read.

This really is a thorough introduction; its short length hides a great depth. The author addresses the place of the gods and the ancestors in Druidry and provides a description of the eight major Druidic festivals of the year. But to me, the best part is Section Two: Druidry in Practice. From the different kinds of meditation to prayer and pathworkings, these are real things the aspiring Druid can do each day to walk along the path. The chapter on working with the seasons is especially well thought out, offering ideas beyond the usual "make an altar and do a ritual" for appreciating our relationship with the Earth around us as it shifts through its yearly cycles.

The final section, titled Creating Your Own Path, offers a framework for the reader to design their own Druid ritual, as well as suggestions for daily practices to help embed Druidry into the reader's life. Throughout the book, the author emphasizes the fact that Druidry is a practice, not a theory. It's something you have to do every day, and keep doing, if you want to get something out of it. In other words, it takes effort, but that effort will be rewarded with a more meaningful life. The book ends with some helpful resources, including websites and suggested reading.

Though the book is officially aimed at people who follow a solitary path, I think The Awen Alone also works as an introduction to Druidry for people who are looking to join a group. After all, you're not going to just 'turn off' your spirituality when you walk out of the group's latest ritual. At least, I hope you're not. So whether you're just looking to find out what Druidry is all about, or you want to follow the Druid path alone or with others, I recommend The Awen Alone as a valuable resource.

[Sheena Cundy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fine introduction to the Druidic solitary path. It combines useful guidance at ground level for the lone practitioner, with valuable insight into the Awen as an unlimited source of spiritual and creative inspiration.

Joanna van der Hoeven speaks with clarity and reminds us that with greater understanding of this awareness and the Druidic sense of inter-connectedness, we can never be alone, not really. From this panoramic viewpoint she welcomes the reader into the world of the solitary Druid as one who already knows and lives in it.
By way of introduction, the scene is set with a glimpse from the author’s personal diary and immediately we are experiencing this world with her. We are aware of a living, breathing and sacred way of living… of being and becoming.
From the start, the reader is reassured that a solitary path… -‘through our connection to the natural environment we see that ideas of separation are illusion’- … needn’t be a lonely one. This is the voice of the solitary traveller. This is the realm of inspired solitude.
This is the Awen alone.
All questions are explored comprehensively and answers clearly explained in each of the three parts: Section one covers the basics of Druidry - a brief history, what the Awen is, the Gods, the Ancestors and a description of the eight festivals of the year. Section two explores the practice of Druidry - from meditation and prayer, altar creation and sacred space to seasonal rites and craft names. Creating your own path concludes in section three, from designing a ritual to daily practise.

I loved this book. Personally, it resonated at a deeply spiritual level, appearing at just the right time on my own path. I’ve a feeling it will do the same for others as all inspired works have a tendency towards. Grounding spiritual awareness into everyday living is no mean feat for the spiritual teacher but an obligation all the same… for what is the point of lofty thinking, if we cannot bring it to earth and use it?
In honour of the Druid life path and the Awen, the author fulfils her sacred role as facilitator and scribe with integrity and ego in check. Spiritual energy is not always easy to put into words, it requires skill, connection and true relationship with one’s subject.
Joanna van der Hoeven has managed it. Well done to her and The Awen Alone.
Inspired writing at its best.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first thoughts upon reading this book were that I appreciated the lyrical style chosen for the opening. I was grateful to be given this book to review and this beginning certainly gave me hopes that I would enjoy it. The author brings a lovely view that is not only applicable to those on the Druid path, but anyone who wishes to be more in tune with nature. I admit, I was getting great ideas for my next Earth Day program while reading.

This is a lovely, although short, book. It is meant as a guide to Druidry but as much as I enjoyed it, that is not the audience I would target. I would instead say this is a good read for someone who is either interested specifically in dipping their toes in Druidry or is simply a seeked wanting to find out bits more of different branches of Paganism. I would also suggest that the first half would be of great benefit to those who are simply spiritual individuals seeking a deeper connection to nature. The way of looking at things and our interconnectedness with all else is truly inspiring.

The one thing I wasn't so happy with was the fact it has a strong Wiccan feel in the ritual and liturgy half. This is why I don't consider it a guide to Druidry. That doesn't mean it isn't a good book. Simply be aware of exactly what you are reading. I will say the chapter on Seasonal Rites is excellent for anyone following an earth-centered path, or simply wanting to get in tune with nature. It has excellent suggestions for seasonal practices, meditations, and pathworking. The section on Creating Your Own Path is also full of useful ideas. Overall, I would say this book is a good selection to have on your shelf. It is packed with inspiration that will be a benefit when trying to create a stronger spiritual practice tied to the Earth and Her cycles.

[Markus Vernon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book is pretty concise it has a lot of great information in it, for somebody who was looking for a general overview of modern druidry this book was ideal! It has some practical exercises alongside the ideologies of the authors brand of druidry. I would suggest this is more for somebody wanting to understand what druidry is about as opposed to somebody more dedicated to a druidic practice(although another persons viewpoint is always interesting and valuable!)

[S.L. Baron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt this was a good guide to following a solitary practice of Druidry. There was no preachiness or pushiness in this, like I'd encountered in other books. In my opinion, Joanna Van Der Hoeven presented great guidelines for forging a path and worshipping the way one wants. No two people can experience their spirituality the same; the author takes this into account. I will be using this book as a guide as I continue to learn more.

[Faie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book nudged me back to what I once missed. The language is clean, flowing poetic. With light steps it takes you down the path of Druidry and most important let you know that one doesn't need to be in a huge group to be able to do the work. The Awen is there, and will always be there. The book gives good and simple (as in simplicity) direction in practise. I'm glad have read this one and recommend it strongly to anyone that either are on the path, just curious about it.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent overview on druidry

Although I say this was an "easy read" I assure you it is quite in depth as a primer for modern day druidry. I enjoyed reading this and learning from this book. I would highly recommend it to anyone who desires to incorporate solitary druidry into their life or others who are just interested in learning more.

[Betina Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome.

This was my second go at reading this book, so very glad I did. I waited until it felt right and could not put it down. This time it spoke to me, so much so it is now in my favourites

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice book to read if you are considering becoming a solitary druid, it shares with you ideas and tips and lets you know that there is nothing wring with taking this path.

[Richard A. Gallo Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good Introduction

If you have any interest in Druidry, this is a good place to begin. simple, concise, scratches the surface. Recommended.

[Francis Plaut · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it, it gave me insight since I came to druidism on my own I really needed it because I live in an area where the druid community isn't that large.

[N · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. A great introduction to learning about modern Druidry!

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book may have given me hope when it comes to Pagan Portal titles, while there was still strange typos and odd spacing in certain areas, I consider it an editor/publisher problem not an author problem.

Joanna’s tone was kind and inviting and she made a point of ensuring the reader understood that this tidy 101 pages was merely a glance to the greater world of Druidry.

She provided clear directions regarding some of her own practice and encouraged her readers to create or adapt to their own needs.

I especially liked that she took the time to concisely explain the ever-evolving understanding of who the Celts were through historical and cultural means as well as two primary ways that the path of Druidism is approached, through philosophy and religion.

The only challenge I had with this book was rating it. I personally try to reserve four stars for books that I would not only recommend but read again. While I would recommend this book and even used some tabs to reference specific sections, because of how little is able to be put into these Pagan Portal works, I gave it three stars.

I will say however that this book was easily digestible which I personally think is a bonus for a topic as wide and complex as Druidry can be, and I think it’s an excellent resource for younger readers or for someone wondering if they want to continue exploring. The bibliography and suggested reading was also a nice surprise and we’ll considered.

[Victoria Emslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been fairly uneducated about the Druid path until the last couple of weeks, and after researching a bit, I ended up stumbling across this book. I am always wary of purchasing spiritual books, mostly because I am still seeking a path that resonates with my spirit and they can be rather expensive. After reading this book, which I devoured in less than 24 hours, I felt enlightened and inspired. Sitting here now, writing this review, I wish I could sing the praises of the author and how well she laid out the information. It is concise, yet van der Hoeven fills each chapter with her personal experiences - and since Druidry is such a personal path, and is different for nearly everyone who follows it, it was lovely to see how a single person follows their path daily and seasonally. The author's emphasis on daily practice spoke deeply to me because I have been struggling with the idea of practising my path on a day to day basis. The simplicity of daily prayers was made understandable to me, and in all honesty, a daily practice no longer feels as daunting as it has in the past. Also, her suggestions for the seasons are lovely and I cannot wait to incorporate different aspects into my path as I move forward.

TL;DR: A well written and informative book for those looking to learn a bit more about a solitary Druid path.

[Kenra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this book on my shelf for years ever since I started playing DND and fell in love with being a druid class in the game.

I was very naiive and uneducated then.

Thankfully, I did educate myself and learned that druidry is a current practice - not just a magic class in a role playing game - that actually deeply aligns with many of my own personal values and goals.

So I finally sought out this book to read and learn more. This definitely not the end-all be-all dissertation on what druidry is and how you practice it, but it's an incredibly heartfelt and thorough introduction to the tenets and beliefs that exist within druidry and some beginner friendly practices that introduce you a more druid-centered lifestyle.

As someone who does not currently practice anything from witchcraft, wiccan or other occult schools and religions, my experience from this book will likely be very different from those that do. I believe this book to be incredibly sincere in its want to educate and inspire. There is truly only good that comes from practicing and learning about how others live and I have a profound and deep respect and love for those who do live and practice it and thank you for keeping these traditions alive for so many years.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief, concise and practical guide to modern Druidry. I suspect many contemporary Druids follow a solitary path, and so this book is a good general introduction as well as a companion for the 'hedge' Druid. The style is accessible and reminds me of Emma Restall Orr's writing.

My one disagreement with the book is the claim in the final chapter that Druidry is a counter-cultural spirituality. I think this could be the the case, but I didn't find the Druidry presented here to be so. In a book focussing on the individual, I wondered what it means to be a solitary Druid in a capitalist system that reduces people to individual units. Unfortunately this book didn't provide an answer, instead suggesting that every individual consumer choice we makes has the power to change the world. To me this sounds like a capitalist-shaped Druidry. (This is a criticism that dogs a lot of books on Druidry.)

[Christine Kenney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. Lots of tips on how to start a practice, almost to the point of being overwhelming. Yet the author consistently reminds the reader to take the elements that most inspire them and let go of the elements that aren't compelling. This practice is more geared toward individuals looking to take a love-of-nature philosophy and make life choices that are more consistent with those values. This was a relief for me because I was worried it would be focused exclusively on the religious elements.

If there was one thing I wish were different, it is that the book is laid out to follow a calendar year and many folks could read this book in one sitting and forget to revisit it (particularly if it is archived in the bowels of a kindle app). It would be great to have built in reminders, like an email or calendar you could subscribe to that would ping you with appropriate prompts around the 8 pagan holidays, etc. But that is something you could build for yourself in the calendaring system of your choice without much trouble.

[Heidi Hanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the quotes that sums up the intent of this book for me is this one, "It is seeing the threads that connect us all. It is the deep well of inspiration that we drink from, to nurture our souls and our world and to give back in joy..." Druidry, as a practice, is as natural and simple as breathing in and out. Joanna's book creates a basic manual to following this path that proves that point. She offers information about the history of druidism, beautiful prayers and rituals and throughout reminds the reader that she should take what she needs and leave the rest. She also reminds us that there is responsibility involved to our souls and the worlds, seen and unseen, around us. The individuality and creativity inherent in Druidry is one of its powers and blessings. I really enjoyed this book and will use her suggestions, reflective questions and ideas to enhance my own practice.

[Sas UrbaneHexe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ein wirklich schönes kleines Buch. Es gibt einen Überblick über das Druidentum und Inspiration dazu wie eins diesen Weg auch alleine gehen kann. Van der Hoeven geht dabei immer wieder vor allem auch auf ethische und moralische Aspekte ein.
Es bleibt allerdings ein Überblick, der zwar einige Anregungen enthält und durchaus als Einstieg und roter Faden für weitere Studien dienen kann, dennoch bleibt das Buch steht's an der Oberfläche und ist wahrscheinlich eher für Anfänger_innen geeignet. Wer sich tiefere Einblicke oder Material für "Fortgeschrittene" erhofft, wird hier enttäuscht werden. Auch praktisches gibt es kaum.

Insgesamt ist das Buch aber schön zu lesen und als Inspiration auf jeden Fall geeignet.

[Halon W · Rating 4 out of 5]

good intro into the subject of developing a personal practice, though this feels less like education regarding druidic practices and more along the lines of general environmentally-conscious paganism with some bioregional animism and druidic terms sprinkled on top. there's nothing wrong with that, certainly, and druidry is difficult to identify and summarize due to its fragmentary and reconstructionist nature across time, but this is better focused toward new folks exploring how to craft and build up their own spiritual practices. 4 stars for the overall concept and the author's clear passion for the responsibility each of us holds in taking care of the environment and learning ourselves; 3 stars for druid-specific stuff