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Pagan Portals: Australian Druidry, Connecting with the Sacred Landscape
Pagan Portals: Australian Druidry works as a supplement to the study of Druidry and other nature-based spiritual paths as practiced in Australia. The seasons, animals, plants and ancestral histories of the land in Australia are quite different from those of the Celtic lands where Druidry originates. Julie Brett discusses the difficulties of following a nature-based tradition in an environment wildly different from Druidism's place of origin, and offers practical information on how to adapt the practice of Druidry to suit the energy of the land and respect its spirits and ancestors.
107 pages, Paperback
Published September 29, 2017
25 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Julie Brett
4 books9 followersJulie Brett is the author of the book Pagan Portals – Australian Druidry.
She is passionate about reawakening the magic of the Australian landscape for all Australians.
She is also passionate about Druidry and creating new forms of it that recognize the integral aspects of both ancestor-based tradition and nature-based tradition, bringing these together to create a form of Druidry that is truly Australian.
In 2007 she founded Druids Down Under, a networking group which helps bring together the many different forms of Druidry in Australia.
Through this group people can find others to work with, but importantly it has been an essential hub for the discussion of what it means to practice Druidry in an Australian landscape, with its unique flora and fauna, diverse climates and seasons, and long history of Indigenous presence.
Through Druids Down Under Julie has run public seasonal rituals in Sydney since 2008, where these ideas could be put into action.
Julie also has a presence in the wider Pagan community and has also spoken about Australian Druidry at many Pagan events around Australia including the Australian Wiccan Conference, The Festival of the Minds, and other events.
In 2011 Julie completed a BA in Studies in Religion from Sydney University. She creates crystal jewellery with spiritual intentions through her business Forest Spirit Jewelry. Julie also runs a podcast called “Forest Spirituality with Julie Brett”, available through iTunes and Podbean.
She is passionate about reawakening the magic of the Australian landscape for all Australians.
She is also passionate about Druidry and creating new forms of it that recognize the integral aspects of both ancestor-based tradition and nature-based tradition, bringing these together to create a form of Druidry that is truly Australian.
In 2007 she founded Druids Down Under, a networking group which helps bring together the many different forms of Druidry in Australia.
Through this group people can find others to work with, but importantly it has been an essential hub for the discussion of what it means to practice Druidry in an Australian landscape, with its unique flora and fauna, diverse climates and seasons, and long history of Indigenous presence.
Through Druids Down Under Julie has run public seasonal rituals in Sydney since 2008, where these ideas could be put into action.
Julie also has a presence in the wider Pagan community and has also spoken about Australian Druidry at many Pagan events around Australia including the Australian Wiccan Conference, The Festival of the Minds, and other events.
In 2011 Julie completed a BA in Studies in Religion from Sydney University. She creates crystal jewellery with spiritual intentions through her business Forest Spirit Jewelry. Julie also runs a podcast called “Forest Spirituality with Julie Brett”, available through iTunes and Podbean.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 23, 2018
I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review through Netgalley.
Cringe. It missed the mark. I hate to say that, because I honestly appreciate the author's attempt to bring attention to a subject that deserves attention. She included a great deal of information about Australian witchcraft that I was interested in learning about, knowing absolutely nothing about it to start with.
But it felt disjointed and dry. Using the word 'Druid' also detracts from the uniqueness of Australian witchcraft, with Druidry being a very specific Pagan religion that has nothing to do with Austrialia or Australian Witchcraft. Therefore, it felt like a device by which the author intended to draw in an intended audience, which feels cheap. Australians deserve to have their practice stand on its own legs, not cower under a title for a completely different practice.
My feelings aside, it could have been better and it could have been worse. It was more information than I was aware of, but felt very generalized and scattered. It's a good start point, I suppose.
Cringe. It missed the mark. I hate to say that, because I honestly appreciate the author's attempt to bring attention to a subject that deserves attention. She included a great deal of information about Australian witchcraft that I was interested in learning about, knowing absolutely nothing about it to start with.
But it felt disjointed and dry. Using the word 'Druid' also detracts from the uniqueness of Australian witchcraft, with Druidry being a very specific Pagan religion that has nothing to do with Austrialia or Australian Witchcraft. Therefore, it felt like a device by which the author intended to draw in an intended audience, which feels cheap. Australians deserve to have their practice stand on its own legs, not cower under a title for a completely different practice.
My feelings aside, it could have been better and it could have been worse. It was more information than I was aware of, but felt very generalized and scattered. It's a good start point, I suppose.
February 23, 2019
There are more Pagans living in areas of the world with seasons that DON'T match the traditional wheel of the year. Yet, it is still a struggle for many of us to find ways to adapt the wheel of the year. Australian Druidry: Connecting with the Sacred Landscape by Julie Brett is the perfect guide for anyone looking to find a seasonal connection for where they live.
It's no surprise to those who follow me that I've a big fan of the Pagan Portals. They are easy to read and approachable for almost every Pagan reader without falling into the trap of being repetitive. Australian Druidry delivers on that tradition of the portal series with flair.
The author shares her own journey with Druidry and developing a wheel that works in her region of Australia. Readers will get a taste of the author's love of her land/region. I thoroughly enjoyed this part of the book.
Readers will have some guide points on how they might re-think the wheel for their region. Followed by this are examples of the author's new festivals and seasonal cycle. I think this content will answer many Pagans' questions about the wheel of the year. Some readers will even be able to adapt the author's wheel pretty easily.
Following the festivals are natural symbols from the author's environment. The point is made that observing your natural world is important for discerning what the animals, plants, minerals, and spirits of your own place are telling you. Too often do Pagans assume that a crow is in every environment and means the same thing to each local. Symbols are relational things that change and adapt for communities and spaces.
Finally a brief practice section talks about how one can adapt the basic ritual sequence to fit the needs of your environment. Some things will work in every location. Others will not. Even the elemental directions can be shifted to better reflect where you live and practice.
This book is brief but packed with goodies that will help every Druid or Pagan looking to deepen their connection with the seasonal celebrations and the environment they live in.
It's no surprise to those who follow me that I've a big fan of the Pagan Portals. They are easy to read and approachable for almost every Pagan reader without falling into the trap of being repetitive. Australian Druidry delivers on that tradition of the portal series with flair.
The author shares her own journey with Druidry and developing a wheel that works in her region of Australia. Readers will get a taste of the author's love of her land/region. I thoroughly enjoyed this part of the book.
Readers will have some guide points on how they might re-think the wheel for their region. Followed by this are examples of the author's new festivals and seasonal cycle. I think this content will answer many Pagans' questions about the wheel of the year. Some readers will even be able to adapt the author's wheel pretty easily.
Following the festivals are natural symbols from the author's environment. The point is made that observing your natural world is important for discerning what the animals, plants, minerals, and spirits of your own place are telling you. Too often do Pagans assume that a crow is in every environment and means the same thing to each local. Symbols are relational things that change and adapt for communities and spaces.
Finally a brief practice section talks about how one can adapt the basic ritual sequence to fit the needs of your environment. Some things will work in every location. Others will not. Even the elemental directions can be shifted to better reflect where you live and practice.
This book is brief but packed with goodies that will help every Druid or Pagan looking to deepen their connection with the seasonal celebrations and the environment they live in.
August 26, 2021
I’ll admit, when I saw this title I believed it was a contradiction in terms. Maybe not a direct contradiction, but when I hear “druid” I think of pre-Christian western Europeans, not Australia.
Some of the most cherished seasonal celebrations in Western/European culture don’t make a ton of sense in the southern hemisphere. With the natural seasons inverted, celebrating Christmas in mid-summer with all its northerly symbols of snow, reindeer, and sleighs seems a bit off. I was pleased to see this very confusion inspired Julie Brett’s work in this book.
I don’t follow a druidic path, but I enjoy reading and learning about belief systems centered in nature. The ideas presented aren’t new, but the fluidity of practice described here feels truer than clinging to what’s familiar for familiarity's sake. It feels brave, embracing a sparse map of belief to find individual meaning in the land you’re in.
There’s enough in the book for anyone with an interest in druidry. If you’re a fan of plant and animal symbolism, she includes some of that. If you’re in search of ritual structures flexible enough to follow you through your travels, there’s some of that too.
I particularly enjoyed Brett’s suggestions on searching for symbolism for yourself, though observing and recording the natural forces at work in your life. I live in a desert. Though December - February is still winter in the US, seasons in our climate mean the opposite of what they mean in most parts of the country. I look forward to using some of these tools to embrace where I live.
There’s little in this book that could cause offense. Respect is reinforced frequently, especially with regard to native peoples’ sacred spaces and symbols.
I’d happily recommend this to someone interested in learning about current druidic practice. Yes, it’s focused on Australia, but the author makes every natural location accessible by sharing how she worked to make Australia accessible. It is well-rounded instruction, useful anywhere.
I’d also give this book to anyone with a desire to connect more with nature and with history. There are wonderful suggestions about record keeping, setting aside time to meditate, and developing intuitive observation skills.
Some of the most cherished seasonal celebrations in Western/European culture don’t make a ton of sense in the southern hemisphere. With the natural seasons inverted, celebrating Christmas in mid-summer with all its northerly symbols of snow, reindeer, and sleighs seems a bit off. I was pleased to see this very confusion inspired Julie Brett’s work in this book.
I don’t follow a druidic path, but I enjoy reading and learning about belief systems centered in nature. The ideas presented aren’t new, but the fluidity of practice described here feels truer than clinging to what’s familiar for familiarity's sake. It feels brave, embracing a sparse map of belief to find individual meaning in the land you’re in.
There’s enough in the book for anyone with an interest in druidry. If you’re a fan of plant and animal symbolism, she includes some of that. If you’re in search of ritual structures flexible enough to follow you through your travels, there’s some of that too.
I particularly enjoyed Brett’s suggestions on searching for symbolism for yourself, though observing and recording the natural forces at work in your life. I live in a desert. Though December - February is still winter in the US, seasons in our climate mean the opposite of what they mean in most parts of the country. I look forward to using some of these tools to embrace where I live.
There’s little in this book that could cause offense. Respect is reinforced frequently, especially with regard to native peoples’ sacred spaces and symbols.
I’d happily recommend this to someone interested in learning about current druidic practice. Yes, it’s focused on Australia, but the author makes every natural location accessible by sharing how she worked to make Australia accessible. It is well-rounded instruction, useful anywhere.
I’d also give this book to anyone with a desire to connect more with nature and with history. There are wonderful suggestions about record keeping, setting aside time to meditate, and developing intuitive observation skills.
January 14, 2018
This is an excellent book showing a good example on how a spiritual tradition can be kept alive and authentic by adjusting it to the realities of the space and time where it is practised.
Julie starts by mentioning just how disconnected from reality some of the traditions are. For example, Christmas in Australia looks simply absurd with all its winter symbolism and heavy warming winter foods that are consumed in the beginning of the hottest part of the year. Then she switches attention to the eightfold wheel of the year that is used by many pagan groups and to the fact that in its original form it is not very applicable to the climatic realities of Australia. Even switching it upside down doesn't make it much more relevant. What we call winter here has very little resemblance to what winter means for the people living in the UK.
Instead of simply adopting a pre-packaged tradition, Julie proposes an approach to modify and adapt it to the realities of your place. She tells the story of how she and a group of Australian druids worked for several years to rebuild the wheel of the year in a way that resonates with the Sydney region. Talking of their approach Julie also explains how a similar undertaking can be accomplished anywhere else on Earth. Even in Europe, the yearly cycle in northern Scandinavia is as different from the part of Britain where the eightfold wheel was conceived as the climate of southern France.
In short, Australian Druidry shows that the modern pagan traditions are not meant to be followed to the letter but to be used as a starting point in a personal or a group exploration of the nature, the land we live on and the spirit that makes it possible and sustains it.
Julie starts by mentioning just how disconnected from reality some of the traditions are. For example, Christmas in Australia looks simply absurd with all its winter symbolism and heavy warming winter foods that are consumed in the beginning of the hottest part of the year. Then she switches attention to the eightfold wheel of the year that is used by many pagan groups and to the fact that in its original form it is not very applicable to the climatic realities of Australia. Even switching it upside down doesn't make it much more relevant. What we call winter here has very little resemblance to what winter means for the people living in the UK.
Instead of simply adopting a pre-packaged tradition, Julie proposes an approach to modify and adapt it to the realities of your place. She tells the story of how she and a group of Australian druids worked for several years to rebuild the wheel of the year in a way that resonates with the Sydney region. Talking of their approach Julie also explains how a similar undertaking can be accomplished anywhere else on Earth. Even in Europe, the yearly cycle in northern Scandinavia is as different from the part of Britain where the eightfold wheel was conceived as the climate of southern France.
In short, Australian Druidry shows that the modern pagan traditions are not meant to be followed to the letter but to be used as a starting point in a personal or a group exploration of the nature, the land we live on and the spirit that makes it possible and sustains it.
July 14, 2017
This book was a great little read and full of good ideas, looking at Druidry as a form of spirituality that could be applied to people of any religion, or none.
If you ever wondered how to connect better to where you live, I recommend it. It's an eternal question for white Aussies, of how to walk that fine line between appreciating the history and traditions of the the lands of our ancestors, and finding ways to the connect to our new lands, all while being sensitive to those who were here before we came. I think Julie and her friends have found a very good way to work within all of these concerns, and that what they have learned would certainly apply to other countries as well.
I will certainly be using some of what she teaches in my own practice, and I can't wait to try out some of the group activities when we next get some druid-minded people together!
If you ever wondered how to connect better to where you live, I recommend it. It's an eternal question for white Aussies, of how to walk that fine line between appreciating the history and traditions of the the lands of our ancestors, and finding ways to the connect to our new lands, all while being sensitive to those who were here before we came. I think Julie and her friends have found a very good way to work within all of these concerns, and that what they have learned would certainly apply to other countries as well.
I will certainly be using some of what she teaches in my own practice, and I can't wait to try out some of the group activities when we next get some druid-minded people together!
November 30, 2023
Growing up and reading many pagan and wiccan related books, i always felt half connected to their stories and practices. Reading this was an almost immediate connection!! Makes sense that i am born and raised aussie. The explanation of the seasons was so interesting, and connecting them to the different environments and animals we have in this land. Any aussie spiritual practitioner needs to read this!!!
April 6, 2020
Excellent work on localizing druidry in any environment outside of England, specifically written around the author's experiences in making sense of her British druidry in her native Australia. Brett's willingness to articulate the many issues around adapting practices conceived in a British nudist colony for a very different region should provide valuable to druids everywhere.
September 12, 2020
A very thought provoking and insightful book to help you navigate through the Australian wheel of the year, and how to approach Druidry and other forms of Neo-Paganism within the Southern Hemisphere (especially on Australia's East Coast). A must have for anyone interested in pagan practices in Australia, and a frequent go to within my practice.
December 7, 2022
Essential reading to integrate druidry
A wonderfully researched and considered, but practical and approachable book for all those seeking to connect more deeply with the unique land that is Australia and/or to integrate the ancient northern wisdoms and practices of druidry with our distant southern land
A wonderfully researched and considered, but practical and approachable book for all those seeking to connect more deeply with the unique land that is Australia and/or to integrate the ancient northern wisdoms and practices of druidry with our distant southern land
May 15, 2020
Good mix of how to tie in traditional paganism with your own observance and ritual, in a way that doesn’t appropriate local culture or feel forced Euro-centric tradition. Worth a gander :)
November 28, 2024
I didn't finish this. I thought it would be interesting but the delivery was too academic for my taste and I just couldn't get into it.
June 22, 2025
It’s always nice to read well written pagan literature that focuses on the southern hemisphere. It was rather refreshing after my previous read left me wanting more (and perhaps better).
December 17, 2020
Julie Brett's exploration of developing relationship with-in the Australian landscape with a framework of the modern practise of Druidry is very informative, easy to follow, and leaves the way open for creativity. Founded in respect and a deep love of the land, her step by step guide to creating a relevant personal practice is a gift for those who are just starting out, and even for those already immersed in this particular path. Brett's book encourages the continuing exploration of a wide range of aspects which, honestly, could take a lifetime to experience and, if one is so inclined, to document as a guiding map for others. Her book offers perspective, inspiration, and is a valuable addition to the shelf of any modern Australian interested in Druidcraft or other earth-centric lifeways.
June 7, 2025
I've just re-read this book after 5 years of formally studying druidry through a variety of different orders, and not only is this a great introduction to how folks can (and do) adapt their practices within Australia, but I honestly think it's a great guide to (and example of) wildcrafting your own ecoregional practice and wheel of the year, regardless of where in the world you live.
I've previously recommended this book to a number of Aussie druids, witches, and other nature-based spiritual practitioners, but I'll definitely be recommending it more broadly going forward, particularly to anyone whose environment differs from that of England and Western Europe.
I've previously recommended this book to a number of Aussie druids, witches, and other nature-based spiritual practitioners, but I'll definitely be recommending it more broadly going forward, particularly to anyone whose environment differs from that of England and Western Europe.
January 11, 2024
This is a great book. Even if you have only a passing interest, or even no interest at all in Wicca, Druidry or modern Paganism. If you are a non-indigenous Australian Julie Brett's book provides a road map for connecting with the Australian landscape in a way that is respectful and non appropriative. She challenges us to recognise the sheer difference of our natural processes to the European ideas that we have inherited as a culture. Not simply the inverse of the Northern hemisphere, but fundamentally different. Highly recommend this book.
December 5, 2023
A unique take blending Celtic drudiity within an Australian context.
January 10, 2018
This books gives a great glance into an ancient and often misunderstood practice, this time set in Austrailia. When most people think druids, they think of Europe. Rooted deeply in nature, Druidry is close to other practices that are nature-based, and this book provides a great overview for the curious.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews