Kevin’s Comments (group member since Aug 28, 2012)

Kevin’s comments from the Druid Study / Reading Group group.

I suppose we could run the book group via email and post to Goodreads as it develops. I'm open to any suggestions. As for continuing to read Philip's book, I've gone ahead and made my notes, but really don't want to jump too far ahead by posting everything I have.

:-)

Kevin

Helloooooooooooooo...anybody out there?

*crickets chirping*

:-\

I'd like to suggest to our moderators that we take a long as is necessary to discuss this book. That way there is no pressure on anyone to complete chapters when they are not able to.

What say you, oh mighty Moderators?

;-)

Thanks for your thoughts, Jennifer. My comments were a simple matter of perception and may actually be more revealing about who I think Philip is rather than who he actually is. When I mentioned that this book was Druidry 101 I didn't mean to be disparaging. I should have thought that one over for a few days before posting. Perhaps I should have said that the book provides an excellent foundation for those interested in perusing Druidry or for those who simply want a quick look at our spirituality/religiosity/way of life.

As for the short-lived social movement of the 60's and 70's, I wish I could argue your point, Jennifer, but I think you are right. I've watched the world move from a hope for community to a very selfish, consumer centric society. I remember watching an end-of-decade show in 1979 where the announcer stated that we were going to be moving from the We generation into the Me generation. My jaw hit the floor and tears filled my eyes. I've never gotten over that realization.

Greg, I'll give your comments a read and see if I can chime in.

I've gone ahead with the book but won't jump ahead with any comments until I'm sure everyone is ready to do so. Just let me know.

:-)

Kevin

Jennifer, do you mean the email notifications? If so, I'm having the same problem, so I'm just checking our group on a daily basis until the email thingy is straightened out.

Kevin

First of all, I must admit to being a big fan of Philip’s writing. With that in mind, I’ll do my best not to be too biased or go to the other extreme and be overly critical in my assessment.

There were a few points that I came across in the first chapter that had me thinking, “What if….?” or “Why assume this or that?” But before I get into the finer points, I want to see if we all agree that Druid Mysteries is an intro book or Druidry 101. How does the group feel about this? If I am correct, I have to recognize that Philip’s audience would have been folks new to Druidry or simply the curious. As such, any extensive criticisms on my part would be out of place.

I was pleased to read the first paragraph on the second page, which stated, “This book is about a way of life that can help us to find this universal dream in our hearts, and that can also help us to live it – so that, in however small a way, we can contribute to changing the world around us.” From my point of view, Philip is challenging us to accept the possibility that Druidry is dynamic and requires input from those who decide to follow the path. I really like this idea. Any thoughts on your position?

In the subsection Opening the Door, I felt that the author was intentionally adding a bit of mystique to the term Druidry or Druids. I’d love to know if I misread him or whether his intention was to be mysterious since many folks love magic and mystery. He appears to be saying to his audience, It’s all very mysterious, but, like opening a door, you too can understand what this is all about. Is this too simplistic a view or is he correct in offering a peek into our world…into Druidry?

The following subsection entitled Druids and Druidesses raises, in my mind, the question of what is an alternative spirituality. Does Philip mean non-Christian or polytheistic and if so, how do we categorize Hinduism? He also suggests that nature based religions in the 20th century has become prevalent in the latter half of the century. Should we link this idea with the environmental movement or the overall changes to the social fabric in the 60’s and 70’s? Has this awakening of the public led to a need for hope and optimism that is commonly found in nature based religions? Do we perceive conventional religions as depressing and pessimistic?

I could go on, but I’d really like to get your thoughts on these matters.


/|\ Kevin

Very nice first comment, Jennifer. I'm with you when you wonder about how many folks avoid druidry as a result of time necessary to give the topic a good thrashing. I've found that the people who do commit tend to have mulled this over as well and are the folks willing to spend the time on the long and winding road (apologies to the best band EVER! ;-)).

I think that it's very important that we be up front and honest with those that approach us with questions about druidry and ensure that they are fully aware of the commitment required on the part of the applicant. This is most definitely about the journey, not the destination.

I've just one more bit to finish in another book and then I'll pick up Philip's and give the first chapter a good read. I'll address matters immediately afterwards...which should be within a day or so.

Oh, and to answer your earlier question, Jennifer, no, no camera up the bum yet. Billy Connolly has noted that once a man turns 50 his doctor loses all interest in his testicles and develops a fascination with his arse. X-)

Works for me!

Thanks Bill.

Hello everyone,

A little about myself...I just turned the big 5-0 and am unsure if that officially makes me a senior citizen. ;-) I'm currently living in the ottawa area of Canada, have a professional/academic background in the sciences (Chemistry, Ecotoxicology, and Toxicology), am currently employed by the Government of Canada as a human and companion animal (pets) Health Evaluation Officer (specifically, I perform health and safety assessment on the use of non-conventional/ natural/just plain weird pesticides, for example, the use of essential oils as a personal insect repellent.)

As for the Druid in me, I was ordained as a Druid Priest in 1999 and completed my studies with the now defunct Bandarach College of Druids. I prefer to practice as a solitaire and focus my efforts more on education of others than on rituals. I am currently a member of The Druid Network (TDN) and am forever grateful for the internet and the efforts of people like Bill and Mo in providing a marvelous arena for people like us to share ideas and discuss current literature as it relates to Druidry.

I'm looking forward to sharing our thoughts in the book club.

:-)

/|\ Kevin