Member Reviews
Well Kris has done it again, I've read or listened to all Kris' previous books and his writing style is wonderful, so informative and educational, whilst also being inclusive with no snobbery.
I feel this book is a great read for those who are practicing druids or wiccans and to those with just an interest like myself.
This book contains the history of druidism and Celtic mysticism but also the tenants of becoming a druid.
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I am always up for learning something new. When I started I thought I understood what Druidry was from other things I have read. It turns out what I knew was kind of general and some of it was just incorrect, but after reading this book I have a far better understanding of Druidry. I also loved that the author said it was a journey we were going on and it was a good idea to bring along a journal. I did answer some of the questions in my own journal along the way and from beginning to end they did change a little bit. This book was something that made me a lot happier than I assumed it would.
The Book of Druidry by Kristoffer Hughes is an informative non fiction read on a nature based spiritual tradition. This title contains a lot of historical and practical information that will prove interesting to practicing pagans/witches while also providing insight to academic minded readers.
Excellent Read! I found Kristoffer's book to be enlightening in the realm of Druidry and a very refreshing change from some books. Excellent for the novice or advanced person.
Renowned author Kristoffer Hughes paints a comprehensive picture of Druidry—where it came from, how it developed into its current form, and why it is relevant today. Hughes shares not only the nuts and bolts of practice, but also its ethics, environmental considerations, and deep roots in history.
This is a great book written by an obviously very knowledgeable man. I have always been interested in the existence and practices of the ancient Druids, their association with Celtic beliefs and Nature. I found this a fascinating read and one which one can dip into depending on your own interests. Hughes shares insights into his own practices and spiritual journeys which are very enlightening- overall a solid 5 stars. Well written by a passionate author. Thank you Netgalley and publishers for an advance copy of The Book of Druidry.
I loved this book. I got this strange sense of calmness reading it.
Kristoffer Hughes explores in depth the modern Druidry, while giving a solid background introduction to its historical roots, environmental aspects and its ethics. There are chapters dedicated to rituals, the different ancestors, seasons and deities. He introduces important figures in Welsh mythology in a simple and relatable way.
Hughes includes his own associations and practices in Druidry, including meditation practices and journaling. Visual meditation, a fundamental part of Druidry that is usually forgotten, is central for its practice and understanding. Hughes offers practical ways to embody the teachings of Druidry, giving prompts for the readers to learn how to visual meditate and how to discover themselves through journaling.
This book is incredibly rich not only in the history of druidism and Celtic mysticism, but also in what it means to practice Druidry. Hughes expertise and passion is unquestionable throughout the book. I highly recommend it.
This is an informative and well researched book, a good book to start learning about Druidry or if you want to learn something more.
I appreciated how the author talks about experiences and makes you understand the type of spirituality
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This book is an incredible read, not only for the history of druidism and Celtic mysticism but also for the tenants of becoming a druid. Neopaganism is discussed, as is historical druidism. The author discusses the literary and poetic nature of druidism, and how mysticism and lore helped create the druidic organization. This book is brimming with information for those who pursue spiritual knowledge, and who have a natural curiosity of druidism. I highly recommend this book!
Kristoffer Hughes, a non-binary gay person and Welsh native, brings a refreshing perspective to the discussion of Druidry.
While The Book of Druidry serves as a beginner’s introduction to modern Druidry practice, Hughes also takes the reader on a meandering walk through his personal associations and practices and includes journaling prompts for the reader to explore their own thoughts.
The author begins by discussing the difference between someone who loves nature and someone who walks the Druidic path. They introduce the reader to key figures in Welsh mythology in a relatable way and continue to outline the ancient and modern history of Druidry.
There are chapters dedicated to ancestors, the Awen, ritual, seasonal cycles, and working with deities. They acknowledge Druidry is compatible with all religions or a lack thereof.
The highlights of the book are chapters on meditation and the elements. The author gives an in depth description of visual meditation that is central to many Druidic practices and is often glossed over. They also explain working with elements outside of the feminine/masculine framework usually found within Wicca and modern Druidry practices.
While some chapters seem to stray off topic, The Book of Druidry is overall a fresh and relevant exploration into modern Druidry and it will appeal to those looking for a different approach to Druidic practice.
Thank you to Llewelyn and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Ha e you been intrigued by Druidry? If you have, this is a fantastic tome packed with in depth information and history about the craft. While i may read this in one sitting, many may find that a daunting task.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Book of Druidry by Kristoffer Hughes is a comprehensive exploration of Druidry, its origins, development, and relevance in modern times. The author, renowned for his expertise, delves into the various aspects of Druidic practice, including its ethics, environmental considerations, and historical roots. Rather than simply discussing theory, Hughes offers practical ways to embody the teachings of Druidry.
In this book, readers will discover what it means to communicate with trees, awaken their wild nature, honor ancestors, and engage with deities. Through prayer, meditation, and ritual, one can expand their awareness and establish connections with the unseen world and elemental forces. Drawing from powerful Celtic wisdom, The Book of Druidry guides readers in connecting with Awen - the blessed breath of inspiration.
I found it to be an intriguing and in-depth exploration of Druidic practice. The passion and expertise of the author are evident throughout. However, it is worth noting that this book is quite substantial and may be best approached in small doses. Beyond its content, I appreciate the captivating cover design of this book, and it has been a valuable addition to my ever-expanding spiritual library.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
An incredible reference book or deep dive into Druidry, Kristoffer Hughes certainly knows his stuff and presents it in a way that is true to the title: The Book of Druidry: A Complete Introduction to the Magic & Wisdom of the Celtic Mysteries. The practice of druidry is presented in rich detail in part, the language of trees and simultaneously a joyous path for Hughes. I really resonate with his definition of Awen as a function of the craft of Druidry.
To me this is not a book I’ll sit and fully read cover to cover in one go. There are plenty of wells of wisdom and branches of magic and mystery that will keep me coming back for more. I can see myself reaching for this time and again, thoroughly consuming every chapter — not rushing but savoring these teachings. Hughes encouragement to write in the margins of the book {Hello Women Who Run With The Wolves ~ my notes are everywhere! 😆} —makes me want to own a hard copy.
ARC NETGALLEY REVIEW
Well constructed & interactive book. Author well researched and offered references, I did not agree with some of his references but that aside the concept and theory within this book hold ground in the history of Druidry. I feel the journaling interactive part allows you to find what fits for you and what doesn’t, but still hold value for all the beliefs within the pages.
This was an interesting read for me. When I was a preteen I got interested in druidry and joined a online forum to learn more, but they charged money to take lessons, so that is as far as I got. I enjoyed the personal perspective on these things. The writing was a little intense, though.
My personal feelings of druidry (which does not effect my review) are that I have issues suspending my disbelief, and my bullshit detector kept going off.
This book is a great, if too tense for the casual reader, introductory manual of sorts to the practice of modern druidry! It's only the second I've read, the first being The Book of Hedge Druidry.
Hughes begins the book with an exploration of his Welsh identity, and how druidism fits into that. Their explanation of awen (a core tenet of the practice) is spot on as well. I appreciate his suggestion to journal, though I have difficulty with that myself, because it is a great way to develop a relationship with one's own mindset on metaphysical beliefs. As with other more solitary ways to practice druidry, Hughes situates the reader as central to the practice rather than deity, and encourages the reader to seek out other sources of education as well.
While there is much to be gained from this book, and this section was interesting to me, I think the first portion of the book is too philosophical/etymological in nature to appeal to a casual reader who may simply be looking for an accessible introduction to the practice. It seems unsure whether it wants to provide a comprehensive historical overview of the origins of druidry first, or encourage one to situate one's own relationship to druidry first.
Hughes' recountings of deific or metaphysical characters such as Pwyll, Taliesin and Rhiannon give some refreshing narrative applications to the historical/moral philosophies that are discussed in surrounding areas of the book. He then diverges into exploring the minutae of, for example, Pwyll's characterization and internal existence, and encourages the reader of his own book to philosophize upon these characterizations and what they mean for rumination on the world and further spiritual development.
Again, I enjoy the contents of this tome. My main objection is its style, and perhaps that is because I'm unsure of what sectors of the pagan audience (or those interested in adopting pagan spirituality) it will be marketed to. (This is resolved about a fifth of the way into the book; Hughes acknowledges that a likely audience is an affluent Western one. However, the book or tone of the book seems intentionally targeted towards this anyways.)
Concepts such as cultural constitution, psychic constitution, and communication are terms that Hughes briefly discusses in order to help the reader situate their own practice of druidry, before moving on to druidry in a specifically Celtic context. It helps, after a dense but artfully worded philosophical introduction, to have a portion of the book outlining a historiographic perception of druids, possibly in order for the reader to question where their attraction to the practice comes from. The reader is also encouraged to engage in spiritual thought experiments later on in the piece.
I would like to commend the quality of research in this piece, but I do wish that it were more sensically ordered and even in tone. Hughes has impeccable accounts of Druidic ritual in multiple cultures, as well as what roles different types of druidic practitioners played in pagan worship. Perhaps this book would be better situated in an academic context such as for a history of religion course, or something similar. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC and I loved being able to read a fairly comprehensive account of the Western druidic histories from a gay, nonbinary author. Despite my love for other literature I've read, too much pagan literature is heterocentric and binary-conforming, and I think Hughes is an important voice to listen to in this age.
If you are looking for an informative and practical way to practice Druidry I think this is the one. Daily practice and actual doing is the focus us of this work. The rituals are simple but powerful and best of all the background information on the Deity involved and the reasons for ritual are given. Along with this there are portions of the book meant for a workbook format where you can record your observations and move forward with understanding . The rituals are earth centered and positive as well as grounded in the Druid tradition. Excellent!
If you want to learn more about Druidry, this is the book for you. Not only does the book take you through the beginnings and foundation of Druidry, it also shares how it has adapted to the times and how you can practice it today.
I love historical data and the how and why things came about. This book on Druidry hit all the marks for me. I have read many books on many practices and religions and this one is really quite comprehensive and detailed. I’ll look for more from this author moving forward.