by Rob Chapman
£4.50 paperback, £2.76 PDF download
Pubisher's description
Or The Book of Chaos and Inspiration. This book blends aspects of
Druidry, Chaos and Free Expression to provide a concise sytem to
working in new ways within Druidry. It also express' a metaphoric
framework for the emerging self through actualisation. Rob is a Druid
and Counselor based in England.
Review
This short (30 page)
e-booklet is Rob Chapman's first publication. In writing it, he draws upon his
background in both Chaos Magick and Druidry. I know very little about Chaos
Magick and so some of the terms were new to me, but Rob helpfully provides a
glossary - this also covers the several Welsh words that he uses.
The booklet consists of ten short sections or "llyfr" (Welsh for book)
- with headings such as "Llyfr o Cread" (inspiration), "Llyfr a Awn", and
"Llyfr o yr Draig" (dragon). The longest is that on "Defod" or Ritual. As Rob
states in the introduction, the work is the result of outpourings of
inspiration, and each section consists of approximately a dozen short numbered
paragraphs. At times, it reads like an ecstatic psalm of praise. I initially
found it quite hard to follow, and had to read it several times before it began
to open up for me. It's probably not that accessible for a beginner to Druidry.
The ritual section is the
most specific, providing guidance to ritual form and to the attitude to take to
it. He explains that although, ultimately, guidelines are unnecessary, they are
necessary whilst we are learning. I especially liked Rob's emphasis on
opening to inspiration and on the importance of spontaneity. His approach to
ritual is active and alive, advocating the inclusion of noise and movement.
Apparently a second publication - "At the Table of the Druid" is in the
pipeline - I'll be interested to see what that brings.
review by Hawthorn
