First Steps

by Vixen

Since I began to work with The Druid Network, one question has been asked of me again and again, by those new to the path, or exploring its meaning. And that question is:

“How do I know which books will teach me the basics of Druidry?”

For me the answer is simple, if a little unhelpful. There aren’t any.

I think I need to explain that statement, and will attempt to do so, before completely contradicting myself and offering a few selected titles. Druidry is a living tradition, it is an experiential tradition, and the only way to learn, understand and practice the path of Druidry is to do it, to be it. All the reading in the world, all the academic study and analysis possible will still not teach you what Druidry really is – because it is different for all of us, and expressed differently by all of us. Whether we are a solitary Druid, a member of a Grove, are part of a large Druid organisation or otherwise, how we express our beliefs and how we practice our path is completely individualistic. Only by doing, only by experiencing, can you come to understand your own Druidry and what it means to you.

Of course, once the only way to learn Druidry was through the oral traditions and many years of dedication and effort. Dedication and effort are still required, but not all of us are lucky enough to have a friendly Druid living next door to tell us all we need to know. And that is where books come in. They allow us to gain an insight to someone else’s vision of Druidry, to how they perceive this beautiful spiritual path. By reading such books it is possible we can gain a greater understanding of the direction we wish to go, and then we may find the connection, the inspiration and the truth of our own Druidry.

So, here are my recommendations for the first steps along this path. They are, by their very nature, deeply subjective and wholly personal. Another may produce a completely different list, and both would be equally valid. But at least it’s a starting point.

Recommended ‘First Steps’ books:

Principles of Druidry (Thorsons Principles Series) by Emma Restall Orr - HarperCollins
Druidry (Thorsons Directions) by Emma Restall Orr - HarperCollins (a ‘cut-down’ version of Principles of Druidry)
Living Druidry by Emma Restall Orr - Piatkus Books
Druidry by Philip Shallcrass - Piatkus Books
The Elements of the Druid Tradition by Philip Carr-Gomm - Element Books
The Path Through The Forest by Julie White and Graeme K. Tallboys - Grey House in the Woods

All the above books will give an excellent basic framework for Druidry today. They all approach the subject from a differing perspective, and as such can give the reader a broad overview of what Druidry is for each individual. Most of the above books also have extensive bibliographies to allow for further exploration of the tradition.

Other essential reading includes:

Druid Priestess by Emma Restall Orr (previously published as 'Spirits of the Sacred Grove') - Thorsons
Ritual: A Guide to Life, Love and Inspiration by Emma Restall Orr - HarperCollins
The Mabinogion – many editions and translations are available – see lists in Book Reviews

May your explorations and personal path to truth be filled with beauty, love and inspiration.

Vixen