by Emma Restall Orr
Published by HarperCollins
Description
The word "ritual" summons up all sorts of associations, from Freemasonry
to the Catholic mass to black magic. Emma Restall Orr's book is about
none of these. Orr is head of The Druid Network and the former joint chief
of the British Druid Order, and it's from the Druids and the Bardic tradition
that she draws her ideas for this deeply thoughtful book, aptly sub-titled
"A guide to life, love and inspiration". Ritual, she says, is "the fine
art of taking a break... It is the practice of reminding ourselves of
the value and power of living. It is that moment in which we stop and,
looking around, understand that life is sacred." A love and respect for
nature is fundamental to druidic spirituality; when selecting a place
for a ritual, for example, Orr counsels that the spirits of the place
should be asked first.
Perhaps the most important word in the book is awen, "the flow
of life energy that is the changing, growing, fruiting, dying nature of
creation... It is possible to access this flow consciously, to use its
power as a way of enthusing life, of finding freedom and freeing love."
And this is what ritual achieves. Orr includes many simple but beautifully
written accounts of her personal experiences, and her own informal rituals.
The longest chapter explores more formal group rituals for the eight festivals
of the year; another chapter covers rites of passage, including welcoming
and naming a baby, adolescence, marriage (and parting), elderhood and
death. "Learning, growing, finding our soul nourishment, the world we
live in is our own creativity," says Orr. "Ritual is a concentrated moment
of that living." This is a warm, poetic and inspirational book, an excellent
and thorough guide to the subject.
Reviews
Review One
Review Summary
The best introduction to ritual in modern Druidry there is - this is a
"must have".
Comments
How do you write a book about ritual? And about Druidic ritual at that?
These are two of the questions Emma Restall Orr (Bobcat) asks herself
at the beginning of this wonderfully crafted book. Yet she goes on to
describe what ritual is, and why and how it works. Language, place, tools
and form are all considered in depth, before Emma discusses the celebrations
of the turning year.
This is a work full of love, beauty and inspiration. It is an essential
item for anyone beginning their study of Druidry, as well as being indispensable
for those more experienced and knowledgable on this path.
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Review Two
Review Summary
An exquisite find and an absolutely lovely read.
Comments
I have just read Ritual from cover to cover. It's the literary equivalent
of being given a big, fat, warm hug by your closest friend or favourite
aunt or siblings all at once.
If there were enough Amazon stars then I would give it ten-a true GEM
Notes on availability:
Ritual: A Guide to Life Love and Inspiration has been remaindered
by the publishers and is becoming increasingly dificult to find. The links
below, to Amazon, may reveal copies from independent booksellers, or second-hand
copies.
We have a number of copies of Ritual
and other books by Emma Restall Orr available for purchase directly
from the author:
Ritual in English (£9.99)
Ritual in Portuguese (£10)
Principles of Druidry in Portuguese
(£8)
Principles of Druidry in Italian (£6)
Send payment by cheque or Postal Order,
made out to Emma Restall Orr to The Druid Network Office address:
The Druid Network
PO Box 3533
Whichford
Shipston on Stour
Warwickshire
CV36 5YB |
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