What do you think?
Rate this book
Bonewits's Essential Guide to Druidism
A book about Druids unlike any other, Bonewits's Essential Guide to Druidism not only goes far behind the usual Celtic and Classical references by discussing the evolution and migration of the Proto-Indo-European peoples, from whom the Celts arose, but also discusses the beliefs and ritual practices of both the British and American streams of modern Druidry, as well as providing warnings about deceptive Druid organizations and authors. This is a book that belongs in the library of every modern Druid, regardless of their particular path or style of Druidism.
330 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2006
7 people are currently reading
1152 people want to read
About the author
Isaac Bonewits
14 books54 followersPhillip Emmons Isaac Bonewits was an influential Neopagan leader and author. He was a liturgist, speaker, journalist, Neo-druid priest, and a singer, songwriter, and independent recording artist. He had been heavily involved in occultism since the 1960s.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 8, 2011
Excellent book. I cannot rave enough, for the author prefaces the book listing his biases! OMG I am not gay, but I think I love the man! Every human being has biases, and I am sick and tired of people pretending they are unbiased! Its crap and its so refreshing to see a little honesty.
My only difficulty with the book was the section detailing rituals, and I am showing my biases here. Religious rituals give me the screaming willies (even those of my Christian brethren – I WILL NOT participate in the Communion! Creepy ritualized symbolic cannibalism! Burr!) It’s a great section, and I hope to use some of the ideas in that section in my writing and storytelling (to make it more realistic). And before I get complaints, I understand the nature and use for ritual and I certainly have my rituals (I call them habits, but they amount to the same thing) – but in my personal faith they are anathema (they help get you into a certain mental state, and to me you need no altered mental state to communicate with The Creator; frankly to me it seems sort of a cheat to try for such when talking to God).
I am frantically copying the first two appendixes (listing books and websites) before returning the book to the library.
And I did have another book by Mr. Bonewits (not sure of his title, so I will go with Mr.), Neopagan Rites: A Guide to Creating Public Rituals That Work – but as I said religious rituals hold very little interest (save in a vague, academic and observational sense) so I returned it unread. I am however anxious for some of his other titles.
My only difficulty with the book was the section detailing rituals, and I am showing my biases here. Religious rituals give me the screaming willies (even those of my Christian brethren – I WILL NOT participate in the Communion! Creepy ritualized symbolic cannibalism! Burr!) It’s a great section, and I hope to use some of the ideas in that section in my writing and storytelling (to make it more realistic). And before I get complaints, I understand the nature and use for ritual and I certainly have my rituals (I call them habits, but they amount to the same thing) – but in my personal faith they are anathema (they help get you into a certain mental state, and to me you need no altered mental state to communicate with The Creator; frankly to me it seems sort of a cheat to try for such when talking to God).
I am frantically copying the first two appendixes (listing books and websites) before returning the book to the library.
And I did have another book by Mr. Bonewits (not sure of his title, so I will go with Mr.), Neopagan Rites: A Guide to Creating Public Rituals That Work – but as I said religious rituals hold very little interest (save in a vague, academic and observational sense) so I returned it unread. I am however anxious for some of his other titles.
August 2, 2015
"Essential" as in the bare essentials NOT as in absolutely necessary .
This is not a "how-to" book, but brief overview/introduction of what druidism is. The first half is a history of druidism, from the Celts to the 17th c. revivalists to the modern neo-pagans. The second half is a survey of common beliefs and practices of some current druid groups.
If you have no idea where to start this will point you in the right direction(s). If you've looked up a few druid organizations online and read over the author's website then you probably already know most of what's in the book.
This is not a "how-to" book, but brief overview/introduction of what druidism is. The first half is a history of druidism, from the Celts to the 17th c. revivalists to the modern neo-pagans. The second half is a survey of common beliefs and practices of some current druid groups.
If you have no idea where to start this will point you in the right direction(s). If you've looked up a few druid organizations online and read over the author's website then you probably already know most of what's in the book.
April 26, 2011
A well written survey about how people are reinventing druidism today
June 2, 2021
A comprehensive overview of modern druidry in its many (and surprisingly complex) forms. The book traces Druidry from its Paleolithic origins (of which little evidence remains), all the way through the 13th-21st centuries, including its common beliefs and practices. He explains the differences between modern Druidic groups, and what makes them unique.
Being a Druid himself, Isaac treats the subject with a refreshing respect, for the practices of both ancient and modern druids, even when he disagrees with them. Although biased (as he readily admits), he gives a fair treatment to the subject, denouncing historical practices that don’t fit into the modern ideals of druidry (animal/human sacrifice), as well as preferring to let go of practices that cling to idealistic and new age notions of what druidry was.
Isaac’s approach to reviving druidry in his own organization (ADF) is quite brilliant, combining what we do know of it—particularly leaning upon recent scholarship—with elements borrowed from other Indo-European traditions to fill in the gaps (for instance Hinduism). Isaac provides a solid rationale (the cultures having the same root), is up-front about when he does this, and is culturally sensitive.
Some of his earlier experiments seemed odd to me (Hasidic druids), and along with humorous comments throughout, point to a certain “unserious” undertone he brings to just about everything. Honestly, this slightly sarcastic/humorous position annoys me, because it’s at odds with the real depth he brings at other times. When he brings in experiences, stories and aspirations, I understand why he decided to become a Druid, and it reflects positively on what he’s doing. The positive that comes with not taking things seriously is evidenced by a wide variety of disparate Druid groups get along pretty well! I’d like to believe it’s still possible to get along and have a more reverent tone.
Something I would love to see more of in modern Druidism overall is a connection between the Druidic pantheon and rituals, and a spiritual journey of understanding. I found this somewhat missing in this book, as the stated objectives of the rituals appear to be celebration, honoring the gods, or a kind of magical intent. As I read this book, I thought of the books by Mark and Lara Atwood, which focus on the connection between ancient religions and a personal spiritual journey. Approaching ceremony from a space of personal spiritual exploration gave me deep appreciation for the beauty of modern Druidic practices and symbols, which are really ideally suited to help one understand nature and the cosmos in a profound way.
The final chapters on ceremonies, and the appendix for setting up a ceremony, are the reason this book is staying on my shelf. I appreciate that Isaac included examples that are actually used by Druidic groups today. They help to illustrate his various points about Druidism, and for me they serve as inspiration and instruction for how to make a good ceremony.
Being a Druid himself, Isaac treats the subject with a refreshing respect, for the practices of both ancient and modern druids, even when he disagrees with them. Although biased (as he readily admits), he gives a fair treatment to the subject, denouncing historical practices that don’t fit into the modern ideals of druidry (animal/human sacrifice), as well as preferring to let go of practices that cling to idealistic and new age notions of what druidry was.
Isaac’s approach to reviving druidry in his own organization (ADF) is quite brilliant, combining what we do know of it—particularly leaning upon recent scholarship—with elements borrowed from other Indo-European traditions to fill in the gaps (for instance Hinduism). Isaac provides a solid rationale (the cultures having the same root), is up-front about when he does this, and is culturally sensitive.
Some of his earlier experiments seemed odd to me (Hasidic druids), and along with humorous comments throughout, point to a certain “unserious” undertone he brings to just about everything. Honestly, this slightly sarcastic/humorous position annoys me, because it’s at odds with the real depth he brings at other times. When he brings in experiences, stories and aspirations, I understand why he decided to become a Druid, and it reflects positively on what he’s doing. The positive that comes with not taking things seriously is evidenced by a wide variety of disparate Druid groups get along pretty well! I’d like to believe it’s still possible to get along and have a more reverent tone.
Something I would love to see more of in modern Druidism overall is a connection between the Druidic pantheon and rituals, and a spiritual journey of understanding. I found this somewhat missing in this book, as the stated objectives of the rituals appear to be celebration, honoring the gods, or a kind of magical intent. As I read this book, I thought of the books by Mark and Lara Atwood, which focus on the connection between ancient religions and a personal spiritual journey. Approaching ceremony from a space of personal spiritual exploration gave me deep appreciation for the beauty of modern Druidic practices and symbols, which are really ideally suited to help one understand nature and the cosmos in a profound way.
The final chapters on ceremonies, and the appendix for setting up a ceremony, are the reason this book is staying on my shelf. I appreciate that Isaac included examples that are actually used by Druidic groups today. They help to illustrate his various points about Druidism, and for me they serve as inspiration and instruction for how to make a good ceremony.
January 27, 2018
I read this as a follow-up to The Druidry Handbook. It certainly has a lot more depth than Greer's book. That being said, I got the impression that much of this was highly specific to Bonewits' tradition and experience. It seems to me that this would be most useful and interesting to someone who intends to become a Druid or is seriously considering that path.
Read
April 12, 2024About halfway through this book I found out that the author was posthumously accused of sexually assaulting multiple children so I'm gonna keep my thoughts and my rating to myself rather than give this man anything to cling onto from his rotting place in the Otherworld.
May 28, 2013
I always did like Mr. Bonewits. His writing style is humorous, interesting, and educational. He would have been a great college teacher if the university system would have let him.
In this book, he veers off the magical path he covered in Real Magic. Even though he does an amazing job covering a normally boring subject like prehistory, as well as the background of historical and reconstructed druidism, he spends very little time addressing modern druid magic...in spite of what the back of the book says. His emphases (and interests) are on reviving druidism as a religious practice...something that makes me kind of uneasy. However, he believes that if it's done right, Modern Druidry can correct the abuses and neglect that organized religion has done in the past. I'm not all that convinced; since in my opinion, the older the religion gets, the more conservative it becomes, until so many centuries have passed until it's forced to change, die out, or strangle its followers with volumes of rules and unspoken expectations.
Anyway, it's a good book for those not that much into magic, but instead are interested in, or want to be part of, an activist religion (in spite of separation of church & state?) which is into environmentalism and doing right by society...in other words, a religious alternative to its sister religion, Wicca. Bonewits just doesn't want a religion made up from whole cloth, ritual, and cosplay....He wants a real live functioning faith that would do the gods proud. It doesn't matter if it's resurrected. He wants it legitimate. It might work.
In this book, he veers off the magical path he covered in Real Magic. Even though he does an amazing job covering a normally boring subject like prehistory, as well as the background of historical and reconstructed druidism, he spends very little time addressing modern druid magic...in spite of what the back of the book says. His emphases (and interests) are on reviving druidism as a religious practice...something that makes me kind of uneasy. However, he believes that if it's done right, Modern Druidry can correct the abuses and neglect that organized religion has done in the past. I'm not all that convinced; since in my opinion, the older the religion gets, the more conservative it becomes, until so many centuries have passed until it's forced to change, die out, or strangle its followers with volumes of rules and unspoken expectations.
Anyway, it's a good book for those not that much into magic, but instead are interested in, or want to be part of, an activist religion (in spite of separation of church & state?) which is into environmentalism and doing right by society...in other words, a religious alternative to its sister religion, Wicca. Bonewits just doesn't want a religion made up from whole cloth, ritual, and cosplay....He wants a real live functioning faith that would do the gods proud. It doesn't matter if it's resurrected. He wants it legitimate. It might work.
June 24, 2008
I always love Isaacks work,and this is well thought out,and a joy to read.
March 8, 2010
Excellent. Exellence Exemplified. Exegesis for Xtreme Sporting events.
May 30, 2013
This book saved my life during last couple of weeks, while writing finals essay.
Read
July 26, 2011Not the best on bonewits, but still worth it
November 6, 2011
An excellent book for people involved in the Neo-pagan Druid movement, a must read for all people starting out on that path.
January 24, 2016
Not much to say about this. It was informative and Bonewits maintains a very open and accepting atmosphere. It's a great primer for anyone looking to get involved in druidism.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews