Druid Magic: The Practice of Celtic Wisdom

by Maya Magee Sutton, Nicholas R. Mann

Perhaps the most mystical, magical people ever known were the Druids. They were wizards, storytellers, teachers and spiritual leaders. They were attuned to the Earth and the Sun. And they were very powerful. Druid Magick presents everything you need to know to become a Druid and even start your own Druid "Grove" (the name of a Druid group). Learn about the Druid's tools―the sickle, wand, cord, and more―and how to make and use them. Discover all of the beliefs the Druids hold, including the emphasis on honor and ethics. And, of course, you'll learn the secrets of the magic of the Druids. Druidry is far more than historic Celtic leadership. It is a living, growing, spiritual tradition that can bring you more self-assurance and self-development than you've before ever had. Winner of the 2001 Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR) Award for best Magic Book

Genres: Magic, Paganism, Spirituality, Reference, Nonfiction, Occult, Witchcraft

368 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2000

Reviews

[Danni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Earlier this spring I started a video series on magic in Druidry. I wanted to also read and review some of the most popular books on the topic as well. Druid Magic was a title that had been on my TBR for a while. This seemed like a great reason to dive in!

Druid Magic is set up to help the solitary Druid dive into practicing Druidry and working with the magical elements found therein. Each chapter includes general information on the topic, personal stories from the authors, myth and legend retellings, and the essence of Druidry. At the end of each chapter readers get a huge mix of different practices to help take their knowledge into their practice through ritual, meditation, service, and creative endeavors.

I appreciate that the authors make the topics really interesting to read. At no point will you be bored (even if you've read a hundred of beginner Druidry books). The more mystical and gray topics of magical practice are explored. Readers are encouraged to fully embrace new ideas and new worlds. 

For me, this wasn't really the best fit. It didn't seem to quite reflect the current space we find ourselves today or where Druidry is currently moving to. I think that the magician and fantastic Druid will really enjoy this book. That just isn't where my practice is right now. 

I can happily recommend this book as a library checkout. It's just not an item that I think you need to purchase as a reference book or keeper. 

[Lilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Better than most books of this type, but still not worth recommending. Why do all books like this always tackle the "woo-woo" mystic side of things but always completely lack giving the reader a foundation in the Celtic world view/cosmology first?

You can't wake up one day and go "I think I'll become a Druid today" and then jump right into draíocht (Gaeilge [Irish:] - 'spell', 'magic' or 'charm'). You need to completely change the way you see the world by adopting the world view first.

Also, I'm so tired of pan-Celtic books. Yes, Goidelic and Brythonic tribes have similarities, but they also have differences. Not every tribe saw things the same way. Even within Goidelic tribes there were differences, same with Brythonic. Quit lumping them all together, please.

[Dragonflydreamer68 · Rating 5 out of 5]

very enlightening.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I popp through this book, opening a page, and therefore I learn more Celtic Wisdom. Most of this book re-affirms what I knew deep inside.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Druid Magic focuses mostly on Irish mythology. If the reader isn't familiar with Celtic mythology one will be confused. There is a glossary of Deities, places, and events located in the back of the book. Although that's probably not helpful.

This book is 80% scholar work and 20% Paganism. Or as it is called by the authors "Neopaganism". I have an issue with the word "Neopagnism" because it implies that this is a new kind of Paganism. I believe that Paganism never truly left. Instead required discretion and silence until it was suitable to practice openly again.

Druid Magic is also a reference book. It can be broken into three sections: wisdom of the bards, ovates, and lastly the druids themselves. All the information comes from Celtic literature/folklore that has survived and archaeological evidence. This book is mostly from an anthropological point of view. If the reader is expecting any spells, rituals or fey magic then this book is not adequate. Sutton mention types of exercises one can do, but it's mostly meditation. Not spellwork. The authors believe that spellwork is what witches do. Druids are not witches according to the authors. Agree to disagree. They mention Macha or Bel, but they're just people from history and not Gods. Maya Sutton and Nicholas Mann are just Atheist Pagans in my opinion because they believe in Druidry for the sake of their ancestors. Nothing wrong with this kind of thinking. I prefer scholar writing with my Paganism over new age ideas.

Druid magic has a lot of wisdom through facts. Although I don't understand why for two people who claim to not be witches they sure have a cool piece about sex magick. Ironically enough it's better than any of the "Sex Magick" books I have read. This book also comes with a list of places to visit if you travel to the UK and it is listed by country.

I see many similarities between Celtic and Norse Paganism. This isn't very surprising seeing as the Norse did invade Scotland, England, and Ireland. They also share a similar code of "conduct" in honour above all, knowledge, and paying homage to ancestors. Someone not honouring their word or obligations was a serious offense.

All in all this was a very insightful book.

[Cara Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very comprehensive book on how to make Druid practices part of your life today in a traditional and relevant way. Also explains how to set up your own Grove and to do group rituals. Lots of background information based on archeological studies, myths and traditions. Authors tell of their own Druid path journey in an engaging way. Highly recommend.

[Charles · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are looking for books on the history or serious books about druidry today this is not for you, However if you are a neodruid or neopagan or you might be able to pull some value out of this book, otherwise skip it.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It is a very well done introduction to Druidism and has a lot of great assignments at the end of each chapter. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the celtic traditions.

[Rachel Lightfoot · Rating 1 out of 5]

Have tried for years to read this, eventually could not finish it. So much of it does not ring true, and there is far more emphasis on sex than is necessary.

[Molly Nause-McCord]

i didnt finish reading this cover to cover. but it was really informative for my practice and i will reference it a lot.

[Macklin2578]

I have skimmed through it before, a good reread

[Druid Daddy Nualláin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Crap. Crappy mistranslations of Gaelic. Too many mistakes for me to take it seriously. Had to stop reading.