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The Bardic Book of Becoming: An Introduction to Modern Druidry
The Bardic Book of Becoming is a warm, user-friendly, eclectic introduction to modern Druidry that invites you to take the first steps into the realms of magic and mystery. In this book you will be introduced to the various techniques and practices of a Druid in training. Written by Ivan McBeth, the cofounder of Vermont's Green Mountain School of Druidry, the book incorporates lessons, visualizations, rituals, and magical stories. Many different activities and exercises are included that provide the reader with hands-on learning. Ivan also provides personal stories that demonstrate his own journey from spiritual seeker to Druid.
- GenresNonfiction
272 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2018
33 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 31, 2018
I happened to receive this book as a gift from a friend, Jay, signed by Philip Carr-Gomm. I'm so glad that the book was a delight to read; I'll be happy to treasure this on my bookshelf for years to come.
The Bardic Book of Becoming is a refreshing book for those interested in Druidry or still learning about this Pagan path. Ivan brings his own flavor and techniques to the teaching and telling without distorting the threads of Druidry that unites folks around the globe. It's a wonderful addition to anyone's bookshelf!
Readers will be relived that this is one non-fiction with easy to digest chapters. It's the perfect bedside table read (imagine the dreams you'll have!). All the topics flow together from one chapter to the next but it's easy to put down and pick up when you only have a short time to read every day, week, or month.
I particularly enjoyed that there were no "exercises" at the end of the chapter. While this is a useful tool, it can be overdone in these introductory books. Instead, the author weaves the activities and rituals into the chapter. There is a real dance to the author's writing moving smoothly between story, ritual, information, and daring.
Unique to the authors exploration of the bardic grove is his focus on readers deciding to become spiritual warriors. This is not a call to be aggressive or rude but rather a call to be brave in our spiritual dealings. It was not an idea that I've heard in many other Druidry books and found that it was well described here, inspiring but not forceful. There are a few exercises and tools that are then that will be of interest to those who head the warrior's call in this book.
The final section of the book is all about connecting to the elements. Each chapter includes a ritual and path to better connecting with the element. I mention this not because it's a surprise that an introductory book on Druidry includes the elements, but because the Spirit (as the fifth element) ritual is one of the sweetest and magical rituals I've encountered in a book like this. Well worth the read if only for this ritual!
Druids, Celtic witches, and those exploring Paganism will enjoy this rich, easy to read book. You'll finish reading feeling inspired and rooted in your practice!
The Bardic Book of Becoming is a refreshing book for those interested in Druidry or still learning about this Pagan path. Ivan brings his own flavor and techniques to the teaching and telling without distorting the threads of Druidry that unites folks around the globe. It's a wonderful addition to anyone's bookshelf!
Readers will be relived that this is one non-fiction with easy to digest chapters. It's the perfect bedside table read (imagine the dreams you'll have!). All the topics flow together from one chapter to the next but it's easy to put down and pick up when you only have a short time to read every day, week, or month.
I particularly enjoyed that there were no "exercises" at the end of the chapter. While this is a useful tool, it can be overdone in these introductory books. Instead, the author weaves the activities and rituals into the chapter. There is a real dance to the author's writing moving smoothly between story, ritual, information, and daring.
Unique to the authors exploration of the bardic grove is his focus on readers deciding to become spiritual warriors. This is not a call to be aggressive or rude but rather a call to be brave in our spiritual dealings. It was not an idea that I've heard in many other Druidry books and found that it was well described here, inspiring but not forceful. There are a few exercises and tools that are then that will be of interest to those who head the warrior's call in this book.
The final section of the book is all about connecting to the elements. Each chapter includes a ritual and path to better connecting with the element. I mention this not because it's a surprise that an introductory book on Druidry includes the elements, but because the Spirit (as the fifth element) ritual is one of the sweetest and magical rituals I've encountered in a book like this. Well worth the read if only for this ritual!
Druids, Celtic witches, and those exploring Paganism will enjoy this rich, easy to read book. You'll finish reading feeling inspired and rooted in your practice!
April 4, 2020
An excellent introduction to Druidry that does a great job of balancing theory with practicality and making it clear how each feed into and build off of the other. The book includes meditations, rituals, and activities you can start implementing at home right away (in fact, I already have).
I have questions about some aspects of Druidry presented that either didn't make sense or seemed contradictory, but I'm not sure if that's from McBeth's writing or larger Druidic teachings themselves. Also sometimes the book had overly self-helpy marketing wording ("do this stuff to become your most amazing self!"). To be fair the book includes actual, implementable methods to get there, but the style can be off-putting.
The foreword and introduction were both written by people who knew McBeth and are therefore among the most touching, contextualized forewords/introductions I've read. McBeth peppered his own experiences throughout the book to illustrate his points at exactly the right times.
I have questions about some aspects of Druidry presented that either didn't make sense or seemed contradictory, but I'm not sure if that's from McBeth's writing or larger Druidic teachings themselves. Also sometimes the book had overly self-helpy marketing wording ("do this stuff to become your most amazing self!"). To be fair the book includes actual, implementable methods to get there, but the style can be off-putting.
The foreword and introduction were both written by people who knew McBeth and are therefore among the most touching, contextualized forewords/introductions I've read. McBeth peppered his own experiences throughout the book to illustrate his points at exactly the right times.
August 28, 2019
This one is worth a second read through. I was so excited to keep going, but there's a lot of great info that I know I'll want to absorb again later.
June 16, 2018
A very interesting book, full of facts and recommended to whoever is interested in understanding what druidry is.
Many thanks to Welser Books and Edelweiss for this ARC
Many thanks to Welser Books and Edelweiss for this ARC
November 7, 2025
I'm giving this two stars because I'm being as generous as I can. I will admit, right at the beginning, that this could be the exact right book someone needs at this moment in time. But I'm not that guy.
It's incredibly woo-woo. It doesn't define terms. It rambles. It feels like a cobbled together bunch of frankenstein spirituality, we've got chakras, and core shamanism, some nearly wiccan ritual, a little ceremonial magic. Which could be fine. I've seen that done well, but he doesn't seem to be aware he's doing it. He didn't even file off the serial numbers, and join the pieces together and repaint it.
There's a story of Fionn and the Morrigan that doesn't look to be traditional at all. Like it doesn't exist. It's closer to story about Cuchulainn, but it's just made up. Which is fine, but acknowledge it. Then he tells a native american story, which given his treatment of celtic mythology feels like adding insult to the injury of native american genocide. If you've got a native storyteller's permission then tell me about it. I know some native stories from my neck of the woods and would never think of publishing one of them.
Some of the problem is this is presented in a way that does not speak to me. That, in fact, enrages me. Take that for what it is. Your brain could work in a way that makes this the greatest thing since sliced bread. I don't know, but I can't recommend it.
It's incredibly woo-woo. It doesn't define terms. It rambles. It feels like a cobbled together bunch of frankenstein spirituality, we've got chakras, and core shamanism, some nearly wiccan ritual, a little ceremonial magic. Which could be fine. I've seen that done well, but he doesn't seem to be aware he's doing it. He didn't even file off the serial numbers, and join the pieces together and repaint it.
There's a story of Fionn and the Morrigan that doesn't look to be traditional at all. Like it doesn't exist. It's closer to story about Cuchulainn, but it's just made up. Which is fine, but acknowledge it. Then he tells a native american story, which given his treatment of celtic mythology feels like adding insult to the injury of native american genocide. If you've got a native storyteller's permission then tell me about it. I know some native stories from my neck of the woods and would never think of publishing one of them.
Some of the problem is this is presented in a way that does not speak to me. That, in fact, enrages me. Take that for what it is. Your brain could work in a way that makes this the greatest thing since sliced bread. I don't know, but I can't recommend it.
July 8, 2020
I gave this book a 3 because it really depends on who reads it with what they will get out of it. If you're already into the occult and believe in a lot of it, this book is definitely for you. If you're more on the skeptical side like me, there are better books out there on druidry. There is plenty of wisdom, but also plenty of things that certain readers would disagree with as well. In particular, I skipped the entire section on chakras, because I consider them to be utter nonsense.
October 20, 2020
I didn't know Ivan, but I know people who did and said he was a beautiful soul. I can believe it based on the work he did with this book. There is so much to learn, so many ways to practice the druid path. I love the hands on feel of the exercises. I have bookmarked MANY pages to go back and work in more detail with. A must have for anyone following the druid path. Oh, how I wish I'd had the privilege of learning from this grand soul.
January 10, 2019
This is an interesting introduction into Druidry that explains some of what Druids believe and offers introductory meditations, crafts, and rituals to help people connect with themselves, the universe, and magic. In the book, it talks about there being three stages of Druidic training. I'm curious to read what the others are like.
July 14, 2020
An excellent beginning book for those who want some general guidelines and instructions on druidry. Well written and easily understandable.
April 8, 2023
The author’s insistence that one MUST one day attend a physical school in order to be a “true” Druid was weird and off-putting, especially since solitary Druids are so common. The author is then bold enough to suggest that those who cannot afford to attend school don’t want it hard enough (!!!!!). I was not at all surprised to learn that they hosted their own camp.
Readers should also know that this book is definitely far more eclectic than the cover suggests and dedicates a significant chunk of its length to Chakra healing instead of, say, the Cauldron of Awen or else anything related to Druidry’s cultural base in Celtic tradition. No judgement here as I’m pretty eclectic in my own practice, but shouldn’t a beginner’s book on Druidry focus on different Druidic traditions instead of practices with roots in an entirely different continent?
A weird experience all around. Decent if you want to learn about one person’s specific practice and their experience with druidry, but new initiates looking to build their own practice may want to search elsewhere. Three stars given for the thought provoking chapters on connecting with elements and journeying.
Readers should also know that this book is definitely far more eclectic than the cover suggests and dedicates a significant chunk of its length to Chakra healing instead of, say, the Cauldron of Awen or else anything related to Druidry’s cultural base in Celtic tradition. No judgement here as I’m pretty eclectic in my own practice, but shouldn’t a beginner’s book on Druidry focus on different Druidic traditions instead of practices with roots in an entirely different continent?
A weird experience all around. Decent if you want to learn about one person’s specific practice and their experience with druidry, but new initiates looking to build their own practice may want to search elsewhere. Three stars given for the thought provoking chapters on connecting with elements and journeying.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews