Wild Magic: Celtic Folk Traditions for the Solitary Practitioner

by Danu Forest, Jennifer M. Dixon (Narrator)

An Immersive Guide to Celtic Magic and the Wild Wisdom of Your Heart

This book is a storehouse of magical and spiritual lore as well as practical knowledge based on age-old Celtic traditions. Filled with hands-on exercises and deep meditations, Wild Magic will show you how to access the Otherworld and come into a profound connection with the divine in nature. Author Danu Forest explores the timeless animistic practices of the Celtic faerie faith, creating relationships with the faerie folk, green kin, the ancestors, and the spirits of the land. You will learn to call on your spirit cousins for protection, and practice magical techniques based on the elements, such as fire scrying and spells to raise the wind.

Discover the secrets of ley lines, dragon lines, faery roads, and spirit paths that will transform your life in the here and now. Work with Danu's tips for wildcrafting and her unique recipes for making magical oils, salves, bundles, and ointments with common herbs. Drawn from authentic country wisdom and the folk traditions of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, the spells and rituals within are designed to channel your own modern wildness for the benefit of all.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Paganism, Occult, Mythology, Magick

Audiobook

First published November 1, 2020

Reviews

[Ioana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very special book. While reading it I felt it was dedicated to more advanced practitioners and people interested in subject, but it can easily be read by those who, like me, are new to this realm.

The value of this book lies in the precious symbols it unravels and the practices it offers, vast and encompassing. This is a manual for working with nature, the elements and their energy. While it is dedicated to Celtic traditions it often emphasizes the importance of being and knowing your local area, your surroundings and working with them.

More than this, what I think is the true beauty of this book is the attention it gives to care, to safety, to the reverence needed when working with this kind of energy. There is a kind of ethic, sensibility and intention that are mandatory in this kind of activity and this book focuses gracefully upon them while offering a rich vault of knowledge.

I also loved how every action and practice is specific geared to one person, one practitioner. While there are traditions described that required many people to perform, all the practices are translated and presented to be held in solitude and as the responsibility of one, sometimes with modern tools while always keeping the traditional allure of the practice. In a world where there is great emphasis on group work, this is refreshing and very valuable.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Plateresca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably one of the best books of magic that I've read, but because it is so close to my own perception, I cannot say I've made gigantic steps through reading it. Still, it took me a long time to finish it, because I tried to do all the practical exercises.

'All magic in the Celtic traditions ultimately comes of this relationship with spirit, the nurturing of friendship with the faerie folk, the green kin, the trees and plants, the ancestors, and the very land itself.' Says Danu, a 'traditional Celtic wisewoman', and proceeds to give advice on how to build relationships with all of the above. 'Respect' is a word that figures much in this book.

Danu is obviously very knowledgeable in the area of Celtic folklore (I am not judging by this book only); I wish she had included more of that in this book; there are many references to Celtic legends and folk tales, but I often felt they were a bit too brief.

And, of course, there's lovely artwork by Dan Goodfellow :)

'Walk gently through life.'

[Person 1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked her tree stuff but too much of this is just appropriation by 1900s Celtic Revivalists trying to build a more “interesting” lore.

Words like “shamanism” have no place in discussions of pre-Christian Celtic religious practices. Celtic Reconstructionism is a valid goal for people of Celtic (or other) ancestry (it is not a closed practice), wanting to reclaim Druidic history as it may have been prior to Christianization is important to that. But not when we just grab anything cool and say “this is Celtic tradition”

[CR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an enchanting book on Celtic magic. I found it both entertaining and educational. It was a great mix of traditional stories and practices that are great for any level of practitioner. It covers everything from working with the Fae, elemental magic, making a divination kit, and working with familiars and other animals. I highly recommend this book to anyone that has an interest in Celtic magic. As someone with Scottish roots that has always felt drawn to Celtic traditions, I found this to be a perfect addition to my collection.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

*reminder to post review*

[The Shakti Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danu Forest’s latest offering is a work of substance to those new on the path but well researched enough to be of interest to the more experienced. A wonderful collection of Celtic spirits, entities and gods from across the British Isles is explored giving the reader plenty of useful ideas to connect. Most of which is through loose guided meditation which some may find helpful. Where this book was most unique was in Forests shared knowledge on sacred fires. From what to use, to how to build and how to light for magickal purposes.

Forest also includes warnings such as “Do not try this exercise until you have fully recovered from any serious mental health issues and illnesses.” And what I would like to see more of in esoteric publishing, “At no point should anything you read in a book take precedence over a clear message of what to do from the spirits.”


*eArc provided by the publisher and NetGalley

[Graceley Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book by Danu Forest that I've read, and once again, I was entranced with the way she pieces words together and talks about magic and lore. I loved the way there were Traditional Tales mixed in through the whole book, including references so those who are interested in learning more, or reading more, can seek them out and find them.

This book thoroughly covered multiple aspects of wild Celtic magic from Faeries, divination, working with familiars, to offerings and rituals. I'm looking forward to adding a hard copy of this book to my shelf once it's published!

[Carrissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took my time with this one, I really tried to drink in the messages as I worked my way through. I really enjoyed the tone of the book: respectful, directive, and thoroughly informative. Some practices seem lovely but not practical for frequent use in a big city. I aim to integrate some of these practices and certainly the spirit of the book into my life.

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celtic Folk Traditions for the solitary practitioner…that spoke directly to me and was how I started this book off. Coming from a background based upon my German heritage, it was after a DNA test was done that I discovered my Celtic side and this book feeds my soul with a look at gods, goddesses, and practices from that side of my heritage.

There is no one book that is the be all and end all for any practitioner, that is why we have our own grimoires and build on them and hand them down. Each ancestor and adding their contributions to be handed down. That said, this book provides much that can be added and used in your practices. I also founds myself envisioning a trip to the United Kingdom to visit some of the places mentioned in the book and to get closer to my Celtic forebears. For me, this book truly spoke to my heart and calls me home to my ancestors while providing me with new insight and practices to incorporate and make my own.

[KatsCauldron R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book. Gives procedures for a solid foundation in any earth based paganism really but specifically in a Celt one. While i have never been into meditation what the author is showing is what most people need to do to break free of their "colonization" for lack of a better word. I love busting peoples chops for using that word but feel the need to giggle & use it myself here. What was once natural to many peoples is not anymore so you have to work on it. For a rare few is anything instant & even they would need structure. Too many people are getting themselves tied up by trying to instapot metaphysics which doesn't work well or end happily for them. Lots of tips, info & guidance here, highly recommend.

[Destiny Bridwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I have always loved a good book on magick and the practices of the ancient ways. It did take me a little bit to get into it and I think that is what slowed me down, but the exercises and practices were nice to have to re-enforce what the books was trying to teacher and get back to the world so it is not forgotten. I will go back and reference it if I need to. I enjoyed the parts about the fairies and the ancestors. It gave me a lot to think about and that is something I want when I read a book like this one.

[Vin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on craft that I've read so far. Beyond informative, beautifully written, and incredibly comprehensive I will be recommending this to everyone who asks me for good books on craft. It's not only useful to beginners, but I believe has something to teach whoever takes the time to pour through it. The chapters on natural divination and fire divination were particularly illuminating for me. I can see myself referencing this multiple times. 5 stars.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptionally thorough book. Sometimes I felt bogged down with all of the details but that was because I read it from start to finish; there is just so much depth to the material. Now that I have finished it, it will serve as a resource for further and deeper inquiry and experience. This is not a book that you just peruse and finish - this is a book that one explores and experiences. I have both the audio and print version of the book and feel that both are helpful..

[Toni-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll start off with a confession here, I love Danu’s work of what I've read so far. Honestly, what she writes speaks to my soul and I want to read everything she writes.

But let's talk about Wild Magic, this book is simply lovely. While her focus is very Celtic in nature, a lot of her book can still be applied to many cultures in terms of a different way to view the world. That's because this book is about our connection to mother earth and how as conscious beings we can connect to all that's around us.

This is a book that is a nice mix of folklore, practises and meditation. Breaking the book up into each element allows you to fully delve into each. Helping you connect to the energies, traditions and Genius loci.

Danu’s writing transformed my opinion on the world and tugs on that deep longing for a more primal connection to the Earth. That feeling that I think most people in this community can understand and even those who have yet to start their journey.

While some parts of each chapter are dedicated to practises and meditations the reader can do to really connect to the world around them. Which you can choose to skip or change depending on what feels right for you.

Overall, this is a beautiful book that truly makes me want to get more in touch with the world and one which I will refer to again and again.

[Liz Mandeville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motherly, respectful suggestions for reconnecting with the Earth and its spirits, including your own inner spirit.

A good deal of attention is paid to various types of spirits from elves to brownies to banshees and fairies. Stories from Ireland, Scotland and the rest of Britain illustrate how some of these entities behave and how to act with respect to them and their environment.

Not surprisingly, if you are interested in befriending elemental beings, it’s recommended that you spend time in nature.

Pick a spot where you feel safe, bring your supplies, tell friends where you’re going to be and otherwise practice personal safety.

Other than that allow yourself to enjoy making friends with these entities from another realm. How? There are exercises to help you. Being quiet, tending the environment by picking up trash, bringing an offering or gift and basically spending time with them like you would anyone else you were trying to be friends with.

It’s a lovely introduction to a way of thinking about the Earth that was practiced by the Celtic people in olden times. Perhaps they had it right after all!

[Pseudonym Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was good information in here. I would advise that readers of this book be at least somewhat familiar with Celtic lore as the names can be confusing if you don't. And when I say Celtic, I specifically mean Welsh cuz this author seems to favor the Welsh names and ways of practice.

[Merel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an okay book but there is nothing new really.

[Amy Clay-Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read about paganism, but I found it to be an incredibly helpful introduction to Celtic paganism and folkways and ways to connect more deeply with the world around me. I may purchase as a reference book because it is packed with information that I could not possibly remember. It definitely has a reference book or catalog quality as it introduces a topic, like the use of herbs in magic, and then catalogs various herbs, their names in Irish and Scotch Gaelic, where found, how it has been used and how we might use it today. This review does not do it justice, but if you are interested in the history of Celtic paganism and folkways, I'd recommend it. The author clearly has deep expertise on the topic.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully done

The author was very careful not to add too many 'spells' to use word for word, admitting there are no rules we must follow in order to love the earth, wild, and our selves. She o ly strives to offer ways we can try to connect with the wild and rejoin our former selves. I am a believer that our disconnect to the natural word and into the virtual world has had such negative effects as depression, anxiety, and other social mental issues that plague many in 1st world countries. It was a wonderful guide to start a meaningful connection with ourselves and our surroundings. Highly recommend.

[McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I found this to be informative, I personally found this to be more suited for practitioners that are very into meditative exercises. Meditation has always been something that I have struggled with, but I think that someone looking for more of these exercises would love this book. Also, collectors of traditional tales and Celtic folk traditions would probably love it and while I consider myself to be among them, I found that the writing style just didn't suit me.

A big thank you to Llewellyn Publications for an eARC of this book, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads)]

DNF 16%

This book just isn't keeping my attention so I am going to stop. I really wanted to learn more about Celtic traditions but something about the way this was written isn't working for me.

Also it annoys me that there wasn't any pronunciation guides for the faerie names or the Celtic gods. I know I am saying their names wrong.

*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book! It was so well written and I learned so much after practicing for over a decade. This is a fantastic guide on Celtic based spirituality and witchcraft. I feel that so many spiritual and witchcraft books are Wiccan based and it was so nice to find one that was just about re-wilding yourself and deepening your practice. I will be re-reading and using this book at a reference guide probably for the rest of my life.

[Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written and inspiring, and quite comprehensive. A lovely combination of poetic storytelling and practical guidance. Highly recommended!
I received a free digital copy via NetGalley, but the opinions expressed are my own.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting, informative and well researched book about Celtic Lore. I loved what I read and I will surely use some of the information in my practice.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be helpful, but more geared toward beginners or those with not much knowledge of Celtic mythology. I did enjoy the author's writing style as she was very personable and friendly. Most definitely I would recommend this book.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some introductory information and "practical" things to do (like rituals, spells, and so on). Good for elemental connections. More UK connections (Celtic, duh).

[Kerri Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice book for beginners

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book. I really appreciated the choice of narrator, as her voice really added to the book and made it come alive.

I really enjoyed the visualisation exercises. They were different from similar things I've tried and had an interesting take.

I also like the practical safety tips. And the way they explored the different elements.

I like that they highlighted the dangers of ingesting mistletoe. As well as the fact that America Mistletoe is a different plant. However I find it deeply troubling that they stated as fact that it can be used to treat/cure cancer. The fact is there have been no clinical trials into this. So to state it as fact is extremely misleading. To do so regarding such a vulnerable group is disbicable in my opinion.

However, I always get annoyed when spiritual texts/people tell you to let go of critical thought or to not be sceptical. And sadly this book did that. Afterall without critical thought and analysis how do we knows its real? Also in the wrong hands this book could do a lot of damage. If someone has delusions or similar conditions for example. However this isn't acknowledged.


Despite that I did find it enjoyable read. The pacing was good and the content interesting.

[labibliofille · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe this is a source where taking what resonates with you and leaving the rest is crucial. There's harmful rhetoric (i.e. encouraging readers to fast and/or only eat a single herb/plant at a time for days), as well as problematic rhetoric (anti-Christian speech).

It's important to not that you can connect with a plant without dangerous habits like fasting and denying your body necessary nutrients. This could also lend to potential ED triggers. IDK, this really didn't sit right with me and soured the remainder of the book for me, so I didn't really take much of the second half in.

I fully understand, acknowledge and regularly explain to those who may not know that many Chrsitian saints and holidays have been appropriated and re-labeled by factions of Christianity, but that doens't mean it is fair to those who may have Christian roots or beliefs to speak poorly of the religion. Each religion is valid, even if one (some) may have questionable pasts.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really lovely book. I feel harsh only giving it 3 stars, it is deserving of at least 3.5. I listened to it on Audible and while the narrator's voice is just gorgeous, it is a bit of a bore in the parts that are more of a reference guide. I almost DNF but got through it after speeding up the reading speed to 1.5 on Audible.

I really appreciated the common sense approach to safety and relevant examples of how you can bring more nature into your every day life. Also loved the clear direction away from culturally appropriating practices that are not yours.

I think it's definitely a good book to have in your collection as a physical or digital copy so that you can refer to specific sections when you need certain information.