Spirits of the Sacred Grove: The World of a Druid Priestess

good read

Got this as a book study, and while it is ok, I wouldn't buy it on my own. The Author has some beautiful prose, but the book reads more like fiction than an actual book to help you progress spiritually, which is what it was "sold" to me as.

As I see it, there is one very serious problem with the neo-Pagan movement: we are so focused on the mysticism inherent in our Way that the true mystics among us are often lost in the sea of poseurs. While I believe that we all partake of the mystic experience from time to time, there is in my mind a great difference between the average Joe like me and the "everyday mystic;" that is to say those who seem to actively live in a state of mystical awareness. Christian literature is rife with examples of these folk: Meister Eckhart and Hildegard of Bingen are among the better known, but former Dominican Matthew Fox and the late Thomas Merton also come to mind as relatively contemporary examples. And let us not forget the late Mother Theresa.Whether Ms. Restall Orr is an "everyday mystic" or not is best left up to the individual reader to decide. For my part, I feel she is either an authentic Pagan mystic, or an extremely accomplished impostor. But I tend to lean toward the former, because even the best poseur is ultimately incapable of counterfeiting the true passion that I find mirrored in Emma's work.Her antecedents aside, I found this work to be very inspiring, even though I am Wiccan, and not a Druid. Still, I am captivated by the depth of feeling, understanding and devotion that Emma expresses in her work. She is, in my mind, a mystic trying diligently to describe the nature and quality of her experience of the Divine, in the context of her Pagan beliefs. I strongly feel that the Pagan community could benefit immensely from more works of this type, expressing the heart of our faith, and fewer "how to" manuals.

Thank Goodness this isn't another "how-to" roast apples at Samhain or "how to" read a ritual poem straight from the book--there are countless examples of those. Instead, this is written straight from the experience of a Druid master...several days or events in her life, and does not tell the reader what to think or how to be. Discovering how Emma sees and connects with the world is moving, real and extrordinary. This is one of my five-must-haves in my own collection.If you are stuck entirely in your mind, or have a problem with non-ordinary reality, however, this won't be for you, because Emma sees and speaks with tree spirits daily. She is deeply connected to her grove and may call forth Pan. Not just 'pretending,' mind you! It is truly revealing of a person who lives communion with nature, not just one who goes through the motions in costume, which is such a refreshing break from the posing that goes on in nature-religions-culture. This book is invaluable to those practicing shamanism, and/or communicating with spirits of nature. But first, you have to believe.

This was my introduction to Druidry in 1998 and is my most treasured volume in a whole library of esoterica. There are so many talented people in the world of Druidry but no-one writes with the same lyrical originality as Bobcat.Some reviewers don't seem to have grapsed the point. Yes, I read it twice as it is not digestible pulp, it has many layers that only careful reading and reflection can uncover. But the rewards are worth every bit of it.A remarkable book.

Restall Orr at her best, this book is spiritually enlightening and inspiring. Don't own it but want to!Blessings.

This was the first book I read in the Pagan Religions. It pulled me in and I couldn't put it down! It is not a "how to" book, but the imagery was amazing and the examples were wonderful. I am now looking for other books in the Druid, Wicca, and Godess paths. I think this book should be read by anyone who is curious! I did! Blessed be and merry part.

Emma is not attempting here to necessarily relate specific events. It is a blend of thoughts and experiences that, to me, is wonderful, compelling, and moving. Taking it too literally puts you in the same trap as a fundamentalist. See it for what it is - a beautiful mixture of prose, philosophy, imagination, experience, and advice.

I love Emma’s writing and her books. It is such a personal account and very informative without setting out to be an instruction book. Her imagery takes you through the wheel of the year perfectly and lends understanding of how pagan and Druid thinking might relate to every day life. A must read in my view!

This book and the subsequent Living Druidry are, for me, what Druidry is all about. Deeply embedded in the mud and blood of landscape, it takes us to meet the gods and ancestors on a physical level - it's not all in the head, as some books on Druidry can seem. It is living your soul truth, awake and aware to life around you, immersed in the songs of the land and finding a harmonious union.

Interesting book, sadly spiritually it will lead you no were. She expressed doubt near the end as I though. To learn of yashua personally is the way to go ! Don't get bogged down with people search for yourself.

Thoroughly enjoyed

Great book