Re: Where Does One Begin?
TopazOwl

Thu Aug 13 10:22:58 1998
*br*Searles wrote,*br*: I am often asked for information about how to start on the *br*: Druid's pathway.  This advice is so often sought that I *br*: thought we could discuss the matter here to perfect an *br*: information page for those who are seeking. We could post *br*: this page in the public areas of the Crossroads so that our *br*: visitors might be better prepared for their own journeys.  I *br*: look forward to our discussion on this matter and especially *br*: to your own ideas. *p*     Your suggestions are right about on par with how I would (and do) respond to such a question, especially in the seeking of the knowledge of oneself and the natural world. I would add that this mastery of self is a continuous process, and striving to maintain balance is the constant task of the Druid. I agree that the Elements of the Druid Tradition is a good starting place, and the Elements of the Celtic Tradition by Caitlin Matthews as well.*p*     I always recommend Stuart Piggot's The Druids and Peter Berrisford Ellis' The Druids, to be read together, because Piggot is so cranky and Ellis is somewhat romantic, so they tend to balance each other in viewpoint. I also always recommend Celtic Heritage by Alwin & Brinley Rees, and I always, always recommend collections of myth and legend, such as Early Irish Myths and Sagas by Jeffrey Gantz, and stories from the Mabinogi. The Ancient Celts by Barry Cunliffe is a newer book that I recommend, too; not Druid-specific, but Celtic-specific, because, after all, that is the culture the Druids sprang from, and every Druid worth his/her salt should know where they came from and have a firm grounding in the ancient culture. And it is widely available.*p*     I also recommend starting to learn the Celtic language of choice, be it Welsh or Irish or what-have-you, because there are so many insights into the mindset of a culture that can only be experienced through the constructs of language.*p*     I always recommend exploring the major Druid Organizations as well, to see what resources are available through them and which one, if any, fits the seeker's personal tastes. They all have something to offer the seeker, IMO.*p*     I have a Beginning Student of Druidism booklist on my website, although it includes books that some may agree with and some may not... but they are clearly indicated as such. :-)*p*Leigh
Where Does One Begin?
Searles
131
Tue Aug 11 14:23:59 1998
http://members.aol.com/topazowl/private/booklist.htm
Beginner Booklist