The Book of Druidry: A Complete Introduction to the Magic & Wisdom of the Celtic Mysteries

Biographical Note:

Kristoffer Hughes (Wales) is Chief of the Anglesey Druid Order, a Mount Haemus Scholar, and a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. He is a teacher, writer, workshop leader, and guest speaker at Pagan conferences, camps, and festivals throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America. Hughes worked professionally for His Majesty's Coroner for over thirty years. He is a Welsh language television presenter and actor. He's the author of From the Cauldron Born, The Book of Celtic Magic, As the Last Leaf Falls (previously titled The Journey into Spirit), and Cerridwen, as well as the creator of both the Celtic Tarot and the Yuletide Tarot. Visit his Facebook page for news and events. You can also visit him at www.AngleseyDruidOrder.co.uk.

"One of the most interesting and original books yet written on Druidry. It approaches each aspect of the Druid tradition from an intensely personal viewpoint, informed by considerable experience, and has something significant to say about each."--Professor Ronald Hutton, Bristol University, author of Blood and Mistletoe

"Against the background of his Welsh culture, Kristoffer inspires...the reader to forge their own path forward, yet not leaving out the challenges and pitfalls that every path, every human life faces. Hughes's deep knowledge of the way of the Druids and his honesty about his own personal trials equips the reader not only with a plethora of insights and advice, but also with usable techniques to master real life."--Christian Brunner, author of Mountain Magic

"Packed to the brim with lore and practical tips for exploring and developing your own druid practice....Kris's wealth of personal experience and impeccable research are combined to produce....a fantastic and exceptional guide to Druidry for the 21st century."--Danu Forest, MA (Celtic Studies), traditional seer and wisewoman, author of Wild Magic

"A comprehensive guide to a working, living method of practicing modern Druidry....This book gifts us an accessible insight to a nourishing spiritual path inspired by the arcane myths, legends, and poems of the past, whilst being firmly rooted in what we need in the here and now. Hughes has once again produced a divinely touched work that will surely inspire a new generation of Druids."--Mhara Starling, author of Welsh Witchcraft

"Hughes combines his unique personal experience and wisdom with scholarship to offer you profound insights and guidance as you explore the world of Druidry."--Eimear Burke, Chosen Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids

"The Book of Druidry is a verb and not a noun. While one will read this book (noun) about the oh-so-many-things that are Druidry, one will work through this book (verb) and become the Druid one is learning about. This is a cornucopia of history, practice, and devotion."--Jean (Drum) Pagano, Archdruid ADF

"An accessible and deeply insightful guide to the spiritual path of Druidry, steeped in the rich and diverse heritage of the Celtic world....It is Hughes's extraordinary approach to Druidry which sets this work apart from all others on the subject."--Jhenah Telyndru (MA, Celtic Studies), founder of the Sisterhood of Avalon and author of The Ninefold Way of Avalon

"The connections Hughes makes with the historical, scientific, and spiritual worlds opens many doors in understanding and leads the spirit to wisdom. The joy with which Kristoffer describes this world is beautiful and his infectious humor and erudite wit shows that this path is both powerful and profound."--Sian Sibley, author of Unveiling the Green

"Hughes possesses a breathtaking depth of practice and knowledge in Druidry, and his flair for beautifully articulating all he has learned and lived is unequivocable magic."--Carys Eleri, Welsh actress, author of the shortlisted Welsh Book of 2022, Dod Nôl at fy Nghoed

"An important resource that combines spirituality, art, and science into a comprehensive framework....The book is an excellent companion for those interested in the healing arts as well as ritual and ceremony."--Francis Joy, PhD, author of Sámi Shamanism, Cosmology, and Art as Systems of Embedded Knowledge

"An introduction to modern Druidry that is grounded in what we know of the ancients, in the heritage of Celtic culture, and in the wisdom of contemporary nature spirituality. It guides the reader through the foundations of Druidry and their application in our lives here and now."--John Beckett, Druid and author of The Path of Paganism

Contents

Preface xi

Introduction 1

1 Druidry: The Language of Trees 5

2 Pwyll and the Call of Wild Awakening 15

3 Towards a Druid Constitution 33

4 Druidry and Celtic Spirituality 41

5 The Druids Through Time 49

6 Bards, Ovates, and Druids 63

7 Being a Druid Today 71

8 Anxiously Anxious: The Mysteries of Pryderi 77

9 The Power of Three: Triads and Triskeles 85

10 Awen: The Holy Spirit of Druidry 97

11 Awen and the Mysteries of Lleu 105

12 Believe It or Not 111

13 The Ancestors 117

14 Working with Deities 127

15 Devotional Work and the Making of Offerings 143

16 The Art and Science of Magic 157

17 Following the Cycle of the Seasons 177

18 Meditation 189

19 Prayer 201

20 Elemental Powers 207

21 Ritual and Its Function 233

22 Practise 247

23 A Druid Q and A 271

Conclusion: Continuing Your Journey 277

Acknowledgments 281

A Guide to Welsh Pronunciation 283

Glossary 287

Suggested Reading 291

Resources 293

Bibliography 295

Index 301

Notes 307

Discover the Dappled Grove of Druidry

Renowned author Kristoffer Hughes paints a comprehensive picture of Druidry--where it came from, how it developed into its current form, and why it is relevant today. Hughes shares not only the nuts and bolts of practice, but also its ethics, environmental considerations, and deep roots in history.

Druids are defined by what they do, and this book offers many ways to put Druidic theory into action. Explore what it means to talk with trees, answer the call of wild awakening, honor the ancestors, and work with deities. Use prayer, meditation, and ritual to expand your awareness, develop relationships with the unseen, and engage with elemental powers. Providing powerful Celtic wisdom, this book helps you connect with Awen, the blessed breath of inspiration.

Contributor Bio:Hughes, Kristoffer

Kristoffer Hughes (Wales) is Chief of the Anglesey Druid Order, a Mount Haemus Scholar, and a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. He is a teacher, writer, workshop leader, and guest speaker at Pagan conferences, camps, and festivals throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America. Hughes worked professionally for His Majesty's Coroner for over thirty years. He is a Welsh language television presenter and actor. He's the author of From the Cauldron Born, The Book of Celtic Magic, As the Last Leaf Falls (previously titled The Journey into Spirit), and Cerridwen, as well as the creator of both the Celtic Tarot and the Yuletide Tarot. Visit his Facebook page for news and events. You can also visit him at www.AngleseyDruidOrder.co.uk.