By Oak, Ash, & Thorn: Modern Celtic Shamanism

Speaking for myself, I found the true spirit of shamanism in this book. Conway succeeds in connecting it with Celtic culture. She understands the core essence of both subjects. Some readers seem to think that she intended some sort of archeological study of "true" Celtic shamanism. This was clearly not the intent, as is stated in both the introduction and in chapter two, "Shamanism: ancient and modern." She is trying to introduce people to the SPIRIT of shamanism, and in this she richly succeeds. You have to approach this book with an open mind- not unlike the guided visualizations that form an important part of the text.The goal here is to try to heal modern man's almost total disconnect with the heart of nature- and with the deep archetypical powers. The author is correct in stating that we have cut down the World Tree and blown up the tunnel to the Underworld. This book is to identify and steer the sort of individuals who are born to sense and heal this soul-killing divide. It will point the way to the true teachers.For a change Llewellyn assigned a first rate designer and artists to this book- the cover and interior illustrations and details add and do not detract from the whole. Of course, I may be biased here- the frontispiece is the sacred Oak....

I have found this book to be a very useful tool for some intensive inner work I have done. The negative criticism by one or another of the reviewers of this book only tells about their sour grapes and reveals how little they see. This book is very well worth getting if you have a heart connection with the Celtic and Wiccan world and are interested your own inner process. Another book I found very useful and that I can recommend along the same general lines, although it is quite different is "The Shaman's Body" by Arnold Mindell

I really enjoyed By Oak, Ash, and Thorn. I also agree that you either hate it or love it. I don't think that DJ Conway is trying to say "YOU HAVE TO DO THIS, THIS, AND THIS TO BE A CELTIC SHAMAN!," I believe that she has incorporated a Celtic twist on some shamanistic techniques that can be used by anyone. I myself found it interesting to look at, even though I am not training to be a shaman or intend to be in the future. (I'm just too busy you know). I hope that people don't expect to see absolute word in any book, and I think that in New Age books, many people expect to find out exactly the answers to the questions of religion printed on the page. This book is a beautiful and interesting companion and guide that made me think, and I am thankful for it. Please try it out.

This book is an incredible tool for changing the way you look at the world. The further I progressed through the book the more personal change and growth I experienced. I truly felt moved by the meditations. I would not recommend this book to those who get so wrapped up in "historical" accuracy and those things which exist only in the world of Abred. If you strive for personal growth and spiritual attainment- BUY THE BOOK!Nicholas Fry, Druid