Druid Priestess: An Intimate Journey Through the Pagan Year

There are plenty of how-to books out there, and there's truly not a need for that - which is one of the many reasons I enjoyed this book so much. One of the others was that it gives the perspective of a woman who writes of her experience. I found this a breath of fresh air and helped confirm some things in my own questing. This is one of those books I would suggest to anyone wanting to know what it is to walk their talk and LIVE their path. We see in other books people saying you should do these things, but how often do you get a chance to read about someone who DOES? Just enjoy - read with no expectations beyond simply getting her perspective on her Path - it's well worth the read!

This book opens up the entire scope of British druidry - if you know how to read it. Imagine that you have been given the opportunity to read the diary of Taliesin (Welsh bard about the time of King Arthur). Imagine that instead of just the stories of Taliesin that you also had access to Taliesin's thoughts while he was writing them. Now transpose that image to a diminutive 21st century woman and you'll know how to read this book, for like Taliesen, Emma weaves her visions of an Otherworld with a life of service in this world - faith and works combined. And, she does so with a radical honesty and a mytho-poetic style worthy of any long lost bard. Don't miss this opportunity.

My review of this book may not be completely unbiased. I had the honor of meeting Emma Restall Orr on a journey to Great Britain last year. She is an amazing person whose spirit touched me very deeply in the few short hours that we were together. I have never before met someone who exudes both peace and quiet-confidence in quite the way she does. Needless to say, I read this book as soon as I got back. I have been trying to follow a solo pagan path with little guidance other than books for the last year or two. Unfortunatley, I've found that most of the "how-to" guides don't really clarify the feeling that's trying to be achieved. They tend to be very mechanical. Druid Priestess really helped me understand the emotional/spiritual side of the choice of a pagan path. This revelation is apparent in her book regardless of whether her conversations with spirits happen in "real" life or wholly in her mind. Whether you read the book as non-fiction, fiction, or fantasy, it's still beautifully written with a presentation of the spiritual concept of paganism rather than just the say-this-rhythm-while-lighting-a-candle side.

One of my biggest impediments to learning more about paganism in general and Druidry in particular has always been my lack of interest in non-fiction books. I learn better through fiction than non-fiction, and most pagan books, as another reviewer mentioned, are written as a "how-to be pagan" set of instructions. This is by far the most refreshing and enlightening book on paganism that I have ever read. Emma Restall Orr manages to seamlessly combine storytelling and teaching, like the best of bards. HIGHLY recommended!

It's one woman's account of how she lives Druidry. People of any faith would do well to read this for comparison's sake or to learn more about how some Pagans celebrate their religion. Particularly those who think "Wicca" or other nature-based traditions are about manipulation, movie/TV magic or just dressing up in silly outfits can learn about the nitty-gritty of the work and dedication which is carried out by priest/esses. Druidry, like other shamanic traditions, is not the easiest path to follow. Want to learn more? Read it.