Book of Hedge Druidry

JOANNA VAN DER HOEVEN (Suffolk, UK) is a Druid, Witch, author, and teacher. She has written several books on Druidry, including The Awen Alone. She has also written countless articles for Pagan magazines and websites, and spoken at conferences, fairs, and festivals. Joanna is the cofounder of Druid College UK, which offers a three-year training program, and she is also the director of her own dance company. www.JoannaVanDerHoeven.com

"In The Book of Hedge Druidry, Joanna van der Hoeven has deftly woven together various strands of wisdom to craft a tapestry that is accessible, foundational, and inspirational to all who are drawn to the path of Druidry. She offers insightful practices, heartfelt rituals, powerful tools, and resonant meditations that are infused with tradition and informed by experience; clearly Joanna has walked the pathways she now illuminates for others to explore as well! This is a practical guide that encourages seekers to immerse themselves in the work of the Hedge Druid—a spiritual path that values direct participation with, and first-hand knowledge of, the worlds within us, around us, and beyond us."—Jhenah Telyndru, author of Avalon Within: A Sacred Journey of Myth, Mystery and Inner Wisdom and The Mythic Moons of Avalon: Lunar and Herbal Wisdom from the Isle of Healing"The Book of Hedge Druidry is a beautifully written exploration of the world of the Hedge Druid. Joanna van der Hoeven digs deeply into the core theories that inform the practices of the solitary Druid with a sensitivity and depth of insight that reveals the richness of this path. Joanna freely shares her extensive knowledge and experience and offers the reader a wealth of useful practical suggestions; everything from ritual creation, prayer and meditation to the study and application of Ogham, Herblore and Spellcraft. In the skillful presentation of both theory and practice, Joanna provides a working template for the Hedge Druid, encouraging them to develop their own path, one that has true resonance and personal meaning. Highly recommended!"—Philip Carr-Gomm, author of Druid Mysteries, What do Druids Believe? and The Druid Way"Joanna van der Hoeven eloquently offers tools, theories, techniques, and her inimitable wisdom to guide the solitary Druid practitioner through the dappled groves of tradition. This is the perfect ally to those new on the path and seeking a genuine voice to accompany them."—Kristoffer Hughes, author of The Book of Celtic Magic

• ContentsIntroduction 1PART ONE: THEORYChapter 1: The Druids / 7Chapter 2: The Awen / 17Chapter 3: The Gods / 25Chapter 4: The Ancestors / 31Chapter 5: The Three Realms: Land, Sea, and Sky / 37Chapter 6: The World Tree, the Hedge, and the Otherworld / 47Chapter 7: The Four Quarters / 61Chapter 8: The Wheel of the Year / 69Chapter 9: The Cycle of the Moon / 95Chapter 10: Meditation / 105Chapter 11: Prayer / 117Chapter 12: Magic / 127Chapter 13: Animism and Connection / 137PART TWO: PRACTICEChapter 14: Altars, Ritual Space, and Tools / 143Chapter 15: Crafting Sacred Ritual / 153Chapter 16: Rites and Rituals for the Hedge Druid / 169Chapter 17: Seasonal Rituals / 195Chapter 18: Moon Rites / 225Chapter 19: Rites of Passage / 231Chapter 20: Daily Practice / 241PART THREE: STUDYChapter 21: Herblore / 251Chapter 22: Ogham / 261Chapter 23: Spellcraft / 269PART FOUR: SKILLS AND TECHNIQUEChapter 24: Ethics / 283Chapter 25: Peace / 295Chapter 26: Voice, Body, and Movement / 301Chapter 27: Teacher, Leader, Priest / 309Conclusion 317Glossary 319Bibliography 325