The Celtic Golden Dawn: An Original & Complete Curriculum of Druidical Study Kindle Edition

I've read a few books by John Michael Greer, and I read his blog fairly regularly, and have always enjoyed his interviews, but The Celtic Golden Dawn is simply genius! I started working through it a few days ago, and performed the Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram for the first time this morning - what a powerful change! It feels different, its not quite the same effect of the typical Golden Dawn version(s). It made the room feel more like the misted edge of an ancient forest, upon the trail leading to the Hollow Hills. Just....awesome! I've worked with various magical and pagan things for a couple decades, and so far this system is fantastic, it's exactly what I've been looking for as my next step. I look forward to taking the time to complete it piece by piece.Another point that Mr. Greer touches on, and I would have liked to have seen him explore the topic a little more in the Introduction, but he does touch upon the purpose of pseudo-histories within the various magical lodges. Those of us who have been around the various Occult and Pagan communities for a while know that pseudo-histories are meant to set the mood of the ritual work within that Order, they generally aren't meant to be believed as legit history; think about Freemasonry and the story of Hiram Abif, Wica and the Burning Times, the Golden Dawn and the cipher manuscripts, etc. It was nice to see that topic sort of touched upon in the Intro, its something that is left out of most Occult and especially Pagan oriented books; and that misunderstanding usually leads to a LOT of unfortunate drama. ;)Over all, this book is well worth your time. Excellent work Mr. Greer!

This is one of Greer's finest works. Like some others who work within Celtic/Druidic/other earth-based traditions, I found the traditional Christian-based symbolism of the Golden Dawn uncomfortable, but I was still interested in learning more about the Golden Dawn system. The Celtic Golden Dawn provides one a means to do just that, using Celtic symbolism instead of the traditional Christian symbolism. For people who are already walking earth-based spiritual paths, this presents a delightful fusion of traditional Golden Dawn practice with Celtic material.The rituals and daily practices work--and I mean work--if you are willing to put in the time to learn them and enact them daily. The symbolism is rich and layered; each time I re-read sections and meditate on the principles in the book, I gain new insights. I've spent the last six months working the system of this book, and as other reviewers have mentioned, it will likely take me over a year to complete the whole system. This is a magical system very much worth the investment. Buy this book!

I wonder why people for the most part seem to just read the book? This book is meant to be used as a practical workbook of actual doings. I have been using the exercises and can report they actually do work. There is something behind the system that actually provides results. It is a title that is meant to be done if you have the courage and freedom to do so. My favorite so far from Mr Greer and a masterpiece that people who are involved with this kind of spiritual work for the most part are in awe of. Thank you.

It was in researching and studying the life and works of W.B. Yeats that initially drew me to the Golden Dawn tradition. I was very young and studying these things for purely academic reasons, when I found myself perplexed by Yeats love and life long devotion to the Western Mysteries. I had to know and understand what drew such a prolific and widely known poet to be so engrossed in a field that is often neglected and more often ridiculed. I found that his inspiration in the reality behind myth, and his belief in the human potential, all intersected in a very personal way in the mysteries. Rather than coming to the conclusion that his magical work was a temporary abandonment of reason, I came to believe that in the work of magic, Yeats was most himself.So I searched diligently to find a modern Golden Dawn order. The rest is a tumbling down the rabbit hole of my personal history, and bears no importance in a book review, other than to say that I found more disappointment than enchantment. And in magic, the latter is so key to success, that I eventually left the Victorian tradition to pursue the path in other ways. Still, I always had a "back of the mind" wish that Yeats would have completed his Castle of Heroes project.Well, this book is not that. Yet, it does combine what I think is the spirit of that work, and other Celtic/GD hybrid orders of the time. The imaginative aspect of taking on the role of a curious seeker finding dusty old papers in a library is rather fun, and should do well to keep the aspirant humble enough to not take himself too seriously.So, equal parts light-hearted and profound, I can only conclude that if one was to take up this work they would see that rather familiar door of the mysteries reveal itself, this time with Celtic knot-work inscribed on its front.Self-initiation is a hard, but not impossible task. And for one that loves the Work, and finds inspiration in the Celtic world, I can wholeheartedly recommend this book!

This book has filled a void in my life. a college level course in the mysteries. take it slow, take it serious, gain an incredible amount of wisdom and insight. I recommend it to people on twitter all the time. simply beautiful.

A truly exceptional work created by John Michael Greer, the current Grand Arch-Druid of the AODA, a traditional Druid order rooted in the Druid Revival of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, offering an opportunity for modern people to experience the teachings and practices of Druidry in today's world. This book offers in my humble opinion an exceptional curriculum that any serious Bard, Ovate or Druid would benefit from incorporating into their personal magical path. I purchased on the strength of John Michael Greer excellent (The Druid Magic Handbook), which I would recommend as the perfect companion.

Very informative book

The author presents the Golden Dawn rituals in Celtic clothes, thereby introducing the way of life of Ovates, Bards and Druids in a ritual manner. Rituals for opening and closing temples in the different degrees are given. Interestingly, the author bases his magickal system on the golden chain of Homer as well as the ancient system of Greek medicine. This book is for people who want or have to grow from magickal childhood into magickal adulthood. The book opens new pathways for further research into different areas of competence including mathematics (geometry). It is fun and a nice and succesful attempt to forward mankind into a collection of serious students of the mysteries of the universe.

Very much a text book or teaching manual on the subject. For me personally I was too much to follow but I will use it as a resource/reference book.

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