Joanna van der HoevenPagan Portals - The Awen Alone

This little book is an excellent introduction to solitary Druidry. Small but mighty!

I am deeply appreciative of Joanna van der Hoeven's book. After reading a great deal on line about Druidry, I wanted to learn more. I was drawn to this book because (a) the concept of Awen is what most attracts me to the Druid path over other branches of paganism, and (b) I have a personal aversion to organized religion and wanted the opportunity to explore alone rather than depending on finding a group that may or may not align with what I want out of this experience. At first I was a little put off by the introduction in which the author describes a regular day for her which felt wholly removed from the realities of my life. But as I continued to read, I found that van der Hoeven gives incredible space for following Druidry according to the realities of one's life and the parts that may or may not resonate with an individual. She offers practices as tools instead of requirements, while still specifying what might be considered the identifying characteristics of Druidry. It was very much what I'd hoped to find and is refreshingly different from another text on solitary Druidry (a much more prescriptive, formal, and theistic take on Druidry than Awen Alone presents) that I am currently reading. I'd recommend this book to people who, like me, shy away from organized religion and want the freedom to explore whatever resonates with you. The only drawback for me is that I wanted more text. It seemed as though the surface of Druidry was only being brushed.

One of the quotes that sums up the intent of this book for me is this one, "It is seeing the threads that connect us all. It is the deep well of inspiration that we drink from, to nurture our souls and our world and to give back in joy..." Druidry, as a practice, is as natural and simple as breathing in and out. Joanna's book creates a basic manual to following this path that proves that point. She offers information about the history of druidism, beautiful prayers and rituals and throughout reminds the reader that she should take what she needs and leave the rest. She also reminds us that there is responsibility involved to our souls and the worlds, seen and unseen, around us. The individuality and creativity inherent in Druidry is one of its powers and blessings. I really enjoyed this book and will use her suggestions, reflective questions and ideas to enhance my own practice.

The Awen Alone is a beautiful and exemplary tool-set for those looking to practice Druidry on their own or researching the path. As with most "beginner" books, this book covers many of the topics you'd expect to see. There is a bit about the history of Druids, the Eight-fold Year, Gods/Divinity, Ancestors, and how the Earth plays a part in the path. All of this information is well researched and written. A complete novice will find it to be quite comprehensive. There are even some tidbits or metaphors that could prove to be most useful to someone who has been walking Druidry for many years.But really, this book shines in all the parts that go beyond giving out standard information. The author does a wonderful job opening doors to the many ways one might enrich their Druid path without ever pushing readers to do, think, or feel a particular way about something. I especially enjoyed the way ethics were addressed. Ethics did not have its own chapter or specific set of rules. Instead, there were delicious moments that helped to reinforce the tenants of Druidry that guide a person to live a truthful and honorable life.I've come away from reading this book feeling a bit more inspired about my path and am eagerly going to put some of its ideas into practice!

I haven't finished this yet but am enjoying it so far.But one thing that stands out is a benediction used in the beginning and it is as far as I can tell not credited properly or at least not sources as it is not original>It is taken from the Sigrdrifa and the original goes as such,"Hail to Day!Hail to the sons of Day!To Night and her daughter hail!With placid eyesbehold us here,and here sitting give us victory.4. Hail to the Æsir!Hail to the Asyniur!Hail to the bounteous earth!Words and wisdomgive to us noble twain,and healing hands while we live."I hope it is source at the end of the book,and I don't run into anything other that may be tried to be passed off as original.That would truly disappoint.

THE AWEN ALONE was a really thoughtful little book about solitary druidism. I really enjoyed it. Perhaps what struck me most (besides the author's careful and elegant tone) was that she is committed not only to helping the environment, but other people. She encourages a conscientious lifestyle that I so rarely see in Pagan books these days (which are self-indulgent to the point of narcissism anymore). As an introduction piece, there is the expected chapters on both ritual and holy days that are part of every pagan book, but THE AWEN ALONE provides enough original, thoughtful material that the experienced pagan shouldn't mind.This was a great introduction to druidism, and it made me curious to explore the faith further. This was a truly successful entry into the Pagan Portal series, and I hope to read more from Joanna van der Hoeven in the future.

Very informative book.I like how the book went into details about awen and ritual making.I would recommended for starting druids.

I actually liked this book a lot more than I was expecting. For the past few years I've been what some would call an arm chair occultist. Spiritually, I love the ideas behind wicca in all its forms, but never was able really connect with it, try as I might. Even though I had read some about the Celts and their mythologies before, this book adds something different, maybe the practicality? that really struck a chord with me and made me feel like I did already have a connection to the druid path. The connection to and reverence for nature appeal very much to me, and I really like that it promotes gratefulness and appreciation. I will definitely be reading more about it!

This is a great book to start your journey. I have practised Druidry in the past with groups, battled with my soul and with many toxic personalities, unfortunately this lead to me neglecting my heart and soul which has been very painful. Due to many changes in life, (having the strength to discard toxic friends, health and emigration to distant climbs) I was not ready to look into my soul again for a few years and kept battling with this. I bought this book on Kindle and read it with comfort, knowing I am not alone and sometimes we can just be happy walking this path as one with nature, alone. A very open minded book with no judgement or order which forces you to feel you need to follow others or follow their path because they say its the right thing to do. The author seems very genuine and wants you to embrace how you feel rather than make you feel like you should have a Masters in Philosophy, History or have swallowed a Thesaurus just to make up the length of a book with obscure words that you will never hear or read again, let alone understand why it has been used.

A handy book on druidry. the chapter on prayer is one of the best I have read on that subject. for those practicing alone, very useful indeed. You need more than this, I would say, but this is a super first step and a must have

I have had this connection with nature in a very deep sense for a long time. I've several paths. This book just caught my attention and handed me a direction. Having a tendency to think that once one follows a certain path, we have to adopt all of that path, this gave me a way of approach that whatever I feel is natural and organic is ok.Thank you JoannaI'd only know if you read any of these reviews, but mine is heart felt

I have just read this book for the second time, what a life improving read! My job is pretty stressful and 30 mins read at lunch time over a number of weeks provided much needed escapism and relaxation. This book can be used as a guide not just for those practising alone but also group members. Good read about what a person does that works for them, there's no over-baring or judgement. Have a read and exhale a breath of relaxation.

Had bought this on my kindle, initially. And, finding it so useful, for things like inner and outer pathworking and setting up an alter, I ordered it in a hard copy so that was easy to "thumb through" as a reference book. Nice managable pocket size too. Also ordered a copy for my daughter who lives awy from home. I think it might be useful for her too.