If you are looking for something to read....

I just had the pleasure of reading a couple of really great books by the author Rev. David P. Smith.  Before I get too into the details of the book, let me tell you a bit about the author:  Rev. Smith has been a Druid since he was 18 (though he picked up his first New Age book at the age of 8!) and has bachelors degrees in Psychology and Religious Studies.  He's a husband, father, teacher and writer.

And yes, the man can write!  So often I have picked up books on religion (both from the Pagan path and others) that are so dry and dull, it doesn't matter what the information is, it's going to seem dry and dull as well.  Rev. Smith has a wonderful writing voice and a great conversational style.  No matter how much detail he is getting into on a topic, you are easily able to follow what he's talking about (another fault of many religious  books I've read - they want to sound "smart" or esoteric or mystical - and you can barely understand what they are talking about).

In Under an Expanse of Oaks, A Druid's Journey, Rev. Smith discusses the basics of Druidry and working with the Divine in great detail and with such a flair writing in a way that shows his obvious dedication and love for his path while not taking anything away from any other path readers might be on.  (How many Pagan books have you read where you get the "my way is the only write way" feeling?)

Here is a great passage from the book that sort of sums what I am talking about:

"It is truly important to realize that though views differ from order to order, group to group, and even individual to individual, that one set of views is not more correct than the other and that all views should be respected."

That statement should be stamped on every religious building and government headquarters around the world.  I don't think anyone has every put it more clearly and simply than that; we should all respect each other's paths in this world.

While some of the information might be at least somewhat familiar to those who follow the Wiccan or other Celtic based (or Celtic-friendly) traditions,  if you haven't studied the Druid path, you are sure to learn something new.

Besides the basics, the book also contains some great chapters and information of being a Druid in the cyber age, working with the elements and giving back to nature - not to mention a list of books to follow up with, a list of Druidic orders and a bibliography (something I always look for in a book like this!).

I have to say, however, that my favorite part of the book are the little exercises that Rev. Smith has sprinkled throughout the book.  No matter what path you are on, these exercises will help you connect or reconnect with your spiritual path and your inner self.  All the exercises are simple and thought provoking and could be done in a just a few minutes here and there.  Just the type of thing I love!  There are also a ton of great meditation exercises in the book as well.

So would I recommend this book?  A hearty oh yes, I would!  Who should read this book?  Anyone who loves to study different paths or Pagan traditions; anyone interested in reading more about the Druid Path; those who aren't sure what path to follow and would like to delve into more spiritual practices; people who love anything to do with Celtic history and traditions.  Pretty much just anyone!


You can find Rev. David P Smith at his website and on facebook, among other places (check out his link lists!) 

And stay tuned for my review of Rev. Smith's book Honoring the Sacred Earth!