Book Review: The Druid Shaman: Exploring the Celtic Otherworld

The world of Celtic Spirituality is a landscape that is shrouded in mist, memory and magic. Unfortunately, for the Celtic inspired pagan, this often leaves us working relatively blind in a forgotten land. Few contemporary writers manage to bridge this gap in the way that Danu Forest has in her book “The Druid Shaman – Exploring the Celtic Otherworld”.

This relatively short book is an invitation to explore the living breathing world of Celtic shamanism. In this book review, I will explore the book’s structure, content, accessibility and value it brings to those people who are Celtic or Shamanic inclined. This is not a paid review, and I purchased the book myself, so as always on this blog, this will be an honest review.

The Author – Danu Forest

Danu is an interesting character, based outside of the spiritual town of Glastonbury, she has a master’s in Celtic studies, specialising in the Celtic otherworld. With over 30 years of dedication to the study of Celtia, Danu is the author of many books for publishers such as Moon Books and Llywellyn.

First Impressions

From the outset the book is approachable and enchanting, giving something for both beginners and the more advanced practitioners to get their teeth into. The cover is lush with green motifs and subtle symbolism that hints at the content of the book: a practice stemming from myth, practice and personal journey.

Structure and Content

For such a small book, Druid Shaman, is carefully structured to guide the reader from foundational ideas of Druidry and Shamanism through more complex explorations of journeying, ritual, and spirit work. Each chapter is like a stepping stone placed across a misty river, taking care not to overwhelm, but always to inspire.

• Foundations: Danu begins by explaining the intertwined histories and philosophies of Druidry and Shamanism. She acknowledges the scholarly debates around these traditions while rooting her discussion firmly in lived, spiritual practice. This I really appreciated, too many books spend too much time looking into what the ancestors did, and while that is important, this is a living path. A experiential path that requires more action than study, a fact often forgotten by modern practitioners.
• The Otherworld: As you would expect from the title of the book, a significant portion of the book is dedicated to the Celtic Otherworld. The otherworld is a realm full of spirits, ancestors, and deeper knowing. Forrest demystifies these often-misunderstood concepts, encouraging the reader to experience them directly through meditation, ritual, and intuitive exploration.
• Journeying and Ritual: The book is full of practical exercises; every chapter is ended with a journey for the reader. Danu offers guided visualisations, techniques for safe journeying, and rituals for calling upon guides, allies, and totem animals. Her instructions are clear, grounded, and always mindful of ethical boundaries.
• Tools and Plant Allies: The book also addresses the use of materia magica, the wisdom of our tree and herb allies, and the importance of creating a personal practice rooted in respect for the land. Danu’s knowledge as a herbalist shines here, with detailed descriptions of traditional plants.

Strengths of “The Druid Shaman”

The books greatest achievement might be its ability to bridge the ancient and the modern. There is no pretending that we can recreate the rituals that our Iron Age predecessors would have used. There is no shying away from the complexities of cultural revival. What is offered is a living, breathing practice that is adaptive, exciting and respectful.

The book is deeply practical, encouraging direct experience for the reader. Reminding people that the true test of any teaching is how it feels and affects your daily life. All the while Danu offers gentle support and encouragement.

When dealing with indigenous spiritual practices it is deeply important to keep respect and sensitivity in mind. Danu approaches these concerns with clarity and humility. She encourages readers to proceed with respect, care and personal integrity.

Potential Issues

No book is without its limitations, especially one approaching a subject such as this. Some readers would appreciate more citations and a deeper dive into the archaeological sources. Danu’s approach is very experiential and intuitive, which may prove frustrating for those wanting a more academic book. Additionally, some people from indigenous cultures might find the syncretic elements too broadly defined. Personally, there are a couple of issues that I have with the book. Specifically, the claim that a Druids “power” comes from the landscape around them. While I agree that nature and its landscapes are sacred and it is important to build a strong relationship and guardianship with it, is it not the Awen that provides our divine spark?

However, it is important to remember that Danu does not make grand claims of authority; rather, she positions herself as someone sharing what she has found useful and meaningful on her journey.

Who Should Read “The Druid Shaman”?

If you are new to Druidry, Shamanism or Celtic spirituality then this book provides a good starting point. Offering enough background to steer the novice, while providing enough guided exercises needed to build confidence and skill. For the more experienced practitioner, the book offers a fresh insight into an often overlooked and maligned area of modern Celtic paganism. For an area that is flooded with books on Native American shamanism, it is refreshing to see a book about European practice.