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

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 book is a hands on practical guide to the mystical ways of Druidism, so while I have read through the first two parts, I have not reached part three as of yet. The writing is very clear and to the point with easy to understand pronunciation helps throughout. The author, John Michael Greer, really did take his time and start at the beginning. Being curious about the practice, I have read several books on the subject and this is the best by far if someone is interested in a hands on workbook that takes you from curiosity to participation. Be prepared though, for it is no small matter. The first part alone requiring four months daily participation and practice to gain full mastery of the subject. There are three parts and I think the time frame for the first part is actually shorter than the next two, making this a journey or process and not a novel.

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!

I like this book. Well written with no gobbeldigoop.

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!

John Michael Greer is one of the foremost authors writing intelligently on occult topics today, along with Stephen Skinner, Stephen Flowers (Edred Thorsson), Donald Tyson, Christopher Warnock, and a few others. It's difficult to find a reason not to recommend one of his books -- and this particular one is no exception. I found this book helpful in understanding the context in which the Golden Dawn arose, and the nature of its teachings.

Achei bastante interessante a ideia de moldar os rituais da G.D com um modelo neo-pagão, principalmente celta. A introdução me animou bastante, comecei a imaginar que o livro continha material de membros antigos da G.D como Yeats e MacGregor Mathers mas não, os rituais e práticas são uma produção do autor. O livro tem ideias interessantes, gostei bastante da adaptação dos Nomes Divinos das Sephiroth e do Ritual do Pentagrama, no geral eu indico porque achei bastante original mas não o considero uma obra do mesmo nível dos manuscritos originais da G.D ou das obras de Aleister Crowley.

In hardback this is a beautifully produced, quality publication written by an authority in the field, and such good value.

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.

Very informative book