D.J. Conway Reviews

Added November 12, 2004

Wicca: The Complete Craft

Author: D.J. Conway
Publisher: The Crossing Press
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Nofiction: New Age/Wicca
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $22.95
ISBN: 1-58091-092-0
Author Email/Website: www.mcsi.net/moonsinger/
Reviewer: Cyndi Witkus

Many people want to know the history of Wicca, the foundations of it, the basic spells, rituals and more. Most of us have collected many books, articles, and found our own ways in exploring the path known as Wicca. But there is now a book that will make a handy reference, Book of Shadows and more for the new practioner as well as those who are well entrenched on their path.

Starting at the terms most frequently found in Wicca through a beginning Book of Shadows, D.J. Conway has compiled a handy reference dealing with Wicca. From the basics of the use of a circle to the ritual tools used and why, I really enjoyed having the easy to reference table of contents. Skipping around this book is easy and I recommend it. Though a bit light on references to earlier sources, this book contains references to books you might want to get further on if you choose the path of doing Witchcraft. There are various exercises to also engage in as you go step by step to make you familiar with the signs, symbols, and other aspects of ritual work. For anyone who has taken the step into wanting to be Wiccan, I do recommend that this book be on your reference shelf. You'll find yourself going to it, searching for the rituals dealing with the phases of the moon, various Sabbat and Esbats as well as making notes for how things worked for you.

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Added January, 2003

By Oak, Ash and Thorn

Author: D.J. Conway
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Nonfiction: Spirituality/Celtic Shamanism
Format: Print
Price: $14.95
ISBN: 1-56718-166-X
Author Email/Website: www.mcsi.net/moonsinger/
Reviewer: Cyndi Witkus

By Oak, Ash and Thorn by DJ Conway is a great introduction into Celtic Shamanism as well as some of the aspects of Celtic Druidry. Though some people might consider this book a bit simplistic, for those who walk the path for the first time, they are amazed and grateful at the explanations. This book walks you step by step through system of shamanism.

The book opens with talk about what is shamanism. Many people associate the word with Native Americans. However, the word originally comes from Siberia. The concept of shamanism is old and prevasive throughout the world. DJ Conway goes into detail about the shamanistic trance and the hows and whys on why Celtic shamans did so.

The book progresses through the many steps of Celtic shamanism. From your first inner journeys to the empowerment of self, this book walks you on your path of Celtic Shamanism. The book speaks of the shamanistic tools, the journey of the Otherworlds, and meeting other creatures and beings. In each chapter, you learn more and more what it means to be a shaman. From being part of the world and helping others, the information you gain is invaluable.

The section dealing with soul recovery was of deep interest to me. Mending the Soul-self was something that personally hit home. Each of us goes through things that profoundly affect us. When we can't get passed certain events, it's because we've left a part of our soul there. By going through a soul recovery or soul mending, a shaman helps the person, or him/herself recover that piece vital for the person to begin healing. The chapter really made a lot of sense and the ritual used rang a chord of truth in me. Sometimes we forget that we let others have power over us or people take part of us. By regaining that piece back, we become closer to becoming whole.

For anyone who wishes to walk the path of Druidism or Celtic Shamanism, I recommend this book as a great stepping stone of knowledge. Those who are further along the path might consider this book simplistic at times, but it's truly a book to fall back upon time and again. This book helps to keep one focused upon the path they work. I have this book as part of my collection of books I refer to over and over as I learn more about Druidry and Shamanism. Though they aren't the same, they do share mutual points and having this reference book is something I wouldn't do without.

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