A Practical Guide to Irish Spirituality: Sli Aon Dhraoi Paperback – November 29, 2012

The book is written in an engaging manner, with the author often writing as if she were speaking directly to the reader. This is a style that I personally enjoy very much and it reminded me strongly of one of my favorite neopagan books, Lilith McLelland's Out of the Shadows. I tend to read a lot of academic material so it's really refreshing to read something with a friendlier tone that manages to find that balance between being down-to-earth without feeling too simple. The book is also written with a dry humor and hint of sarcasm that personally appeals to me, although I can't say how others might take it. The text is broken up, aptly enough, into three sections each with three chapters. The first section is centered around the "World of Earth" and includes chapters on ancestry, ancient places, and sacred cycles. The second section, the "World of Sea" has chapters on the sidhe, gods & goddesses, and otherworld journeys. The final section is the "World of Air" with chapters on magical crafts, literature, and priesthood & community. Each chapter covers the author's thoughts and opinions on that particular topic, in some cases very direct and strong views and in others more reserved and encouraging the reader to decide for themselves. For example the chapter on holidays - "Sacred Cycles" - offers some basic information, some insight into the author's own experiences and practices, and encourages the reader to take a hard look at what they already know and how they personally connect to the cycle of the year. In short, this chapter urges the reader to examine their own sacred cycle and relationship to the pagan holidays, rather than filling them up with rote information and how-to's. In contrast the chapter on the sidhe takes a very no-nonsense approach, including solid traditional material and blunt modern views which seem (and rightly so as far as I'm concerned) meant to get the daft new age idea of twee little fairies out of peoples' heads. Each chapter starts with a bit encouraging the reader to stop and write down what they know or think about the topic of that section, and in fact there is a great deal of encouragement throughout the book for the reader to journal their thoughts and experiences. It then goes on to include the author's thoughts, opinions, and research, which is all very well done and referenced although I wish the book included a bibliography. Each chapter also includes a guided meditation suited to the topic. The meditation combined with the urging to journal give the text a feel of a workbook that could be very good for beginners or those looking to re-invigorate their spiritual practice. This book isn't just about learning what Irish paganism is, it's about actually living it. Overall I really enjoyed this one. I don't agree with everything the author says, but that usually comes down to differences of opinion on some details of belief. I love the amount of scholarship woven into such a practical hands-on style book, and I like that the author doesn't pull any punches, for example her blunt reproach to people mucking up historical sacred sites with candle wax, fire pits, non-degradable offerings, and general litter. There are very few modern Irish pagan books that fall into the neopagan category that I can or would unequivocally recommend and this one falls solidly on that short list.

So much meat, so much depth, so much Work to do!! This book was chosen by acclaim for study by the Pagan Studies Group at the local UU church -- and there was so much information and conceptual content that they had to slow down the study to one chapter per month, in order to fully grasp what all was in there. While it is Ireland specific, as the author herself, there's so many techniques to enable one to tie deeply into place wherever you are that it's extremely valuable for all Pagan paths. Every teacher has the "read these five books then talk to me" list? This book has just made it firmly onto that list. It's THAT good.

the author is very good at explaining things in a manner that feels like you're having a chat with them on the topic rather than being lectured at.

This is a book about Irish spirituality, as the title suggests. This is not fluffy Wicca or ceremonial magic repackaged in a Celtic flavor. This is not a book that tells the names and basic ideas of Celtic deities and a bunch of made up prayers to them, as so many Celtic themed spiritual books tend to be. This is a book sharing the experience of a true Irish Craft-Worker which will help you to become the same. This book, like many Celts themselves tend to do, will ask more questions than it will ramble on about a subject. This book is very close to being like an in person guide. The "Soul Friend" concept is something I especially like about the Celtic or Gaelic cultures, and this book certainly has that "feel".

An excellent book for those who have an interest in practicing a spiritual path that treats the culture with respect. Those who criticize the strong opinions of the author may want to consider if the words strike hard because they strike true. It is always difficult to look at what we must change in ourselves. Lora’s humor and Lore based approach to teaching inspire those who have a desire to practice in right relationship with the culture they work with.

There is good information to be found. in this book however, the writing style is a bit scattered and chatty.lots of good references though.

This book is the best out there for starting a path in Irish spirituality , the author knows her stuff !

Really useful and helpful on so many nuances.

Very good