By Philip Carr-Gomm
‘As there are billions of souls/There are billions of ways to grow’ (Rumi) prefixes the introduction ‘Sex on the Beach or Death in the Afternoon? A mixology for the spiritual speaker’: this writer understands a good hook, has an open, original approach and eclectic tastes. His lifetime of reading and learning and gift for juxtaposing ideas from different cultures so that each reinforces the others’ message infuse this book, a ‘partial guide’ which follows a lifelong ‘wide ranging search for illumination.’ It is beautifully written and chock-full of quotes, erudite references and fascinating sources. The easy style contrasts with the depth of study but do not be deceived; this is a book of substance.
The introductory section sets out the preliminary questions: should we stick to one path? and what are the credentials for Druidry as a meta path or as a connector in our searchings? Three Sections follow: One Tree: The Druid and Dharmic traditions; Christianity and Druidry and Druidry and Wicca, plus an afterword and appendix. Each comprises highly readable short articles, ideal introductions to Philip’s ideas and conclusions. He draws the reader in, building on the known to open our minds to new possibilities, with illustrations of personal anecdote & history adding to the sense of engagement. The reader participates in an eye-opening conversation.
This book goes a long way to bridging the ’great gulf fixed’ between the ideas and techniques of eastern and western spirituality: to build such a bridge & to underpin it with evidence from both cultures constitutes a major achievement.
‘Oh, east is east, and west is West and never the twain shall meet, ‘says Kipling. This small book goes a good way to disprove this. PB