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Rating: 
Summary: Modern Celtic Wisdom
Review: I enjoy this book because it explains what Shamanism is all about (old and new). It explains how one can become its own Shaman by meditation and relaxation. It talks about the whole concept of healing by correcting the body's light centers, and it gives a great overview of what the Celtic Culture is all about.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting, but not complete
Review: I first encountered this book when pursuing the Llewellyn Online catalog. While Llewellyn generally publishes books I consider to be rather on the "fluffy" side, this was one of their better publications.While we all know, and several reveiwers have already reminded us, that anything we assert about the Celts is subject to speculation I would still say that it is a fairly valuable resource for those looking for an introduction to "shamanic" concepts with a Celtic twist. Take the historical claims with a few grains of salt, but, don't allow them to ruin your overall enjoyment of the book. There's a measure of truth in pretty much everything and if it works for you- use it.
Rating: 
Summary: Good beginner book
Review: I found the book quite useful myself and think it would be very useful to a beginner. It covers alot of basics and does leave you ready for the next step, to learn more. But isn't that what an introductory book is for?
Rating:
Summary: pseudo-Celtic Wicca thinly disguised...
Review: I picked up this book a few years ago... having an interest in things Celtic and in shamanistic techniques. I found it lacking in both. This is yet another book by Conway which is just Wicca disguised as something else. All of her books sound exactly alike and say exactly the same thing - which some 'cultural flavors' thrown in to try and deceive people into thinking it's actually something new. It's also an easy sell as many neo-pagans and New Age followers are attracted to all things Celtic and 'native'. Now I'm not going to say there is no such thing as Celtic shamanism - as shamanistic techniques are thought to be able to cross borders, and I see no reason why you can't blend shamanistic techniques with authentic Celtic beliefs. This book, however, is disappointing on the 'authentic' level and marginally "fluff".
This book will not be a good guide for Celtic Paganism - and it definately won't make you a Shaman (tho, as has been said, no book really can - tho you can learn the techniques).
The only reason I gave it three rather than lower is because the questionable nature of this book lead me to search out better sources. I suggest books by John and/or Caitlin Matthews on the subject of Celtic Shamanism, Michael Harner on general Shamanism, and Peter Bellesford Ellis on Celtic studies for those truly interested in the depths on such things. They're good to start. However, for more neo-pagan (of which I am) pseudo-Celtic eclectic Wicca - this book fits the bill... (A note on Conway in general - I question anyone who claims to be as dedicated a devotee to as many different paths as she writes about. And since every book does sound the same, excepting a few particulars thrown in mostly for flavor, this 'suspicion' only deepened the more I read of her books. The scholarship, as with most Llewellyn products, is always questionable.)
Rating:
Summary: pseudo-Celtic Wicca thinly disguised...
Review: I picked up this book a few years ago... having an interest in things Celtic and in shamanistic techniques. I found it lacking in both. This is yet another book by Conway which is just Wicca disguised as something else. All of her books sound exactly alike and say exactly the same thing - which some 'cultural flavors' thrown in to try and deceive people into thinking it's actually something new. It's also an easy sell as many neo-pagans and New Age followers are attracted to all things Celtic and 'native'. Now I'm not going to say there is no such thing as Celtic shamanism - as shamanistic techniques are thought to be able to cross borders, and I see no reason why you can't blend shamanistic techniques with authentic Celtic beliefs. This book, however, is disappointing on the 'authentic' level and marginally "fluff".
This book will not be a good guide for Celtic Paganism - and it definately won't make you a Shaman (tho, as has been said, no book really can - tho you can learn the techniques).
The only reason I gave it three rather than lower is because the questionable nature of this book lead me to search out better sources. I suggest books by John and/or Caitlin Matthews on the subject of Celtic Shamanism, Michael Harner on general Shamanism, and Peter Bellesford Ellis on Celtic studies for those truly interested in the depths on such things. They're good to start. However, for more neo-pagan (of which I am) pseudo-Celtic eclectic Wicca - this book fits the bill... (A note on Conway in general - I question anyone who claims to be as dedicated a devotee to as many different paths as she writes about. And since every book does sound the same, excepting a few particulars thrown in mostly for flavor, this 'suspicion' only deepened the more I read of her books. The scholarship, as with most Llewellyn products, is always questionable.)
Rating:
Summary: Interesting to read, Information appliable to anything.
Review: I really enjoyed By Oak, Ash, and Thorn. I also agree that you either hate it or love it. I don't think that DJ Conway is trying to say "YOU HAVE TO DO THIS, THIS, AND THIS TO BE A CELTIC SHAMAN!," I believe that she has incorporated a Celtic twist on some shamanistic techniques that can be used by anyone. I myself found it interesting to look at, even though I am not training to be a shaman or intend to be in the future. (I'm just too busy you know). I hope that people don't expect to see absolute word in any book, and I think that in New Age books, many people expect to find out exactly the answers to the questions of religion printed on the page. This book is a beautiful and interesting companion and guide that made me think, and I am thankful for it. Please try it out.
Rating:
Summary: breaking the barriers
Review: Meditation, astral travel, dreamtime, or whatever...Shamanism is at the root of ALL religions. Anthropologists that study shamanism know that there are similar themes that are encountered in All cultures. Different cultures use different symbology to represent those same themes b/c jaguars don't live in Siberia, and polar bears don't live in the jungle. D.J. Conway has read the celtic legends and has seen the shamanic themes that are OBVIOUS in them to anyone who studies shamanism and reads this book with an open heart. I have been Wiccan for 12 years, a high priest for 3, and a student in Celtic Studies for 5. Wicca is a MYSTERY religion (you know, the kind most closely retaining their SHAMANIC roots) as opposed to a Revealed religion(by prophets, etc. such as Christianity). Being such, it WILL show similarities to shamanism, so there is no reason for anyone to whine when it does. If you don't believe me, just read a book on Native American shamanism then read the Irish legends with those themes in mind, then read By Oak, Ash and Thorn. You will see. This book contains guided meditations that use Celtic symbolism. Read the legends, read this book...You will see, and you will "see".
Rating: 
Summary: Wiccan Sell-Out
Review: Okay - I only managed to read the first chapter and then skim over the following two because this book is really badly researched despite the author stating that she has spent many years researching the topic. My first impression was that it was almost identical at the beginning to Tom Cowan's "Fire in the Head" to the extent of quoting the same quotes - but who copied who?? Conway's recalling of even some of the basic Celtic myths has a lot to be desired - even her version of the "tribal invasions" appeared to have various errors in it (and I have personally researched and written about this topic myself!!). Overall extremely disappointing for what I read of it. Research is questionable - there are many better written and better researched material available.
Rating:
Summary: First you heal yourself, then you heal the World
Review: Speaking for myself, I found the true spirit of shamanism in this book. Conway succeeds in connecting it with Celtic culture. She understands the core essence of both subjects. Some readers seem to think that she intended some sort of archeological study of "true" Celtic shamanism. This was clearly not the intent, as is stated in both the introduction and in chapter two, "Shamanism: ancient and modern." She is trying to introduce people to the SPIRIT of shamanism, and in this she richly succeeds. You have to approach this book with an open mind- not unlike the guided visualizations that form an important part of the text. The goal here is to try to heal modern man's almost total disconnect with the heart of nature- and with the deep archetypical powers. The author is correct in stating that we have cut down the World Tree and blown up the tunnel to the Underworld. This book is to identify and steer the sort of individuals who are born to sense and heal this soul-killing divide. It will point the way to the true teachers. For a change Llewellyn assigned a first rate designer and artists to this book- the cover and interior illustrations and details add and do not detract from the whole. Of course, I may be biased here- the frontispiece is the sacred Oak....
Rating:
Summary: worth your money
Review: this is another demenstration on how brilliant d.j. conway can be. a intresting and informative by oak ash and thorn can train you to achieve balance and learn how to divinate with ogam or heal shamanicly rather enjoyable
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