The Sacred Cauldron: Secrets of the Druids (Llewellyn's World Magic Series)

Rating:
Summary: Dry Rituals Anacronistic Vision
Review: As far as books concerning the Celts published by Llewellyn go this is one of the best. The MacCrossan has a good basic knowledge of Celtic linguistics and history but he treats the cultures as if they were things of the past. His rituals are also so dry that the ancient filidh and druídh would probably cry. I'd suggest that you pick up a copy of _the Apple Branch_ if you can find it. When entering into Celtic Paganism it's important to remember that the Celts are still posses living cultures and languages.. MacCrosan really seams to forget that.

Rating:
Summary: What more do you want?
Review: Boasting "...a comprehensive course in the history and developement of Celtic religious lore, the secrets taught by the Druids, and the... rites and cerimonies as practiced by modern-day members of the Druidactos...", The Sacred Cauldron lives up to its claims. Mac Crossan gives historic information, linguistic study, and bardic lore of the Celtsas well as including information about a specific sect of modern Druidry. He gives no indication that he will teach spirituality, nor living faith, only a historic look at the Druids and Celts. If you are looking for an acurate book on Druidry, that teaches facts and doesnt make things up (such as druid links to wicca, the "authentic" way the Druids astral projected, or any other fancifull "facts" of a practice we know little about) then MacCrossan is a much needed adition to your library, and not Cunningham (who is Wiccan, not Druid) or Conway (who teaches druid astral journeys, of which we have no way of knowing).

Rating:
Summary: a point to note
Review: I am only passingly familiar with MacCrossan's book, but it does appear to have certain fundamental flaws- such as dry ritual scripts, and an anachronistic focus on reconstruction rather than living Celtic tradition. But as far as I know, and according to Celtic scholars who have read the book, the basic historical information is for the most part correct. I'm posting this to balance out the previous review- anyone who considers Cunningham a reliable source cannot possibly know what they are talking about.

Rating:
Summary: Not for practitioners (or wanna-bees)
Review: Written in the style of Cunninghams books, this tome fails to offer realistic information on Druidic practice. While the text is precise and often very detailed, this book fails to make the connection between the present and the past. Moreover, it's author (a convert to Catholicism) bases his theories on his own ideas and not on anthropologic evidence. Failing to hold a degree in anything remotely related to the subject matter, and not having real-first hand knowledge of druidic practice lead me to seek more authoritative sources.

I recommend this guide to anyone who just wants some basic info on Druidism. If, however, you'd like to follow this path, a more practical guide (Cunningham or others) is recommended.