The publisher Wooden Books has put out a collection of ‘pocket guides’ on various interesting subjects. “Nature Spirits” is part of this series. The book is beautifully presented, a paperback edition printed on sepia toned laid finish paper for an ‘old world’ look. The printing is done in a complimentary dark brown ink, title on the cover in silvery iridescent letters. The overall effect is very striking in attractiveness. An added bonus - the materials for the book are entirely recycled.
The content consists of entries on over twenty seven different aspects of nature and faery lore, as well as an Introduction and an Appendix titled “Magical Miscellany, tools and techniques” all written by Celtic shaman Danu Forest. Titles of some of the sections within the book include “The Web of the Wyrd,” “Spirit Doors” and “The Great Goddess”. The four elements are represented with additional succeeding entries on various aspects of the spirits and the magic that is associated with them. Even though the book is small and meant to be used as a pocket guide, the work within it is filled with information that is enjoyable and beautifully presented. Within its pages you will learn more about ‘Spirits of the Candle Flame’ (Kind Fire) and the opalescent beings mentioned by A.E. (George Russell) in ‘Faeries - the Strange and Shining Sidhe.’ The written material covers a wide range within the chosen subject and provides detailed information, along with conveying a sense of true personal experience. The book is alive with a spirit that can only be infused on the page by loving surety derived from actual devotional practice.
One of my personal favorite entries is titled “Birds and Bird Spirits.” Here is a sample passage: “Poised and precise, the eyes of the hawk and the spirit of the eagle are helpers of shamans across the world, teaching spirit flight to the upper realms. Celtic bards wore swan feather cloaks, called tugen, as objects of power for this purpose …”
An added bonus in this delightful book is the artwork of faery artist Dan Goodfellow. The beauty and magic of his work adds to the exquisite quality of this book. The matching of this artist and author is seamless. Every entry is graced with an accompanying full page illustration and very often an illustration in the form of a border below the written entry. It is certain that more is to come from both this author and this artist. Work of this quality will not go unnoticed.
Review from Touchstone order of bards ovates and druids jan 11
The Solstice treat this year was an offering from 'Wooden Books': I mean, what's not to like? Rather like OBOD members they are immediately attractive, beautifully proportioned, tasteful and of good quality (recycled), fascinating on a variety of subjects and copiously illustrated. The authors are acknowledged in their field, and this latest by Danu Forest, is an ideal introduction to the subject. In the W.B. standard 58 page format she covers all aspects of Nature Spirits from the viewpoint of a Celtic Shaman, including short sections on sacred exchange, Devas, places of power, faeries, families, familiars, guardians and guides, spirits of the elements, the winds… in short, the enspirited natural world, and therefore ideal fodder for the thinking Druid. This pocket guide is a great introduction, and holds its own as a useful reference, drawing from myth and legend from wide-ranging sources as well as native lore from our Celtic heritage. And, not least, Danu is a good, fluent writer. From the introduction, 'In the wild Welsh hills and the craggy cliff-tops of the Highlands, the splendour of nature cries out for all to hear. In such places it is easy to sense the spirits of stone,river and tree. Explorers of the Otherworlds know…' she extols the importance of making relationship with the other-than-human kingdoms, and is convincing: and in Dan Goodfellow - former T’stone cover contributor - she has a worthy illustrator. I suspect that Wooden Books, attractive and reasonably priced, were designed to be given as presents. Buy this for someone and have a crafty read first - it’ll end up staying on your own shelf!
This review is from: Nature Spirits: Wyrd Lore and Wild Fey Magic (Wooden Books Gift Book) (Paperback)
As a modernd ay hedge witch, I started collecting interesting books, these, are lovely, the first one I got was this, I just love the front and all the stuff inside!
BUY NOW FROM AMAZON.CO.UK AND ALL GOOD BOOKSTORES.
The publisher Wooden Books has put out a collection of ‘pocket guides’ on various interesting subjects. “Nature Spirits” is part of this series. The book is beautifully presented, a paperback edition printed on sepia toned laid finish paper for an ‘old world’ look. The printing is done in a complimentary dark brown ink, title on the cover in silvery iridescent letters. The overall effect is very striking in attractiveness. An added bonus - the materials for the book are entirely recycled.
(Stroud Glos UK) 
