I reccommend this book to beginners. This is a very informative book about the creatures of the astral plane. A very handy book indeed. Well, worth knowing.

A good book for beginners and those who are just beginning research on the various mythical beasts. She covers nearly every creature within mythology, quite a few of which I never heard of. At times it felt as though she wasn't saying enough about a creature but she did give enough to go on to further research each one.

This was the best book of Ms. Conway's series. The series wasn't the best fantasy series I've read, but it is still a fun read. I found getting through the first kinda slow book, and then the developing second book well worth it to read the final book.

Boy....it's hard to approach these books. Almost any Witch can tell you that these books really shouldn't be taken seriously, and that is true. So the best way to describe such fluffy bunny books is "amusement factor." Face it, Llewellyn sold out long ago and started putting these Fluffy bunny books out on the market to accomodate the young wannabes, but I will give it this: they are fun to read. They are certainly not helpful, but fun to read. Give it a try if you are looking for a book to read that doesn't take the subject seriously. If you are looking to learn Witchcraft, find a better book.

Llewellyn's 1998 Magickal Almanac is full of fluff, just like all of their books and almanacs. The _only_ useful part of the book is the moon phase calendar (which one can easily get from a more respectable source, such as The Witches' Almanac). Everything else is boring editorials that slander everyone who doesn't follow the "Rede" (not in so many words of course). I can understand how it would appeal to White Light-ers and Pink Rainbow Wiccans and other such superficial no-nothings, but I see nothing of any use to the serious magician or witch.

Great collection of short readings. Some of the historical and geographical mentions were a bit hard to digest, but it was good to get the background information. Fantastic folklore, information on the moon, crafts. Definitely worth the purchase! Blessed Be!

I pretty much agree with everything said in other reviews, good and bad. This book is not an historically acurate portrayal of the ancient Celts, and it will not make you a shaman.

That having been said, I don't think it is without value. The book is a good introduction to a way of meditation, and her insights into the ancient Celts, which she admits are gleaned from her inner research and not academic research, are interesting, though not historically accurate. I wouldn't reccomend against reading this book, though please don't beleive you are learning Celtic shamanism. And maybe buy it used.

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".

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.

From the first pages, which speak of Celts in India and druids teaching karma, it was clear that D.J. Conway knows little about authentic Celtic tradition. This book is an amalgam of New Age fluff, from aromatherapy to eight-spoked wheel. There is very little here that could be considered Celtic.

If you are interested in Celtica, I recommend _Celtic Heritage_ by Rees & Rees. For authentic Celtic rituals, try Kondratiev's _Celtic Rituals_. If you are interested in shamanism, try Vitebsky's book or Harner's _The Way of the Shaman_.

I liked her first book much better, bu that is only because of how eye-opening it was for me. The only thing I think could be better with this book is that she could have used some of the space to present more new info about her personal celtic way of spirituality (which is of course what this is and she does not deny that this is what she has gleaned from her own journeys) instead of putting material in that was is the first book. I really love, though, how she separates the different aspects of celtic shamanism while still maintaining that all of these parts are necessary for a person to be a complete shaman. A very good suppliment to her first book, By Oak, Ash, and Thorn

I was immediately drawn to the book and I have learned to never dismiss my intuition, thus I bought it. The moment I opened the book and began reading I felt as though it was written about me. I found it held the same beliefs I have always had since I could remember, I never understood while seeing visions of my past (14-1500's), I was dressed like a man (though a woman) and wielded a sword and fought like a man. I always knew of women back then dressing in gowns and dresses not breeches. After reading the book it all began to make sense. Why I felt the way I did, looking back on my experiences, how I feel about things,and why I had such a poll toward the Celtic Culture. I cannot speak for how this book will effect another, But I know the effects it had on me. But I feel this book would have something in it for anyone with that *inner* knowing.

as a couner-point, I feel it necessary to mention that Maiden, Mother, Crone was my first adventure into the realm of Goddess based religon. As a result of reading this book I am proud to say I am a recovering Catholic. Yes, maybe for the experienced pagan this work is oversimpilified. All I can say is I'm hooked on Goddess. Thanks D.J.

Ms. Conway is one of my favorite authors and with this book she really hits home. She expains the three aspects of the triple Goddess in detail, complete with myths and lore. The untrue myth that the dark goddess is all about gloom and doom is completely shattered in the section on the Crone. The Goddess is to be respected in all her aspects and is essential to birth, death and rebirth. This book also contains meditations to meet with and understand all three of the Sacred Mother's faces. A definite keep in my library!

"Maiden, Mother, Crone" is exactly what it is: a book about the Goddess, how to communicate with Her, and her aspects. If people were looking for anything that really dealt with Paganism straight out, then they'd be disappointed. I, on the other hand, like this book. I've only had it for two days and I love it. I actually prayed to Her last night with tears in my eyes.

I don't know what this book is supposed to be...A feminist history of religions? A how-to Nordic magick book? Who knows. I have never liked this author's work, but I gave this book a chance because finding female-oriented Norse magic books is difficult. Such a shame that women who are searching along this path have so little to choose from. This book is typical of the auhtor's methods: 1 paragraph spent telling you how to do a shamanic journey (??????)...Such undertakings are not that easy! She has you "journeying" to places where you "meet" Norse gods/goddesses but she only devotes one or two lines about those figures.

As a feminist myself, I agreed with much of what she said about male dominance of women & women's religions. I feel the same rage & saddness she does. (Funny how so many men get SO TOUCHY about that stuff! They completely deny that women have ever been oppressed in any way!!) So, that part of the book did not bother me. Having read the required books about such things, I already know about them. Perhaps a woman who is completely ignorant of them could find some new wisdom in this book.

This book lists a very long and impressive bibliography. But I don't think the author even consulted ten of the books on the list! She gives a great deal of historial "facts" and statements that are not footnoted, so who knows how much of it is accurate?
Plus, I am really sick & tired of Llewellyn authors citing all of their own works for the bibliography of every book they write! An obvious attempt to sell more books.

All in all, I cannot reccommend this book to anyone. It is an insult to those of us who are trying to build up a religious network that includes women. For women looking to expand their spiritual horizons without patriarchal bias & limitations (and/or get some higher quality scholarship), I would suggest:

-A God Who Looks Like Me
-The Chalice & the Blade
-When God Was A Woman
-Restoring the Goddess

-The Once & Future Goddess
-The Great Cosmic Mother
-The Language of the Goddess

In all my years of studying Norse Paganism and Shamanism I have never found anything so pitiful as this book. Norse lore and practices are conspicuous by their absence. The shamanic content is non-existent and her "knowledge" of the runes is total New Age clap-trap.

Volumes and volumes of information on the Norse traditions, including seidr, are available but she can't even stick with the subject for half a book. Since when are crystals, chakras and psuedo-feminist whining part of Norse traditions? What's with all the Californian psycho-babble?

Those looking for genuine information on Norse traditions would do far better looking for works by Freya Aswynn and Edred Thorson rather than this fluff-bunny bilge.

I really loved this book, I felt it had a lot to offer as a modern take on ancient traditions. The feminist message was refreshing and really made me feel strengthened and heartened. I liked her prayers for strength in mind and body, as well as her discussion of a woman's different stages in life as it relates to various northern Goddesses. I just like this author a lot - I also have her Moon Magick and it's written in much the same way as this book - a lot of prayers, light history, rituals and thoughts organized in segments. This one also has simple drawings which I really enjoyed and felt were powerful for some reason. I think it's the simplicity and unpretentious flow of her thoughts that I like so much. It's an action book, and a book for thinking about your own path to strength.

As a young woman who lives in a conservative rural area, I found her words to be uplifting and empowering. I see and hear a lot of prejudice and negativity directed towards women here (as well as in mainstream culture) and her prayers and rituals make me feel less alone. I wish more authors would write feminist takes on wicca and magick - they make me feel strong when I'm feeling discouraged.

I wouldn't reccommend this book to people who are looking for important works on runes or any in depth witchcraft, though it does touch on those subjects lightly. I reccommend it more for women who are looking to take action about their own paths through introspection and ritual. I think with your own imagination, you could take her ideas and run with them, creating for yourself deeper reflections on her already interesting ideas. All in all, I think this book helped me to be a stronger, and more honorable woman - so I appreciate this book a lot.

I should have looked to see what else this author has written before I bought the book - her penchant for New Age subjects would have warned me off. I wanted a book with a lot of Celtic/Gaelic names for a baby. There are those, but half the book is taken up with surnames (not what I was interested in) and the names of Celtic deities (interesting, but again, not what I was looking for).

And if you write a book with Gaelic names in it, PLEASE include a guide to pronunciation! I admit that my knowledge of Gaelic is pretty limited, but I am pretty sure that some of the pronunciations the author did give were wrong, which didn't exactly inspire a lot of trust in her research.

All in all, I'll probably return it.