There are more Pagans living in areas of the world with seasons that DON’T match the traditional wheel of the year. Yet, it is still a struggle for many of us to find ways to adapt the wheel of the year. Australian Druidry: Connecting with the Sacred Landscape by Julie Brett is the perfect guide for anyone looking to find a seasonal connection for where they live.
It’s no surprise to those who follow me that I’ve a big fan of the Pagan Portals. They are easy to read and approachable for almost every Pagan reader without falling into the trap of being repetitive. Australian Druidry delivers on that tradition of the portal series with flair.
The author shares her own journey with Druidry and developing a wheel that works in her region of Australia. Readers will get a taste of the author’s love of her land/region. I thoroughly enjoyed this part of the book.
Readers will have some guide points on how they might re-think the wheel for their region. Followed by this are examples of the author’s new festivals and seasonal cycle. I think this content will answer many Pagans’ questions about the wheel of the year. Some readers will even be able to adapt the author’s wheel pretty easily.
Following the festivals are natural symbols from the author’s environment. The point is made that observing your natural world is important for discerning what the animals, plants, minerals, and spirits of your own place are telling you. Too often do Pagans assume that a crow is in every environment and means the same thing to each local. Symbols are relational things that change and adapt for communities and spaces.
Finally a brief practice section talks about how one can adapt the basic ritual sequence to fit the needs of your environment. Some things will work in every location. Others will not. Even the elemental directions can be shifted to better reflect where you live and practice.
This book is brief but packed with goodies that will help every Druid or Pagan looking to deepen their connection with the seasonal celebrations and the environment they live in.
Esoteric Moment 