Joanna van der HoevenPagan Portals - The Crane Bag

I have enjoyed Joanna's work since Awen Alone. This little volume is packed full of, difficult to find, Druidic information. It was an absolute joy to read and a must have for any druids bookshelf, but especially for solitary druids.

Some of the info is rather basic, but if it were more complex then someone new wouldnt be able to read and understand it. Written on a way that's easy to understand and clear even for someone with no knowledge on the subjects covered.

Van Der Hoeven's writing is clear, conversational, and engaging and she often weaves explanatory myths and legends to explain specific instances without overdoing claims to historicity for modern Druidry practices. This volume is a nice length and Van Der Hoeven includes both personal anecdotes and clear references and readings for deeper development. The great majority of the book is about the contents of a crane bag: silver branch, staff, cauldron, drum, fetishes, sickly, robes, altars, fires, and incense. This includes how to make or acquire them, why you would to do so, and brief references to the kinds of ritual use involved. The end of the book on ritual describes them loosely, which is useful for those without orders and but vague enough to still be applicable to those who do.

A down to earth, practical, and uplifting guide. Their books continue to invigorate and inspire! Suitable for beginners and growing intermediates

I'm just learning about druidry and this book talked about so many aspects of it. Since I'm a beginner and I enjoyed it, I would recommend it for beginners. I enjoyed the authors style of writing; at times I felt as though I was having a personal conversation. It intrigued me to try a few things. Great first book for me in the 'pagan portal' books.

Unlike the previous reviewer, I am bearing in mind what this book is intended to be: a brief introduction into the concept of a crane bag. For this purpose, it is an excellent concise work. I like the author's language choices. She exhibits a clarity of language and concept that is very helpful for someone who is not already familiar with crane bags and their uses. Think of it as a Bag of Holding for druids.

Nice little book, great tips!

Just finished this compact tome today.I can thoroughly reccommend it! "Small,but perfectly formed" springs to mind.This is a great primer for any newcomer to a Pagan practice from the British Isles,you don't need to be a Druid to find it relevant.Whilst we don't have a definitive system followed by all here historically this is a good insight into Druidic/Celtic practice that I think works.The "Crane Bag" of the title,as is indicated in the text,is very similar to the "medicine bag/pouch" that occurs in First Nation American shamanistic practice,which is what many would recognise,but the idea was common to many early practices as a connection to place,deity & spirits of place.I especially liked chapter five, the "Altered States" section.All in all the book gives a nice,simple way to honour the deities that is sympathetic to these Isles & doesn't get bogged down with too much ceremony & comes across as honest & heartfelt.If you want to perform ritual in a simple,holistic & approachable manner this is the book for you!

I love pagan portal books and this one was a lovely read. Really interesting.

I like that it is Traditional and it gives insight into the magics of Druid Trappings (magical items). This book is concise, yet succinct in its delivery of knowledge. Buy it. Add it to your collection.

Great book really informative

A nice introduction to neo-Druidism.

Great book