Following the Deer Trods - Working with Elen of the Ways

Working with Elen of the Ways is not an easy journey.  It is for those who wish to look deeper into the world around them and those who are willing to walk a path with few others. It is a path of the awenydd.  As I am always willing to learn more about the old ways of living close to the earth and honoring the spirit of nature, so I was excited to get a review copy of the Shaman Pathways title Following the Deer Trods. 

Although there is a very short bit early on that shows a strong dislike to Christianity, this book is incredibly valuable.  How often do we pass the blame for our mistakes on to someone else? It happens, even if we try not to do it.  It is simply a part of our culture. By not accepting our mistakes we are actually doing ourselves a disservice.  How can we possibly learn if we don't make mistakes? This is simply the first of the lessons explored in this book. Not quite a quarter of the way into the book and already we are given incredible exercises.  How often have you tried to really and truly listen? I mean listening in a way that removes our own preconceptions and leaves our minds truly open and accepting... Here is just another example of the value I discovered in this book.

This truly is a book about working and growing close to the earth. A seemingly single yet profound part of this is a more naturalistic view of the elements. We are all familiar with the standard earth, air, fire and water.  Yet how often do we think of them in terms of water going through the full cycle, or earth as the molecules to help growth emerging from the decay of that which has died?  Most of us don't very often, if at all.

Normally when I read one of these short books from the different Moon Books series I think of it as a lovely introduction or a handy book for reference.  This entry goes far beyond that expectation.  Here is a book that is short, yet far from a quick read.  It is worthy of going back to read over and over again, both for the incredible exercises and because as you progress along your own path, whatever that may be, you will be able to gain even more from the insights within.  Whether you work closely with Elen or just want her help to grow a deeper, more naturalistic practice, you will find great value in this book.  Highly recommended.

http://www.moon-books.net/books/shaman-pathways-following-deer-trods