Zen for Druids A Further Guide to Integration Compassion and Harmony with Nature by Joanna Van Der Hoeven

145 Pages
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing / Moon Books
Release Date: November 25, 2016

Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality, Health, Mind, Body, Spirit

The book is divided into the following chapters.

Part one: Druidry and the Dharma
Chapter One: The Three Treasures
Chapter Two: The Four Noble Truths
Chapter Three: The Five Precepts
Chapter Four: The Eightfold Path
Chapter Five: The Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts

Part Two: The Wheel of the Year
Chapter Six: Samhain
Chapter Seven: Winter Solstice
Chapter Eight: Imbolc
Chapter Nine: Spring Equinox
Chapter Ten: Beltane
Chapter Eleven: Summer Solstice
Chapter Twelve: Lughnasadh
Chapter Thirteen: Autumn Equinox

Part Three: Meditation
Chapter Fourteen: Mindtraps
Chapter Fifteen: Preparation, Posture and Basic Meditation

Part Four: Mindfulness
Chapter Sixteen: Mindful Mondays and the Present Moment
Chapter Seventeen: Animism and the Present Moment

Part Give: Integration
Chapter Eighteen: Ego, the Self and Identity
Chapter Nineteen: Awen and Relationship


This book is based on the tenets of Buddhism and Druidry. She mentions that if any part of the book does not resonate with the reader, to just flip the page and continue. The author has a relaxing reading style. I felt at peace as I was reading this book. Her words made so much sense to me. It is so natural to blend the two religions. If you are Buddhist or Pagan, you will enjoy reading this book.

Hello all! Today I have a review for you - and it's taken me quite some time to get around to doing it!

I feel like the amount of time it took me to write this (well over a year) is another testament to why this book has a 3 triquetra rating from me, I feel like this book is just sort of ho-hum.


I was first drawn to it by the description; I feel like Zen is something I need to approach and utilize due to my generalized anxiety disorder, and I feel drawn to Druidry.

However, it seems like these two things just don't mesh for me, no matter how much I want them to. Zen feels like being ultra mindful and withdrawn inwardly, whereas Druidry has a certain wildness.



While the author has made a valiant effort at combining the two, and I've no doubt that many people will find it a lovely manual for how to proceed, it didn't seem that it was for me.

This book describes Zen Buddhism and Druidry, comparing and discussing the two ways of being. There is much information to contemplate and apply to your own life as desired. There is a sense of peace that emanates from each page of the book.

While this was well written, it just... wasn't really for me. Alas. It felt like it had a lot of valuable content, though!

This works for me.... I don't see how Druids and Buddhism go together, as little is actually know of druidism.... But I suppose any self help book is bound to be helpful to someone! I do believe New Age and Buddhism go together very well , as can neo-paganism, so this book has it's up side! I did think it was well written and an uncomplicated guide to making your life better and happier. I know quite a few people who would enjoy this book and will probably either recommend it or purchase it as a gift.

**This book was reviewed via Netgalley**


Van der Hoeven’s Zen for Druids is her second book focuses on combining the nature spiritualism of Druidry with the teachings and tenets of Buddhism. She makes a note that the reader should have read the previous Zen Druidry before reading this one. I would disagree, and say that a familiarity with either Druidry or Zen is sufficient. I have passing knowledge of Zen, and a strong knowledge of Druidry, and had no difficulty in understanding and integrating the text material.


There are five different parts, with various subheadings. Each subheading has questions for the reader to consider, and some have exercises. The first covers the basic precepts of Zen Buddhism. The second looks at the pagan Wheel of the Year, tying one aspect of the Eightfold Path to each of the eight High Days (Solstices, Equinoxes, and the four Celtic Fire Festivals of Samhain, Involved, Beltane, and Lughnasadh). The third and fourth parts focus on meditation and mindfulness practices, and how Zen aspects of these can tie to Druidry. The fifth, and last, looks to fully integrating all of these teaching into a whole practise.


I found this book fascinating. van der Hoeven explained the Zen teachings in such a way that I understood them better than any other books on the subject I've read this far, making it seem more obtainable a goal than its ever seemed before. I may take the Wheel of the Year challenge, adapting as needed to my circumstances. I've been wanting to rekindle my Druid practise, and integrate it with my Rokkatru beliefs.


📚📚📚📚📚 Highly recommended for any with an interest in adding Zen practise to their Druidry. Also, for a good, concise overview of Zen teachings.

This meshing of zen buddhist and druidic principles is both intuitive and beautiful. An amazing and well written book.

If you, like me, are interested in spirituality, but are undecided exactly what you believe, this book is a great place to continue reading and learning. This book delves into the concepts of the Dharma, and explains in an easy to understand manner what these teachings mean and how they can relate to Druid tradition.

I love the concepts of harmony with nature, and it is a big part of my fledgling belief system, so this was an ideal book for me. The author gives you a lot of positive reinforcements throughout her writing and helps you to see that you can turn negative forces in your life into positive things. The writing is beautiful and uplifting and made me want to learn more about these things and share them with others.

I would certainly recommend this book to others looking to expand their knowledge on these topics. This book not only teaches you, but us also interesting to read. Great job by the author.

This review is based on a complementary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.