Anti-consumerist Druid, The
Leaving behind the cult of the consumer and daring to imagine a more magical life.
Leaving behind the cult of the consumer and daring to imagine a more magical life.
Leaving behind the cult of the consumer and daring to imagine a more magical life.
Inspiration & personal growth, Paganism & neo-paganism, Personal memoirs
Many of us are coming to terms with the devastating global effects of overconsumption, and for me the desire to quit shopping has led me to explore Paganism, and then to Druidry!
This is not a book about Druidry. This is a book about how I stopped overconsumption consuming me, and on that journey discovered a connection with nature that led to me becoming a student of Druidry, and about how those beliefs and practices helped me to rebuild a more authentic, creative, enchanted life.
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From the start I was drawn in by Townsend’s friendly tone and nonjudgmental style. She showed her own failings and made it clear that it is normal to be drawn into the cycle of consumerism in our modern lives. Her story is probably at least a little familiar to most of us. Her struggles are so relatable. Her honesty is refreshing. The second part of the book about connecting with nature and magic was also something that resonated with me. One thing that really hit home for me was to create instead of consume. In an era where we seem to be expected to monetise our hobbies, Townsend talks about creativity as part of life not just as an identity or for profit. The Anti-consumerist Druid is a book that reminds us to embrace creativity and mindfulness over consumerism. To simply do creative things and embrace the everyday joys that life has to offer. Personally, I think this book has inspired me to be more mindful of what I consume and how it affects me and those around me. It has reminded me of the importance of real connection and to become the person we want instead of just trying to build a personality through consumption and social media. 5 Stars. ~ Laura Morrigan, https://lauramorrigan.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-anti-consumerist-druid.html
Katrina Townsend's experience of navigating from a consumerist world into one that enters the realms of spirituality is beautifully expressed in this book. Her writing is open and honest, humorous and thought-provoking and takes you along the journey to where one can find peace in both the self and the world. It's an ongoing process, as she demonstrates so well in this book, of reviewing and reflecting upon one's habits and, for some, addiction, and being able to come out with a real sense of breaking the cycle of wanting more, through learning to love what you have. In this we find spirituality, expressed in this book through the tradition of Druidry and its love of nature which guides us to live our lives according to that love. I highly recommend this book to everyone, Druids and Pagans, and people of all faiths and none. ~ Joanna van der Hoeven, Director of Druid College and author of several books including The Book of Hedge Druidry and The Hedge Druid's Craft
An insightful personal journey that highlights the paradox of being a Druid in the modern era. Without lecturing us, it gives a useful pathway to integrating Druidic wisdom and practice into our daily lives in a meaningful and permanent way. Walking your talk is as important now as ever, in our current times and this book helps us to achieve that with both integrity and practicality. ~ Luke Eastwood, author of How To Save The Planet and The Druid Garden
The way Katrina writes is relatable and motivational, effortlessly mixing the spiritual with a humorous take on the more mundane aspects of life and showing how they’re more connected than we might think. The book gave me a real sense of 'I can do this too'. It was engaging and felt like sitting down for tea and a chat with a good friend - I truly and thoroughly enjoyed it. ~ Isabelle Alexandra Louise, Tarot reader, artist and sustainable fashion designer at Clove and Moon
I really enjoyed the journey Katrina takes us on - through her re-discovery of paganism and her relationship to community after taking a conscious step back from mindless consumerism. Her initial decision to take a spending break took on a life of its own, eventually evolving into a more informed way of looking at the world outside of her doorstep, deepening her relationships with her loved ones, and rekindling her spiritual relationship with the land she lives on. I definitely think one of the best parts was being reminded of that infinite feeling of discovery at your fingertips that paganism can provide when you're starting out on your journey in earnest. It's something we can lose sight of over time, and it feels like a much needed breath of fresh air as Katrina takes us along on her spiritual discovery culminating in a tangible relationship to her matron goddess. ~ Trinidy Patterson, proprietor of the HedgeWitch Haus, Occult writer, and Herbalist
This is excellent. The writing style is reader friendly and accessible and it draws the reader in almost in a story-telling way. As always, anything coming from personal experience carries authority and weight. It's also a subject which is very relevant to the pressures of modern society. ~ Krystina Sypniewski
Katrina Townsend's journey from hedonistic consumerism to a deep communion with nature makes for a fascinating and compelling read. She writes with engaging honesty as well as humour, delving into the wisdom and magic of our Celtic past to find her own truth in the modern world. Her story will resonate with anyone who has found solace in walking England's green lanes, or glimpsed an older reality in the contours of hill and hedgerow. ~ Jill Todd, author of Echo of Bells