Ogam: Weaving Word Wisdom

This is a well researched and thoughtful text. Laurie attempts to stay true to the lore and culture while encouraging readers to find our own inspiration and interpretations in relation to the Ogam. Her returning to the original texts and discussing the interpretation of key words is helpful for someone seeking to deepen their understanding of the Ogam. Likewise, her coverage of the three currents for each letter, with additional material on how she reads each stave in relation to ritual makes this a very rich resource. I don’t agree with her fully on some of the letters, but I don’t have to agree totally to find this a fantastic resource and very well researched text. My copy is quickly becoming well worn.

This is, quite simply, the best ogham book on the market. Unlike many ogham systems, this one focuses on "word ogham" -- the meaning and lore behind the names of the feda. It's a popular misconception that ogham is simply a tree alphabet, and Erynn dispells this myth -- much to the benefit of folks who do not live in areas with Old World trees and shrubs. The system itself is explained in detail -- the history of the system and of filidecht, the meanings of the phrases associated with each fid. But it goes beyond the presentation of a mere divination system; Erynn explains the principles of Celtic Reconstructionism and its practices, as well as the uses of ogham in magick and healing. She also includes detailed accounts of rituals, healing rites and divinations using ogham, which is invaluable to the practitioner seeking to use the system. On a personal note, I've adopted Erynn's approach to ogham myself after reading the book and find it both workable and inspiring. If you're a CR, Druid or aspiring diviner, you need to read this book!

This is the best book I've found on Ogham and I've read quite a few. Laurie's approach to Ogham and to Celtic Reconstructionism is easy to understand and this book gives you so much more than just trying to remember a "tree alphabet." After struggling with trying to learn to read the staves I purchased this book on the suggestion of another Gaelic reconstructionist. I'm glad I did. If you want to learn to divine with Ogham, or just about CR in general. I highly recommend this book.

I have been working through this book since I got it. There's a lot of info in there. It's not a difficult read, and I'm learning a lot. I would suggest it for someone that wants to learn about Ogham. I'm glad I got it!

This is the best book I've read on the ogam. Unlike others, Laurie approaches the ogam meanings holistically (other authors have based their systems only on the tree interpretations, and often enough on erroneous ideas of Robert Graves). The book is full of exercises that can help lead one into the practice of filidecht, the sacred Gaelic bard craft. This includes meditative and breathwork techniques for working with the cauldrons or energy centers that have some analogy with charkas (but only three of them), which are written about in medieval Irish texts. Like the runes, each ogam letter has a name and key meanings, and traditional poems that elliptically interpret them. The author is clear about what are traditional meanings and what are her own further interpretations, such as linking them to astrological concepts. The ogam are easy to adapt to our own circumstances, and places, yet it is crucial to understand what is native to the traditions. Making one's own set is covered as well. This isn't a book to just sit down and read from cover to cover but one to use over and over; I have used it as a work book for nearly two years. Highly recommended.

If you are looking for a complete Ogam book, this is the book for you. When I first started researching Ogam, I thought it was silly that most authors limited the entire Ogam language solely on trees. After reading the reviews on amazon from other readers, I knew this is the book for me. Erynn Rowan Lauria does a fabulous job in bringing to life the ancient language and forming it into poetry. Her writing style is well structured, easy to follow, and makes even the beginner Ogam user feel comfortable in their ability to understand and divine using her method. I wouldn't recommend any other book on Ogam.

What a truly amazing book. I had been given a set of ogam several years ago and continuously looked for good information on their meaning, symbolism, and use. When I was introduced to WWW I found what I was looking for - a guide to another world and not a cookie cutter recreation of runes or tarot. WWW opened the world of ogam to me and made them come alive. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in both the ogam and the many layers and depths that come with them.

This is immediately my go-to for not just Ogam, but all things CR. Laurie captures the essence of Celtic Reconstructionism in a way that is very difficult to do. By giving examples of their own experience and tight academic citation the author sets the example of how a new comer can approach Recon. Not to mention that the actual methods and translations are amazing.

Fabulous book, with so much to learn from It and some amazing knowledge!! Teaching you all about ogham and it’s history.

This is by far the best decolonized book on the Ogam. If you want to know what Ogam really is, this book is a must.

Sem dúvidas, o melhor livro sobre Ogam já escrito. Sou fã do trabalho da Erynn

Excellent book.

Sono sempre stata affascinata dai popoli che hanno abitato la terra migliaia di anni fa. I Norreni e le Rune... I Celti e gli Ogham.. Un mondo da scoprire e comprendere, la civilta' dei nostri avi. Questo libro e' il piu' interessante che abbia trovato sugli ogham e il piu' completo.