Constructed of 77 essays and 7 interviews, this collection is a detailed insight into the life of a modern practicing Druid. Eastwood’s book, prefaced by the exacting prose of David Sparenberg is reflective of someone who puts careful thought into each aspect of his life, not least his spiritual journey, visible in each page. At times autobiographical (My Journey with OBOD), and a showing of pride in his locality (Kerry a Kingdom worthy of the name), this work can be both a handbook for those embarking on their Druid journey and a comparative study for those with more years walking their spiritual path. In The Forgotten Irish Influence on British Neo- Druidry is a well referenced and concise taste of how Ancient Irish culture persisits in a modern world, helping shape it for the future while reaching a hand back to a past not quite faded. For me personally this encapsulates the book, knowledge communicated in carefully chosen prose which reflects a vibrant present holding that liminal space between history and the future not yet manifested. A treasure of a read. ~ Joni Spring, Pagan Ireland Magazine, Spring 2024 issue

The first thing that drew me to this book was the title, it’s very much a title that would resonate with any Pagan; our spiritual journeys are indeed similar to a path through the forest, and I was interested in reading more.The content is a collection of over 70 essays spanning over 15 years and is a timeless look at Druidry during this time. The subject matter of the essays is varied covering many aspects of what it is to live as a Druid. Themes delved into include the Ancestors, the environment, history, ethics and metaphysics. Each essay is well written, thought provoking and the author is not afraid to discuss some of the more controversial topics. This book is a down to earth, no nonsense look at Druidry and gives plenty of relevant insights. Recommended ~ Hannah Semple, Pagan Dawn, Beltane 2024 issue

I was delighted when my fellow author Luke Eastwood offered me an advance copy of his latest book: A Path through the Forest, which is officially published later this month. Luke is a Druid and environmentalist who lives in Ireland. His earlier books are about Druidry, nature, religion and environmentalism, and include The Druid Garden, The Druid's Primer and The Journey. Luke's new book is a collection of his articles and interviews on the same topics and others including the landscape and history of Ireland. Most of the essays were printed in magazines or posted online but some are previously unpublished. Here's the synopsis from publisher Moon Books' website: "Covering an entire metonic cycle of 19 years (2004-2023) in the life of a druid, this collection covers everything from ethics to gardening with the intention of provoking both thought and action. Of his Druid work the author states: “My job is to push the boundaries of Druidic understanding, to challenge the accepted norms and to question what direction neo-Druidry should be headed in. I am not here to comfort and sooth, but to stimulate and promote wisdom and the evolution of Druidic consciousness." Luke's essays show his passion for nature spirituality and knowledge about Druidry. By reading his articles I learnt more about his life and how he overcame a struggle with depression through gardening. The span of the writing shows Luke developing his ideas, including how problems from climate change to health and mental wellbeing could be helped if more of us got outside and grew our own vegetables. He also discusses ethics in religion, calling for more honesty, integrity and tolerance whatever path we follow, but also urging us to avoid complacency. A Path through the Forest is thought-provoking reading and has inspired me to plant seeds this spring. ~ Lucya Szachnowski, A Bad Witch's Blog

For anyone interested in the history of the current pagan communities, especially in relation to Irish Druidry, this book may be useful. It is a collection of the authors articles, essays, and interviews, describing his journey to becoming an Irish Druid. He gives historical background to the information, citing where this may not be accurate but is what is currently available. He also provides his own thoughts and understanding of these, giving the reader an insight into how the ideas are not dogma, that they can be adapted by the individual to be relevant to use in today’s world. The author has written many thought provoking ideas and statements, offering his perspective from his own journey. Whilst the reader can acknowledge the authors path, by keeping an open mind and using the information provided to expand your own perceptions, some points may lead to an acceptance to agree to disagree. As the author says so well - ‘Perhaps it’s time to accept responsibility for our own personal Gnostic journey — to begin understanding both ourselves and the divine. If we all took responsibility just for ourselves only and bringing the sacred into our own lives, this might bear more fruit than endless religious debate and conflict. Surely, when our lives come to an end, how we, ourselves, have chosen to live is all that really matters? What everyone else chooses to do is not our responsibility.’ ~ Heather Dewhurst, https://www.kitchenwitchhearth.net/blog

A Path Through the Forest is a comprehensive and thought-provoking compilation of essays on subjects that have great relevance for Druidry today. With sections on Druid basics, environmentalism, metaphysics, history and ethics, this collection provides food for thought through the lens of one Druid seeker and is a valuable insight into a Druid’s philosophical exploration of their path. ~ Philip Carr-Gomm, author of ‘Druid Mysteries'

I always find Luke's books to be informative and engaging and this set of articles does not disappoint. As well as, on one level, these articles being well written, Luke has also done a lot of research on his topic - Druidry. On another level, Luke is sharing with us, his readers, his own personal journey and how he eventually became a horticulturalist /Earth Guardian. There are so many one-liners that stood out for me, making me stop and breathe that comment in. Two in particular stand out. 1. 'Morality is clearly part of our Spirituality' & 2. There was once a garden and that garden was the world'. Thank you Luke for again reminding us of our own 'inner garden' of our Soul-Self and our responsibility to protect Great Mother. ~ Amantha Murphy, author of The Way Of The Seabhean: An Irish Shamanic Path

In A Path Through The Forest, Eastwood invited us to join him on his life-long journey from his childhood to the present day. In this remarkable series of essays and articles, spanning a period of over a decade, Eastwood shares his experiences and learning as he continues along his personal path of learning. It is impossible to read this collection of works without admiring Eastwood’s tenacity, the breadth of his interests and the depth of his knowledge. The variety of topics addressed is noteworthy and one can only be inspired by the fearless way Eastwood approaches a variety of contentious issues, refusing to submit to the pressures of convention, whilst forging his own path through what can often be a confusing and disheartening landscape. This book is a must for all those committed to following a similar journey of spiritual and practical growth. There is no doubt that a great deal may be garnered from Eastwood’s insights and writings. ~ Jon G. Hughes, author of A Druid's Handbook To The Spiritual Power of Plants and The Druidic Art Of Divination: Understanding The Past And Seeing Into The Future

Luke Eastwood’s essays are thought-provoking. Like diving into any subject, you don’t have to agree with everything, but only open your mind to hear what is being said, and use that knowledge to expand your own view. These essays do just that: they approach the subjects from a personal viewpoint, combined with academic research and years of practical experience and offer a perspective on Druidry that is interesting and heartfelt. Some of the essays are a snapshot in time, that still resonate today, while others are more contemporary. All in all, this is a good collection for Druids who want to consider their own practice more deeply and who are looking for inspiration. ~ Joanna van der Hoeven author of The Book of Hedge Druidry and The Path of the Hedge Witch

A wide-ranging collection of essays written by an Irish Druid that pokes jabs at modern Pagan dogmas and leaders, and advocates for the re-learning of practical skills and a life path that respects nature. The articles are at times complaining and cranky but always thoughtful, and filled with warnings about the state of the world. If you ever wanted insight into the mind of a practicing contemporary Druid, this book should be a pleasing read. ~ Ellen Evert Hopman, Archdruid of Tribe of the Oak, author of the “Druid” trilogy of novels, “A Legacy of Druids – conversations with Druid leaders of Britain, the USA and Canada, past and present”, ”and of other volumes on tree lore and Celtic Herbalism

In this down to earth book, Luke offers no-nonsense Druidic history, wisdom and logic relevant for today’s modern world. To learn how to live now and for future generations we need to understand our past, both sociopolitical and historical. This book offers guidance to do just that. ~ Emma Farrell, Plant Spirit Healer and author of Journeys with Plant Spirits

Luke Eastwood’s eclectic and thought-provoking book touches on aspects of Celtic and Druid culture from history and ecology to ethics and metaphysics. Throughout, Eastwood applies a critical lens to the landscape of modern Druidry, challenging practitioners to reflect on their own behavior and make improvements where possible. This collection will leave those involved in Druid or Pagan communities with many hard questions to mull over, and that can only be a good thing. ~ Logan Albright, author of Libertarian Paganism and Conform or Be Cast Out: The (Literal) Demonization of Nonconformists