Table of Contents
Books by Sencha Skene
About Books by Sencha: I have been writing on Paganism and Druidry since the 1970s and have published several books. You can learn more about the titles here and keep up with my latest releases!
Animal Wisdom for Druids
The latest book by Sencha Skene!
Nature-centered forms of spirituality are experiencing a revival worldwide. In our post-industrial society, there is often a hunger for the natural world, and as this hunger grows, spiritual communities are changing to accommodate the need.
One way this desire for the natural world is manifesting is in a renewed interest in animal guides or animal spirits. Ancient and aboriginal peoples from all over the world sought the wisdom to be gained in the practice of taking on an animal guide.
An animal guide is an animal spirit or animal archetype that functions as a teacher, companion, and helper. Some consider the practice of taking an animal guide to be drawing the archetypal energy of that animal into yourself. Others believe in actual spirits of power animals who guide them through mystical experiences in life.
In either case, such a spirit animal is a way to gain wisdom and guidance that might not have otherwise been accessible. You may have more than one spirit animal, but most people have a primary animal guide who serves as both a familiar and a helper. This spirit animal may also change throughout a person’s lifetime, or it may stay the same. The information in this book will help you to find your own spirit animal if you don’t have one, and teach you how to work with it.
| Animal Wisdom for Druids – Hardback | Animal Wisdom for Druids – Paperback |
| Animal Wisdom for Druids – Kindle | Animal Wisdom for Druids – Audiobook |
The Druid
The Druid is Sencha Skene’s first novel. Sencha, who has been writing on Paganism and Pagan-related topics since the 1970s, ventures into fiction with The Druid, the story of a wanderer named Ethan and his adventures meeting a Druid hermit on the Appalachian Trail.
ABOUT THE DRUID
After graduating from college and hitting a dead end in his job search, Ethan is stuck adrift in a world that doesn’t seem to have a place for him. Desperate for clarity, he straps on a backpack and sets out to hike the Appalachian Trail, hoping the rugged wilderness will offer him some perspective. What he finds instead will change his life forever.
Deep in the forest, Ethan stumbles upon a hidden hut, shrouded in mystery and home to Lorian, an eccentric old man with an uncanny connection to nature. Lorian is no ordinary recluse. He is a keeper of ancient wisdom who lives in harmony with the earth. Under Lorian’s guidance, Ethan learns to embrace a simpler, more fulfilling way of life, forging a bond with the wilderness and rediscovering parts of himself he never knew existed.
But the trail only stretches so far, and Ethan knows he can’t stay in Lorian’s enchanted haven forever. As the real world beckons him back, he must confront the question that has haunted him all along: how can he bring the serenity and balance of the forest back to a world that feels so disconnected?
In this heartwarming and thought-provoking novel, Sencha Skene explores the intersection of modern life and ancient wisdom. The Druid is a story of self-discovery, connection, and the enduring power of nature to heal and inspire, even in the most unlikely of places.
For readers who have ever felt the pull of the wild or longed for a deeper purpose, Ethan’s journey will remind you: sometimes, the path forward begins by stepping off the beaten trail.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sencha Skene is an author, musician, and psychotherapist. He has been on the Druid path since the 1970s and has been learning and teaching about nature-centered spirituality and sustainability since that time.
In the early 2000s, he wrote an internationally syndicated column on permaculture called The Culture Artist. He is the author of several books on nature-centered spirituality and Druidry, including Animal Wisdom for Druids and Pagan Mysticism: Connecting with Archetypal Energies and Forces of Nature.
He’s an avid supporter of natural building techniques like those described in this novel and has been a promoter of sustainability and permaculture for most of his adult life.
He lives in Tacoma, Washington with his wife Teresa, three cats, two crows, and a family of raccoons.
| The Druid – Hardback | The Druid – Paperback NOT AVAILABLE |
| The Druid – Kindle NOT AVAILABLE | The Druid – Audiobook NOT AVAILABLE |
Foundational Druidry in the Black Mountain Druid Order
“Druid” is probably the Gaelic equivalent of the word “shaman.” It means “oak wisdom” or “one whose knowledge is great.” This book was written as a foundational course for members of the Black Mountain Druid Order. It was our manual for training those new to the Druid Path in what it means to be a contemporary Celtic shaman.
What is now the Black Mountain Druid Order was founded in 1997 by former members of Emerald Coast Druid Grove in Pensacola, Florida. When we moved to the Western North Carolina mountains in 2000, we often met in the town of Black Mountain, North Carolina, near Asheville. Our Mother Grove was then called the Black Mountain Druid Grove. The Grove became an Order in 2003 when it began training apprentices in the teachings of the Black Mountain Druid Grove. As we grew as an Order, we gradually found ourselves shifting to an emphasis on Celtic shamanism.
This book is a new version of the old Black Mountain Druid Order Handbook, which was revised and greatly expanded to reflect the changes in our Order as we introduced more shamanic teachings. The result of that revision is this book. The primary mission of the Black Mountain Druid Order is to foster the growth and development of individual Druids and Druid Groves through the Black Mountain Druid Order’s educational programs, while helping our members to develop in mind, body, spirit, and emotion through the Way of the Druid.
| Foundational Druidry – Hardback NOT AVAILABLE | Foundational Druidry – Paperback |
| Foundational Druidry – Kindle | Foundational Druidry – Audiobook NOT AVAILABLE |
Pagan Mysticism
ABOUT THIS BOOK
Pagan mysticism is a spiritual and philosophical practice that draws on the ancient traditions, beliefs, and rituals of various pagan cultures. It encompasses a wide range of ideas and practices, often focusing on the personal experience of the divine, nature, and the interconnectedness of all life. Here are some key aspects of pagan mysticism:
1. Connection to Nature
Pagan mysticism emphasizes a deep relationship with the natural world. Practitioners often see nature as sacred and believe that everything in the universe is interconnected. This worldview fosters a sense of reverence for the earth, the elements, and the cycles of life, such as the changing seasons.
2. Polytheism and Animism
Many pagan traditions involve the worship of multiple deities, each representing different aspects of life and nature. This polytheistic approach allows for a diverse understanding of the divine. Additionally, animism, the belief that all things (animals, plants, rocks, etc.) possess a spiritual essence, is often a core tenet of pagan mysticism.
3. Ritual and Ceremony
Rituals play a significant role in Pagan Mysticism. These ceremonies often mark seasonal changes, life passages, and spiritual milestones. Common practices include the celebration of the Wheel of the Year, which consists of eight festivals (like Samhain and Beltane) that honor the cycles of nature and the agricultural calendar.
4. Personal Experience and Intuition
Pagan Mysticism encourages individuals to seek their own spiritual experiences and insights. This emphasis on personal intuition means that practitioners may rely on their own understanding of the divine and the universe, rather than strictly adhering to dogma or established doctrines. This can involve meditation, dream work, and other practices that promote self-discovery and spiritual growth.
5. Mystical Traditions and Symbolism
Pagan Mysticism often incorporates symbols, mythology, and folklore from various cultural backgrounds. These symbols can serve as tools for meditation and reflection, allowing practitioners to connect with deeper spiritual truths. Common symbols include the pentacle, runes, and sacred geometry.
6. Healing and Holistic Practices
Many practitioners of pagan mysticism engage in holistic healing practices, such as herbalism, energy work, and rituals aimed at restoring balance and harmony within oneself and the environment. This holistic approach aligns with the belief in the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
7. Eclecticism and Diversity
Pagan mysticism is not a single, unified tradition but rather a broad umbrella that encompasses various paths, including Wicca, Druidry, Heathenry, and more. Practitioners often blend elements from different traditions to create a personalized spiritual practice that resonates with their beliefs and experiences.
In this book, Sencha Skene will discuss what it means to be a Pagan Mystic in the modern world. Pagan Mysticism offers a rich tapestry of beliefs and practices centered on the divine, nature, and the individual’s spiritual journey. It invites practitioners to explore their own connections to the world around them, fostering a sense of wonder, reverence, and personal empowerment.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I am a musician and author. I’ve been on the Pagan path since 1976 and on the Druid path since 1978. I am the founder of the Black Mountain Druid Order and a Marriage and Family Therapist. I spend my spare time writing books and music with my wife, three cats, four raccoons, and two crows in the Pacific Northwest.
| Pagan Mysticism – Hardback | Pagan Mysticism – Paperback |
| Pagan Mysticism – Kindle | Pagan Mysticism – Audiobook |
Coming Soon: The Spirit Warrior’s Havamal
The Spirit Warrior’s Hávamál by Sencha Skene reinterprets the Old Norse Hávamál as a living code for inner discipline, ethical strength, and conscious engagement with the world. Rather than focusing on conquest, dominance, or performative toughness, Skene reframes Odin’s sayings as guidance for those who wage their battles inwardly and relationally. The result is a practical philosophy for resilience, integrity, and spiritual responsibility.
Drawing from the wisdom verses traditionally attributed to Odin, Skene translates the Hávamál into lessons for modern life, emphasizing self-knowledge, moderation, discernment, and accountability. Hospitality becomes discernment rather than naïveté. Courage is defined as the willingness to face discomfort, uncertainty, and personal truth in the search for enlightenment. Silence, restraint, and timing are elevated over impulse and bravado. Power is treated as something to be mastered internally before it is ever expressed outwardly.
Throughout the work, the Hávamál is presented as a manual for navigating relationships, community, and solitude with clarity and honor. Skene highlights the tension between independence and interdependence, reminding the reader that wisdom is not hoarded, strength is not loud and bullying, and reputation is built through consistent action rather than symbols or false bravado. The warrior’s path here is not about defeating perceived enemies, but about alignment among values, behavior, and consequences.
By interpreting the Hávamál through the lens of spiritual development, Skene makes ancient Norse wisdom accessible to contemporary seekers who value grounded spirituality over fantasy, and day-to-day practice over posturing. The book positions the Hávamál as a lifelong companion text for reflection, self-correction, and ethical living.
What is a Spirit Warrior?
A spirit warrior is a person who commits to disciplined inner work as the foundation of ethical action in the world. Rather than seeking domination, recognition, or conflict, the spirit warrior cultivates awareness, emotional regulation, humility, and courage. Their “battles” are fought against reactivity, ignorance, fear, and self-deception. Strength is expressed through restraint, responsibility, and service, and victory is measured by integrity rather than conquest.
In short, the spirit warrior trains the self before attempting to shape anything else. The armor is awareness. The weapon is discernment. The battlefield is daily life. Sencha’s upcoming book will guide you to the path.
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