Erynn Rowan Laurie, an elder of Celtic Reconstructionism and collaborator on the Celtic Reconstructionist FAQ project, has recently made available a PDF file, giving the beginner an excellent introduction to the Ogam and her valuable insight into it. This PDF will be the core of her upcoming book on the subject to be published by Megalithica Press.Though reading several books on the Ogam, I never felt them to be very accessible to me. Laurie’s fresh perspective and insight has unlocked the door and I’m studying this fascinating alphabet with renewed interest.

Although easy to read, Laurie’s scholarship is rigorous for such a brief treatment of the subject. She clearly explains her sources and differentiates them from her personal insights.

After some introductory notes explaining briefly the history of the Ogam and her approach to them, Each Ogam is given one page. The descriptions start with the traditional associations, and then Laurie gives us a few paragraphs of her personal insight, which I have found very edifying. A later section briefly discusses divination methods and other practical uses.

In short, Laurie’s work provides an excellent springboard for a beginner (like me) and I look forward to her completed book on the subject.

Hat tip to Brenda.