‘Facing the Darkness’
Front cover artwork by Tom Brown
Reached #1 on Amazon’s ‘Druidry’ and ‘Earth-Based Religion’ categories!
This book aims to support those going through times of crisis and depression – primarily Pagan, but accessible to all. Utilising Pagan spiritual imagery, skills and perspectives, a combination of inspirational text and easy exercises work with images and stories to distract and encourage for short-term relief and long-term healing.
From the apparent hopelessness of deep night through to the inevitable return of sunrise, Nature imagery, tales of mythology and Deity combine in accessible meditations, activities and anecdotes to remind the reader that they are not alone on their path through the darkness.
Cat acts as a guide through the forest, working with the Druid skills of Bardic tales and Ovatic land/spirit connection. Darkness and despair can lead to peace and inspiration… through the simple bravery of stepping forward.
‘Facing the Darkness’ contains beautiful original artwork by Emma Hotchkin, as well as many individual tales of quiet heroism experienced every day.
‘Facing the Darkness’ is £9.99 (+ £2.50 P&P) in paperback. Signed copies are available directly from me – click here to order.
If a specific message is required, please let me know when ordering.
The Kindle version is available via Amazon, with an epub format at the iTunes Bookstore.
‘This is a book for those times when you are literally on your knees and the screaming inside your head is so loud that its either going to come out, or tear you apart. And for those times when you are numb to the marrow of your bones and the despair is so overwhelming that you can see no way to keep going. There’s very little that can help a person in those places, as you will know if you’ve been there or tried to help someone going through that kind of deep depression. Cat Treadwell has written a book that faces the torment head on, and offers words of support and insight to help a person not be destroyed by what is happening to them. A brave, raw and potent piece of writing, from someone who knows that the dark nights cannot be magically banished, but that they can be survived.’ – Nimue Brown, Author of ‘Druidry & the Ancestors’
‘It takes a certain special something for words in a book to reach you through a tar-pit of depression – the words in this book have that something. Cat shares her own experience and that of others simply and sensitively, offering insights and suggestions in small doses which have helped sufferers to hold on when it is hardest to do so. Some books expect a lot from you – this one accepts you where you are, as you are, offering perspective and a safe place to be when you’re vulnerable. If the best in us comes out when we are tested, maybe these words will guide you to the best in you.’ – Paul C. Newman, Bard & Storyteller
‘This rather ‘counter cultural’ little book (and by that, counter to the current ‘light’ obsessed perfection-driven and success-oriented western spirituality culture) is profoundly honest and filled to the edges with the gritty wisdom of one who’s not avoided the pain-filled way. It’s a book to be read slowly and mindfully. The exercises are practical and quietly powerful if given adequate time. As one also prone to the black clouds, I was grateful for the immediate sense of solidarity and support.’ – Mark Townsend, Author of ‘Jesus Through Pagan Eyes’
‘For anyone facing their dark night of the soul, Cat’s lyrical and painfully honest account is a guiding light. Cat’s tale of her own difficulties is moving, poignant and powerful. There is vulnerability here and a delicious inspirational quality that serves to lend a helping hand through the forests of depression and anguish.’ – Kristoffer Hughes, Head of the Anglesey Druid Order and author of ‘From the Cauldron Born’
‘A wise, practical and spiritual guide to dealing with depression, with advice from those who have walked the black dog and learned how best to kennel it.’ – Liz Williams, Award-Winning Novelist & Guardian Columnist
The Catbox 
Dex said
CAT, I wish you book had been published long time back when I could have afforded it. Now living in BG with just a small pension I cannot buy books, however bless you for helping people such as ourselves. I have been to the very bottom of the shaft and all that is down there is darkness and despair with no hope and no redemption!
Bright Blessings
Stormwolf (now in the wilds of Bulgaria) ex Derbyshire!
druidry and depression: facing the illusion | muddy boots and mistletoe said
[…] and how our less-mainstream spiritual path can help. Cat Treadwell’s tremendous book, Facing the Darkness, is a huge inspiration; her words reminded me that it was ok to seek solace in nature without […]
Dear community can we talk? – Borealis Meditation said
[…] days. Cat Treadwell is a saint in my eyes. Her open and frank discussions of her mental health, and her book about it make a huge difference for me. It’s hard. And even when its getting better there are […]
Progression on One’s Path – A Personal Perspective – Life With Trickster Gods said
[…] book, “A Druid’s Tale,” is a wonderful book, as is her book “Facing the Darkness” which is a definite go-to book for me when I hit those down-times in life. I am lucky enough […]
Questions, Questions, Questions – Some Books to Consider – Life With Trickster Gods said
[…] I’m definitely biased about Cat; however, I rarely see her two books – the other being Facing the Darkness – talked about openly. Plus, Facing the Darkness covers issues of crisis and depression from […]
Thinking About: Steps in a New Perspective – Life With Trickster Gods said
[…] perspective, I have very few resources within Paganism. Cat Treadwell‘s excellent book “Facing the Darkness” has been my primary resource. Exercises within the book have been helpful in getting me to […]
My Darkness – Life With Trickster Gods said
[…] certain aspects that I have encountered. I also have Cat Treadwell‘s excellent book Facing the Darkness on my iPad as well. Where my counselor has trouble equating some of my Pagan perspectives to what I […]