Philip
Carr-Gomm
Exploring the territory where ancient wisdom traditions and modern psychology converge.
I live in the wide open landscape of the South Downs in Sussex, England, with my wife Stephanie. In my teens, I began studying Druidry as a spiritual path with Ross Nichols, the founder of The Order of Bards Ovates and Druids. Later I took a degree in psychology from University College London, had a Jungian analysis, and trained in psychotherapy for adults at The Institute of Psychosynthesis, in play therapy for children with Dr Rachel Pinney, and in Sophrology — a system of mind-body training for deep relaxation and personal development.
I have also trained in Montessori education and founded a Montessori school in Lewes. In 1988 I was asked to lead The Order of Bards Ovates and Druids, and in 2020 I handed on this role to my successor, Eimear Burke. I am still very much involved in the work of the Order, and every Monday at 8pm UK time I offer a meditation and discussion on YouTube called Tea with a Druid. Here's an excerpt:
Although my spiritual practice is rooted in Druidry, I believe we have entered an era in which we can move beyond attachments to labels, drawing instead upon the Perennial Tradition — being inspired by the wisdom in all spiritual paths and teachings, following the way of the Universal Mystic.
In recent years I have been asked to contribute within the growing field of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and personal development. I have worked for the Synthesis Institute in their online training and retreat teams, and hold their Psychedelic Practitioner certificate. I am involved in the work of the ACER Integration community, and the Bridging Worlds and Beyond Protocol programmes.
All these interests and avenues of work have contributed towards an understanding of life and the spiritual quest which I am now presenting through the five paths outlined in this website — paths that lead to deep peace, insight, vitality, rest, and inspiration. Whichever of these paths appeals to you, I very much hope you enjoy your experience of them, and of the various ways in which they combine in the trainings offered here too: in Spiritual Psychology, Psychosynthesis and Druidry.
Philip is the author of more than twenty books spanning Druidry, spiritual psychology, sleep, oracle work, and the history of magic. His works have been translated into numerous languages and have introduced hundreds of thousands of readers to the living tradition of Druidry and the deeper currents of the Western spiritual path.
