Brendan Myers

Brendan Myers
Born(1974-07-04)4 July 1974
Elora, Ontario, Canada
Died13 August 2026(2026-08-13) (aged 52)
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
OccupationsAuthor, lecturer
Websitebrendanmyers.net

Brendan Patrick Myers (4 July 1974 – 13 August 2026) was a Canadian philosopher and author known for his contributions in environmental philosophy, Druidry and Neo-Druidism, mythology, and applied virtue ethics.

Early life and education

Born on 4 July 1974 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, the eldest son of an Irish-Canadian family, Myers was raised in Elora, Ontario.[1] He earned a bachelor's degree in drama and philosophy and a master's degree in philosophy from the University of Guelph.[1]

Myers completed doctoral studies in 2005 at NUI Galway[2] with a dissertation entitled "Time and the Land: Four Approaches to Environmental Ethics, Climate Change, and Future Generations".[1]

Academic career

Myers worked as a contract researcher on Aboriginal affairs for the Government of Canada and taught at the University of Guelph, McMaster University, and other Canadian institutions[1] before becoming a professor of philosophy at CÉGEP Heritage College.[2][3]

Pagan activism

While at university, Myers converted from Catholicism to paganism, becoming an activist member of the neo-pagan community. In 2026, he said that as a Druid, "I've favoured causes that seemed to me both important and also summoned by the call of the immensity: environmental protection, feminism, labour and working class activism."[4]

In 2008 he was awarded the Mount Haemus Award for research in Druidry, from the OBOD in association with Salisbury Cathedral.[1]

Philosophy and influence

Myers published extensively on philosophy, environmental ethics and neopaganism from a Druidic perspective, examining ideas regarding the interconnectedness of creation and emphasizing the importance of strong moral character as vital to the health and well-being of the world and society. He introduced the concept of "Sacred Truth" and wrote on "global animism". His works have been widely cited in neopaganism.[1]

He also wrote many fantasy and science fiction novels,[5] for many years self-published under the imprint of Northwest Passage Books.[3]

Personal life and death

Myers died in Ottawa from complications following a heart attack on 13 August 2026, at the age of 52.[6][7]

Published works

Non-fiction

  • Dangerous Religion: Environmental Spirituality And Its Activist Dimension (2004). El Sobrante, California: Dubsar House/Earth Religion Press. ISBN 1-59405-511-4.[1]
  • The Mysteries of Druidry: Celtic Mysticism, Theory, and Practice (2006). Franklin Lakes, New Jersey: New Page Books. ISBN 1-56414-878-5.[1]
  • The Other Side of Virtue: Where Our Virtues Really Came from, What They Really Mean, and Where They Might Be Taking Us (2008). Ropley, Hampshire: O Books. ISBN 978-1-84694-115-3.[1]
  • A Pagan Testament: The Literary Heritage of the World's Oldest New Religion, (2008). Ropley, Hampshire: O Books. ISBN 1-84694-129-6.[1][8][9]
  • Loneliness and Revelation: A Study of the Sacred Part One, (2010). Ropley, Hampshire: O Books. ISBN 978-1-84694-355-3.
  • Circles of Meaning, Labyrinths of Fear: The 22 Relationships of a Spiritual Life and Culture -- And Why They Need Protection. (2012). Moon Books. ISBN 978-1-84694-745-2
  • With Charlene Elsby and Alex Zieba. Clear and Present Thinking: A Handbook in Logic and Rationality (2013; 2nd ed., 2019). Northwest Passage Books. ISBN 978-0-99395-279-1[10]
  • Time and the Land: Four Approaches to Environmental Ethics, Climate Change, and Future Generations (2013; republication of doctoral dissertation). Northwest Passage Books. ISBN 978-0-99200-592-4
  • The Earth, the Gods, and the Soul: A History of Pagan Philosophy from the Iron Age to the 21st Century. (2013). Moon Books/John Hunt Publishing. ISBN 978-1-78099-318-8[10][11]
  • Reclaiming Civilization: A Case for Optimism for the Future of Humanity. (2017). Moon Books/John Hunt Publishing. ISBN 978-1-78535-565-3[7]
  • The Circle Of Life Is Broken: An Eco-Spiritual Philosophy of the Climate Crisis. (2022). Moon Books/John Hunt Publishing.[7]

Fiction

  • Clan Fianna (2014). Northwest Passage Books. ISBN 978-0-99395-270-8
  • A Trick of the Light (2014). Northwest Passage Books. ISBN 978-0-99395-271-5
  • The Seekers (2014). Northwest Passage Books. ISBN 978-0-99200-598-6
  • Flight of the Siren (2020). Northwest Passage Books. ISBN 978-1-99911-462-6
  • The Book of Urania(2021). Arcana Elements. ISBN 978-1-99939-549-0
  • Whisperlights (2025). Arcana Elements. ISBN 978-1-77785-895-7[5]
  • The Way of Wind and Rain (2026). Arcana Elements. ISBN 978-1-77785-898-8

Fellwater: The Hidden Houses

  • Fellwater (2012). Northwest Passage Books. ISBN 978-0-99200-597-9
  • Hallowstone (2012). Northwest Passage Books. ISBN 978-0-99200-599-3
  • Clan Fianna (2014). Northwest Passage Books. ISBN 978-0-99395-270-8
  • Elderdown (2015). Northwest Passage Books. ISBN 978-0-99395-272-2[9]

Game

  • Iron Age - Council of the Clans: A strategy game of power, honour, and democracy (2012)

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Brendan Cathbad Myers". The Wicca.ca. Retrieved 16 August 2026.
  2. 1 2 Sean Harbaugh (4 October 2015). "Pagan Interviews: Brendan Myers". Through the Grapevine (blog).
  3. 1 2 "Contributor: Brendan Myers". Kosmos. Retrieved 16 August 2026.
  4. ↑ Cara Schulz (5 January 2016). "Exploring Pagan Ethical Codes: Druids". The Wild Hunt.
  5. 1 2 Craig Norris (15 June 2025). "Author Brendan Myers hopes to save the world, one book at a time". CBC News Kitchener–Waterloo (interview).
  6. ↑ "Brendan Patrick Myers". Racine, Robert & Gauthier Funeral Home. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
  7. 1 2 3 John Beckett (14 August 2026). "Brendan Myers Has Left The Great Hall Of Life". Under the Ancient Oaks (blog).
  8. ↑ Sable Aradia (7 March 2016). "Book Review: A Pagan Testament by Brendan Myers". Between the Shadows (blog).
  9. 1 2 Dodie Graham McKay (13 August 2015). "Brendan Myers: fact & fiction". The Wild Hunt.
  10. 1 2 James Nichol (4 June 2015). "Book Review: The Earth, The Gods And The Soul". Contemplative Inquiry (blog).
  11. ↑ John Beckett (6 February 2014). "The Earth, The Gods and The Soul". Under the Ancient Oaks (review).
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