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Bookviews Book Reviews |
06-25-2010 |
Green WitchCraft III The Manual by Ann Moura (Aoumiel) |
I remember the first time I read Ms. Moura's first book "Green WitchCraft". It was a deeper connection for me to the "Kitchen Witch" and "Earth Mother"parts of the eclectic path that I have melded and adopted as my own path. It was well written and practical. I found it basically exlains Ms. Moura's Tradition of "Green WitchCraft" for those not familiar with it, and is a good place to start on this particular path. Her "Green WitchCraft II" book covers the balance of nature, the play of shadows and of light. This is probably one of the best books on the subject of balance, and the two sides of nature. I especially enjoyed the meditations, and she did not disappoint me in this book either. Her "Green WitchCraft III" book, subtitled "The Manual" covers the earlier material in text book form and is for those who are serious about following the Green Path. Here Ms. Moura presents, in lesson form, the basic tenants of Green WitchCraft and gives step by step instruction on how to make this path your own. Her classes are layed out in a well thought out format and she covers the material in an easy to follow and understand manor. She gives question and answer following each class, pointing out he important material and encouraging the reader to think about the subjects covered. I love a book that gives you the opportunity to think. For those who really enjoyed her preious Green WitchCraft books and want to adopt this path into your own path or make this your primary path, this book will become the handbook for you. Those who are solitary will find it indispensable and those who teach will find they can use this book as a handbook for this particular path. Green WitchCraft is a path well defined by Ms. Moura in her first and second books, and is completed here in her manual. Reviewed by Boudica |
Click on book to purchase from amazon.com Encyclopedia of Wicca & Witchcraft by Raven Grimassi |
Raven Grimassi has collected together in this one volume some of the basic elements of Wicca and Witchcraft as well as some biographies of the movers and shakers within our community. Mr. Grimassi covers many areas of beliefs, such as the various Gods/Goddesses and their stories. He also covers such items as tools, books referencing Wicca and Witchcraft, trees, animals, organizations and so much more. He has entries related to history, myths, legends, shamanic material and so much more that the book becomes a text book as well as a reference book. The information is general, but covers much of what a researcher might want to know about each subject and how it relates to Wicca and Witchcraft. What I found interesting were his bios of people who have either founded or were an influence to our Spiritual paths. From Aleister Crowley to Oberon (Tim) Zell to Doreen Valiente to Carl Weschcke, he provides information as to who these people were in a brief but insightful manner. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the backgrounds of some of the people who have written our books or founded our organizations or have had some influence on what we know today as Wicca and Witchcraft. This is a good book for those who are constantly referencing this kind of material, as Mr. Grimassi has put much of what we have to usually look in many volumes for into one convenient location. This is a wonderful collection of information that will be pulled off the shelf again and again. Reviewed by Boudica |
A Compendium of Herbal Magick by Paul Beyerl |
I am always looking for books on herbs and herbal references. I took to herbs and their properties many years ago, healing being my original pursuit. Organic and natural healing and healthy alternatives attracted my attention back in the early 70's and its resurgence as Holistic medicine and Natural healing practices have encouraged a plethora of books on the subject. What is different about this book is that it focuses on the magickal properties of each herb listed. As a Witch, I have always sought after these kinds of properties to include them in with the known healing aspects of herbs. As you read through this book, you have to be amazed at the time and research Mr. Beyerl has put into this book. From the various names of each herb, (Latin, common and "also called") to the planetary associations and magical classifications to the historical references, lore and all the various associations, this book is just chock full o' information on the over 300 herbs he has listed. The bibliography reads like a who's who of herbal references and is worth the read. This book has been very deeply researched, and the best part is that it also includes a wonderful "Part III" section of associations, correspondences and even astrological information. This makes the book a real value. The index is well thought out and very thorough, important to a book like this. If the index is lacking or poorly planned, the book becomes useless to use as a reference. Not the case here, as this is an easy to use reference book. This is a great book and one I am glad to add to my library as a reference book for the magickal properties of herbs. Reviewed by Boudica |
Hot Chocolate for the Mystical Teenage Soul - 101 True Stories of Angels, Miracles, and Healings by Arielle Ford |
What can you do when your teenager comes to you and asks about Spirituality? How do you answer their questions? We are not experts on spirituality, though we do walk a very different path than others. Some of us are fortunate enough to have support at these trying time, through the elders of our covens. But many of us do not, either because of choice or unavailability. So how do we answer our teenagers questions? Hot Chocolate was so much fun to read. I found it to be as entertaining as it is thought provoking. And this makes it a great choice to offer a teenager. We all know how bored they can get so fast. This book is one I can honestly say I did not get the least bit bored with. Hot Chocolate is a collection of personal experiences in small autobiographical format from people who have experienced, in one way or another, a personal spiritual touch or awakening. Most stories are told in the first person, and this makes it easy to relate to the story on a one to one level. Each story is well written for the most part, and does not go over the head of the reader, nor are any of them so "way out" as to be unbelievable. But each story does provoke thought, questions and ideas. From the "spooky" stories to a biography of Joan of Arc to Vision Quests and Angels, each story relates personal experiences on a variety of spiritual paths. As I read, I found myself contemplating the stories, looking at each of them as a basis for discussion between parent and teenager. What grand discussion some of these stories would make in an open forum with a group of teens, or, for that matter, a group of adults. As a tool, this book would be of value to the average pagan parent seeking a "common ground" platform with which to discuss spirituality with their teenager. I would recommend it to parents following any spiritual path as a book to inspire as well providing good conversational material for themselves and their teenager. Reviewed by Boudica |
Mabon and the
Guardians of Celtic Britain
|
This book is a re-release of “Mabon and the Mysteries of We are Ms. Matthews is a researcher into the Arthurian legends,
Celtic traditions and has published The start of the book delves into Welsh pronunciation, in
order to help the reader sound out so She also includes fa All in all, this is a fine book to explore the Mabinogian
with, and I woul Reviewed by Boudica |
Midsummer: |
Midsummer is a magical time of the year for most of us Pagans and this book
reflects that magical spirit in its content. The herbal correspondences, stone correspondences, tools, rituals and divination techniques all add to this as being a wonderful primer for those who are wandering early in their path and are looking for a starting place for their celebration of another turn in the "Wheel of the Year". Ms. Franklin has given us a well written, nicely presented book on celebrating this Holiday in the Pagan calendar and it is a wonderful addition to the Sabbat series by Llewellyn. Reviewed by Boudica |
Modern Pagans: an Investigation of |
During the Sixties there were many movements afoot and there were attempts at the removal of some long standing practices adopted into the moral codes by our Puritanical country founders. The Sixties saw the birth of the "Sexual Revolution", hard core environmentalism, communal living in a whole new way, and for the most part it has continued to be expanded upon and revised as we find new ways to express ourselves. The hippy revolution of the Sixties of free love and freedom of expression was a milestone that enabled us to explore many other avenues, like Paganism. It seems only natural now that Paganism came out of the broom closet along with all the other freedoms expressed in the Sixties. It was a time of change, a time of experimentation, and if you think about it, the hippie movement of free love, sexual freedom and environmentalism was a necessary step. After all, if you add spirituality to the items listed you find the core of Paganism. This book is a collection of interviews with some of the movers and shakers who brought Paganism to the forefront during this time period. Interviews with the Zell Ravenhearts, Margot Adler, Starhawk and other founding members of Reclaiming, Isaac Bonewits, Patricia Monagham and so many others. Many of them are from the West Coast and have their roots in the Sixties. Others are contemporaries who added their voices and their flavors to the Pagan movement at that time. While it is true that the Sixties was a wild time, and that many of these Pagans at that time were extreme in what they are doing (some of them still are and are very proud of it). The founding of organizations like The Church of All Worlds, Reclaiming, books by such authors as Margot Adler and Isaac Bonewits and Patricia Monagham helped to shape the then Pagan movement and lay the groundwork for the community that we have today. The interviews are for the most part very interesting. Discussions on the founding of a particular path or movement that now comprises part of the Pagan movement are part of our history and many are gone into in details. Much of the groundwork for creating a movement that has turned into the Pagan Community we know today is explored and covered very well. Discussion on environmental issues and how this becomes a part of the core of Paganism is evident here. What seems to be extreme here though is the "over exposure" of sexuality of the individuals and the emphasis on freedom of sexuality within the Pagan movement. Discussion of individual practices or emphasis on sexuality within the founding organization seems to be indicating that this is common practice within the entire Pagan Community, Also, the authors took great care to try to include at least a photo of some of the interviewees in various stages of undress. There is nothing wrong with stating that Pagans are definitely most free when it comes to personal sexuality and many of the hang-ups and taboos that conventional society have are not present within the Pagan Community. We do not, as a community, endorse any of those hang-ups or taboos and are very accepting of many different lifestyles and practices. However, the sub-title of the book "An Investigation of Contemporary Pagan Practices" and the emphasis on and inclusion of so much dealing with personal sexuality seems to suggest to the casual reader that maybe Paganism as a Spiritual Path is obsessed with sexuality and that the Pagan Community is also so obsessed. Such is not the case, and one has to wonder why so much is placed on it by the authors. The roots of our acceptance of sexual freedom are evident here, but in my opinion it is overplayed by the authors. That is not to say this book is by any means less valuable. The interviews are well worth reading, as much of the material is not collected in one place as it is here. And some of the photos that are included, such as a most precious photo of Isaac Bonewits as baby and Margot Adler and Starhawk as a children are interesting. There is also discussion of music with Ann Hill of Serpentine Music, and in the back there are some mini-profiles of some other contemporaries such as Ivo Dominguez, Jr. (Assembly of the Sacred Wheel) , Sharon Knight (Pandemonaeon), John Macate (Military Pagan Network) and Selena Fox (Circle Sanctuary). I would not recommend this as a first look for anyone not familiar with the Pagan Community today. But I would recommend it for those interested in the history and in those who have laid the groundwork for our community. This book is a fascinating look at the Early Pagan Movement. Reviewed by Boudica |
Magical Needlework subtitled 35 Original Projects & Patterns by Dorothy Morrison |
I consider myself an experienced needle person, being well versed in embroidery and quilting. Working with the needle, sewing patterns, making quilt patterns, and working magic has always been in my own work. Watching weavers at their looms has convinced me that a true craftsperson could combine magic with any kind of needle craft and create some wondrous magical weavings. In her book "Magical Needlework", Dorothy Morrison gives us a starting place for this kind of magical interweaving. Her projects are simple, from a cover for a Book of Shadows, to poppets. The designs are very pagan or celtic in flavor, but an experienced needle person could take these projects and patterns to new heights. She covers all kinds of needlework, from embroidery to needlepoint, to knitting, crocheting and quilting, so no one should feel the subject matter limited. She takes you step by step, with well laid out and clear directions. Most are well illustrated. She also explains the magic. How to work the spells, herbs to use, energy flow from fabric and texture, making it easy to understand. I found this book interesting, and I have considered a couple of projects, elaborated upon and molded just a bit to make the finished project uniquely my own. Just have to find the time to put it all together. I recommend it for beginners and experienced alike, who wish to include magic in their projects. A good read, even for an experienced needle person like myself. Reviewed by Boudica |
Finding New Goddesses
– |
I approached this book a bit skeptically, as these days everyone and their brother is inventing new Deities. But this book is different. The approach to Deity is lighthearted, whimsical and yet practical. Barbara Ardinger is an author I am acquainted with from her book “Goddess Meditations” and I know her to be respectful of Deity. She approaches Deity in this book with the same respect, yet ads to the scope of the Deities we are already familiar with. While remaining reverent of the Goddesses of old, she weaves the new needs the modern woman has for Goddesses to help in today’s day to day existence and gives us some very powerful and yet approachable new Goddesses. While most of her Deities are Goddesses, and I could have asked for more balance in the addition of a few Gods, we do see the need for modern women to find an association they can relate to. While many of us may be familiar with the modern “Asphalta”, Ms. Ardinger elaborates even further. How about “Acme” the Goddess of High Tech or “Agenda” the Goddess of meetings. These are obvious. I found “Buffy” the Goddess of the Gym to be a poor choice of names, as many of us are familiar with the TV show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and would have preferred “Svelta” or something along that line, but many other names are almost “tongue in cheek”. How about “Chocolata and Vibrata, the Goddesses of Ecstasy. And while Ms. Ardinger does introduce us to some of the consorts, like “Mr. Buzz- All-Night”, consort to Vibrata, again, I find myself being a more balanced type and looking to see what other consorts would fit in with these new Goddesses. I enjoyed this look at the new needs of women today and how modern Deity can be worked into our daily lives. We sometimes stretch the abilities of the old Deities to try to associate them with our every day chores and sometimes we do feel a need for a Goddess who fits more in place with what we need at the moment. And as Ms. Ardinger points out in the beginning of her book “A note on Playfulness in Spiritual Writings” “The Charge of the Goddess tells us “All acts of love and pleasure are My rituals. Let there be … mirth and reverence within you.” We’ve found the love and we’ve found the reverence. I think it’s time to find the pleasure and the mirth. It’s time to lighten up. It’s time to play with our Goddesses.” Reviewed by Boudica |
Paganism: An
Introduction to
|
The
Higginbotham’s offer a general overview of Paganism in this book, as well as
offering a basic handbook of the practices of different paths within the Pagan
Religions. This book goes in two directions. First is a very good overview of many of the different groups that are under general Paganism. Explored are the basic philosophies and beliefs of Druids, Wiccans, Asatru, shamanism, magic, general paganism and all the various offshoots. There is a good section on many of the various paths under that ‘umbrella’. There are many theories that have given rise to the modern pagan movement that are explored as well. There is discussion on what makes the pagan paths different from other world religions and discusses beliefs and practices as well as myths and misinformation. The second direction of this book is a basic handbook on the practices of many of the different beliefs. From the Wheel of the Year to connecting with personal Deity to individual responsibility, the book reads as a guide to incorporating many of the philosophies and basic Tenets of these beliefs into your own life. Ethics are also discussed throughout the book and there is a good chapter on Ethics and Personal Responsibility. The book also has ‘aids’, or subsections that allow the reader to absorb or digest the material in the book, encouraging the reader to think about the material, add it to their journals for further research, discuss with others or question for themselves. This gives the book more of a handbook feeling. There are good notes for each chapter, a glossary and an excellent bibliography that allow the reader to pursue those things they may find they want to explore further. There is also an index for easy reference. There is much information in this book that is worth looking over. If you are unfamiliar with Paganism in general, this is a good primer. If you are looking to expand your base of knowledge on Paganism, this book offers a good overview. And if you are looking for a good basic handbook, while there are many specific to the various paths, this book would make a good overall view for those who are looking at the various paths and need a guide or are looking at paganism in general for their path. Reviewed by Boudica |
We all need a smile in our lives. Pagans are no exception. And if we smile while contemplating who we are, so much the better. "Patchwork of Magic" explores the many paths of Paganism in Britain, as seen through the eyes of a very British lady. Julia Day is an English writer, and if you are familiar with the dryness of true British humor and a fan of such, you will find this look at the various paths within Paganism a wonderful and refreshing study. I was a big fan of Sybil Leek. I remember the pictures of her walking about with a staff and those shoes that were, to my American eyes, hiking boots. How I laughed when Ms. Day made reference to Traditional Witches and their "boots". Tongue in cheek, she analyzes the different paths, with a touch of dry humor, which make up the crazy patchwork quilt of the Pagan movement. But what I really loved was her comparison of the different systems of paganism. The discussion on festivals, and where they came from and how they have evolved was fascinating. She does her research and comes up with some really interesting facts and even more interesting conclusions. There are many such tidbits of knowledge here, about Sacred Space, incense and even being Coven Leader. The following is an example of the gems to be found in the chapter entitled "Life's Little Wisdoms". "Do not strew your circle with cat mint if there are likely to be cats in the vicinity. The devastation that one or more ecstatic cats can wreak on a circle has to be seen to be believed!" Her perspective on using magic in everyday life (driving, housework etc.) may have a British spin but can definitely translate to everyone else. But, most importantly, this book is a primer of common sense. The "Thirteen Things to Help Your Development" is a great section that has some very good and practical ways to improve your mind, body and spirit. You don't have to be British to understand these basic principals. Ms. Day works practical values across all the various paths within Paganism, things that we all have in common that we can and should develop. Respect for ourselves, for others, tolerance for everyone, ego checks and self esteem boosters, all worked into a format that gives us wisdom touched with humor, a good combination for any book. Ms. Day's book is available here in the States with a small wait. Reviewed by Boudica |
Perfect
Trust: |
It takes a special set of characters to allow an author to develop a series. It takes a good writer to develop a couple of stories into a good mystery series. M. R. Sellars new book "Perfect Trust" shows, again, that he has the talent necessary to give us a classic mystery series. There is a blend of the "witch" aspect of Rowan Gant and mystery. This is tastefully done, well presented and used to accentuate the story. One of the victims wants her killer to be caught and she has a hold on Rowan. Will the dead woman get her revenge on her killer through Rowan? The fantasy and "occult" does not overshadow the well written story. We see the deepening of the characters in this book, giving us a more personal side to their development. We see Rowan becoming more familiar with his role in police work, just as it would develop in the real world. Mr. Sellars gives Rowan a human aspect to offset the "witch" powers. A balance of fantasy and reality to give this book enough realism to cause us to shiver at the horrors yet delight in the character play. Mystery books are a matter of taste. There are some mysteries which rely on technical aspects, and get boggled down in details. Some people love that kind of mystery. Others want the cerebral mystery and want to spend hours outside of the book trying to figure out who done it. Some want a good quirky character and want the suspense to run from cover to cover. Still others prefer a supernatural experience. I find that Mr. Sellars has blended all of these aspects into this book evenly and without overkill. This book is entertainment. The various aspects are not overdone; I did not have to spend hours trying to figure out what was going on, there was the "right" amount of suspense, cerebral mystery, supernatural and character development for me. I love the personal interaction of the characters, the police work is well researched and the suspense starts at the opening page and continues to the end of the book. "Perfect Trust" is not wanting for plot, mystery, suspense or that special touch of the "supernatural" that makes Rowan Gant unique in the mystery book world. I found it a "Perfect Balance" of all the aspects that make up a good mystery story. Reviewed by Boudica |
The Practical Pagan: |
Finally, a book that deals with the realities of being pagan in a mundane world. Bravo to Ms. Eilers for taking the time and energy to put a lot of very valuable reference material together in one place and make it available to everyone. For those not familiar with Dana Eilers, she is a witch, she is a lawyer. She
has worked for legal council for such groups as WARD, AREN and WADL. She has put
in "years" of voluntary time to various Pagan/Witch/Wiccan groups as legal
council as well as just time spent helping bring order to a chaotic
situation. In those things that we mess up for ourselves, Ms. Eilers offers advice and council as to how to unmake those messes and avoid them in the future. Much of it is common sense, hence the name of the book. In those cases where our problems may be because of the religious path we choose to follow and are being either discriminated against or denied our rights, Ms. Eilers has placed chapter and verse of the law at our fingertips, to enable us to understand, in plain English (my goodness, a lawyer who speaks plain English, how unique and so definitely Pagan!) what our options are, where to seek council and material to provide any legal representative we may choose to aid us. There is way too much material in this book (another plus for Ms. Eilers, she didn't cheap out on the information) to even try to recap the book. Everything from definitions of key words to meeting and greeting other pagans to proper behavior with pagans and with the mundane world. Yes, this is a must have on your library shelf!!!! I would love to have several copies I could give away to some of the people I meet everyday in the pagan world, just so I pass along the common sense some people don't use that the Goddess gave them. If nothing else, give this book a serious read. Ask at your local libraries and make sure they get a copy and keep it in stock. It is a much needed book in our community and will prove to be a valuable tool to the community over the years. Reviewed by Boudica |
In Praise of the Crone |
Ms. Morrison introduces her work as a "Sassy Guide to Cronehood", which is why I probably picked up this book to begin with. I am in the process of walking the Path of the Crone, and I spend time scouring the shelves in book stores, looking over the material that deals with "The Maturing Woman". Most of the material is dry, scientific and does not seem to "grab" me. Ms. Morrison's subtitle "A Celebration of Feminine Maturity" on the front cover is more in line of what I am feeling at this time in my life. So, I picked it up, took it home, and found another good friend. Ms. Morrison is a Wiccan High Priestess of the Georgian Tradition. She is a teacher, and previous books she has offered are Magical Needlework, in 1998; Everyday Magic in 1998; and The Whimsical Tarot, also in 1998. I have not seen any of these books, and this is the first one I have read. I found the book to be very well written. Her approach is one of casual conversation, not learned preaching, so common in these types of books. She covers a wide range of material on the Changing Woman, from her encounters with "She-Who-Nags" (her personal Crone), to Rituals of Spiritual Rebirthing, to an easy home remedy for those hot flashes or night sweats. For those who seek alternatives to what modern medicine is offering these days, this book offers some practical suggestions, natural alternatives, and a common sense approach to the common problems we have as we enter this Change in our lives. I do not encourage anyone along any path that is not right for them. I have done much reading and much research on this coming change in my life. There are so many different approaches to how to handle Menopause. Because of the times we live in, it is no longer a topic we hide in a closet, nor do woman fear the change as an end in their lives, but rejoice as a new beginning for them. I highly recommend you explore all options and make a life long plan for yourself based on your own individual needs. Each woman is different, and so are her needs, physically and emotionally. Problems at this time should always be handled by a Medical Professional. But for those who, like me, have done all the reading and research, and know what they want, this book is perfect for starting yourself along the Natural Path women have always taken towards being Crone, and celebrating that new part of your life. As for Ms. Morrison, I think I will be looking for other titles of hers to add to my ever growing library. Reviewed by Boudica |