Welcome
to our Pagan and Occult Bookstore 2.
I
needed to expand from the 'Classics' to the 'New Guard' the modern
day witches, druids, and magicians.
I
sincerely hope you will find these authors and titles intriqueing
and worth reading.
We
will delve into the Tarot, Runes, I Ching and more in our Pagan
Bookstore 3.....and
'New
Releases' in our new Pagan Bookstore 4.
So
please browse and have Fun!
Many
Blessings
LionHeart
October
2005
Le
Morte D'Arthur
by Sir Thomas Malory, John Matthews (Editor), A-M Ferguson (Illustrator)
"A complete, unabridged edition of one of the most famous
chronicles of the Arthurian legends comes with new illustrations.
Edited by a lifelong scholar of the legends, the book includes
some widely accepted corrections."--Publishers Weekly
The epic story of King Arthur never fails to stir the imaginations
of readers everywhere, and this outstanding illustrated version
showcases original artwork that creates a unique vision of Camelot.
Some of these breathtaking watercolors and pen-and-inks have hung
in museums, including the depiction of Tintagel Castle, the Sword
in the Stone, Merlin and Nimue, and Guenevere rescued from the
stake. With remarkable accuracy, Anna-Marie Ferguson captures
every nuance of the historical period, from the knights' shining
armor to the intricate architecture to the English forests. Yet
she also revels in the fantasy, with mysterious and magical landscapes,
misty and moonlit. These legends have always been a treat for
the mind--and now they are a feast for the eyes, too.
About the Artist
Anna-Marie Ferguson studied graphic art at Southampton College
in the UK, and her work has appeared in various galleries and
books--particularly volumes of fairy tales. Anna-Marie served
as the "Arthurian expert" on the recent NBC mini-series,
Merlin.
The
Druids : Celtic Priests of Nature
by Jean Markale
Markale uses analytical thinking along with evidence etched in
the stone of history and archeology to deduct for us what druidism
must have once been like. He covers beliefs and philosophies,
rites and responsibilities of the druids with great accuracy.
The way the book is written though, does assume the reader has
some basic knowledge about the celtic civilization that lived
and thrived before the romans, with Julius Caesar at the head,
conquered Gaul.
And while the ancient Gauls left no written histories or books
on philosophy, Markale is able to piece together bits and pieces
of Roman and Greek writings about the druids to give us a hint
at the scope of intelligence that dotted Gaul before the onslaught
of Romanization and the later wave of Christian oppression.
"It is obvious after reading (and studying) this splendid
work that each ancient initiate who was sent away to a Druid school
- for say twenty years(!), did not just go to frat parties and
memorize poems. No, there must have been more than that; perhaps
hands-on psychology, politics, psychism, medicine etc., to make
a graduate super-human who would then have had the nous to advise
a king to rule wisely. Imagine, twenty years! Most of us try to
run a seventy year life-time only on what we learn in grade school."
Druid
Magic
by Maya Ph.D
Perhaps the most mystical, magical people ever known were the
Druids. They were wizards, storytellers, teachers and spiritual
leaders.
They were attuned to the Earth and the Sun. And they were very
powerful. This book presents everything you need to know to become
a Druid and even start your own Druid "Grove" . You''ll
learn about the Druid''s tools - the sickle, wand, cord and more
- and how to make and use them. You''ll discover all of the beliefs
the Druids hold, including the emphasis on honor and ethics. You''ll
learn how a Druid sees the Divine in everything and how even sex
can be sacred. And of course you''ll learn the secrets of the
magic of the Druids. You''ll learn how to do protection spells
and how to use magic to find missing items. You''ll learn how
you can visit other "worlds" or levels of reality. You''ll
even learn how to do shapeshifting and experience the world as
an animal! With this book you''ll learn how to tap into the creativity
that was a hallmark of the Druids. You''ll be able to write, draw,
write or perform music with much greater ease and depth than ever
before. Druidry is far more than historic Celtic leadership. It
is a living, growing, spiritual tradition!
The
Mists of Avalon
by Marion Zimmer Bradley
The story is not so much about Arthur or Morgaine as about the
struggle between paganism and the rise of Christianity, with Arthur
as Christian king and Morgaine as pagan priestess. Arthur is installed
in a pagan ceremony that leaves Morgaine pregnant with his only
son, Mordred -- who in this rendering never plays quite the key
role assigned him in other Arthurian tales. The plot points pretty
much follow the tradition -- Arthur marries Guinevere, who has
an affair with Lancelot, who ends up married to Elaine. Meanwhile,
Viviane is killed, leaving a void in the office of the Lady of
the Lake -- an office that will be filled, more or less, by another
daughter of Taliesen.
The Mists of Avalon is a worthy addition to the Arthurian cycle,
especially since it takes into account what must have been a very
real struggle between the old pagans of Britain and the new Christianity
of Rome. The plot is intricate and imaginative, the characters
are well drawn (if erratic), there are a few moments of subtlety
and beautifully written prose, and there is enough fantasy to
make one wonder if there really is a supernatural intervention
throughout. Even the lost continent of Atlantis is worked into
the tale. Highly recommended for Arthurians and fans of science
fiction/fantasy.
Dr.
Leo Louis Martello
(1931
- 2000)
A
Witch's Guide to Gardening
by Dorothy Jacob
(1964). This is a simply terrific witch's herbal, full of great
old proverbs, folklore and poetry collected by the author, who
seems to think witches of old might have been a bit threatening
or dangerous!
Mastering
Herbalism
by Paul Huson
This book has two faces, one masking the other. Huson presents
his book as a practical herbal, explaining how to use herbs in
cooking and perfumery, as aphrodisiacs and to increase longevity,
to live healthily and look beautiful at the same time. It also
features a chapter on where to buy herbs, brief descriptions of
the basic plants, and how to start an herb garden. Huson also
includes a brief but thorough history of herbalism through the
ages. As he points out, the aim throughout the book was practicality.
This one has a particularly good chapter on making herbal incenses.
Witchcraft: The old religion
by Leo Louis Martello
Most books written on Witchcraft are by non-witches. They discuss
Witchcraft not as it really is but as it has been defined by the
Catholic and other Christian Churches. Many are blatantly deceptive
or totally ignorant of the truth.
Dr. Leo Louis Martello writes about the roots of the Old Religion
as practiced today by witches of many different traditions. He
shows the differences between true Witches, Old Religionists,
Pop Witches, Christian-defined Witches and Satanists.
Witchcraft, or the Old Religion, is probably the only one that
has not discriminated against women. In many branches the Goddess
is superior to the male God, in others they are equal.
Dr. Martello is an initiated Witch and elder in three other witch
traditions besides his own. His views as both theorist and activist
have often been controversial. He is founder of the Witches Liberation
Movement, director of WICA (Witches International Craft Associates)
and the Witches Anti-Defamation League.
Dr. Martello believes that Witchcraft, the Old Religion, may be
the faith of the future. Sacred cows are being challenged. Old
terms are being updated. Modern witches are fighting for their
civil rights.
Religion
& the Decline of Magic
by Keith Thomas
Astrology, witchcraft, magical healing, divination, ancient prophecies,
ghosts, and fairies were taken very seriously by people at all
social and economic levels in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century
England. Helplessness in the face of disease and human disaster
helped to perpetuate this belief in magic and the supernatural.
As Keith Thomas shows, England during these years resembled in
many ways today's "underdeveloped areas." The English
population was exceedingly liable to pain, sickness, and premature
death; many were illiterate; epidemics such as the bubonic plague
plowed through English towns, at times cutting the number of London's
inhabitants by a sixth; fire was a constant threat; the food supply
was precarious; and for most diseases there was no effective medical
remedy.
In this fascinating and detailed book, Keith Thomas shows how
magic, like the medieval Church, offered an explanation for misfortune
and a means of redress in times of adversity. The supernatural
thus had its own practical utility in daily life. Some forms of
magic were challenged by the Protestant Reformation, but only
with the increased search for scientific explanation of the universe
did the English people begin to abandon their recourse to the
supernatural.
Science and technology have made us less vulnerable to some of
the hazards which confronted the people of the past. Yet Religion
and the Decline of Magic concludes that "if magic is defined
as the employment of ineffective techniques to allay anxiety when
effective ones are not available, then we must recognize that
no society will ever be free from it.
Witch
blood!: The Diary of a Witch High Priestess!
by Patricia Crowther
Like her other books, this one is a personal and informative account
of Ms. Crowther's life as a public witch in England. This one
recalls Sybil Leek's Diary of a Witch in its intimate style.
Buckland's
Complete Book Of Witchcraft
by Raymond Buckland
This 1986 classic is not only an excellent introduction to the
Wiccan religion and earth-based religions in general, it's also
a workbook that can take the serious student to the equivalent
level of third-degree Gardnerian. Though Raymond Buckland was
a student of the late great Gerald Gardner, this manual does not
adhere to a specific branch or denomination of witchcraft, but
rather seeks to teach the elements and philosophies common to
all, whether Celtic, Saxon, Finnish, or what have you. Buckland
is credited with bringing the "old religion" to the
U.S., and covens and solitary witches practicing the craft in
the U.S. today have him to thank for getting it out of the closet.
While Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft is a must-have for
any serious Wiccan practitioner, it is full of down-to-earth spiritual
wisdom, which makes it a wonderful addition to the library of
any broadminded seeker on the path toward the One. --P. Randall
Cohan
Advanced
Candle Magick
by Raymond Buckland
Seize control of your destiny with the simple but profound practice
of Advanced Candle Magick. Ray Buckland's first book on candle
magick Practical Candleburning Rituals explained the basic techniques
of directing positive forces and making things happen. In Advanced
Candle Magick, you'll use advanced spells, preparatory work, visualization
and astrology to improve and enhance your results. Create a framework
conducive to potent spellwork through the use of planetary hours,
days of the week, herb and stone correspondences, and color symbolism.
Create positive changes in your relationships, finances, health
and spirit when you devise your own powerful rituals based upon
the sample spells presented in this book. Taking spellworking
one step further, Ray Buckland gives you what you've been waiting
for: Advanced Candle Magick. Also Visit our Tao
Of Candles
Techniques of High Magic: A Handbook
of Divination, Alchemy, and the Evocation of Spirits
by Francis King, Stephen Skinner
Techniques of High Magic - A Handbook of Divination, Alchemy,
and the Evocation of Spirits" has been around for a quarter
of a century placing it in the category of a 'classic' in its
own time. In an increasingly fickle market where many beginners
books come and go, "Techniques of High Magic" has managed
to hold its own. While the authors present little material that
is original, most of it coming from the Hermetic Order of the
Golden Dawn, they do organize it in an easy to understand, orderly,
and usable manner. The shortened rituals they present for the
consecration of the four principle Elemental Tools alone is worth
the price. Chapters on astral projection, divination, the tarot,
and evocation round out the text.
Ritual
Magic of the Golden Dawn : Works by S. L. MacGregor Mathers and
Others
by Francis King
For anyone who is truly interested in The Golden Dawn this book
should definately become part of your magickal library. The book
itself is divided into nine parts, some of which are- astral projection,
(two parts on)Rosicrucian, Christian occultism,Hermetic wisdomand
mystical prayer, among others. You do need to be familiar with
at least the basics of golden dawn philosophy before you can really
grasp the majority of these writings. many of the collected works
contained in this book were at one time closely guarded secrets
of the Golden Dawn and some would probably not be available at
all if not for this book. anyone who had something bad to say
about this book probably either didn't understand it or didn't
get what they expected. this is a good book and much of it is
simply necessary reading for any serious golden dawn follower
or ceremonial magickician.
Laurie
Cabot
"Women
have innate talents and exceptional abilities that go unnoticed
by our society,
and
that women themselves often do not fully appreciate..."
Create
the life you seek. . . discover a pathway to the powers within.
Power
of the Witch: The Earth, the Moon, and the Magical Path to Enlightenment
by Laurie Cabot, Tom Cowan
Laurie Cabot explains things that the rest of these " white
lighters " as Ms. Cabot calls them are afraid to go into.
There is no fluff, no fruit and flowery sugargy goo here, Laurie
Cabot is straightforward and honest...and almost all of her information
is accurate. For those of you who give this book a bad review,
I can only say one thing, one persons tradition is not going to
agree with someone elses. What you read with Cunningham wont match
Starhawk, Silver RavenWolf won't match Gerina Dunwich, Ray Buckland
will not match Laurie Cabot. Each witch is different, and you
can't expect one witch, or one tradition, or one book to have
all the answers. Ms. Cabot has had over 40 yrs. of experience
and you have to admit, that is a long time. She gives you the
basics, history, spells, explanations, personal stories, examples
of circle casting and altar set up. And even the Science part
which explains how and why magick works. I will admit, my practice
is not identical to hers, but after reading this book I found
some new and interesting things to add into my practice. For those
of you who reccomend going to Anton LaVey for an accurate look
at witchcraft, I can only say one thing. GET REAL! Satanism and
Witchcraft are not the same, how long have we been trying to get
the point across? Sure, Magick can be dangerous if you don't know
what youre doing..which is why Ms. Cabot explains laws and the
importance of being " correct and for the good of all people".
The point is, Ms. Cabot has done an excellent job of not only
providing accurate information, but also bringing Witchcraft into
mainstream society. A Very, Very, Very, good book. It's not perfect,
but no book or person is. Blessed Be!
Celebrate
the Earth
by Laurie Cabot, Jean Mills (Contributor)
Published to coincide with the Pagan holiday Samhain on October
31st, this new title by a renowned author and Witch will appeal
to spiritualists and environmentalists alike as it celebrates
the eight holidays in the Pagan tradition. The Pagan
origins of many of our everyday traditions, including the Winter
Solstice and Spring Equinox, are celebrated here as holidays that
spring from the seasons of the earth. Wit its practical suggestions
for enjoying seasonal renewal, Celebrate The Earth blends all
the richness and ancient lore of Witchcraft with how-to advice
to create a modern-day celebration of nature. For each
holiday, it offers instructions on: Earth magic--sample rituals,
preparation, garb, herbcraft, spellcraft, and magical stones,
for promoting love, romance, and healing. Holiday fare--recipes
and menus to prepare. Ancient activities--crafts and games passed
down through generations.
The
Witch in Every Woman : Reawakening the Magical Nature of the Feminine
to Heal, Protect, Create, and Empower
by Laurie Cabot
All women possess the primal courage and strength of the Witch. In
this breakthrough, life-altering new book, Laurie Cabot brings
more than forty years of experience as a spiritual counselor and
practicing Witch to cultivate and celebrate the secret, magical
side of every woman's nature. Unfolding the wit and
wisdom of ancient Celtic tales, as well as many stories of her
own making, Laurie shows you how ancient truths can empower you
during many of life's dark moments and lead you on a path of success
and personal fulfillment. Through story, ritual activity,
and spiritual communion, you will learn how to use your instinctual
nature to achieve your goals and feel energized, strong, and capable
in your daily life.
Explore how to:
Increase sexuality and bring into your life, and heart, the love
you long for
Uncover hidden strengths and overcome fear
Protect yourself and loved ones from physical harm, deception,
or betrayal
Retrieve your inborn talent to heal ailments and diagnose disease
Unleash creativity
Enhance communication skills
Sharpen your intuition about others and the world around you
Enjoy healthy, productive dreams
Earth
God Rising: The Return of the Male Mysteries
by Alan Richardson.
We must remember to invoke those forgotten and positive aspects
of our most ancient God-the Horned God, not the devil, please!
How to bring about magical transformations without the need for
groups, gurus, or elaborate ceremonies.
Alan Richardson is an interesting read. He is an English author
which colors much of the book. Another facet of him that is evident
in this book is his apparent reverence for the late Crowley. He
has a sartorial wit of which he seems to be very much aware. If
you can block out his numerous asides this is actually a very
good book on the masculine deity.
When I said that Richardson's Englishness colors "Earth God
Rising" I meant that he dwells quite a bit on Cernunnos or
Herne. This of course is natural. Any good writer writes about
what he knows. I found his exploration of the God to be enlightening
and informative. His occasional sly references can easily be taken
in stride as long as one understands where he is coming from.
Richardson is one of those traditional English Witches. He expects
you to read between the lines, to look at his work at a slant.
He tries to point in the right direction but he expects that you
will work it out on your own.
This is an excellent book for the serious student. The answers
are not in this book but the questions are. You have to know the
right questions to ask before you can find the answers you seek.
If you expect knowledge to be handed to you on a plate this book
will disappoint.
Women
Who Run with the Wolves
by Clarissa Pinkola Estes Phd
A feminist counterpart to Iron John by Robert Bly--or, how ``a
healthy woman is much like a wolf.'' Estes, a Jungian analyst,
believes that a woman's wholeness depends on her returning to
the sources of her repressed instinctual nature. To illustrate
the ways of the ``wild woman,'' the author draws on myths, legends,
and fairy tales from a vast and eclectic range of traditions.
This collection of stories may well be the most valuable element
of the book, which otherwise reads like unedited transcripts of
the workshops Est‚s leads to encourage women to return to
their ``feral'' roots. Each story demonstrates a particular aspect
of woman's experience--relationship, creativity, anger, spirituality,
etc
Folklore, fairy tales and dream symbols are called on to help
restore women's neglected intuitive and instinctive abilities
in this earthy first book by a Jungian analyst. According to Estes,
wolves and women share a psychic bond in their fierceness, grace
and devotion to mate and community. This comparison defines the
archetype of the Wild Woman, a female in touch with her primitive
side and able to rely on gut feelings to make choices. The tales
here, from various cultures, are not necessarily about wolves;
instead, they illuminate fresh perspectives on relationships,
self-image, even addiction. An African tale of twins who baffle
a man represents the dual nature of woman; from the Middle East,
a story about a threadbare but secretly magic carpet shows society's
failure to look beyond appearances. Three brief, ribald stories
advocate a playful, open sexuality; other examples suggest ways
to deal with anger and jealousy. At times, Estes's commentary--in
which she urges readers to draw upon and enjoy their Wild Woman
aspects--is hyperbolic, but overall her widely researched study
offers usable advice for self-searching women.
Iron
John : A Book About Men
by Robert Bly
Bly, a major American poet who won a National Book Award in 1968,
appears regularly at workshops for men. The book's title refers
to a mentor-like figure in a Grimms fairy tale who serves as Wild
Man, initiator, and source of divine energy for a young man. This
marvelous folktale of resonant, many-layered meanings is an apt
choice for demonstrating the need for men to learn from other
men how to honor and reimagine the positive image of their masculinity.
Bly has always responded to Blakean and Yeatsian intensities,
preferring to travel the path lit by mythic road signs. His intent
here is to restore a lost heritage of emotional connection and
expose the paltriness of a provisional life. For many men capable
of responding imaginatively to allegory and myth this will be
an instructive and ultimately exculpating book. Others may regard
it as an inscrutable attempt, intuitive at best, to find merit
in male developmental anxieties. For all collections emphasizing
family or gender studies.
Drawing
Down the Moon : Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other
Pagans in America Today
by Margot Adler
Popular demand for this clear-sighted compendium of information
about the rebirth of Pagan religions hasn't waned since its initial
publication in 1979. Distinguished by the journalism of National
Public Radio columnist Margot Adler, Drawing Down the Moon explains
this diverse and burgeoning religion's philosophies and activities
while dispelling stereotypes that have long been associated with
it. Most people don't realize that pagan simply refers to pre-Christian
polytheistic nature religions, such as the various Native American
creeds, Japanese Shinto, Celtic Druid, and Western European Wicca.
Originally, the word pagan meant "country dweller" and
was a derogatory term in Rome in the third century A.D., not unlike
calling someone a hick today. If you find yourself feeling queasy
when you hear the words witch or pagan, a healthy dose of reeducation
via Drawing Down the Moon could be the cure.
Scott
Cunningham
(1956-1993)
"Wicca is a joyous religion springing from our kinship
with nature.
It is a merging with the Goddesses and Gods, the universal
energies which create all in existence.
It is a personal, positive celebration of life.
And now it is available to all."
Cunningham
Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
by Scott Cunningham
Scott Cunningham, in his time, turned out quite a few books and
references for the modern, 'practical' witch. Though many of the
herbs listed seem arcane- when I bought this book it was the first
time I had heard of herbs like eryngo and life-everlasting- this
reference is well done.
The herbs are organized alphabetically, and black and white drawings
of the plant or flower are to the side of each entry, which typically
includes the scientific (Latin) name, health codes (such as G
for safe, and a guide is included in the book for all of the codes),
any folk names, its attributed gender, planet, element, and deities,
followed by brief (or sometimes long) descriptions of ritual and
magical uses.
After the listings of herbs, there are lists of categories, under
which are listed what herbs fit that area- such as masculine plants,
herbs that correspond to certain ritual intentions, and elementary
rulers. Also included are an index, a glossary, and a mail order
list for those who do not have an herb store nearby (and it's
hard to find something like mandrake in your local grocery store!).
I recommend finding yourself at least three good sources and using
them together when using herbs.
Earth
Power
by Scott Cunningham
If you're looking for a good book with inspirational visuals and
words that transport you to another place, this is your book.
If you're looking for information on the subtle practices of Elemental
Magic or Traditions, you'll be disappointed. I also think that
those who look for rigid guidelines on how to practice spells
or rituals with an Elemental theme will be very disappointed as
well, since most of the spells and rituals inside this book are
largely informal... Though this informality is customary for Elemental
Magic, it will prove frustrating to the rigid practitioner.
I will say though, that this is a good book to help you when you
have "writers block" when it comes to spell casting.
I have changed a few of the spells in the book to meet my specific
needs with resounding success, and it's always nice to have a
book to flip through to get ideas.
Wicca:
A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
by Scott Cunningham
Cunningham has written a book for the Wiccan who is solitary either
because s/he knows no existing local compatible covens, or because
s/he has no compatible person with whom to practice Wicca. The
book is very well-written. It is suitable for true beginners,
but contains extensive detail making it valuable for the more
advanced Wiccan.
Mr. Cunningham's Wiccan philosophy differs from other Wiccan authors.
Other authors stress Wiccan history, Wicca's established rituals,
coven membership benefits, and the apprenticeship required before
Wiccan initiation. Mr. Cunningham's philosophy emphasizes attitude
rather than organization. Specifically, Mr. Cunningham discusses
specific Wiccan beliefs and goals: belief in the Goddess and God;
concern for the Earth; social consciousness; and the right not
to be dominated by others. He states that sincere living and supporting
these Wiccan beliefs is more important than perfect performance
of dogmatic rituals: "Ineffective ritual kills spirituality."
The book contains Appendices listing suppliers and publications.
A Glossary is included. An extensive Suggested Reading List organized
by Pagan/Wiccan topic also is included.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent author, provides excellent detail
concerning Wicca and its rituals, and provides a practical approach
to Wiccan worship. His approach allows the solitary Wiccan to
support community activities compatible with Wiccan goals while
not being dominated by religious dogma.
This nice and valuable book is useful both for the true Wiccan
beginner and also for the more advanced Wiccan.
Earth,
Air, Fire & Water
by Scott Cunningham
Earth, Air, Fire & Water is a beginner's guide to practicing
spells that utilize the energies found in natural objects. The
author calls this "natural magic," although the foundations
of this branch of magic are much simpler than the spells he goes
on to provide.
The author begins by briefly explaining the "how" of
casting spells and unlocking natural energies, but not so much
the "why" of the "how." A deeper explanation
isn't needed, necessarily, but would have been helpful or enlightening
to the type of audience the book was meant to be for (beginners).
The spells are separated into two volumes, Elemental Magic and
Natural Magic. Some of these chapters include Fire Magic, Sea
Magic, and Stone Magic, although many more nature-inspired chapters
are also featured. The spells included are all thoroughly explained
and understandable. No expensive tools are required, a Cunningham
trademark. Anyone may perform the spells, and anyone can personalize
them to suit their needs.
Cunningham's writing style is genuine and down to Earth in every
book he wrote. His love of magic and creativity lead him to approach
spellcraft in a new light, coming up with new and unique spells.
I always find something that impresses me as I study his life's
work.
This is a great book for anyone looking for original and inspired
spells to cast. Not only are they powerful yet simple, but they
incorporate such natural elements that they bring the magician
to a new spiritual connection to the Earth and their own lives.
Living
Wicca
by Scott Cunningham
Living Wicca is the best selling sequel to Scott Cunningham's
much- loved classic, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner.
This popular guidebook takes a philosophical look at the questions,
practices, and differences within the Craft. You will learn how
to cast a circle, raise energy, and perform a self-initiation.
Discover how to choose a magical name and create your own book
of shadows. Everyday prayers and chants are included in this book,
along with an explanation of why daily prayer and meditation is
beneficial.
Living Wicca is your step-by-step guide to creating your own Wiccan
tradition, designing your personal ritual and symbols, and truly
living your Craft.
Editorial
After
studying Alleister Crowley's 'Book of Thoth' and the companion
tarot cards ( 1 year)--I found the 'Spiral Dance' by Starhawk
and I was well on my way into ritual magick-and the information
in the 'Spiral Dance' worked and still works for me. I then entered
the 'Goddess Movement' and found a great many, if not all, doors
closed to me being a man. So as a "solitary practitioner'
I held no resentment, just an alienation that I felt should not
have occured. I always believed the only 'separatist systems'
should be men should study with men, and women should study with
women, teens should study with teens, and pre-teens should study
with pre-teens...and then, we all come together and study together..a
People Group--Unity..the Hippie Way...the true Pagan way..TRUST-alignment
and non-separatist ideals. -LionHeart-
'The Goddess
Movement'
"However,
in that innovation itself lies some of the problems I have with
Starhawk's work. Simply put, the Goddess Movement is not the same
thing as Witchcraft or Wicca. The Goddess Movement is feminism
turned into a religion, and its purpose is essentially political.
This is not to say that this makes Goddess spirituality somehow
illegitimate. It just means that it doesn't have the same purposes,
meaning or heritage as Witchcraft, and it shouldn't pretend to
be the same thing. For example, I for one find it disturbing that
Starhawk herself admits that she and her associates were *teaching*
witchcraft courses at the local university long before they'd
ever even met a coven-trained witch.
Let me
say something here before I go on, because for a lot of people
reading this I'm sure I'm opening up a topic that's already caused
hundreds upon hundreds of flame wars and arguements. I am emphatically
*not* saying that the only legitimate witch is a traditional coven-trained
witch. The Wicca that I practice myself is very much in the eclectic,
find-what-works-and-make-up-what-you-don't-borrow mode. The thing
that bothers me is that in the Spiral Dance, Starhawk is presenting
her Goddess-centered, eco-feminist brand of Witchcraft (a perfectly
fine thing in itself) as if it were Witchcraft itself, a revival
of some millenia-old universal matriarchal belief system. Frankly,
she puts a lot of claims forth in the Spiral Dance as if they
were Facts and Truth, when they're really just Opinions and Stories.
I have no problem with making things up. I absolutely agree with
the value of Myth. I just ask that folks admit it when they invent
their stories, instead of asserting that they're revealing ancient
human wisdom.
The other
problem I have with The Spiral Dance is that despite all her claims
to the contrary, Starhawk is definitely a female chauvanist. For
all her talk of valuing men and women equally, I firmly believe
that in her heart of hearts, coming through between the lines
in almost every chapter, Starhawk really does believe that men
are inferior. I don't believe that she either understands or trusts
men, and all throughout the Spiral Dance I could feel her unspoken
premise that Goddess-worship and Witchcraft are the province of
women. She does not see men and women as equal partners, or does
so only when men essentially begin acting like women. Starhawk
may not be as openly seperatist as some writers (check out Z.
Budapest's assertion that Witchcraft is "wombyn's religion")
but I got a very clear sense that she's really only speaking for
folks who were born with a uterus." (Author Unknown)
I do share
the views of this small article--I believe I see this slanted-alienated
views in many of the fem magicians and herblists emerging from
the New Age Movement more than the secret rooms of the O.T.O...nevertheless-they
do present worthwhile and timely information that may appeal to
our younger audiences and beginners to Wicca, as they did for
me. - Many Blessings-LionHeart-
Starhawk
Spiral
Dance, The - 20th Anniversary : A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion
of the Goddess: 20th Anniversary Edition
by Starhawk
Starhawk essentially married some core Wiccan beliefs and practices
to the social and political ideas of the 70s -- feminism, environmentalism,
gay rights, civil rights, and the peace movement. In doing so,
she created a new path that is less concerned with secrecy and
tradition and more with a sustainable future. Her tradition continues
to thrive.
Many criticize Starhawk unfairly, forgetting that The Spiral Dance
was published in 1979 and is clearly a product of its time. Starhawk
makes no distinctions between Paganism, Wicca, and Witchcraft,
but few writers did in the 70s. She also presents Wicca as an
ancient religion and the Burning Times as a persecution of Witches.
These ideas have since been debunked, but they were prevalent
at the time. Starhawk is well aware of this and she revisits these
issues in her commentary.
With The Spiral Dance, Starhawk presented an entirely new model
of spirituality in an era where there were scarcely any models
of women's spiritual power and leadership. It may be hard to see
now just how mind altering the very concept of a Goddess is, but
at the time, it was a radical, illuminating idea. So, yes, Starhawk
spends a lot of time talking about the Goddess and what a liberating
path this is for women. But by no means is this a women-only book.
On the contrary, Starhawk emphasizes that Wicca is for everyone
and is clear about her position: that a female-only model of the
universe would prove to be as constricting and oppressive, to
women and men, as the patriarchal model has been.
Chapters deal with the basics of Starhawk's flavor of Wicca --
world view, initiation, the coven, creating sacred space, magical
symbols, energy, initiation, moon rituals, the God, the Goddess,
and the Wheel of the Year. The Spiral Dance also includes over
60 exercises, invocations, chants, blessings, spells, and herbal
charms that are easily adapted to solitary or group work.
Even if some of the information is outdated, The Spiral Dance
remains a poetic, intelligent, and inspiring work.
Circle
Round : Raising Children in Goddess Traditions
by Starhawk, Diane Baker, Anne Hill
"Circle Round" is a wonderful resource for parents of
any religion who want to teach their children a reverence for
nature. The authors show that the practice of Earth-centered spirituality
is not a once-a-week break from the rest of our lives, it is embodied--woven
into our eating, sleeping, working, playing, and even breathing.
The book's three main sections cover the eight seasonal holidays
of the Pagan calendar, the human life-cycle, and the elements.
Each section contains activities and rituals, includingstories
and recipes, and covers the basics while weaving in many unexpected
gems. Suggestions range from the widely-practiced (carving pumpkins
on Samhain- - the Pagan New Year, a.k.a. Halloween) to ones that
would seem 'out there' to all but the most open-minded of families
(a community-wide 'first blood' ritual celebrating a girl's first
period). contemporary fable for Brigit (the holiday marking the
beginning of Spring), and many beautiful ideas for celebrating
pregnancy and birth.
The
Earth Path : Grounding Your Spirit in the Rhythms of Nature
by Starhawk
From time immemorial, artists and poets, prophets, and shamans
have drawn strength and inspiration from walking the earth. In
The Earth Path, bestselling author Starhawk takes the reader on
a journey into the heart of the natural world, showing how we
can have a more intimate connection with the world that surrounds
us.
Institutionalized religions have sacred texts -- messages written
in holy books that are the inspiration for their beliefs and rituals.
But the sacred texts for Wicca, like other ancient native or indigenous
traditions, are written in nature -- in the magic circle of the
elements: air, fire, water, and earth. With The Earth Path, Starhawk,
an activist, ecofeminist, and leader in the women’s spirituality
movement, places you in the center of that magical circle. As
you become attuned to the rhythms of the earth, your thinking
will shift from focusing on isolated objects to marveling at the
multitude of interconnecting patterns and relationships in nature.
These patterns and connections can hold the key to your own spiritual
renewal and restore your sense of responsibility for preserving
this world that nurtures and sustains us.
Filled with awareness exercises, inspiring meditations, and magical
rituals, The Earth Path not only teaches the reader to respect
the ecology of our natural world, but shows how to spiritually
connect with and channel the powers inherent in nature.
The
Fifth Sacred Thing
by Starhawk
In her sometimes clumsy but compelling first novel, the author
of The Spiral Dance (a central work in the women's spirituality
movement) considers two possible futures for America. In ecologically
devastated mid-21st-century California, San Francisco is a precariously
maintained oasis, its society based on egalitarianism and environmentalism,
its deeply spiritual populace possessed of psychic and mystical
powers. Drought-plagued southern California suffers under an oppressive,
militaristic, technocratic regime that spouts a perverted Christian
ideology. After 20 years of uneasy peace, the south's armies mass
to invade the north, whose militantly nonviolent denizens must
decide how to defend themselves without compromising their pacifism.
Starhawk delivers her message with a heavy hand and several cliches:
her besieged utopia echoes the liberal politics and ecofeminism
of her nonfiction; her dystopia features the overused SF bugbear
of Christian fanaticism. However, she creates memorable characters--a
young midwife, a broken musician, an old Witch-Woman--and skillfully
conveys their emotions in gripping, sometimes harrowing scenes
set against vivid backdrops. Though the resolution is somewhat
pat--and an obvious plug for Starhawk's philosophy--the story
is moving and absorbing.
The
Pagan Book of Living and Dying: Practical Rituals, Prayers, Blessings,
and Meditations on Crossing Over
by Starhawk, M. Macha NightMare
The Pagan Book of Living and Dying is the pagan omnibus on death,
much more than just a history of various cultural rituals and
beliefs regarding death. This collection of essays, prayers, and
songs is a living document that draws on the resources of today's
entire pagan community and fills the void left by ancient sacramental
rites lost over the centuries. Designed in such a way as to benefit
both the leaders of the pagan community as well as the individual
reader, The Pagan Book of Living and Dying encourages preparation
under the obvious, but often neglected, understanding that death
is seldom expected nor convenient but happens to everyone.
The Pagan Book of Living and Dying discusses all aspects of death,
from pagan thealogy (from thea meaning goddess, rather than theo
meaning god) to the dying process itself, and it even covers sensitive
subjects like helping children cope with death. Congenial essays
such as Sharon Jackson's "Crash Course in Being Present with
the Dying" and insightful perspectives like Diana Paxson's
"Preliminary Thoughts Toward Midwifing Your Own Passage"
offer a written spiritual resource for assisting and comforting
the dying, and advice on facing one's own passage. The Pagan Book
of Living and Dying is simultaneously a practical guide, a comforting
liturgy, and a new heritage that shows how to appreciate life
through a closer relationship with death. --Brian Patterson
Dreaming
the Dark : Magic, Sex, and Politics
by Starhawk
Featuring narrative, chants, songs, and rituals, Dreaming the
Dark (100,000 copies sold) brilliantly combines the world of magic
and spirituality with the world of political and social change.
This fifteenth anniversary edition includes a new preface by the
author.
Dreaming the Dark is [Starhawk's] best book; it offers myths of
fulfillment, rituals of healing, an unusual but perhaps ultimately
pragmatic cultural perspective, and a vision for survival and
growth.
The Great Cosmic Mother: Rediscovering the Religion of the Earth
by Monica SjooIn-depth history of the earliest Goddess-based religions
and beliefs from a wide variety of cultures. This book is quintessential
herstory - profound, powerful, and moving. The first 200 pages
is an extraordinary compilation of women's multitudinous contributions
to the survival and development of our species. The last 100 pages
offer a radical analysis of Eurocentric imperialist patriarchy.
The authors present a profound and substanial argument against
the destructive influences of patriarchal societies which have
deliberately attempted to erased the Womb/Mother/Goddess from
the very world in which She has created. This book is a must read;
if you approach this book with an open mind, you can learn a lot.
