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| Home > Books & Reviews > Pagan > Quick Glance Reviews: Pagan Books | Search |
| Quick Glance Reviews: Pagan Books |
Here are some some mini-reviews of Pagan books. These reviews are shorter and somewhat less detailed than our full reviews.
The Earth Path: Grounding Your Spirit in the Rhythms of Nature | |
Author: StarhawkHardback, 256 pages
Publisher: Harper San Francisco
Publication Date: September 2004
ISBN: 0060000929
Price & More Info: Click Here
Starhawk has written her ninth book and from first glance it is one of her better books. In The Earth Path, Starhawk manages to combine ecology, spirituality, activism, and magick to present a method on entwining an ecological respect for the natural world with a Wiccan spirituality that draws power from nature. Like The Spiral Dance, this book is full of exercises and activities that allow the reader to learn to use the principles it teaches in a measured manner. While I found things I disagreed with even in a quick glance through it, I also found this this is a book that looks like it will be well worth reading word-for-word.
Pendulums and the Light: Communication with the Goddess | |
Author: Diane SteinTrade Paperback, 192 pages
Publisher: Crossing Press
Publication Date: September 2004
ISBN: 1580911633
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This book is a nice introduction to the pendulum as a divination tool. In my experience, the pendulum is often overlooked by Pagans as "too simple" when selecting a divination method. This is a shame because there are many times when a pendulum is likely to be the most accurate and direct means of divination. While even my quick glance showed that this book has more of a "Goddess Spirituality" slant than I personally like, the information on pendulum use I scanned seems right on target. Best of all, Stein spends a lot of time in this text telling the reader how to use a pendulum effectively.
The Complete Guide to Labyrinths: Using the Sacred Spiral for Power, Protection, Transformation, and Healing | |
Author: Cassandra EasonTrade Paperback, 336 pages
Publisher: Crossing Press
Publication Date: August 2004
ISBN: 1580911269
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Labyrinths have a long history and, like many symbols, have appeared in many cultures around the world. According to some, the labyrinth represents humanity's search for the core of divinity -- as a labyrinth has a single winding pathway (unlike a maze which may have many alternate and false paths). In this book, Eason presents this point of view as she explores the history, mystery, and use of labyrinths for personal transformation, protection, healing, and enlightenment. There are also simple instructions for creating your own labyrinths, both indoors and outdoors. From a first glance, this book is interesting and covers a lot of ground, but does not dig very deeply in any of the ground it covers.
Magic for Lovers: Create Lasting Love with Wiccan Spells and Tantric Techniques | |
Author: Selene SilverwindTrade Paperback, 202 pages
Publisher: Crossing Press
Publication Date: June 2004
ISBN: 1580911528
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This is not a book of spells for attracting a lover or mate, it's about using magickal techniques to keep a relationship going on an even kneel. There is magick in this book for all periods of a relationship from dating to marriage to raising a family. Despite the hype on the back cover, from my first glance through this book, most of the magick is not about sex -- it's about a good and lasting relationship that includes sex.
Alchemy at Work: Using the Ancient Arts to Enhance Your Work Life | |
Author: Cassandra EasonTrade Paperback, 329 pages
Publisher: Crossing Press
Publication Date: August 2004
ISBN: 1580911587
Price & More Info: Click Here
From first glance, the title of this book is a bit of a misnomer. At least I don't see a lot of what I consider "alchemy" in it, just some psychic and magickal techniques for dealing with the trials of business and the workplace. Once I quit looking for "alchemy," however, and started to figure out what the book really was about, it looks interesting -- if basic. I doubt there is anything in this book that will be major news to a long-time student of magick. That said, from my first glance, this book looks full of useful ideas and practical information about using magick in the business world for the magickal novice.
Totem Magic: Dance of the Shapeshifter | |
Author: Yasmine GalenornTrade Paperback, 224 pages
Publisher: Crossing Press
Publication Date: April 2004
ISBN: 1580911161
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While animal/totem magic is not a part of my personal path, I found this book very interesting as I glanced through it and am looking forward to reading it. As is typical with Galenorn's books, this book takes a very practical approach with lots of rituals, spellwork and activities along with a lot of basic information. This book appears at first glance to be very useful for anyone who wishes to learn ways to discover and work with their "totem animal".
The Women's Book of Healing: Auras, Chakras, Laying on of Hands, Crystals, Gemstones, and Colors | |
Author: Diane SteinTrade Paperback, 313 pages
Publisher: Crossing Press
Publication Date: May 2004
ISBN: 1580911560
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When I glanced through this revised edition of The Women's Book of Healing I was relieved to find that I did not immediately notice any of the weird stuff about a goddess inhabiting the author's body that has been in some of the author's other recent books. Instead, I found a nice update of the original version of 1986 edition of this book. This book still teaches women, in a friendly but clear manner, how to use alternative healing methods like chakra work, meditation, and laying on of hands to prevent or heal diseases before they reach the point of requiring western medicine to cure. However, it has been updated to reflect what the author has learned in the last 15 to 20 years.
Your Magickal Name: Using Astrology, Numerology, Myth and Meaning to Choose the Perfect One | |
Author: Phyllis Vega and Debra VegaTrade Paperback, 217 pages
Publisher: New Page Books
Publication Date: August 2004
ISBN: 1564147231
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Many Pagan religions and magickal schools have their members select a new name at various points in their life. This book makes the task of finding the perfect name easier. After a couple of introductory chapters, the book discusses using astrology, mythology, and numerology to select the right name. The vast majority of the book, however, is two long lists of names: one list for men and one for women. Listed with each name are the name's language of origin, meaning, and numerological value. Given the number of traditions that urge their following to select a name based on numerology, this list can save a lot of calculation time. If you are looking for a "magickal name," from first glance this book looks like a good source. (Reviewer's Note: One of the authors in a long time personal friend.)
Understanding the Tarot Court | |
Author: Mary K. Greer and Tom LittleTrade Paperback, 360 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn
Publication Date: April 2004
ISBN: 0738702862
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I remember having a lot of trouble reading the court cards when I first started reading the Tarot. Meanings listed in books were often something like "A dark haired man" which often was of no help at all. From a first glance through this book, I can promise you I would likely have given my right arm for it when I was learning the Tarot. It is over 300 pages of information on the 16 most enigmatic cards in the deck co-written by one of my favorite Tarot experts, Mary K. Greer. I suspect that anyone interesting in reading the Tarot, beginner or expert, will be able to gain something by reading this book. I've been reading for many years now and I have already picked up some new ideas just with this first glance through it.
Past Life & Karmic Tarot | |
Author: Edain McCoyTrade Paperback, 172 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn
Publication Date: July 2004
ISBN: 073870508X
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This book deals with using the Tarot to understand the karmic issues and questions that follow one from life to life. Assuming one (or one's Tarot clients) believe in reincarnation, this book seems useful enough at first glance. Most chapters in this book present a special Tarot spread for dealing with specific types of questions and issues -- and sample reading using the spread. There is also some basic information on pathworking and past life regression.
Grimoire for the Green Witch | |
Author: Ann MouraTrade Paperback, 304 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn
Publication Date: September 2003
ISBN: 0738702870
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Ann Moura presents a formal "Book of Shadows" for her personal version of Wicca/Witchcraft, Green Witchcraft. While the rituals still seem a bit ceremonial in places for the natural religion she is presenting in her Green Witchcraft books, the information presented herein is useful for anyone interested in following her path. It is also appears at first glance to be mostly free from the revisionist history and biases against other religions that marred many of the author's earlier books. If you are looking for a complete presentation of the practice of Green Witchcraft, this looks like the book you will want.
Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard | |
Author: Oberon Zell-RavenheartTrade Paperback, 372 pages
Publisher: New Page Books
Publication Date: February 2004
ISBN: 1564147118
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This is yet another book aimed at teens who have become interested in magick though the Harry Potter novels. Unlike the others I've seen, it skips the cuteness and is simply packed full of information (in fairly small print) on magick, Paganism, and related fields. From a quick glance, the information seems to be fairly accurate, useful, and often detailed (for a beginner book). While written for teens, the book does not seem to talk down to them. A huge amount of material is covered -- in an introductory manner -- in this book: divination, mythology spellcraft, Neo-Pagan history, ethics, herbs, nature, and more, as well mundane but useful things things like camping and basic astronomy. The book is divided into short lessons within courses. At first glance this book looks like an excellent book for Pagan teens (or even for adults who want a broader overview than the typical 101 book provides).
Progressive Witchcraft: Spirituality, Mysteries, and Training in Modern Wicca | |
Author: Janet Farrar and Gavin BoneTrade Paperback, 288 pages
Publisher: New Page Books
Publication Date: January 2004
ISBN: 1564147193
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From a first glance, it looks like Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone have written a book that is a bit more radical than the books Janet and Steward produced. It is a mixture analysis of how Wicca/Witchcraft has evolved and how they believe it will evolve in the future and practical information on how things in witchcraft actually work. This is one of those books that I can't say a lot about until I can carefully read it, but from looking through it, I suspect this book will stir up some controversy in the Wiccan and Pagan community. However, I am sure it will be well worth reading.
Handfasting and Wedding Ritual: Inviting Hera's Blessing | |
Author: Raven Kaldera and Tannin SchwartzsteinTrade Paperback, 288 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn
Publication Date: November 2003
ISBN: 0738704709
Price & More Info: Click Here
Handfasting and wedding ceremonies are some of the most important ceremonies in the average Pagan's life, yet there hasn't been much available in print to give couples and clergy ideas and guidance in planning a Pagan wedding ceremony. This book appears from a first glance to be an answer to a major need. It gives suggestions for planning, writing vows and rituals, and handling interfaith marriages and non-traditional couples. Sixteen full rituals are included and there are many more partial rituals. While certainly not perfect, this book appears to be well worth the price.
Putting the Tarot to Work | |
Author: Mark McElroyTrade Paperback, 233 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn
Publication Date: February 2004
ISBN: 073870444X
Price & More Info: Click Here
I'm breaking my rule against reviewing advance copies again. Mark McElroy does corporate training seminars and has a Tarot practice on the side. This book provides a unique look at using the Tarot in the business world. McElroy tells how he's used the Tarot to aid in career planning, brainstorming, job reviews, building business relationships, and even making presentations -- and he tells how you can do so with special spreads and case studies. With this book, you'll learn how to use the Tarot to get practical business insight -- and in today's economic climate, even a tiny bit of extra insight can make a big difference in the bottom line.
The New Encyclopedia of the Occult | |
Author: John Michael GreerTrade Paperback, 576 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn
Publication Date: November 2003
ISBN: 1567183360
Price & More Info: Click Here
This book is 576 pages of encyclopedic articles on western magick and occultism. While I have only looked at a few dozen articles thus far, I'm impressed with Greer's efforts as I picked subjects both prominent (like "Wicca") and obscure (like "electric fluid") and found them well-written and acceptably accurate for an encyclopedia. I suspect my full review will say that this book belongs on the shelf of everyone interested in magick, the occult, or modern Pagan religions, but there's no probably need to wait for the review to get your copy.
Tarot Tells the Tale: Explore Three-Card Readings Through Familiar Stories | |
Author: James RicklefTrade Paperback, 336 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn
Publication Date: November 2003
ISBN: 0738702722
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I don't usually review uncorrected proofs, but occasionally a book is so good that I break my own rule. Tarot Tells the Tale is a marvelous idea. One of the best ways to learn to read cards well is to see sample readings by an expert. This book provides 22 three card readings (and one longer celtic cross reading) for the questions of famous people in history, mythology, and fiction. The result is a wonderfully enjoyable book that provides many entertaining examples of how the cards work together in a reading, the way a professional reading handles questions, and the power of the simple three card reading. If you read Tarot cards, buy this book when it comes out.
The Sacred Magic of Ancient Egypt: The Spiritual Practice Restored | |
Author: Rosemary ClarkTrade Paperback, 448 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn
Publication Date: September 2003
ISBN: 1567181309
Price & More Info: Click Here
The first thing I noticed about this book is that it is not Egypt shoved into a Wiccan framework. It is apparently an attempt to provide the ancient rituals and practices of Egypt in English for modern use. I'm not an Egyptian historian or reconstructionist, so I cannot comment on its accuracy or authenticity, but many of the references in the bibliography are to scholarly books and journals which is a good sign. The book seems dense, but interesting, on first glance.
Polarity Magic: The Secret History of Western Religion | |
Author: Wendy Berg and Mike HarrisTrade Paperback, 384 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn
Publication Date: July 2003
ISBN: 0738703001
Price & More Info: Click Here
My first look at this book confuses me. Its subtitle, "The Secret History of Western Religion," sets off all sorts of alarm bells in my mind, especially when I look at the book's non-academic bibliography. However, the back cover describes the book as talking about the "secret history of sexuality" in the Western Magickal Tradition. I can't tell from a quick glance through the book which it really is. If Polarity Magic is about the Western Magickal Tradition, its authors look well-qualified. If it's another revisionist view of religious history, however, it probably isn't worth reading. Unfortunately, I will not know which it is until I read it. Watch for my full review.
Illuminations: Mystical Meditations on the Hebrew Alphabet : The Healing of the Soul | |
Author: Dolores Ashcroft-NowickiTrade Paperback, 360 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn
Publication Date: May 2003
ISBN: 0738701866
Price & More Info: Click Here
Doleres Ashcroft-Nowicki went though a "dark night of the soul" and worked her way through it by meditation and ritual work with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. She presents her techniques in this book. Like most hermetic techniques, it isn't something one can evaluate by glancing though a book, so I'll have to withhold any opinion until I read it. However, as Gareth Knight calls this book "the most important piece of writing" the author has done, I am expecting good things. As in the case with many hermetic systems, the Judeo-Christian base may make the system useless for some.