Pagan Portals: Kitchen Witchcraft - a Review

I received a copy of this delightful little book so that I could write an honest review. These days I am starting to teach again and so I am on the lookout for books that could be helpful either in my studies or for the beginners coming my way. I truly enjoyed this little gem. It will be a lovely quick reference book for myself and a great book for the beginner.

For those who are new to any type of paganism or who are simply looking to expand their spiritual awareness, I feel it is important to have a wide variety of perspectives.  This is one I highly recommend to be a part of this spectrum. It has the basics covered in nice little lists that are easy to understand, and it has the great focus on the natural aspect.  That part alone leads me to suggest it may be good for a person who is interested in growing their spiritual practice towards being more in tune with nature. I say this meaning non-pagans who are simply open-minded & spiritual.  

I will say, as great as this book is, it should not be considered a book for the absolute beginner.  For example, it has a short section on spells, but it does not explain what a "spell" actually is or how it works.  I have come to view beginners books with an eye towards my fiance.  If I handed him this book, would he understand all that is explained here?  In this case, the answer is - not quite.  There are sections where basic information is assumed and certain things really need some explanation, but none is given. 

Overall, I would say this is a great book. It is full of useful information & has a friendly way of speaking to the reader.The meditations inside are perfect for a beginner and the lists are comprehensive yet not overly long.  This book is well suited for a variety of audience and a perfect

glimpse into the world of Kitchen Witchery. Yet another excellent addition to the Pagan Portals collection.

http://www.moon-books.net/books/pagan-portals-kitchen-witchcraft

The Woven Word - a Review

I was given a copy of this book to read and I was quite excited about it. I love to write invocations and other liturgy, so I was hoping to find some inspiration in this book.  I found the inspiration I was seeking and so mch more.

In the early pages there is a quote that perfectly sums this book up: Mahatma Gandhi said, “Carefully watch your thoughts, for they become your words. Manage and watch your words, for they will become your actions.”  So often this is forgotten by people when writing for rituals. I'm sure we all been in a ritual where one of the speakers says words that make us all cringe and wonder what sort of unintended effect they will create. Before beginning with the writings, the author takes plenty of time explaining this point as well as all other aspects that need to be kept in mind when writing ritual works. After all, writing is one thing but writing words of power is something else entirely.  

Included are so many wonderful chants and invocations for just about any circumstance you can think of.  All the standard parts of pagan ritual are included, as well as some not-so-standard.  Each chapter is not only full of writings, but has a short explanation of the type. About midway into the book, there is a section on meditations and journeys. Some are written in the more standard method, while others are more poetic.  These are so well written, I am already planning to use some in my Spirituality group. The typical rites of passage are covered, and in the same lovely way as all the other situations.  So often these rites are written in a very serious (and sometimes quite dry) way. The examples here are much more emotional and have the feel of something that people would truly enjoy and appreciate.  I generally dislike these rites when I find them written, but I was quite pleased with this section.A number of full rituals for other circumstances are included. I  was very pleased with the well-compiled section of correspondences.  It was clear yet full of more information than typically found in such a chapter.

When I first was sent this book, I had assumed it would be a somewhat useful book that may give me a bit of help in writing my own liturgy, something I am striving to get better at. I admit that while I was interested, I wasn't overly excited and I did put this review off in favor of some other books.  Now I wish I had opened this as soon as I received it.  I highly recommend The Woven Word to anyone who writes rituals or is seeking devotions to deepen their practice.  It is full of excellent material, highly inspirational and quite well-written.  I would go so far as to say this book belongs on the bookshelf of every pagan group and solitary.  There is so much in here I wish I'd had access to decades ago.  It would have made the development of my personal practice go so much better. There is no "junk" to fill out the pages, only useful information or beautifully written liturgy. This is certainly one of the best books I have read put out by Moon Books so far.  An absolute treasure.

http://www.moon-books.net/books/woven-word

Walking Away Can Take the Greatest Courage

How often do we hear that we are supposed to stand and fight? If someone discriminates against us, if we are bullied, if we are surrounded by cruel people, if we are in a situation that bothers us on a regular basis and so on.  No matter what is going on, we are told to stand and fight. otherwise we are a wimp, a wuss or a variety of other awful names. What if we didn't hold our ground? What if we just said "F*@# it" and walked away?  Is that really such a bad thing?

My regular readers know I have been in a leadership position at my place of worship for some time.  At first it was wonderful! I truly enjoy helping in such a way and that is why I am working towards ordination as Interfaith Clergy.  Sadly, for every person who was happy to have me leading in this way, there was another who had serious issue with it.  At first, they were quietly grumbling to each other. Lately it became a fight.  Daily.  I spent months fighting this and finally, a few days ago, I decided to walk away. No warning.  I just sent out a notice of resignation.

Some people think they won and got rid of me. Oh how happy they are! The knowing smirks, the laughter...  but that's ok.  I fought long and loud enough that I got the changes I wanted.  So, I quit.  This was not an easy decision.  Just like most of you, I have heard for all my life all the sayings about standing my ground, etc.  I simply ignored them.  Yes, I will still get those stupid little smirks directed at me for some time, but I am strong enough to ignore them.  The important thing here is that I got everything I wanted.

Does that seem strange?  Perhaps. Yet it's the absolute truth.  I got everything I wanted there and most importantly, I am doing what is best for myself. In the end, that's what we have to do. It is so easy to focus on everyone else and their wants and needs.  Women especially fall into that trap.  We try to help everyone else and make them happy often to the detriment of ourselves. I have done that for most of my life, but not long ago i realized I can't do that. I have a variety of disabling health issues that sap my energy and leave me in constant pain.  I fight it so that it's not always obvious even if it leaves me feeling worse. That comes from having it for most of my life. These days it's getting harder to hide. Spending plenty of time in reflection helped me see I have to stop.  I have to do what is best for me.

The question is... do I regret resigning? No. Not in the least.  I made more of a difference than people see right now, but I set into motion some great things that I am proud of. That was my goal.  Since resigning I feel so much better! Stress gets my body in even worse shape and the sudden removal of my largest source of stress has been incredibly good for me.  What's the moral of this story? Do what you need for yourself! There's nothing wrong with helping others, but don't do it to the point of causing your own self harm.  Then you aren't any good to anyone!

Keep safe in this winter weather and take care of yourselves!