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