Book Description
From birthday cakes and anniversary dinners to summer vacations at the beach, each family has its own ways of marking the days and seasons of its life. For the Christian family—especially Episcopalians—it's no different. With an array of colors and an assortment of rich traditions, Episcopalians move through the Church year, marking the days and seasons that tell the story of Christ in our lives—in history and today.
This book—written for newcomers to the Episcopal Church as well as lifelong members—takes readers by the hand and leads them through the Church year, from the first Sunday of Advent through the last Sunday of Pentecost, answering questions like "Why do we use purple in Lent?" and "What does Maundy Thursday mean?" In an easy-to-read conversational style, Welcome to the Church Year introduces readers to the traditions of the Church seasons and explains why we do what we do. But it does more than offer interesting trivia about church vestments and pageantry. Its insights can help readers participate in the liturgies of the Church year in a deeper, more meaningful way.
Customer Reviews:
Time after time..........2006-03-24
Time is a tricky thing to deal with theologically. There are elements of repetition, and elements of once-only. In our church experience, we look back on the once-only kinds of events (both historical and revelatory) through a cyclical pattern that has varying spans; perhaps the most significant is that of the church year, which follows the progress of the seasons, allowing for variation, but also adding stability to the way in which we as a community approach God and the narratives surrounding God's action in the world.
As Vicki Black states, there are two primary cycles in the church year. The first is the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany cycle, and the second is the Lent-Easter-Pentecost cycle. Traditionally, the church year is said to begin at the first Sunday of Advent. This day is always the fourth Sunday before Christmas; while Christmas is always December 25, the variability in the calendar means that the actual date for the beginning of Advent changes from year to year. This cycle continues through the Epiphany, after which 'ordinary' time takes place until the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. ('Ordinary' time refers to the fact that these weeks are numbered with ordinal numbers - second Sunday after Epiphany, etc., and not to the fact that they are outside any of the greater seasons of the church.)
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which falls on different dates in different years, dependent upon the date of Easter. Unlike Christmas, which is fixed on the calendar (which is the Roman solar calendar still in primary use in the world), Easter shifts from year to year, as it is pegged to the Jewish celebration of the Passover, which is governed by a lunar calendar. Lent lasts for 40 days (exclusive of Sundays) until Easter. Holy Week is technically a part of Lent, but has different colours and aspects as things go up to Easter; the Easter season continues until the feast of the Pentecost 50 days later, at which time the church goes into the second, longer period of 'ordinary' time, until the advent of the next Advent season.
Black discusses each of these six elements (Advent-Christmas-Epiphany and Lent-Easter-Pentecost) in separate chapters, along with a special chapter on Holy Week, and an introductory chapter. Black's development is personal, in that she discusses how she incorporates this into her family with her husband and son; she also allows for variations of practice in different parishes and dioceses. There is a minimum of technical language here - the text is very accessible, yet doesn't 'talk down' to the reader. It is both engaging and inviting.
The book can be used by a discussion group at the church - despite the division into eight chapters, it could easily be used as a Lenten discussion book or for an inquirer's class to learn aspects of the church year. There are potential discussion questions listed at the back of each chapter. The book itself is rather short and easily read in a short time, but can be useful as a reference throughout the year, too.
This is part of a series by Morehouse Press, which also includes 'Welcome to the Book of Common Prayer' (also by Vicki Black), 'Welcome to Sunday' and 'Welcome to the Episcopal Church' (both by Christopher Webber). All of these books are great as introductions to the ways (sometimes mysterious) Episcopalians do things in church - useful for newcomers as well as life-long members who might never have learned the 'why' behind what the church does.
The Mystery of Christ in Time.......2006-01-01
This book is a wonderful introduction to the ways that Episcopalians/Anglicans both celebrate and remember the redemptive work of God in Jesus and then in the Holy Spirit. It is a short work that is easy to read, and includes discussion questions at the end of each chapter, making it idea for small-group discussions inside and outside of church.
Vicki Black is a deaconess in the Episcopal Church, USA. She writes as a fellow Christian on the way, as well as someone who has truly lived the Church Year and pondered its meaning deeply in her heart. One of the most personal elements of the book, however, is that she also writes as the mother of two young boys. Throughout the book she discusses different ways that she and her husband have sought to make the different feasts and fasts intelligible to her elder son (who was 5 years old at the time this book was written) so that, rather than being diverted by Santa Clause and the Easter bunny, he might see Christ more clearly.
There are seven seasons in the Church Year: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter to Pentecost, and Pentecost/Trinity. At the heart of it all is the belief that Christmas did not simply happens 2,000 years ago, but happens now, "in the mystery of God choosing to dwell within humankind, a mystery that transcends all time" (p. 5). While discussing the seasons, Black discusses the development of both universal and local traditions, the history behind the seasons, the current liturgy in the Episcopal Church, USA, as well the Biblical readings and themes that permeate each season. A truly holistic worldview emerges.
I began reading this book shortly before Christmas Eve (so, while still in the season of Epiphany), and just finished it today, December 31, 2005. While America as a secular nation will celebrate tomorrow as "New Year's Day", I learned that in the Western Church, we celebrate tomorrow as the "Feast of the Holy Name". While in the secular arena, Christmas is just one day, I learned that for Christians, Christmas is a season that lasts for 12 days: from Christmas day to Epiphany (Jan. 6).
What has been opened up for me in reading this book is a sense that regardless of whatever national days or natural seasons are going on around me, there is a "higher" time that constantly is turning to God's own redemptive activity. It both fills the heart and the mind.
Average customer rating:
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Eternity Today: On the Liturgical Year : Sunday, Lent, the Three Days, the Easter Season, Ordinary Time
Martin Connell
Manufacturer: Continuum International Publishing Group
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ASIN: 0826418732 |
Book Description
Creating Circles and Ceremonies is the accumulation of decades of circles, ceremonies, rituals, Mystery plays, initiations, rites of passage, and other magickal workings co-created by the Zell-Ravenhearts, today's foremost Wizard/Witch couple.
For more than 30 years, Oberon and Morning Glory have traveled widely throughout the worldwide magickal community—participating in gatherings, conducting workshops, and creating rituals for groups large and small. They have met and made Magick with the leaders of many traditions: Celtic Shamanism, British Dianic, Italian Strega, Welsh Witchcraft, Faerie Trad, Ceremonial Magick, Ozark Druidry, the New Reformed Order of the Golden Dawn (NROOGD), Hinduism, Native American tribes, Greek and Egyptian mythology, and the futuristic Church of All Worlds.
Here, in one easy-to-read volume, is their collection of chants, invocations, circle-castings, quarter-callings, spells, and ceremonies. It is also a "kit" to use to assemble your own rituals, for any season or reason:
Book I presents a basic ritual outline. Each element is followed by numerous examples which may be "plugged in" to customize your own ceremony.
Book II gives numerous examples of actual ceremonies: Esbats (full Moons) and special occasions; Rites of Passage; Mysteries and Initiations; spells and consecrations. These can be adapted and modified as needed for any size group—from small family gatherings in your living room, to huge outdoor celebrations involving thousands of people.
Book III provides an assortment of full rituals and ritual elements for celebrations of the eight great seasonal festivals called the Wheel of the Year. Versions of these have been commemorated for millennia in most traditional cultures of the Northern Hemisphere; and today are universal throughout the worldwide Pagan community.
Customer Reviews:
If I could have only one..........2007-08-03
If I was going to be stranded on a desert island and the Fates ordained that I could only have one Pagan book there is absolutely no doubt that this would be the ONE. It is so power-packed with information, lots of nifty line drawings, and all is written in such an enjoyable style. It's by far the best Pagan book I own and one that I refuse to be without.
VERY HELPFUL.......2007-07-04
I am really enjoying this book. I wish there were more out there like this. I have several of the authors sculptures and found the same attention to detail within the the pages of the book. I highly reccomend it to anyone interested in Wicca/Witchcraft. It give real information about many subjects that are not often written about. It was a joy to find some of the older and well remembered rites and stories within.
An Invaluable Resource.......2007-05-19
This is an incredible resource for anyone who is organizing, conducting or writing a ritual. I had always been a solitaire, but when I was asked to perform a sabbat ritual for a group of beginners, I jumped on the opportunity. Because my own personal rituals were highly impromptu, I knew the group ritual needed more structure. I shopped for a few good books, and I am very glad I bought this one. I highly recommend it for both beginners and those with more experience. It's not a book you would necessarily read from cover to cover (although you could), but is more of a useful collection of writings you can turn to every time you wish to create a ritual.
Great book!.......2007-04-11
This book is the ultimate guide to the solitary. It can be quite difficult to organize your family celebrations without the aid and expertise of a priest/ess. This book helps me to create rituals and circles that the whole family can participate in (children and Christians alike) at a level that everyone is capable and comfortable with. It has also been a great help in organizing my private ceremonies. Even when there is no reason to cast a circle or perform a ceremony the book contains a great deal of daily inspiration. It's truely herbal tea for the pagan soul.
A Compendium of Ritual Lore.......2006-11-10
Creating Circles & Ceremonies
By Oberon & Morning Glory Zell-Ravenheart
New Page Books, 2006
Review by Anodea Judith
Oberon Zell-Ravenheart and his wife, Morning Glory, have done it at last. Compiling decades of experience in creating rituals and ceremonies for all occasions, from the celebrations of the seasons to blessing your dinner or a new home, this book will provide ideas, information, theory, and practice to bring a sense of the sacred into everyday life.
Author of the acclaimed Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard, Oberon has written a Pagan bible that every practitioner of magic and ritual will want to have on a shelf within easy reach. With spells, chants, invocations, herbal recipes, and more, you won't want to go through a moon cycle without using this book.
From my many years of working together with this magical couple in the Church of All Worlds, I am delighted that our vast treasury of Pagan liturgy has finally been written down. Collected from many contributors, this compilation brings together the best of the Pagan community in poetry and song, innovation and invocation, including our Magic 101 class that was offered for many years as a primer in magical training.
The wealth of information herein is divided into three smaller sections. Book I, "The Magic Circle" outlines the basic theory and practice of creating ceremonies, such as creating sacred space, calling the quarters, invoking spirits, deities, or helpers, and basic ritual etiquette. Book II, "Rites and Rituals" describes ceremonies for all occasions, including rites of passage, marriages, and initiations. Book III: "Wheel of the Year" then applies these principles to the eight seasonal holidays that mark the solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter days of the year. The final Appendices contain information you will use as a reference for years to come.
Lavishly illustrated with Oberon's unique artwork, this book is destined to be as classic a book for ritual recipes as "The Joy of Cooking" was to the culinary world.
Anodea Judith, author of Wheels of Life, and Waking the Global Heart
Customer Reviews:
A rich resource for any pilgrim.......2006-08-03
Nouwen wrote as he spoke, so simple and yet so profound. Michael Ford has done us a great service in compliling Houwen's writings into the framework of the liturgical year. Those who follow the year will have rich food for their journey, but the book is not just for them. It offers anyone who wants to dig deeper into the Christian life a real companion on their travels.
Year-round Reflections for Individuals and Groups.......2004-08-04
Eternal Seasons gathers, for the first time, selections for an entire liturgical year from 40 books written by Henri Nouwen, who lived and prayed the liturgical year as a way of connecting with the great mysteries of our faith. Michael Ford presents the writings in nine sections: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Pentecost, Transfiguration, and Recollection. Each section consists of an introduction and a collection of passages focused on a feast or saint commemorated during the given season. This resource is suitable for personal and group use. An group leader could open to any page within the appropriate seasonal section and find a short quote from Nouwen guaranteed to lead to a meaningful discussion.
An ideal introduction for a whole new generation.......2004-07-09
Compiled and edited by journalist, lecturer, and broadcaster Michael Ford, Eternal Seasons: A Liturgical Journey With Henri J.M. Nouwen showcases a series of sermons on the great mysteries of the Christian Faith . Drawn from his forty books, Here are the late Henri Nouwen's responses to the spiritual seasons that, in their entirety, cover the entire liturgical year. Eternal Seasons is an ideal introduction for a whole new generation of Christian readers to Nouwen's thought and insights, and will engage a desire on the part of those readers to seek out Nouwen's earlier writings.
Book Description
The multiple winner of the most coveted prizes for mystery fiction, Margaret Maron is back with a new tale featuring her perennially popular sleuth Judge Deborah Knott. Only days away from her wedding to Deputy Sheriff Dwight Bryant, Judge Deborah Knott has more than enough worries to keep her busy. With her sisters-in-law dissecting every detail of the ceremony, her brothers making book on whether her very pregnant matron of honor will be in the church or in labor, her house torn up by carpenters and plumbers, and Dwight's young son expected for Christmas, Deborah doesn't need a murder on her wedding plate as well-but that's exactly what she gets......
Customer Reviews:
Very good.......2007-01-11
I always enjoy this books I think that I have read every one of the Debrah Knott series, I enjoy the friendships and trouble that she always seems to get into. The mysteries are always intriguing and keep you interested in whatever is going on, and your always trying to guess who do it.
A Family Story.......2006-08-01
In Rituals of the Season, Margaret Maron focuses largely on family- Deborah Knott's huge, extended family and her new family with her upcoming wedding to Dwight Bryant. There is a mystery involving the shooting of an Assistant district Attorney, and another mystery involving the conviction of a local woman who was sentenced to Death Row for clubbing her stepson to death with a softball bat. However, these are peripheral to the hustle and bustle surrounding a Christmas wedding.
I did find myself getting lost in the numerous cast of characters many times-- Maron helpfully put a family tree type chart at the beginning of the book showing all of Deborah's brothers and their families but the chart did not account for all the cousins and aunts and uncles and friends and other attorneys and sheriff's department personnel-- I had to constantly flip pages back to figure out who anybody was.
Other than that, it's an enjoyable book-- although it's really not much of a mystery.
Not Really a Mystery but Still Enjoyable.......2006-08-01
Rituals of the Season by Margaret Maron is more a "slice of life" novel about family and about Deborah Knott's upcoming wedding to Dwight Bryant than it is a mystery novel. Nevertheless it is a comfortable read with a strong insight into life in a large southern family as well as a small community where everybody knows everybody. There is the shooting of an Assistant District Attorney and an old murder involving someone on Death Row, but both of these are merely window dressing for Deborah's exploration of her past and her future life with Dwight.
Find yourself a nice rainy day when you are lonesome for family and curl up in a chair by the fireplace to enjoy this one. It'll make you feel as tough you've come home.
Not her best, but still enjoyable........2006-06-26
Judge Deborah Knott is in the middle of plans for her wedding to Deputy Sheriff Dwight Bryant a little more than a week away. When the Assistant DA is killed from a gunshot while driving her car, secrets about the woman are uncovered, questions about the guilt of a woman on death row about to be executed are raised and the possible involvement of a fellow officer are suspect.
Maron does a wonderful job conveying the atmosphere and relationships of a small Southern town. I particularly love the dialogue with the local vernacular. She also handled the possible ethical problems of the relationship of a judge and a police officer well. Although I understand the reason for it, I didn't care for the switch between the first- and third-person points of view. At times, I did feel the mystery is almost lost in the wedding plans and the family. It's not, in my view, her best book, but it is still an interesting read and enjoyable addition to the series.
Hope this isn't a trend.......2005-12-09
To date, the series has been told from Deborah's (first-person) point-of-view. Just under halfway through this one, the author abruptly (on audio particularly!) switches to an omniscient narrator. It becomes clear that she needs to do this in order to present information Deborah would not know until later (if at all); for the balance of the novel, the "voice" alternates. I hope that this is a one-off tactic, and fear that the series will become Deborah-and-Dwight co-mysteries. Ugh.
Another review brought up the race angle, which struck me as gratuitous in many places in describing minor characters. I don't have access to a print copy to quote exactly, but there was one passage where Deborah comments on an African-American character's hair by saying that it was [again, from memory] "tighter than Portland's." Is Portland black? That comment added to the jolting race-obsession in this book.
I'm awaiting the next installment to see how Maron manages a married protagonist. Also, Deborah's career. As the Triangle exurbs move out to Colleton County, filling up with new voters, being a well-connected Yellow Dog Democrat isn't going to be so helpful in the next (now non-partisan as Deborah informs the reader) election.
Average customer rating:
- TOO VAGUE
- Review fraud
- A Gift
- A Guide to Exploring our Native Cultures
- A great read, although not very practical
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American Indian Healing Arts: Herbs, Rituals, and Remedies for Every Season of Life (Healing Arts)
E. Barrie Kavasch , and
Karen Baar
Manufacturer: Bantam
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0553378813
Release Date: 1999-04-20 |
Amazon.com
Throughout their history, the American Indians have healed with rituals using herbs, fungi, and other natural materials. They have valued as sacred the spiritual side of life and their connection to the earth. Their medicine has always been holistic, treating the body and spirit as one and illness as a sign of imbalance. Now we can benefit from American Indian wisdom with American Indian Healing Arts: Herbs, Rituals, and Remedies for Every Season of Life. This book is organized by the stages of life, presenting different tribal perspectives on the significance of each, with ceremonies and healing rituals (songs, prayers, botanicals). The book includes more than 60 recipes for treating health problems and other needs, from "cramp bark tea" to "marigold-calendula deodorant cream." There are also directions for making tonics, ointments, tooth powders, and digestive remedies, and illustrations consisting of leaf-rubbings of 80 plants. Besides learning to use American Indian remedies, you learn fascinating facts about their ceremonies. The Navajo celebrate not only birth, but the infant's first smile and first laugh, for example. An Apache girl celebrates first menstruation by running and dancing for four days (guided and massaged by an elder woman). If you're interested in alternative healing, or intrigued by American Indian culture, this book will add to your knowledge. --Joan Price
Book Description
American Indian Healing Arts is a magical blend of plant lore, history, and living tradition that draws on a lifetime of study with native healers by herbalist and ethnobotanist E. Barrie Kavasch.
Here are the time-honored tribal rituals performed to promote good health, heal illness, and bring mind and spirit into harmony with nature. Here also are dozens of safe, effective earth remedies--many of which are now being confirmed by modern research.
Each chapter introduces a new stage in the life cycle, from the delightful Navajo First Smile Ceremony (welcoming a new baby) to the Apache Sunrise Ceremony (celebrating puberty) to the Seminole Old People's Dance.
At the heart of the book are more than sixty easy-to-use herbal remedies--including soothing rubs for baby, a yucca face mask for troubled skin, relaxing teas, massage oils, natural insect repellents, and fragrant smudge sticks. There are also guidelines for assembling a basic American Indian medicine chest.
Customer Reviews:
TOO VAGUE.......2005-08-19
I found this book to lack depth and explanation. It vaguely lists certain herbs and plants that are of a healing nature, but the true content I was looking for was not here. I wanted more in-depth remedies for particular ailments, where this book applies certain remedies to a very hazy and small range of problems. I was also looking for a guide to ritualistic traditions rather than unmeasurable herbal concoctions.
Review fraud.......2004-12-14
The Institute for American Indian Studies did not review this book. The attributed review originated with the author.
A Gift.......2001-11-25
I've always had the fantasy of becoming an apprentice to a gifted Native American medicine woman--that is until reading "American Indian Healing Arts" by E. Barrie Kavasch and Karen Baar, when my fantasy became a reality. This book is rich with history, accurate herbal information, great medicinal recipes presented in an easy to follow format. "American Indian Healing Arts" is wonderfully reflective of Native American spiritual practices especially in its attention to rites of passage and stages of life. The tender manner with which the information is presented is welcoming, encouraging, inclusive and heartwarming--bound to lead many an apprentice down the path of pursuing greater understanding of Native American medicine.
A Guide to Exploring our Native Cultures.......2001-08-12
I found this book exciting to read. It is filled with traditions of Native Americans and gives us recipes for herbs and rituals to try. If you are looking to expand your knowledge of American Indial Healing Arts, this is the book to help you on your way.
A great read, although not very practical.......2000-08-24
This book has beautiful artwork both inside and out. What I liked the most were the different prayers and rituals that are described in rich detail. I found that if you do not have direct knowledge of herbs and how to identify and obtain them, that this book will not be of much use to you.
Book Description
Unique among books about the Wiccan Sabbats, Celebrating the Seasons of Life: Samhain to Ostara takes a different approach to explaining the holidays by taking an in-depth look at half of the Wheel of the Year. Rather than dissecting each holiday, Ashleen's goal is to take a broader look at them, explaining how and why we celebrate each, along with how the celebration of one leads to the next. The first of two new titles from Ashleen offers a vision of the holidays we celebrate from October to March. This book covers each holiday by first giving us its history and original customs, then explaining its place in modern life. Stories are shared for each Sabbat to reconnect us with our lore and bring new meaning to current practice. Ashleen includes ideas for rituals that are ideal for practicing solitaries, covens, or Wiccan families, with special sections on what children of various ages are ready to learn about these holidays.
Customer Reviews:
In-depth holiday lore and ritual.......2005-10-28
Ashleen O'Gaea has written another original book here. Once again this author has broken out of the tried and true formats of Wicca 101 books to deliver a unique and useful book.
The book, subtitled Lore, Rituals, Activities and Symbols, delivers exactly what it promises on its cover. In its few hundred pages we are treated to an in-depth look at the holiday, its origins from a historical viewpoint and the customs as they pertain to today's practices. This book focuses on the first half of the Wheel of the Year. (This fall will see the publication of the sister book for the final four Sabbats.)
I have found many other books that contain Holy Day celebrations to be less than useful for my particular situation. Since I have a family, solitary solutions for ritual don't work, and as we are too small to be a coven, neither does group ritual. However, contained in this book's pages are rituals that are directed toward the solitary, the family or the coven practice. Even if none of the rest of this book is used, the cost of purchase is well covered just by this feature alone.
But the rituals themselves are just a small part of the wealth of information contained between the covers. There are ideas for crafts and a few yummy looking recipes. There are also suggestions for holiday related activities that can be used no matter what your age or coven affiliations. Plus, the book is written in such a way that the reader is truly inspired in the understanding of how each Sabbat ties into the one before and after.
I found the book well written and easy to read. Even an old Pagan like me found a few tidbits among the pages that added to my knowledge and deepened my understanding of the Holy Days. I would recommend this book for any Wiccan's library, beginner or long-term practioner.
W. Lyon Martin Author/Illustrator of "An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child"
Good for Pagan Parents, too..........2004-10-19
I have several of Ms. O'Gaea's books, all of which are givin a parenting slant. With so few books on pagan parenting, I love her writing style, it is very personable and she is extremely knowledgable.
"Samhain to Ostara" is a unique book among all the other books on the Sabbats out there... instead of rehashing all the stuff previously beaten to death in other books, Ms. O'Gaea instead goes deeper and explores the meaning of these sabbats to us in modern times.
What really piques my interest, is near the end, where Ms. O'Gaea categorizes things to teach about each Sabbat to children, grouped by their ages. Very useful!! I can hardly wait to get my hands on "Beltane to Mabon"!!
All in all, this book is a fantastic addition to my library!
Includes recipes and other creative touches of celebration.......2004-10-10
A simply wonderful addition to New Age Studies reading lists in general, and Wicca reference collections in particular, Celebrating Celebrating The Seasons Of Life: Samhain To Ostara by Ashleen O'Gaea (a founding board member emeritus of the Tucson Area Wiccan-Pagan Network and Senior Corresponding Priestess for the Neo-Pagan prison ministry Mother Earth Ministries) superbly presents an informed and informative introduction to the ancient lore, metaphysical rituals, Wiccan symbols, and spirituality enhancing exercises associated with primeval celebrations as Samhain (October 31st), Yule (December 21st), Imbolc (February 2nd), Ostara (March 21st), and others high holy occasions in the nature worshiping seasonal calendars. Very highly recommended and enhanced with easy-to-follow Circle casting directions for groups and individuals, Celebrating The Seasons Of Life also includes recipes and other creative touches of celebration.
A look at the Interconnectedness of the Wheel of the Year.......2004-09-23
For those who may be unfamiliar with Ashleen O'Gaea, she is a founding board member emeritus of the Tuscon Area Wiccan-Pagan Network and board member and senior Corresponding Priestess for Mother Earth Ministries-ATC, a Neo-Pagan prison ministry. In this book she presents a handbook on how and why we celebrate our Sabbats.
This book, the first of two, covers Samhain, Yule, Imbolc and Ostara. Our calendar, being round instead of linear, as she explains "...allows everyone seated to see everyone else and keeps anyone's positions at the table from being more important than anyone else's, so does Wicca's round calendar, the Wheel, let us see the relationship of each Sabbat to the others, and keep any from being more significant than any other."
Rather than trying to explore, as many other books have, the origins and picking apart the meanings, Ms. O'Gaea instead focuses on what the holiday actually means, to us, now. Each Sabbat is broken down into four parts: Lore, Rituals, Activities and Symbols. What is also interesting is that Ms. O'Gaea compares these celebrations in what she calls the 'big three' Neo-Pagan religions: Druidism, Asatru and Wicca.
In Lore, Ms. O'Gaea explores how past traditions have been translated into modern day practices, and how each one of the Sabbats interacts with the other Sabbats. As in Samhain, she discusses this third of the three harvest festivals we celebrate in relation to the others, and to the Sabbat that follows. Each holiday is linked to the previous, and is a key part of the next one. She also discusses the Lore of the three Neo-Pagan religions, and how it may blend and how different aspects have been incorporated.
In Rituals, Ms. Gaea gives us specific rituals, explains their meaning, their applications, and you are given a very well rounded look at the Rituals of the three religions. She also discusses how some of these Rituals can also borrow from other religious practices.
Activities takes from our current practices. They range from traditional foods and how to make them, to practices and how to make tools specific to those practices. Corn dolly, plates for the ancestors, Runes, egg dying; there are many activities that are easy to do, good to eat and have some very interesting associations to the holidays celebrated. Some of these projects are family oriented, while others can be solitary projects.
Finally, we have symbols. The symbols range from specific tools, to written symbols, to food and song. Ms. O'Gaea examines many of the modern day symbols and their associations to Gods and Goddess, the seasons, nature and the religion.
The book has a chapter called Conclusion, and she states, as is obvious, that this first book can not properly be concluded as it only covers four of the Sabbats and the remaining four are needed to draw the Wheel of the Year together. And she sums that up nicely with a quote from "The Way of Wyrd" where Wulf says to Brand "It is a mistake to assume that events far apart in time are thereby separate. All things are connected as in the finest web of a spider. The slightest movement on any thread can be discerned from all points on the web."
Ms. O'Gaea successfully proves that point, in my opinion, with this book. Each Sabbat on the Wheel of the Year is woven with the rest of the Sabbats. Each Sabbat has an effect on the next and relies on the previous one to give each other substance. Which is why we refer to our calendar as a Wheel.
She also makes a good argument for all the Northern European based or Celtic Based Neo-Pagan religions having similarities in their celebrations and her comparison of these celebrations draws some interesting possible conclusions.
The material is easy to read, well put together and organized. Her bibliography is interesting as some of the references are unusual and interesting. The chapters are well defined, keeping to the material discussed and there is an index for easy reference.
I enjoyed this book, found it a good primer in celebration the Wheel of the year, as opposed to just knowing about them, and I am looking forward to the second book which covers the other four holidays. boudica
Book Description
This second volume of Celebrating the Seasons of Life: Beltane to Mabon explores Wicca's relationship with other religions. Wicca is the largest and best-known Neo-Pagan religion, but it is not the only one-Northern Paganism (Asatru) and Druidry share its traditions. Do you know which Runes are associated with Summer Sabbats? Are you aware of the Druid associations with them? Celebrating the Seasons of Life acknowledges these links and incorporates material designed to emphasize these religions' shared heritage. The stories of the Sabbats help us to reconnect with our lore and bring new meaning and twists to our current practices, in a variety of ways. Celebrating the Seasons of Life gives us the history of each holiday and explains its place in modern life. Through it, you can discover a variety of rituals that are ideal for covens, solitaries, and Wiccan families-including special sections on what children of various ages are ready to learn about these holidays: * Beltane (May 1st) * Litha (June 21st) * Lammas (August 1st) * Mabon (September 21st)
Customer Reviews:
An interesting perspective on the Wheel of the Year.......2004-11-19
I think, after reading both of these books (Book One covers Samhain to Ostara), the author sums up the Wheel of the Year and it's approach to our spirituality very nicely with these words:
"The more things change, the more things stay the same." Have you heard that before? Sure you have. I think that turning it around makes it even more true from Wicca's perspective: "The more things stay the same, the more they change." This is certainly true in the way Wicca celebrates the season of life. Even when we conduct our Sabbats with the same script every years, whether we read it or memorize it, even when we meet in the same place at the same time and bring to our feasts the same foods, we are not reliving old moments, we are living new ones."
Ashleen O'Gaea presents in her second book on the "Seasons of Life" her perspectives and her connections of Beltane to Mabon. The book is laid out as her previous one, with the Sabbats listed, and each having four "chapters" each on Lore, Rituals, Activities and Symbols.
Each holiday is explored not so much from the history and origins, but from the present day aspects of the holiday; how it is celebrated today. She examines some background to the holiday and how that has become part of the celebrations we have today. She examines the Sabbat in it's connection to the previous Sabbat and the next. The main purpose here is to look at and explore the interconnectedness of each of these holidays, how they relate with each other; you can not separate each from the other.
Again, too, Ms. O'Gaea explores modern rituals. We have traditional rituals, like the Maypole dance, and we have children's rituals, such as the Morning Ritual for Two Year Olds (and inner children). There are rituals for Covens and for Solitaries and even a notation on working with non-pagans in ritual. And then there is my favorite, the "Consecration for Sunscreen" which will prevent "burnt offerings" during summer rituals.
Activities looks at those things we do which connect us with these holidays. Fairy flags at Beltane, Sun Wheels for Litha, recipies for blueberry corn muffins for Lammas and mushroom and barley soup for Mabon. There are many more activities and recipes, and each is appropriate to the season.
There is also the symbolism within the "big three" pagan religions (Druid, Asatru and Wicca) and these Sabbast and Ms. Ogaea presents some interesting connections. We have Fairy Rings at Beltane, Druid Fire for Litha, Wiccan Bread for Lammas and Runes at Mabon.
The two books together present an interesting and sometimes challenging look at the seasonal Wheel of the Year, and life, and give some food for thought about how we celebrate, live, embrace and discover the seasons each year. We are given a wide open look at who we are now, rather than were we came from. We see how we have adapted from many sources, and how we have incorporated those things which help us to connect to the earth, the seasons and our chosen spiritualities both as individuals and as groups.
This is a lovely set of books, easy to read and providing many chances to consider, ponder and discover what our spirituality is and what we mean when we say "Celebrating the Seasons of Life". boudica
I am so bummed!.......2004-10-14
I had been looking forward to the two Wheel of the Year books by Ashleen O'Gaea and am extremely disappointed with them. The author is not working with the traditional Wheel of the Year as celebrated in the United States. Lughnasadh is referred to as the beginning of Autumn (instead of the Equinox), Beltane is the beginning of Summer, etc. It was surprising/confusing when she stated that that Mabon is mid-Autumn rather than the beginning of Autumn. This is the only place I have *ever* read that - and I read a lot of books! Her calendar is definitely not standard to traditional Wiccan Wheel of the Year rites. Maybe they are standard for Astatru but it should be clearly noted that Nordic seasons are different so their seasonal calendar is different. However, what really turned me off was when the author stated that she is troubled with words like "sacrifice" (too closely related to B movies) and "offerings" (the reason why is not clear). Let's just sugar-coat all pagan verbage! I know that she writes family-friendly books but this is not the Victorian period where we rewrite stories to make them more acceptable. I have not decided whether to keep or sell the books. I am so bummed!
Book Description
Circling the Jewish calendar from Rosh Hashanah to Tisha B'Av, this lively, accessible guide includes rituals, recipes, songs, prayers, and suggestions for new approaches to holiday observance.
"A wonderful blend of information and innovation that will help readers find both traditional and new meaning in the Jewish holidays." —Judith Plaskow, author of Standing Again at Sinai
Customer Reviews:
Understanding Jewish Holidays.......2007-06-09
The circle of life and the holidays we celebrate, are exquistely explained in specific detail by "Seasons of Our Joy". Jewish customs and history become more meaningful when Arthur Waskow writes. Whether one is steeped in Judaism or just learning one can fully appreciate these ancient ways.
Seasons of our Joy.......2005-08-10
A terrific overview of the year in realtion to the Jewish Holidays! The explanations are direct, yet go into the deeper meaning of the holidays and how they relate to the seasons and to history. A great buy for educators wanting to understand the Jewish Holidays.
Good Ideas But A Dry Writing Style.......2002-02-11
I have an earlier version of this book which was copyrighted in 1982. There is plenty of good information about the more common Jewish holidays with some mentions of more minor ones. Each chapter is pretty well structured with a summary of each holiday's origins, preapration steps, prayers and customs on the day, new approaches, and food affiliated with each special day.
Although there is some good information within the chapters, it is not the easiest read as the author could summarize the basic points of each holiday more succintly. Also, the author's writing style has a very dry style with little style to cause the reader to be overly intrigued. A few unusual customs were learned here and there. However, the Omer Period discussion leaves some questions. The recipes described are a nice light touch to an otherwise matter of beleif account of the Jewish Holidays. The gloassary and bibliographies are pretty good.
Again, the goal of the Season Of Our Joy was to explain the meaning behind the Jewish Holidays. Jews who have an extensive foundation of their reglion may be able to get more out of Waskow's analysis. But those individuals who are trying to renew their interest in Judiasm may be a bit lost.
connection to.......2000-11-28
I love the discussions of the connection to natural cycles. For years I felt disconnected from Judaism, and was fed by earth-based European pagan and Native American spiritual practices. Seasons of Our Joy helped me in beginning to explore earth-based practices within Judaism
My favorite book for exploring the Jewish spiritual cycle.......1999-11-06
After almost a decade of living with this book, it remains my favorite for entering the Jewish cycle of observance and celebration. I return to it over and over as a source for creative, meaningful and deeply spiritual ways of participating in Jewish life. The guidance given in this book penetrates the practices and rituals, to allow me to embrace the essence of Jewish spirituality. The book gives an historical context for the days of observance as well as innovative approaches to their celebration. It is a treasure and I give it as a gift when people convert to Judaism, become a bar or bat mitzvah or when they seek a deeper understanding of Judaism.
Book Description
THE FEASTS OF ISRAEL: Many of the Bible's most incredible prophecies about Christ are intricately woven into the Jewish holidays and feasts of the Old Testament. That's where you'll find little-known yet astounding pictures of Christ's deity, His death and resurrection, and even His Second Coming. You'll discover that much of what Jesus said and did—which seems mysterious to us today—suddenly makes complete sense. Don't miss any part of the greatest story ever told.
Customer Reviews:
A Real Feast of A Book.......2007-03-15
I have read a number of books on the feasts. Each having information about the feasts the other books didn't include, I have enjoyed them all.
This book was my favorite of them all. No, the feasts are not just some boring Old Testament stories. They are picutes of what the the Father (Yahweh is his Hebrew name) and his son, our Messiah, our doing throughout history. And the feasts aren't just for the Jewish people.
They are for those believers who have been grafted into spiritual Israel as well. So if you have been wanting to better understand the Old Testament passages of Scripture that describe the feasts, this book will certainly assist you in that goal.
Examines Biblical Text, Customs, Prophetic & Theological Too.......2005-04-15
If you have never studied the Old Testament Feasts, you might think they would make for dull study. I did for many years. But I have found this one of the most fascinating areas to study in the entire Bible! This book is a great place to begin.
This fine work is great for a general read or as a useful tool for Bible teachers. It is written from a solidly evangelical perspective, the kind of viewpoint we expect from the publisher, Friends of Israel. It is clear and thorough but not tedious. It describes the natue of the 7 Feasts of Leviticus as well as the Sabbath and the Minor Feasts.
The author begins with and always considers himself accountable to the Bible. Additionally he explains the Jewish customs and understanding of the Festivals, and then demonstrates how some of the aspects of the festivals foreshadow the Messiah or New Testament truths.
The volume is filled with Scripture references (and thus well documented) and takes a respectful approach toward the Jewish roots of our Chrisitan beliefs, as well as a belief that God has a future for the nation of Israel.
Lots of solid doctrine. The insights and implications of the Feasts are a fascinating read for anyone dedicated to understanding the faith of the Bible or growing deeper in the Lord.
My only gripe is that the author follows the traditional Jewish practice of lumping the first three Levitical feasts together: Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits (since they occur within the same week). Separate treatment would have been better in my view. But, all in all, a fine, faith-building volume!
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