"She changes everything She touches" ritual and The Goddess
Written: Jun 08 '00 (Updated Sep 12 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: simply beautiful, explains everything in detail so it's suitable for a novice
Cons: may have too much of feminist leaning for some
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| jiastar's Full Review: Casting the Circle: Women's Book of Ritual |
I'll be blunt. This book is a collection of Goddess oriented Pagan rituals. It is primarily meant for women, but is not anti-men.
That being said. This book is both a wonderful introduction to ritual and a resource for the experienced Witch.
For the novice it gives some basics about the Goddess movement, creating and dedicating and altar, and basic ritual structure.
A ritual, as Diane Stein teaches, is comprised of 13 steps. These steps lead you through creating sacred space, the preparation and body of the ritual, ending the ritual, and leaving sacred space.
What is sacred space?
Sacred space is a term commonly used in many modern Pagan religions. It is, basically, a ceremony who's intent is to set aside as special a time and a place for the sacred. We (pagans) don't have "churches" - instead we worship in our homes, in our yards, out in the midst of nature. This ceremony form is meant to alter our frame of mind - much like putting on one's Sunday best before heading to church is part of the process.
Ms. Stein then goes on to share rituals which honor the phases of the moon(waxing, full and waning) and it's association with the menstrual cycle, the cycle of the seasons (8 holidays which mark the beginning and mid-point or peak of each), and the cycle of life.
It is the life-cycle rites which set this book apart in my eyes. Books on moern Wicca, Witchcraft, Goddess worship commonly include the lunar and seasonal rituals. But these are different. You will find rituals that celebrate/acknowledge: birth, first menses, marriage, pregnancy, menopause, death. Also covered are rites for blessing a new home, meeting spirit guides, and divorce.
The final chapter is a brief covering of candle magic (the use of candles as a focal point in a spell).
The book manages to be feminist, lesbian-friendly, and Goddess-oriented without any negative feelings toward men being expressed. They are appropriate for anyone, whether alone or with a group, who wishes to acknowledge the Divine Feminine within themselves or who wishes to honor the Goddess. The language and chants/songs are simply beautiful. Truly these rituals were written with great care and love. They can also be easily adapted to include imagry of a masculine God.
Whether you are a novice or an experienced Witch, Pagan, Wiccan, etc. you should read this book. Savor the beautiful language and let its poetry and ritual speak to your soul.
Recommended:
Yes
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jiastar
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Location: Monmouth County, NJ
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About Me:
A wife ... a mom ... and a Witch
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