Celebrate the Goddess in YOU
Written: Jun 09 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: a wonderful collection of works by experienced women in the Women's Spirituality movement
Cons: you will want to immidiately go out and buy other books by these women
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| jiastar's Full Review: Goddess Celebrates : An Anthology of Women's Ritua... |
Diane Stein has edited a wonderful collection of articles and rituals written by some of the most popular names in the modern Goddess movement today. Within these pages find works by Starhawk, author of "Spiral Dance"; Shekinah Mountainwater, author of "Ariadne's Thread"; and many others.
This is a unique book in that it is the only book I've seen on Women's Spirituality which was a compilation of different author's works. It is a great way to see how different women from different traditions view this Path. It is a wonderful introduction to a Goddess oriented belief system as well as a nice adjunct to other books on the same topic.
Each ritual has a different purpose and each article a different flavor. Each of the women in this book bring something invaluable to the person who reads it.
Z Budapest shares her personal experiences when teaching groups of women about ritual. This article not only provides a basic introduction to ritual format but it's done in such a friendly conversational tone that you don’t realize you're learning.
Marion Weinstein talks about magic and the Goddess and Witchcraft in a down to earth almost humorous tone. I feel almost as if I am sitting down to coffee (or perhaps herbal tea) with her and sharing our innermost thoughts.
Norma Joyce talks about ritual again. However with gentle guidance she explains all the different aspects of ceremony and how to make use of them. And most importantly why we do ritual in the first place. In addition she includes short simple rites and prayers that you can make use of today, simply.
Jay Goldspiner discusses how story telling can be a ritual. Stories have magic in that they have the ability to transform our view of the world and ourselves.
Shekinah Mountainwater has 2 pieces of work in the book. the first is an article which discusses spells, including how to write your own, and some she herself has chosen to share. In this section there is a beautiful "ritual for lovers" which can be used of anyone of any faith as it is simply a blessing.
Starhawk discusses the act of creating sacred space (as "witches" do not worship in a church we consecrate the area where we are before having ritual). Her language is simple enough for a novice and elegant enough for the experienced Witch to make use of.
Antiga writes about the magic of menstruation. However she does get more graphic than even I am comfortable with. This is a section that I would skip over unless you are totally comfortable with your menses or you are looking to challenge your view of them.
Caridwyn Aleva shares the bonding/marriage/handfasting ceremony she wrote for herself and her partner. It is lovely and moving. Whether you are partnered or alone, straight, gay or bi you fill language in this rite that will touch you.
Claudia L-Amoreaux looks at how many women look at their menses with negative emotions. And how our first moon-time was rarely greeted with joy. She shares how she and her group began to try and reclaim some of the magic and wonder and joy that should have been theirs during that life transformation. Unlike Antiga's article I found nothing graphic or unsettling here.
Jeanne Parvarti Baker who is an advocate of alternative medicine in pregnancy. She has written books on the use of herbs and yoga during this time. Here she shares rituals for use during a natural childbirth and for healing ones spirit after a C Section. Be advised that Ms. Baker is an advocate of keeping the baby's placenta and planting it after birth.
Uzuri Amini shares a ritual process for both reclaiming your inner child, but also for healing past abuse. Personally however I didn't find the language particularly moving.
Penima Adelman shares both a menopause ritual and a ritual for mourning a loved one which draw on Paganism as well as her own Jewish faith. A wonderful idea I got from this chapter was making a "memory jar" in honor of your loved one.
Carol Christ discusses the ancient rituals honoring Demeter and Persphone. I found this a perfect close to this book as it rooted the rest of the book back to its historical roots.
Recommended:
Yes
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jiastar
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Location: Monmouth County, NJ
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