Let's be realistic. Eventually we will all lose a loved one. A parent, a relative, a spouse, a child, a friend. Eventually each of us will die. We need to be prepared. We need to know how to help ourselves and those around us what is a most difficult time.

Starhawk, a well-known Pagan author, (along with others in her collective) has put together a book which deals with the realities of death. Inside its covers is a collection of advice, stories, prayers, songs, rituals, meditations and more.

I wish I had had this book in October of 1997. A month which found me dealing with the miscarriage of a much wanted pregnancy, the final stages of my mothers fight with cancer, and finally my mother's passing. However, I did not find this book until the following year, at which time it helped me work through some of the grief I was still experiencing.

I can tell you that each of these issues was talked about, to one degree or another in this book. The variations of death it covers is quite diverse. It speaks about sudden death, death after a long illness, suicide, death of a child, pregnancy loss as well as termination. I cannot think of anything which was not at least touched on in this title.

To quote Starhawk "this book is a collection of resources for those who are assisting a dying person, grieving a beloved, or planning a funeral or memorial service". It weaves personal experiences with practical advice. You will read about how individuals dealt with the losses of spouses, parents, and children. You will read about planning a funeral service. You will be guided through the painful process of grief.

It speaks to death being a part of the cycle of life. Something that yes must be experienced, but does not have to be wrought with fear. It does this from a Pagan, or earth-based religion perspective. As such, it is a unique book. This is the only book I know of to handle death within the framework of this theology.

The book itself is written in a free-flowing manner and much of it has a conversational tone. It gives the feeling of sitting in a circle of well-meaning friends who each have something meaningful to share. Some way that they can help you during a difficult time.

I would recommend this book to anyone who either practices or is comfortable with a Pagan lifestyle. However, I feel that many who follow a more "traditional" belief system may be disturbed or made uncomfortable with the way some things are handled.

I rec'd a comment asking for examples from the book:
1. a poem dealing with miscarriage/stillbirth
2. an article about planting a tree as a memorial
3. a prayer for those who have donated their loved one's organs






Recommended: Yes