R – Monsters
Posted by Morrighan on January 19, 2008 at 6:23 am | Last modified: January 19, 2008 6:23 amTitle: Monsters
Author: John Michael Greer
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
ISBN: 0-7387-0050-9
Copyright: 2001 John Michael Greer
Pages: 320
John Michael Greer needs to go back to his herb garden, mix up some herbal remedy to cure his incessant babbling, and get back to work writing some serious material. His book on Natural Magic was the ultimate in excellent resources. I’m starting to feel like he fell off the turnip truck on the way from the patch.
I was extremely disappointed in this book – no, beyond extremely disappointed. I’d hoped for the crypto-zoological type of monster, not what I and most people consider being mythological or from alternate-realms. I mean come on people – Bela Lugosi vampires do not exist. Face it. Accept it. Mr. Greer – I invite you to talk to a real vampire. Perhaps I’m a bit biased on that score. All right then, let’s view another “monster” according to Greer. Faeries? Since bloody when are faeries monsters? Perhaps in a Christian household where faeries are used to scare the kids into staying in their beds…oooh, here’s another one. Angels. Ok, sure – is anyone else as confused as I am?
Quote pg. 94
“In the old lore, solitary fays are often covered with a thick coat of hair. this and some of their other habits suggest a connection with another of the unexplained presences that haunt the shadowy places of the modern world.
The sasquatch, as mentioned earlier, is probably an undiscovered variety of primate, not a monster in the sense used in this book. The same is likely true of its close cousins across the Bering Straits in eastern Asia: the yeti or “abominable snowman” of the Himalayas, the almas of Mongolia, and similar creatures reported from China and Siberia.”
Sasquatch isn’t a monster (well, no I didn’t think so either, but they’re closer crypto-wise) but faery are?
I’d say the only “monster” in the book was either the publisher or the author. Folks, come on – if you’re going to title a book Monsters, write about monsters. If you’re going to publicize a book as being about Monsters, it should be about monsters.
1 of 5 Broomsticks
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Jodi Lee, aka ierne, is a 20+ year veteran of pagan paths. A single work at home mom, she is currently hard at work on her first novel.
http://www.jodilee.ca
Categories: Reviews | Comments Off | PermalinkR – Kindling the Celtic Spirit
Posted by Morrighan on at 6:21 am | Last modified: January 19, 2008 6:21 amTitle: Kindling the Celtic Spirit
Author: Mara Freeman
Publisher: Harper San Francisco
ISBN: 0-06-251685-X
Pages: 402 incl. back matter
Copyright: 2001 Mara Freeman
Kindling the Celtic Spirit is the perfect companion book for the Celtic pagan. While it sticks to basics, it goes beyond just a bit by adding a bardic quality.
Ms. Freeman has included snappy, updated versions of the Celtic Myths, perfectly suited to the pagan family sitting down for story time. As well, there are excerpts from classic poetry, some translated from Gaelic languages; music, crafts, recipes – one set (including mythology and bestiary) for each month of the year. The recipes included encompass a major part of the celebratory rites – whether that be an entire feast, or simple cakes and wine.
Quote pg. 265 “Rowan Jelly”
“Ingredients
4 cups rowanberries (preferably from European mountain ash, Sorbus aucuparia, which produces sweeter berries than the North American native Sorbus americana)
2 or 3 apples, peeled and quartered
1 cup sugar for each cup juice
Method
Cover the washed berries and apples with water. Simmer about 40 minutes or until water is red and berries are very soft. Strain off the juice, but do not press the fruit or the jelly will become clouded. Measure the juice and return it to the pan. Add equivalent amount of sugar. Boil rapidly for half an hour or until some of it sets quickly on a plate when cold. Pour into sterilized jars and seal.”
It is obvious, through all of the wonderful “oral tradition” quality of the book, that Ms. Freeman knows her stuff and has devoted a good part of her life to her path. Any Celtic pagan equally devoted and serious to their path needs to get a copy of this book and treasure it as much as we are.
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Jodi Lee, aka ierne, is a 20+ year veteran of pagan paths. A single work at home mom, she is currently hard at work on her first novel.
http://www.jodilee.ca
Categories: Celtic & Pagan Info, Reviews | Comments Off | PermalinkR – Full Circle
Posted by Morrighan on at 6:19 am | Last modified: January 19, 2008 6:19 amTitle: Full Circle
Author: Lone Wolf Circles (Jesse Wolf Hardin)
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
ISBN: 0-87542-347-7
Pages: 176 incl. back matter
Copyright: 1991 Lone Wolf Circles
Full Circle is a bit of an enigma. One would think that it would be a sort of primer on Native American Spirituality. In fact, while there are allusions and some pointed specifications – it is not. The book seems to be a collection of random, thought-provoking poetry and some non-topical materials that were perhaps at one time, articles. Here and there are some really interesting, beautiful sketches.
In its entirety, the book seems scattered, unfocused and a bit off the wall. Had it been centered on poetry, or articles, or artwork – that would have helped matters greatly, but the three formats bundled together into one binding creates chaos where I don’t believe any was intended. Having read some of the author’s more recent work, this book leaves a great deal to be desired. It’s nice, but cluttered. Too cluttered.
Quote pg. 67 para. 1-3
“Peace: ‘Free of conflict or disturbance.’
There is no peace in the natural world. The ocean we named Pacific is anything but tranquil. What appears as peaceful is the occasionally calm surface, concealing mighty currents underneath. Even this is a moving line between two elements, a porous membrane where different powers touch. Nature’s diverse expressions are the result of determined individuation. Life’s many shapes are formed by the tension between opposable forces.
Life exists by feeding on life, the aggressive act of predation. Scientists have proven what primitive people already knew, that even plants experience pain when killed. Vegetarianism seems peaceful because we fail to hear their screams.”
Not for everyone, but worth a look if you come across it in the library. Just don’t expect much, and do try to find his newer works.
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Jodi Lee, aka ierne, is a 20+ year veteran of pagan paths. A single work at home mom, she is currently hard at work on her first novel.
http://www.jodilee.ca
Categories: Pagan Parenting, Reviews | Comments Off | Permalink