R – Kindling the Celtic Spirit
Posted by Morrighan on January 19, 2008 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 | PermalinkR – Teen Witch
Posted by Morrighan on at 6:18 am | Last modified: January 19, 2008 6:18 amTitle: Teen Witch – Wicca for a New Generation
Author: Silver RavenWolf
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
Copyright/Release: © Silver RavenWolf; 1998
ISBN: 0-8065-2670-X
Pages: 251 pp. including front and partial back matter
Right from the start, I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like this book much. Actually, truth be told, I’ve had it for four years, waiting for review. In fact, I let my teenage brother read it and he didn’t like it either.
I figured a teen’s perspective would be a good thing, since that’s the target market for this one. Again. Then again, this came first, before the Teen Witch Kit. Not much before, but before. I’m digressing, and I’ll tell you why. I really don’t know where to start picking this one apart. So, let’s get the gloves and the tweezers and have a go.
I understand the need to grab the eye of the teenage book market. The children on the front of this book look more like porn stars trying to look underage (and yes, they do look like over-developed 10 year olds..I know, I have one!). Not to mention including a “rainbow” effect…a black girl, a white boy, what looks to be a native girl, an Asian girl and a white girl. All but the white children look a bit trampy, hence my comment on porn stars. Seriously – the girl is dressed in overalls and the boy is even wearing a jacket. The rest of them are interestingly dressed in very short skirts or shirts.
I don’t know who designed this cover, but really…as a parent, it’s not something I’d purchase my kid, nor would I be impressed in seeing it in their hands. It looks trashy!
Please be reminded this is coming from someone with what has been described by some as “loose morals.”
What I found inside the cover was unsurprising, considering the author. Again, it’s basically a flashier version of “To Ride A Silver Broomstick”. She talks teen, in other words. In several places – she calls it teenspeak. And at this point, I’m rolling my eyes and wondering how this ever got past the average teen without them feeling like they’re being patronized. I bit my lip, and continued on.
I have to ask though, how does one become a lineaged author? Oh I know, it was the placement of the comment in the sentence. Still, makes me wonder.
All in all, it’s just more spells and chatter directed at teens that are seeking witchcraft or paganism as a way of life. She includes a note for parents that frankly, if one of my girls brought me, I’d refuse to allow them to return to her. In another spot, she claims that parents who don’t allow/understand/immediately embrace their child’s choice of path are not behaving in an adult manner.
Where she says to respect the parents’ beliefs, well, I don’t know. I couldn’t find it.
There are other, more intelligently written books for teens out there. And they don’t generally lead to the purchase of the Teen Witch Kit either.
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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, Sprites Pagan Kids | Comments Off | Permalink