Book Review Nature Spirits

The one and only recycled pocket guide to

NATURE SPIRITS

Wyrd Lore & Wild Fey Magic

 

Author:                                Danu Forest
Illustration:                         Dan Godfellow

Publisher:                            Wooden Books       

Type:                                    Soft Cover

Pages:                                   58

Genre:                                  Non-fiction

Published:                            2008

ISBN:                                   978 1904268 82 1

Source:                                Independently purchased 

The book itself is a beautiful little thing. Firstly it is quite small, but you would need a big pocket to fit it. The cover is handsome and covered in metallic looking title. The 100% recycled pages have an amazing texture and every other page has a nice black and white illustration. 

The book covers the different types of nature spirits, offerings, Devas, local deity, Faeries, Familiars, guides, shamans, copper, cold iron, second sight, grounding, Elementals, woods, animal spirits, Mananan, and the God and Goddess.

It is a good collection of nature magic and lore, there was noting in there that i wasn't already aware of, but it is good to have all this in one place. I would recommend this more to a beginner, or a young Pagan.

There are a few pages in the back dedicated to an appendix, in very small text, that covers, some basics that i am sure would be appreciated by a newcomer to the path.

The book does well what it sets out to do, my only minor criticism would be that there is more time given to the Goddess then the God, but the He is not entirely excluded and is given almost equal billing, so as i said this is only a very minor point. There may also be some confusion with the title in that some gay Pagans identify as Fey or faerie, and i don't think this book addressed the full scope of natural sexuality at all. Perhaps a quick note on polarity, in the appendix might be useful for readers.

 

Book Reiew: The Way Of The Horned God, Dancing Rabbit.

 THE WAY OF THE HORNED GOD

A young Mans Guide to Modern Paganism

Author:                                Dancing Rabbit
Design:                                 Stuart Davies                          

Publisher:                            O Books        

Type:                                    TPB

Pages:                                   148

Genre:                                  Non-Fiction

Published:                           2009

ISBN:                                  9781846942679

Source:                                Independently purchased 

It can be difficult raising Pagan children in such a non-spiritual world. We sadly live in a world where anything outside the mundane is too often scoffed at or worse, seen as evil.  This book is aimed teenage boys or the parents thereof. It is an invaluable resource and every library and school should have a copy available. I wish I had access to this book growing up.

The book itself is well made and has nice black and white drawings within. The cover art is absolutely adorable. My only issue with this book is that it does not have an index in the back. I think this is an important part of any book, but especially here with it being aimed at younger readers, I can envision them often wanting to re-check or find something.

The beginning explores what Paganism is and has a look into the history of religion. The author describes himself as a eclectic Pagan, who draws from Wicca, and humanism. I think the book is written in such a way as to not alienate any one Pagan group, and any differences between a family’s practice and that shown in this book, can only be a good thing, providing opportunity’s to discuss the various paths to spirituality and the divine.

It even has a section on dealing with problem parents, those who may have bigoted religious beliefs or may simply be close-minded when it comes to spirituality. The book takes a gentle and family affirming approach to such issues.

The first chapter wraps up with a discussion of ethics and keeping a Book of Shadows.

Chapter two describes what the sacred is, centering, grounding, sacred places, altars, tools, clothing, jewelry, names, chanting, plants, animals, as well as the importance of having a circle of friends and advice on ‘coming out of the broom closet’.

We have a chapter devoted to the Goddess or receptive divine energy, the moon, and moon rituals.

The next chapter is possibly the most important for a young pagan boy, the Horned God is introduced as are his rituals and examples of how to commune with him. So many ‘Pagan 101’ (pagan beginner books) only mention the god, or projective divine in passing it is great to see equality here.

We have a chapter of the relationship between the gods, the wheel of the year, a sample Samhain ritual, an in-depth examination of that Samhain ritual, advice on writing your own rituals, The Great Rite, and finally gardening.  The only note I would make here is that some extra advice might be needed on polarity’s that male/god can be substituted for projective and female/goddess for receptive, and that we are all truly made up f both. This discussion may be particularly important for LGBTI pagan youth.

The final chapter deal with the passage into manhood; many important topics are covered including, sex, masturbation, sexuality, independence, responsibility, ancestors, puberty, exercise, diet, in addition to puberty and manhood rituals.

There is a great suggested reading section in the back.

This book is a fantastic resource for young adults, and parents of boys. I would definitely read this first as a parent so I was ready to take on the role needed, and had fair warning of any questions or conflicts that may arise. Having said that, the book is an easy read, it explains things simply and accurately.It should be read by everyone, it is an area of Paganism that is sorely lacking in support and i am very glad this book exists to fill that space.

Dancing Rabbit is co founder of the Elder Grove and his Facebook Page is Here.