PathWalkers.Net

Classical Polytheism

Classical Polytheism
by Jonathan Sousa © 2008
Lulu.com
99 pages
Coil Bound
$11.00 (U.S.)
Reviewed by: Mike Gleason

This is a workbook/guide for those individuals who wish to learn more about the worship of the old Gods. It is one organization's understanding of, and attempt to convey, this information to a wider audience. It is intended to be used in conjunction with personal instruction and thus assumes access to a facilitator (or as some may style it, a teacher).

Aidan's First Full Moon Circle

Aidan's First Full Moon Circle
by W. Lyon Martin © 2008
Magical Child Books
ISBN 978-0979683442
32 pages
Hardbound
$16.95 (U.S.)
Reviewed by: Mike Gleason

This is going to be a short review, simply because the book itself is very short. Ms. Martin has created a book which fulfills multiple purposes in spite of the shortness of the story. She has captured, in easily understandable form, the feelings that everyone - child or adult - has when they finally celebrate a ritual withy more than just their family.

The Pagan Anthology of Short Fiction

The Pagan Anthology of Short Fiction © 2008
Llewellyn
ISBN 978-0-7387-1269-7
228 pages
Paperback
$18.95 (U.S.) $21.95 (Canada)
Reviewed by: Mike Gleason

For years I bemoaned the lack of Pagan-friendly fiction written by authors who had, at the very least, an understanding of out ways. I discovered that I have been looking in the wrong places. The major publishing houses had no references to go by, so their offerings were mediocre at best.

Yule

Yule
by: Ellen Dugan

On the day of the Winter Solstice, celebrate the birth of the Sun God in simple ways. Tuck fresh sprigs of berried holly around the house for protection and good luck. (Make sure the berries are well out of reach if you have small children.) Drape some pine roping over your doorways to ward your home and to encourage good health and joy.

The Magician

The Magician
by Michael Scott © 2008
Knopf
ISBN: 978-0385733585
256 pages
Hardcover
$16.99 (U.S.)
Reviewed by: Mike Gleason

Once again we enter the world of Josh and Sophie Newman (fraternal twins) and the immortal Nicholas and Perenelle (Nick and Perry) Flamel. If all you want is a good fantasy read for the teen in your life, this is an excellent choice (as it its predecessor The Alchemyst). It is, however, much more than that. Mr. Scott has done his research. As a result, this series of books (with 4 more to come over the next four years) is populated with characters from throughout worldwide history and legend.. It is set in locales both familiar and exotic.

In The Alchemyst we met Dr. John Dee, the Witch of Endor, a Celtic warrior woman named Scathach, and the Dark Elders among others. This time we add Niccolo Machiavelle and the Morrigan to the cast of characters.

Yule

YULE
Winter Solstice begins Sundown, December 21 (day before Solstice.)

The Winter Solstice is associated with the birth of the Sun Goddess, Lucina. Her light begins to grow at this time. Although still young and weak, the days are getting longer This is the time for family. The traditional solstice tree comes from Germanic heritage. It was decorated with lights to encourage and honour the sun. The tinsel was significgant to encourage the melting of the snow, and it was decorated with fruits of the last harvest to give thanks and to ensure a bounty for the next planting season.

The Witch School Third Degree

The Witch School Third Degree
by Rev. Donald Lewis-Highcorrell © 20008
Llewellyn
EAN 978-0-7387-1303-8
333 pages
Paperback
$29.95 (U.S.) $34.95 (Canada)
Reviewed by: Mike Gleason

This is the third, and final, "degree" book in this series. There remains one more book to come (devoted to "Ritual, Theory and Practice") and, as such it makes certain assumptions. These assumptions are: First, that the reader is dedicated to the path of service which is implied by aspiring to a leadership position; second, that you are capable of sustained study; and third, that you have completed the study of the first two books in the series.

Although their approach may seem very simplistic in some ways (defining things in positive terms instead of negative ones), but this does not make them simple or easy to accomplish. It requires a change in attitude and thought patterns. As anyone who has ever tried to break a bad habit can tell you, this is far easier said than done. However, once it is accomplished personal rewards and insight are sure to follow. And each accomplishment makes the next attempt easier.

The Nine Moon Phases

The Nine Moon Phases
by: Ravyn

First let me remind people here that I am not Wiccan, therefore my practices might seem odd to some. Each moon phase lasts for 3 to 4 days with the exception of the Dark Moon. You don't always see the moon in the night sky.

The Dark Moon (Often called the new moon, which ticks me off... the new moon is the first sliver, not the darkness) It is when there is no Moon in the sky because the sun and moon are in conjunction causing the suns light to over power the moon. The dark moon rises at sunrise and sets at sun set. Spells for the dark moon would be done on that night and could be banishments or spells for justice. Also a GREAT night for contacting the spirits of those who have crossed over. This is also a very good night for scrying outside as there is less light to reflect.A night to work with crone energies.

Witch Heart

Witch Heart
by Jonathan Sousa © 2007
Lulu.com
121 pages
Paperback
$13.66 (U.S.)
Reviewed by: Mike Gleason

This book is a collection of articles designed to expand on some of the concepts contained in a typical "Wicca 101" book. As such it does not so much introduce concepts and ideas as encourage discussion and examination of them.

The author brings a specific understanding to this work, as do we all. He apparently began his formal training with a Sicilian Craft group. That colors his perceptions and observations in certain specific ways.

Llewellyn's 2009 Herbal Almanac © 2008
Llewellyn Worldwide
ISBN 978-0-7387-0723-5
309 pages
Paperback
$8.99 (U.S.) $10.50 (Canada)
Reviewed by: Mike Gleason

I have always been impressed by the breadth of topics covered in the Herbal Almanac. It would be so easy to allow one aspect to dominate, but there are six distinct sections to this annual offering, and they provide inspiration for everyone from the city-dwelling, window box gardener to the rural family-sustaining individual.

The six sections in this annual are: Growing and Gathering Herbs; Culinary Herbs; Herbs for Health; Herbs for Beauty; Herb Crafts; and Herb History, Myth and Lore. That pretty much covers the world of herbs. And speaking of the world, the authors come from around the world, as do the herbs they write about.

If you can't find an article that grabs your interest (there are over three dozen of them), you obviously don't have any interest in herbs, so why bother picking up this book? Whether you are an avid gardener who lives and breathes herbs, or an armchair herbalist, there is something here for you.