TRAVELING WITH POMEGRANATES

Traveling With Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story / by Sue Monk Kidd and Ann Kidd Taylor. – Viking, c2009.

As a lifelong devotee of the goddess Persephone, and a relatively recent devotee of Sue Monk Kidd, I couldn’t wait to read this book.  I was not disappointed.  It was like a modern day visit to the Eleusinian Mysteries.  It is a nonfiction account of alternating parallel experiences by Sue and Ann, who are mother and daughter.  I love Sue’s writing, which is deeply thoughtful, honest, original, graceful, and articulate.  The Mermaid Chair and The Secret Life of Bees were fiction; but this memoir radiates the same archetypal power.  Sue and Ann were raised Protestant, and do not claim to be Jungians, Pagans or Wiccans.  Yet they totally connected with the archetypes of underworld, grieving mother, lost daughter, and metamorphosis. They had planned an ordinary journey to Greece and France.  But because they have always taken dreams seriously and diligently record them, the journey opened levels of consciousness they did not anticipate.  They came to realize their experiences as metaphor, which allowed them to comprehend synchronous events that occurred.  Over the course of a two-year journey through a very dark Underworld, they met local people who shared stories and experiences with them, and who essentially gave them back their lives.  The trips to France and Greece do not take them to ordinary tourist venues, but to ancient places of power you will enjoy discovering through their eyes.  Especially unforgettable is the taxi driver who at first did not want to take them to Eleusis, arguing that it had become  forlorn, desolate, and disappointing.  He was reluctant despite their insistence.  But then his eyes fell on the small red glass pomegranates they wore around their necks.  He suddenly became very quiet, and agreed to take them.  The book is filled with surprising legends of miraculous madonnas and old women, icons with a will of their own, trees that tell magical stories, and more.  The magic of this book will work in your soul and show you one way in which Persephone and Demeter emerge from  the underworld and bring with them the gifts of peace and healing.

POWER CRYSTALS

Power Crystals: Spiritual and Magical Practices, Crystal Skulls, and Alien Technology / by John De Dalvo. – Destiny Books, c2012.

This book is an excellent, balanced introduction to a wide variety of crystals, and their physical and metaphysical properties.  The author has interviewed authorities who have had much experience with a variety of crystals, and who share thoughtful, unique  first-hand information about their experiences.  There are 4 main parts to the book.  The introduction discusses the author’s fascination with quartz, and explains why he wrote the book.  Part 1 covers everything you need to know about quartz: what it is, its history, psychic studies involving it, and healing with it.  Part 2 presents research, interviews, and scientific studies involving crystal skulls.  Part 3 discusses scrying, meditating, and healing with quartz crystals.  Part 4 offers fascinating information about the relationship of quartz crystals to Atlantis, alien implants, the space time matrix, and the author’s life with quartz crystals.  Throughout the book, the author focuses on what can be documented by experts who are knowledgeable, thorough and articulate in their descriptions. Some unique and practical sections include techniques for achieving higher states of consciousness using both traditional and channeled meditations.  The emphasis is on presenting a variety of approaches  Many photographs and color plates, footnotes, and a bibliography are included.  This book is an excellent foundation in learning about quartz crystals because the author has remained grounded in what is verifiable at the same time he presents a variety of practical material that is diverse and interesting.

THE SACRED KEY

The Sacred Key: Hymns To Egypt’s Divine Places / written, performed, and produced by Gary Lyon – distributed by Iseum Temple Harakhte, Charlottesville VA, c1993 Gary Lyon – (434) 245-8629 – www.templeharakhte.org

How I have missed this wonderful, special, and unique album, which I used to own on audiotape and played until it wore out…and how thrilled and grateful I am that it is available again, as a CD!  The music is perfect for meditation, or for Pharaonic dance.  The sound quality of the CD is great, whether played loudly or softly.  There are 11 tracks expressing the quality of sacred places in Egypt, along with two unnamed tracks, one of which invokes Isis.  The slow and stately tempo hardly varies from track to track, although the melodies, instrumentations, rhythms, and vocalizations are different for each.  You will enjoy hearing the ancient Egyptian words being chanted and vibrated resonantly and powerfully while being enhanced by the musical renderings.  Equally effective are the celestial voices and wordless chants which harmonize beautifully with the instrumental melody.  The volume level is even and consistent without being monotonous or repetitious.  All of this makes it easy to relax into the music and allow your consciousness to shift without being distracted by changes in volume.  The beautiful, evocative melodies awaken a longing to be in the Egypt of your dreams and memories.  This album is like coming home.  It will bring joy to your heart, your ears, and especially to your spirit.

The Wisdom of Ptah-Hotep and Amenemope

Precepts and Teachings of Ancient Egypt:

The Wisdom of Ptah-Hotep and Amenemope

Translated by Philippe Virey and E. A. Wallis Budge

In A new edition

Edited by Keith Seddon

With an Introduction by Jocelyn Almond

(Timeless Wisdom Series)

c2010 Keith Seddon

www.lulu.com

ISBN: 978-1-4457-6532-7 (hardback)

ISBN:  978-1-4457-6531-0 (paperback)

These texts are part of ancient Egyptian wisdom literature, and date  from between 2500 and 4500  years ago.  They consist of advice and guidance from the two sages, Ptah-Hotep (5^th dynasty) and Amen-Em-Apt (13-21 dynasties later) to their young sons. Although these two texts are from different time periods of ancient Egypt,  their ideas are not dissimilar and are still relevant to us today.  The advice from Ptah-Hotep is especially pertinent for achieving success and happiness in acour tly setting, There is a preface by the editor, and an introduction by Jocelyn alm ond, who is an ArchPriestess in the fellowship of Isis.  It is always a please to read material composed by Jocelyn!  In addition there are two  longer  introductions by the 2 translatorsw  with abundant, detailed notes  by the translators,  providing much historical background and analysis.   FOI members will enjoy comparing these 2 books compiled into one volume.  There is much to reflect on here from these 2 boomks which have come down to us fro solong ago.  The texts will appeal to the heart, and the commentary will appeal to the mind.  Thank you, Jocelyn and Ketiht, for making these texyx available to us today!

GERALD B. GARDNER CALENDAR

Gerald B. Gardner Calendar,

reviewed by

Edward Livingston

This calendar contains historical articles from 1954-1986 with photos, interviews and quotes from Gerald Gardner, Doreen Valiente, Patricia Crowther and Monique Wilson.  It also contains materials from Gerald Gardner's "Museum of Magic and Witchcraft " which was bequeathed to Monique Wilson upon Gardner's death.

The goal of this calendar is to share and preserve these materials for those who will learn from our history, while creating an educational and entertaining conversation piece for your home!  The Pagan Feast Days are interesting tidbits from cultures all around the world.  They can be used to tailor your own rituals, to learn more about dieties that interest you, or to better sense the unique energies of that day.  (Special thanks to Lady Cara, who shared source material describing these Pagan Feast Days.)

Full and New Moons are taken from US Naval Observatory data and other sources.  Each moon shows the Zodiac sign where the Moon is for that day.  For example, January's New Moon is in Capricorn.

A donation will be made to the Centre for Pagan Studies in the UK to help preserve Doreen Valiente's archives and other services to our community.

The term "a year and a day" brings us to the very special 366th day on this calendar. 

Purchase the calendar at http://www.gbgcalendar.com/ 

OFFERING TO ISIS

Review

By

Corinne Wessel:

OFFERING TO ISIS: KNOWING THE GODDESS THROUGH HER SACRED SYMBOLS

By M. Isidora Forrest

“I am called The First To See Her, for it is my privilege and duty to open her shrine, unveil her face, and make offering to her each morning.  I know better than most how sweet it is to serve the beautiful one with the right offerings.”

This statement is the essence of the book Offering to Isis, especially for worshippers of Isis.  It is important particularly for her clergy to actively make the correct gift to Isis.  The offerings we make to Isis are our way of communicating with her and showing our gratitude for her having found us and allowing us to worship her. 

This book is highly instructive and it   plainly guides its readers through making all types of offerings.  As I am an artist, it was a wonderful way to spark my creativity by making my offerings of clay or drawing them on paper.

 Isidora teaches the difference between sacrifice and offering.  Offerings are motivated by love, appreciation, joy, growth, and connection to Isis.  Making offerings was essential to the Egyptian relationship with the Divine.  The literal nourishment of the gods and goddesses was a main function of offerings; also it is a way of giving thanks to them for what they have provided to humans.  This book states that the character of the giver is more acceptable to the divine than the “splendid ox” of the wrongdoer.  By offering and receiving blessings the connection between human and divine is eternally woven and rewoven. 

Isidora helps you choose an offering by first reading a highly enjoyable list of the types of offering the ancients used.  She also suggests offerings by specific purpose.  For example, if you are celebrating the birth of a child she recommends offerings that relate to Isis as divine mother… such as milk , birthing bricks ,children, or cows.  When making offerings just to please Isis, the book suggests offering by theme such as elemental, zodiacal, plant, animal, celestial, and terrestrial.

The book is helpful in listing offerings to communicate with a special aspect of Isis such as Lady of Abundance.  You could offer green plants, breasts, bread, wine, persea, or milk.  Suggested offerings to celebrate could be costly items such as gold or lapis; or you could choose an offering by chance. 

Isidora describes the sacred gestures and the offering rites themselves, all of which are updated and practical for modern devotees.  I highly recommend this book.   

THE RED LION

Maria Szepes: The Red Lion -  

A Writer and a Novel that Should Not Be Forgotten.

reviewed by Gisela Kranz

I would like to remember a brilliant novel that I enjoyed this winter, called The Red Lion, by Maria Szepes. It is available nowadays in good libraries, and at second hand book stores but maybe only at an extreme price.

Maria Szepes was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1908, and died there in 2007.  She worked as an actress, journalist and writer; and had profound knowledge of occult matters. Like Dion Fortune, she wrote a book on the occult meaning of marriage, a two-volume-overview on western occult theories (Academia Occulta), and novels, some of them science fiction. 

Szepes wrote The Red Lion during the Second World War, while Europe stood in flames. From the background of this inferno comes the underlying message of the book: maybe it takes many incarnations, maybe we create frightening purgatories, but surely our souls can find their spiral path up to divine enlightenment.

In spite of the serious topic, Szepes succeeded in writing an entertaining, colourful, thrilling novel, deeply rooted in her esoteric knowledge. She outlines the “biography” of a soul: learning, failing and improving during 500 years in various lives in different countries.  It starts out like a crime story, but with every new level of incarnation, a different plot enfolds in front of a new, bizarre historical background. You see the red thread linking the different lives; and after more pages, you are eager to predict which actions in one life would influence the quality of the next. All the stories are told without drama, in a narrative that is never superficial.

 I enjoyed the book while on vacation.

The story of the manuscript of the novel is special too.  It was published in 1946 and soon forbidden and destroyed by the young Communist Government of post-war Hungary. For nearly 40 years, only self-made copies under pseudonym passed from hand to hand in the Hungarian underground. In the 1980s, a manuscript was finally brought to the West, was published again, and became an esoteric bestseller.

VAMPIRES IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Vampires in Their Own Words: An Anthology of Vampire Voices / edited by Michelle Belanger. – Llewellyn, c2007.

reviewed by Deena Hartray Butta

This fascinating collection of first-hand accounts by members of the vampire community is a wonderful introduction to the topic.  It was compiled by Michelle Belanger, who is herself a vampire and tells her own story in the fascinating introduction. 

This anthology will be useful to many audiences.  It provides a balanced and concise introduction for the general public, for scholars, and for those who suspect they may be vampires.  It will be useful to anyone who is trying to understand the phenomenon, and what it is like to be a vampire. 

Seven sections discuss being a vampire;  becoming aware of being a vampire; different forms of feeding; aspects of the vampire community and its members; codes of behavior, etiquette and ethics;  introductions to four major vampire traditions and their founders; and outside observations  from members who have backgrounds in other spiritual communities such as Wicca, Paganism, Gnosticism, and OTO. 

Each section contains four to nine essays, each averaging about four pages in length.  Essays are preceded by brief biographies of the authors; and followed by glossaries of terms used in each essay, which provides understanding within the context of that particular essay.

The essays are short enough to convey the essence of their topic; but plentiful enough to provide an overview from many perspectives.  The pace of the book does not bog down in a single perspective.   The result is a diverse introduction to the subject.  For those interested in learning more, Michelle makes liberal references to books, websites, periodicals, and organizations throughout the test.

JILL PRINCIPLE

REVIEWS

By

Deena Hartray Butta

The Jill Principle : A Woman’s Guide to Healing Your Spirit After Divorce Or Breakup / by Michele Germain, LSSW. – Llewellyn, c2006

Read this book whether your relationship is breaking up or not.  It provides practices, techniques, and exercises which can be used to help a women heal inwardly from any kind of relationship which is breaking up or has broken up, and perhaps even prevent one from occurring.  As the author says on p. xi, “Divorce or a major breakup is a call to heal old pain.”

The title of the book comes from the nursery rhyme in which Jack and Jill are metaphors for the problem of marriage.  It specifically deals with the women’s perspective.   The practices, techniques, and exercises provide a dimension beyond ordinary treatment and counseling to help unblock and heal your energy on each level of being (body, emotion, mind, and spirit).  It will help you to recognize symptoms of trauma on these four levels, and describes the steps that must be taken in order to heal on that level.

Much of the book consists of illuminating and well-chosen personal accounts by women (including the author) who have experienced trauma on one level or another, and how they worked through it. It also touches on legal and other issues you will need to deal with, and tells (again from a women’s perspective) how to respond productively, and  how to get started working on them.

She discusses grief, how it affects you on the spiritual level, and discusses some good ways to heal it.  She also discusses the effect grief and anger have on the body, of which women are not often consciously aware, and how to recognize signs thathealing is occurring..  The exercise and visualizations start out on a gentle focused level, and move progressively to deeper levels where healing is needed.  Old pain from early childhood can manifest in patterns of thinking and feeling become re-inforced; and the author provides practical effective ways of healing this old pain.  The value of crisis is discussed, and ways for learning to trust one’s own self again, how to release fear, listen to inner guidance, and not fall back into old patterns of negativity are described..  She also teaches us how to recognize what personal power is, and how to let go of disempowering reactions..

One extremely practical exercise is keeping a life inventory, in which you label your activities as intellectual, emotional, physical, or spiritual.  In this way you find out which areas are out of balance, and how to restore balance to them..

There is a nice further-reading list.

Learning how to integrate body, mind, and soul is important for everyone.  Your primary relationship might not be a marriage; and this book can help your heal your primary relationship, which might be with your self.  This book can help you find out who you really are on all four levels, and how to heal your relationship with your self.

HEKATE LIMINAL RITES

Hekate Liminal Rites: A study of the myths, magic and symbols of the torch-bearing Goddess of the Crossroads
by Sorita d'Este and David Rankine.

The sorcery of Medea and Circe, the witchcraft of the women of Thessaly, the writings of philosophers such as Hesiod and Porphyry all provide glimpses into the world of those who honoured her. Her magical powers were considered so great that even King Solomon became associated with her, she was incorporated into Jewish magic, and merged with other goddesses including Artemis, Selene, Bendis and the Egyptian Isis. Whilst for some she was the Witch Goddess, for others she was the ruler of angels and daimons, who made predictions about Jesus and Christianity.

TEMPLE OF THE COSMOS

Temple of the Cosmos: the Ancient Egyptian Experience of the Sacred /  by Jeremy Naydler. – Inner Traditions International, c1996.

The recommendation to read this amazing book did not come about in the usual way.

I received the name „Jeremy Naydler,“ and its precise spelling, in a dream.  Someone was telling me they needed a document of some kind for this person, and they repeated the spelling of his name several times with great emphasis.  Immediately upon awakening I began to research the name, thinking it may have some genealogical or historical importance.  Imagine my surprise and delight when I discovered that Jeremy Naydler specializes in ancient Egyptian religion, with emphasis on understanding the consciousness of the time.  Of course I began reading his books, taking them in chronological order.

The first chapter of Temple of the Cosmos  introduced metaphysical aspects of the Egyptian landscape that impacted such things as concepts of reality and the significance of the four quarters with  reference to Egyptian religion.  I found this chapter captivating. Half the chapters lay a foundation for understanding  how the ancient Egyptians experienced time and space.  The other half focus on a detailed presentation of the nature of   the soul, the afterlife, and the underworld.   The author interprets the ancient Egyptian worldview for us, and explains the ways in which it differs from our own.  The book provides a complete orientation to the Egyptian underworld and its structure, and is abundantly illustrated with pictures you either have not seen before, or have seen but misinterpreted...in any event you will appreciate  them with new eyes.  Other intriguing discussions explain  concepts such as the ordering and cycles  of time,  merging with the Neteru, meanings of the directions, psychic qualities  located in different areas of  the human body, discussions of  stars and deities,  symbolic meanings of various hieroglyphs, and much more.  There are also numerous ancient texts of different kinds, in very nice  translations, and many references.

WORDS OF WISDOM FOR YOUR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS

Words of Wisdom For Your Health & Happiness: 101 Articles, Questions & Answers On Natural Health, by Breda Gardner. – Applied Image, c2011.

This useful book is a joy to read.  It is filled with practical ideas to improve health and well-being on many levels.  Good energy practically flows from its pages!  I know, because I had it with me during a recent hospital stay.  I could not stop reading it! Partly because each section was short and did not tire me out to read...and partly because it was so interesting, with new ideas on every page..  I was able to identify improvements that I could put into practice immediately.

Breda Gardner is a complementary health therapist working  in southeast Ireland.    She is trained in homeopathy, iridology, kinesiology and nutrition, and writes a natural health column for the Waterford Today and Kilkenny Advertiser newspapers.  Breda also  contributes a monthly health slot on South East Radio.  She presents a balanced  blend of both complementary and standard health wisdom.

 The 101 articles are  clear, direct, and practical.  They are  brief and  concise, focusing on action not theory. Some are based on Breda’s case studies or qquestions from her columns. 

The book is divided into  sections covering  body-mind relationships, things you might not be aware of  that can make you ill, general and physical health, emotional well-being, homeopathy, positive living, and some miscellaneous ideas.  Each section includes between seven and twenty-three brief articles that take just a few minutes to read but contain a wealth of information thatis easy to put into practice.

The articles  cover ways in which the body tells you what it needs, and how to listen and make good changes.  How can loss and sadness, for example, affect your health?  more ot the point, what can you do about it?  This book provides  clear, positive, and reasuring answers in a brief and simpple style.  Some  introduce ideas that may be new to you, such as muscle testing, iridology, and kinesiology.  A few of the more common homeopathic personalities are described, along with why it can be important to know yours.  The most common health problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome, ear infections, high blood pressure, cystitis, etc. are covered along with suggestions for alleviating them.  The top ten homeopathic remedies introduced. 

Ways of helping  problems that appear to have no solution are also  suggested.  This includes not only mental and emotional pain but also such things as constitutional and genetic illness.  One article, for example, discusses  „healing hurts“  and asks the reader to think back to the first time the hurt appeared, and how we can change our responses to it when it gets triggered.  Another tells how to overcome fear.   The suggestions offered are very powerful, at the same time Breda helps us see  how  easy they are  to put into practice.  Every  discussion  includes not only remedies to try , but also ways of adapting thoughts and behavior so that healing takes place on all levels. Breda expresses herself with kindliness and clarity.

A  resource section contains useful addresses, and a reading list.

You can read this book from cover to cover, or you can open it  randomly to discover something new, helpful and interesting.  It has something for everyone, and you can return to the brief articles over and over.

 “Words of Wisdom for your Health & Happiness”  is available at www.bredagardner.com/shop.html or  breda@bredagardner.com.

FOOD INC.

Food Inc. / Directed by Robert Kenner, Produced by        Robert Kenner and Elise Pearlstein. Dogwoof Films, River Road Entertainment, Distributed by             Magnolia Pictures. Release date(s)               September 7, 2008 (TIFF), June 12, 2009 (United States). 93 minutes. --  Reviewed by Deborah Brunn Nix Merwin.

Several years ago I started hearing about a film called Food Inc. and finally took time to view it last year. I was stunned. Having been in the 'natural food' business for 24+ years, and a professional nutritionist, and a vegetarian on & off most of my adult life, and a passionate animal lover, and an active environmentalist, I was stunned by what this film revealed to me. Actually I was horrified. I spent the next 3 months and over 100 hours researching everything in the film. I studied as many perspectives as possible via books, articles, films, as well as talking directly to food manufacturers, farmers, and other retailers, always hoping to be convinced that the film was exaggerating or simply inaccurate. The fact is that in the 16 months since I first watched Food Inc everyone I have met who has seriously looked into the USA food industry to the extent that I have has come up with the same terrible conclusion. If I buy or eat any food product that comes from a USA restaurant or grocery store that is 'conventionally grown or factory farmed' it means that I am supporting and encouraging the most horrific animal abuse in history; I am contributing to a major ecological disaster; and I am risking my own good health in the process. It also means I am helping to finance the huge profits of a billion $ global corporation like Monsanto so it can destroy small businesses while taking over the pure heritage seed supply of the world.

To continue to buy and eat products from the American conventional food industry goes against everything I believe in, especially what I believe about myself, so last year I made a commitment to consciously choose to buy and eat only organic, non-GMO, pastured-fed, and ethically, sustainably grown food. This means I no longer eat out at non-organic restaurants and I avoid sharing meals with many of my family and friends. I have become a member of a local organic buying club and grow some veggies on my own. Although it has proven very challenging I am in the process of transforming my health food store into a 100% organic place to shop. The word 'natural' means nothing anymore and even the word organic is being mis-used. A product can say organic and create the illusion that it is safe but unfortunately one organic ingredient does not compensate for the 10 other toxic ones. This is an insult to the consumer and it is absolutely unacceptable.

To be honest, as much as I enjoy eating, it has not been that difficult to keep my personal commitment. My desire to stay healthy and live up to my own ethics makes it very clear about my choices. What is actually a struggle for me is knowing that there are many people I care about who are still clueless about what is happening to our food supply. Many have never heard anything that has caught their attention or they may have heard some negative rumbling but have chosen to ignore it (like I did). Others have bought into the myth that organic foods are too expensive for the average person. The same average person who manages to buy their children the latest computer, cable TV, cell phone or ipad, and who can afford soda, junk food, alcohol, cigarettes, or recreational drugs. Doesn't it make more sense that those of us on a limited budget should spend our hard-earned dollars on fresh, healthy food to protect the quality of life for ourselves and our families?

Food Inc. inspired me to open my eyes and look further outside my own box. I only wish I had paid more attention long before now. I have the greatest respect for all of the people who, for decades, have attempted to bring this awareness to the American public and I wish them continued success. "May the Sleepers Awake!"                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

INVOKING THE EGYPTIAN GODS

Invoking the Egyptian Gods, by Judith Page. – Reviewed by Caroline Wise

http://www.facebook.com/groups/361723650498/10150553020870499/

 In 1993 Caroline  commissioned artist Judith Page to create a painting for the cover of Olivia's The Call of Isis. Now Judith's own book Invoking the Egyptian Gods is available.  Caroline says: “It really is superb, and the best I have come across for those of us interested in Ancient Egyptian magical expression in the modern world. I read the pre-publication mss and the publishers, Llewellyn, have added my comments at the beginning of the book. Judith's book presents genuine research and understanding, tried and tested by the author.”  Recommended.

NOMAD

Nomad: From Islam to America; a Personal Journey Through the Clash of Civilizations  / by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. – Simon & Schuster, c2010. --  Reviewed by Deena Butta

Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a controversial and much-admired  political leader and champion of free speech and women’s rights,  She became known following the murder of director Theo Van Gogh with whom she collaborated on a movie about violence against women.   Her book, Nomad, is more personal than her previous book, Infidel.  In Nomad, Ayaan answers questions that were raised in Infidel.  She challenges us to be aware of the dangers of cultural relativism, which prevent immigrants from becoming fully functioning members of the society to which they have immigrated.  The young, who are trapped between cultures, are especially vulnerable.  The struggle to live in 2 cultures at once often leads them to mental depression and an inability to be productive members of  the society in which they live.  Ayaan pleads with us to realize how unique and precious Western democracy is, what a great blessing  has  been given to us in the form of religious freedom, and how if we value this we must not only protect and defend this right but educate others, especially new immigrants to our countries.  She points out that in a futile gesture towards religious-self-determination, people in the West are in denial about  injustices taking place right before their eyes....and this puts us all in danger.  Ayaan Hirsi Ali founded The AHA Foundation, which  works to protect and defend the rights of women and girls in the West from oppression justified by religion and culture...including honor violence, forced marriage, genital mutilation, and Sharia Law. http://theahafoundation.org/  Every FOI member needs to read this eye-opening  book.  It will make you think,, and it might help you plaan for specific types of spiritual outreach that should be offered to immigrant women  not only by churches who have larger resources,  but only by our own Iseums, Lyceums, Groves, and Priories.

BECOMING MAGICK

David Rankine: Becoming Magick - New and Revised Magicks from the New Aeon,  2004

reviewed by Gisela Kranz

I always like the announcements from Avalonia on the members´ platform and occasionally ordered a book but until now I had not realised what the range of studies and insights of David Rankine, one of the  Avalonia editors, encompass. – Now and then I have read on elemental magic, on qabalah, on rune-magic, on Wicca or even Egyptian magic and I have tried some widely known authors like Dolores Ashcroft, Franz Bardon, Walter E. Butler or William G. Gray. As a reward for my strivings I attained – confusion!  What had the strikt rules usually insisted on to do with Lady Olivia´s vision of magis “co-creating with dieties”?  Didn` t some authors somehow sound like engineering by spiritual means? Must I surrender to one of these magical systems to proceed? Can I combine an attractive piece from one system with something from another or should I better not?   

In short, with such questions on my mind it was most inspiring to come across David Rankine´s “Becoming Magick” and his other books on magick. For complete overview just turn to the author´s site on amazon.

First of all I deeply appreciate what Rankine states in the introduction to his book: “ The importance of using magickal technique as part of one´s spirituality is that it enables the certainty of direct experience by providing the opportunities for personal mystical experience at many levels, rather than relying on faith. This enables each ! seeker to experience for themselves and create their own personal style, working the magick that is best suited to their own unique spirituality and path. The element of direct experience resulting from a dynamic spiritual life ensures we have responsibility for our own growth and actions – we have to dare to grow!”

After a short chapter on “What Is Magick & How Does It Work?” (p.13-18) Rankine sets out to underline “The Importance of Maat” (p.19-24) for any magickal proceedings and only thereafter he takes the reader to a great number of  magical exercises and meditations: ritual openings, mantra webs, Prime Qabalah, Kundalini rising, magickal ingestions and many other topics. There is even a chapter of how to incorporate an eventual state of illness into magickal practise, “Making Mysery Magkical” (p.131-134). Rankin says,”The book contains material that is the result of many years of working with different systems and techniques, and eclectically creating my own system. The system I have created incorporates elements from diverse sources, and is (obviously) eminently workable.” And I would like to add, it´s also eminently readable.

I was specially grateful to read chapter 4, “The 9 Gates & The Magick Sphere” (p. 27-32) finding some clues relating the attributions of the 4 elements plus Above and Below and the attributions of the planets with the directions. Elemental studies have always been difficult for me, Rakine´s  summary  of 5 pages gave me some dawning of understanding and new optimism to find out more.

INTO THE GREAT BELOW

Into the Great Below. A Devotional to Inanna and Ereshkigal, edited by Galina Krasskova, 2010

reviewed by Gisela Kranz

Galina Krasskova is known for her books on the Nordic traditions, and short ago she wrote about Inanna of Sumeria (South Iraq)!? I was astonished; on the other hand hadn´t I myself recently thought that Odin and Inanna have more in common than there appears at first sight? Both of them dedicated seekers for Truth, deliberate to give everthing, even their lives for Insight. Both perishing on their quest and resurrecting with wisdom; Odin bestowed with the magical lore of Runes and the Goddess of Desire filled with sympathy and a will for Harmony... In her foreword Galina Krasskova  says: “I owe both Inanna and Erishkigal a great debt. ... For several years I was mentored by a priestess of Inanna... Through Her emissary, this magnificent Goddess was one of my earliest teachers. It was not until I began my own group that I had the opportunity to learn at Erishkigal´s feet....Because of Her, I am better able to serve Odin efficiently and well.... I owe a debt...and this is my way of beginning repayment”.

The little book (125 pages) compiles prayers and rituals “from many different devotees united in their desire to honor these two great Godddesses.” (ii Foreword). There are 3 chapters: Devotionals to Inanna and Ereshkigal, Prayers to Other Sumerian Deities, and Rituals to Inanna and Ereshkigal. The book is layouted nicely, printed on fine paper, illustrated by pictures of contemporary  as well as of ancient Babylonian origin .

I believe that Erishkigal as portrayed in the myth of the Descent of Inanna is so creepy for most  people in the retinue of Isis that they rather turn to revere others of the remaining  9.999 names of the Great One. Some lines of the Ereshkigal incantations in this book sound creepy too, but they touched me, they helped me acknowledge my warm flow of sympathy for Ereshkigal, for Neti, her gatekeeper, and other “difficult” divine members of the Babylonian pantheon.

“Into the Great Below” is certainly not a book to read at ease. But when you need to meditate on Shadow, when you have to deal with loss and sorrow or encounter your ego having grown a bit inflated,  then these prayers and rites lay out proper paths for your own descent. Here are some lines:

from Elisabeth Barette´s `Erishkigal, Goddess of the Last Resort` (p.22):

“When the Heavens and the Earth had been created,

And all the spheres of influence claimed but one,

There remained the Underworld in need of mastery.

´What a nasty job`, said Enki.´No one wants it!`

With that, he discarded the key to the lapis palace.

´I`ll do it`, said Erishkigal.

And so she did. ...

The other goddesses and gods

May not like Ereshkigal much...

But they´d be lost without her.”

And from Raven Kaldera´s mystery-play `The Descent of Inanna` (p.103):

“When she entered the sixth gate,

From her hand the lapis measuring rod and line was removed.

Inanna asked: `What is this?´

She was told: `Quiet, Inanna,

The ways of the underworld are perfect.

They may not be questioned.´

For your mind and your intellect mean nothing here.

The ways in which you judge things,

Your values and your scales,

They are all useless in this place,

And without them, who are you?”

ANGEL IN DISGUISE

Angel In Disguise,  by Victoria Mary Clarke. – Collins Press, c2007. – Reviewed by Olivia Robertson.

This wonderful  autobiography gives a first-hand account of Victoria’s messages from angels. Olivia was giving her an interview for The Daily Mail when she found herself comparing notes of mystical experiences with angels and experiencing Power flow through their bodies!  Nice to see Victoria’s photo with Bob Geldof, Johnny Depp, and Kate Moss.  Victoria is also the author of A Drink With Shane MacGowan, which received excellent reviews in The Irish Times.   

BRAIDING THE FLAME OF BRIGID

Review of Celtic Music CD

by

Rev. Sean P. McCabe, O.T.

Braiding the Flame of Brigid by M. Rev. Minette Quick

This is an excellent Celtic music CD with all music composed, performed and produced by Minette Quick except for some exquisite additional harp accompaniment arranged and performed by Madeleine Doherty. In my opinion, it is very underestimated by a lady who is an undiscovered musical genius.

The CD begins with “Braiding the Flame…” and would be suitable as a processional melody. In “Don’t be Afraid of the Light”, I could almost see the Fairey Folk assembled around the altar in the Sacred Abbey in Clonegal waiting to partake in the Eucharist of the Elements. Quite playful; the little people of the Light like rainbow-drops playing and glistening on the harp strings. “Deep Peace” is from a traditional Celtic prayer and is summed up in: “The essence of inner peace is joy!” A state of mind we could all do with in the present economic turmoil so listen to it and cheer up! There is also a very good affirmation towards the end – “Let go, let go…” “Santa Brigida” is an instrumental and it really touched my heart and is suitable for many suitable occasions.

“Friend of the poor and the hungry,

Hear our prayer, teach us to care

For the needy ones who cry to thee…” M.Q.

Another instrumental, “The Blessing of Light” with the assistance of gentle flute playing allows one to reflect on one’s earthly pilgrimage amidst the old Irish blessing of friendship, hospitality and generosity. Track 6, “Divine Mantle”, was inspired by the Imbolc ceremony at Chrysalis, Co. Wicklow in 1998 where these traditional and stirring words formed part of the ritual. The harp in this piece summons up visions of sunlight shining through newly opened green leaves and sunlight glistening on rivers and brooks as mother earth awakens from her seasonal slumber and the Fairey Folk assist as page-boys of the Divine Mantle.

Now, halfway through the CD, we have “The Run of the White Cow”. This is very suitable for outdoor working under the night sky. It is inspired by a poem by Gabriel Rosenstock. Basically, “…as a child Brigid could only drink the milk of a white cow with red ears. The White Cow is also a Celtic metaphor for the Milky Way. Gazing at the night sky, we embrace the unity of Brigid, the Christian Saint with the Goddess of Creation.” The sounds generated in this piece of music lifts you into the starry bosom of the night sky! This is ideal for launching a pathworking. Indeed, the last two tracks remind me of some of my magical field trips.

“Woman of Peace” is ideal for meditation and unity in Peace Thought. The main message conveyed by Minette in “Healing God” is “…the eternal Truth that God’s Love awaits us at every turn” if we can just drink of that concept! In “Turn Back the Streams of War”, images of druids chanting and prancing on hill-top as the ancient Irish Clans gather ahead of a battle were summoned in my mind. It had a shamanistic effect on me and as the roots of my auric body entwined into a time vortex in the earth I could see Lugh Lamhfada with his magical spear in full flight against Balor. Excellent!

Track 12 “O Daughter of Dubbtach” is from the poem by Bernadette McMahon “Brigid of Cill Dara” which is from her book “On the Hill of the Goddess”. The CD concludes with a reprise of “Woman of Peace” which is an instrumental and very suitable for meditation.

Minette describes herself as “a composer and healer, whose music is an expression of her love of the earth and its Creator.” Minette is also a very talented artist and she is currently working on a magical book that will include some of her art.

For a copy of the CD contact Minette on hon.sec.circleofbrigid@gmail.com

DESERT PRIESTESS

Desert Priestess: A Memoir / by Anne Key. – Goddess Ink Ltd., c2011.

This is a serious, honest, first-hand account of Anne’s three years at the Temple of Goddess Spirituality Dedicated to Sekhmet in the Mojave Desert, and the effect it had on her.  This is a unique and enthralling depiction of the life of a priestess today, and in particular what it is to be a priestess of Sekhmet.  Every aspect of the process is documented, starting with background about the Temple and its founding, philosophy, economy, natural environment, getting to know Sekhmet, and the impact of these things on Anne’s psyche.  Anne describes her first day, her first month, and events leading up to the moment when she felt she had truly arrived.  She describes the ceremonial year in terms of meaning and symbolism; and the many transformations she struggled with an embraced.  The memoir contains descriptions of a typical day, and the different kinds of people who come to the Temple in various capacities.  The social and political meaning of such things as air, land, animals, trees, and water add an important dimension to this story: the interaction of ecology and ritual…the human being in space and time… is something all priestesses need to consider.  Peace and activism are also discussed.  The descriptions of Anne’s inner experiences are especially valuable: I see them as a source of support, guidance, and encouragement to other priestesses.  This personal story of immersion in goddess culture is a rare study of a situation without a huge body of literature.  It is a wonderful resource for someone who is devoted to Sekhmet; or who  is a priestess; or who is wondering what it is like to be one.  

BARBARIAN RITES

Barbarian Rites: the Spiritual World of the Vikings and the Germanic Tribes / by Hans-Peter Hasenfratz; translated and edited by Michael Moynihan. – Inner Traditions International, c2011.

This book introduces ancient Germanic religion and spirituality in a fact-based yet accessible way.  It focuses on ancient people who spoke a Germanic language, and  presents important background on their society and culture.  The author’s scholarship includes cross-cultural investigations into views of ancient Germanic religions by ancient writers from outside cultures.  An overview of the history of Germanic tribes is followed by an investigation into the system of social ties and values held by them, which sheds light on their rites, powers, and myths.  There are explanations about unique features of their culture such as the Männerbund, the retinue, private punishment, public punishment, etc.  Types of religious experience such as rites of passage and magic are explored.  Incantatory, rune, death, divinatory, cursing, and destructive magic are introduced.  The powers confronting the human being, as identified by ancient Germanic society, include entities manifesting in forms that include humans, supernatural beings from mythology, deities, and the powers of fate.  Each of these are examined in depth, and ways of interacting with them are presented.  The structure and conception of the world and time are also described.  This book provides a thorough and clear foundation to further study of Germanic religion.  It is essential reading for anyone attracted to this spiritual path.

HEART OF THE SUN

Heart of the Sun: An Anthology in Exaltation of Sekhmet / edited by Candace C. Kant & Anne Key. – iUniverse, c2011.

This collection of essays and poems in honor of Sekhmet is a joy and a delight.  The preface contains impressions and experiences of Sekhmet by Normandi Ellis.   Each author offers a different perspective on Sekhmet through academic research, creative writing, images, and personal accounts.  Contributors include authors who are well-known to FOI members, such as Barbara Hand Clow, Gloria Taylor Brown,  Normandi Ellis, Galina Krasskova, Nicki Scully, and Patricia Monaghan.  But there are also many more less familiar names including Roynan Steres, Lorraine Tartasky, Deborah Holton, Jezibell, Anne Key, Sylvia Brallier, and others.   Many of them are associated with the Temple of Goddess Spirituality Dedicated to Sekhmet, which was established in 1993 in the Mojave Desert by Genevieve Vaughan (who is one of the contributors), and thus express unique and original perspectives and experience of  Sekhmet.  I especially enjoyed the essays about the Temple. This anthology is powerful, surprising, beautiful, and healing, like Sekhmet herself.  It brings together original and valuable work which might otherwise go undiscovered by many of us.   If you find yourself attracted to Sekhmet, this anthology will enlighten you about Sekhmet and perhaps also about yourself.

HEART OF THE MIND

The Heart of the Mind: Using Our Mind To Transform Our Consciousness / by Jane Katra & Russell Targ. – White Crow Books, c2011.

Jane experienced a near death experience which transformed her life, and gave her great healing abilities and a new kind of awareness.  This book approaches the divine through both scientific and spiritual perspectives.  It discusses the essential first steps towards gratitude and forgiveness; and examines fascinating and significant topics  such as different attentions and different realities, addictions and cravings, knowing the divine through self-inquiry, transpersonal experiences, distant mental influences of living systems, communications from the dead, effect of the future on the past, expectations and beliefs, and much more.  Interesting new perspectives are provided on reincarnation, meditation, and healing.  There is an extensive resource section. 

ANCIENT EGYPTIAN PRAYERBOOK

The Ancient Egyptian Prayerbook / by Tamara L. Siuda. – Azrael Press, c2005; Stargazer Design, c2009.

This practical book begins with thoughts about how, when, and why to pray.  Chapter 2 contains detailed background and instructions for the Kemetic Orthodox philosophy and practice of the daily rite of Senut, including formulations, postures, etc..  Succeeding chapters present assorted prayers and hymns for specific deities, and for various purposes such as protection, children, family, blessings, holy days, etc.

INVOKING THE SCRIBES OF ANCIENT EGYPT

Invoking the Scribes of Ancient Egypt: the Initiatory path of Spiritual Journaling / by Normandi Ellis and Gloria Taylor Brown. – Inner Traditions / Bear & Co., c2011.

This book is essential reading for people attracted to the spirituality of Ancient Egypt.  It is about learning how to write your spiritual biography, so that your consciousness may be transformed.  There is a thoughtful and enlightening introduction by Normandi about spiritual autobiography.  It is “…a task that must be renewed on a regular basis in order to integrate experience…as we travel together, we come to appreciate how our stories intersect with the stories of every other traveler.”  The story of Isis and Osiris is used as a metaphor for two ways of contacting the divine.  This balance of two is used throughout this book as a method of accessing the divine. Matter and spirit, light and shadow, the rational and the mystical, memory and forgetfulness is what we are; and it is how creativity and inspiration are approached here.   Normandi recognizes the ancient scribes as priests, healers, and shamans who knew that writing and thinking hieroglyphically was a healing act that empowers the author.  This book teaches us how to bring forth sacred words and texts  that can change lives and destinies, and achieve spiritual union with the divine.  It contains writing exercises by Normandi,  spiritual practices by Gloria, and  beautiful writings by specific people in specific Egyptian locations.  You will enjoy the bios, the reading list, and the pictures.  Read this book, it will help you to transform your consciousness.