4 out of 5 stars
A copy of this was provided free of charge from the publisher in return for an honest review.
As I have spent more time in the natural world I have found those moments when the world turns at the solstices and equinoxes a framework for my own life. For me, there was something about seeing the sunset at Knowlton on the midsummer solstice last year that felt timeless. These moments when the world pivots onto a different time, have affected and influenced many forms of religion and spirituality across the world and far back in time.
One of the old religions that has had a deep and long contact with the natural world is Wiccan. In this, the cycles use these four points in the year along with Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas and Samhain at the midpoints between the main points. In this book, Rebecca Beattie gives pointers and ideas for ritual moments to reconnect to the natural world and the seasons once again. As well as the ritual side, there are several practical suggestions on this to make and do.
I liked this book. It comes across as non-threatening too, these witches are more interested in the natural world mindfulness and self-care than corrupting the minds of others. It is a very personal guide to how they perform their rituals and seasonal tasks of each of the eight festivals throughout the year.
If you want to find your inner pagan or find a different spiritual way to connect to nature then this is a good book to start with. This is written in a straightforward and accessible way for those wanting an introduction to the Wiccan and pagan year and the associated festivals. It has some similarities to The Wheel by Jennifer Lane, and I would recommend reading that as well as this book.
‘these witches are more interested in the natural world mindfulness and self-care than corrupting the minds of others’ – I like the sound of this.
Very much so, it is much more of a faith-based approach to the natural world now