Celestially Auspicious Occasions: Seasons, Cycles, & Celebrations [Paperback]

Donna Henes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1996

From ancient times to the present there have been special days that mark the passage of time, announce the arrival or retreat of the sun, moon, and stars, and signify holy days and holidays alike. Celestially Auspicious Occasions presents a fascinating cross-cultural exploration of the rites and rituals inspired by heavenly events, from Valentine's Day to the blue moon to connection between ancient Egyptian beliefs and Easter eggs.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Humans have always observed the passage of time and the changes in the heavens. Moreover, we have marked these observations with customs, celebrations, and observances. In this delightful compilation, Henes, an artist, writer, lecturer, and author of the syndicated column, "Celestially Auspicious Occasions," provides a lively narrative on the solstices, the equinoxes, mid-seasonal celebrations, eclipses, birthdays, and leap year as well as days, months, weeks. Combining folklore, customs, and poetry, she covers many different cultures in this well-written, readable book. Recommended for public libraries, folklore collections, and where there is an interest in seasons and ceremonies.?Gail Wood, SUNY Coll. of Technology Lib., Alfred, N.Y.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

An entertaining compilation of myths and rituals surrounding the four seasons and the planetary cycles of the year. Written with wit and reverence, the author often unearths some startling tales in her research into ancient and modern cultures. From the early origins of Halloween to the appearance of the blue moon to the connection between ancient Egypt and contemporary Easter eggs, this book presents a fascinating cross-cultural exploration of the rites and rituals inspired by astrological events. Here is a good introduction to the traditions that unite humanity to the cosmic center of the universe. --New Visions

This marvelous book, full of inspiration, wisdom and instruction, is useful for all occasions. --Joan Halifax, author of The Fruitful Darkness

I appreciate her sense of spirituality and how the workings of the cosmos have an influence on it. --Suzanne Chippindale, Director of the Santa Fe Planetarium

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 236 pages
• Publisher: A Perigee Book; First edition edition (July 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399522107
• ISBN-13: 978-0399522109
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #786,152 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

'Unofficial Commissioner of Public Spirit of NYC.' The New Yorker
'Part performance artist, part witch, part social director for planet earth.' The Village Voice
'Globally significant theater-in-the-round.' Brooklyn Bridge Magazine
'The woman is balanced.' Paper Magazine
'Solstice Sister.' TimeOut New York
'The Original crystal-packing mama.' NY Press
'Frankly, I do not doubt her.' Dan Rather
'Insightful, funny, a treasure. One of the best 'goddess gals' around.' Olympia Dukakis

Donna Henes is an internationally acclaimed spiritual teacher, popular speaker, and award-winning writer specializing in multi-cultural ritual celebrations of the cycles of the seasons and the seasons of our lives. Her joyful celebrations of celestial events have introduced ancient traditional rituals and contemporary ceremonies to millions of people in more than one hundred cities for thirty-three years.

She the author of four books, The Queen of My Self: Stepping into Sovereignty in Midlife, The Moon Watcher's Companion, Celestially Auspicious Occasions': Seasons, Cycles, and Celebrations, and Dressing Our Wounds In Warm Clothes, as well as the CD, Reverence To Her: Mythology, the Matriarchy, & Me and an acclaimed quarterly journal, Always in Season: Living in Sync with the Cycles. She writes a weekly column for UPI Religion and Spirituality Forum. In addition to teaching and lecturing worldwide, Mama Donna, as she is affectionately called, maintains a ceremonial center, spirit shop, ritual practice and consultancy where she works with individuals, groups, institutions, municipalities and corporations to create meaningful ceremonies for every imaginable occasion.

Henes is a founding member and on the Board of Directors of the International Center for Celebration, and she served as a children's book award judge for the United Nations Jane Addams Peace Association from 1980-1988. In 1982, she composed the first satellite peace message in space: 'chants for peace * chance for peace.'

She has been a recipient of four fellowships from the New York Foundation for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as numerous project grants from municipalities, corporations, and foundations. Her listings include: Who's Who in America; Who's Who in American Art; Who's Who in Entertainment; Who's Who in American Writers, Editors, and Poets; and The World's Who's Who of Women.

For further information about Donna Henes' work or to request a calendar of upcoming events, a list of publications and services, and a complimentary copy of Always in Season, contact Mama Donna at:
www.DonnaHenes.net
www.TheQueenOfMySelf.com
To purchase multicultural ceremonial tools and supplies go to:
www.MamaDonnasSpiritShop.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is great!, December 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Celestially Auspicious Occasions: Seasons, Cycles, & Celebrations (Paperback)

I found that once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. It reads so easily and with so many interesting and warming thoughts, it's a must! I have bought many copies to give as gifts to close friends.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic!, January 15, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Celestially Auspicious Occasions: Seasons, Cycles, & Celebrations (Paperback)

If there were 10 stars, I would designate all 10. I love this book. I use it like a bible. At each turn of the wheel of the year, I take this fantastic study down from the shelf and re-read it. It helps me to understand the workingsa of the world and how they affect me. And more importrant, how I can affect/honor/celebrate the world. Thank you, Donna Henes.