Customer Reviews

Circle Round: Raising Children In Goddess Traditions

5 star:		(54)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I would recommend this book for the stories and the recipes. It gives a wide variety of stories for the Goddess has many faces in many cultures. There are some neat recipes (one of which I am in the process of making at this moment). It gives descriptions of each Sabbat that are kid-friendly. There is also a portion dedicated to involving your children in your rites, but never forcing it upon them.

However, there are some areas in this book that leave you confused, unanswered, and even concerned. The glaring example of this is when they bring up the issue of children being teased or even harrassed for their faith. I expected some tips on helping your children through this time of crisis, but I did not expect a long diatribe on Pagan oppression. Yes, instead of answers you get a history lesson on the Burning Times. I'm sorry, but I don't feel that will help a child deal with being ridiculed.
Another section that seriously concerned me was when they discussed sexual activity. Another reviewer has expressed her concern over this area of the book and so I will not speak long on it. When it discussed love-making, it gives the impression of "the sooner the better." One can see the problems with this so I won't beat a dead horse.

All in all, it was a great beginning, but seriously needs re-vamped. Perhaps one day we can be graced with a seriously revised Second Edition.

I expected this book to have ideas, rituals, projects, etc. to share with your child/children on the traditions of the god and goddess, which it did. What I didn't expect was the small section on Youth and Maiden Lovemaking, and the irresponsible advice it touted. Written by a 14-year old (which is surprising enough) who obviously has no idea what he's talking about, it opens with "A lot to being a Pagan is being a good lover. My attitude is, why not start sooner than later?" This child is 14! Our kids are already out there experimenting at early ages, and now we have this boy promoting that?! Next he talks about STDs - "You may hear about STDs, and the fact is, the *only* way to prevent STDs are condoms and outercourse." Uh, no...the *only* way to fully prevent an STD is abstinence, but since that is not a realistic way to think, why not say that condoms will *protect* you from STDs, but not always *prevent*, so make sure you use them correctly and responsibly. And you can't get an STD from "outercourse"? Really? I think this kid needs to go back and do his homework on this one.

It's a shame, because up until this point, this chapter was really beautiful and informative, but by throwing in this drivel it managed to take away from the previous good advice and end this chapter on a negligent and dangerous note.

This book is a great resource for families that have very young children. I found that my schoolage and teen children really wouldn't be served by this book. A better choice for families with slightly older children is, Celebrating the Great Mother. The activities are more appropriate and appealing. I will say that this book had me thinking about bread baking in a whole new way, and I will be incorporating that in our family rituals and celebrations.

There are many books on the "Craft" and there is an explosion of information happening in the world today.

The heart of any belief system is what do you desire to pass along to the next generation - your children. What values are important to you? What stories, legends and tales? This book is a great resource for any family that desires to pass along positive values, living life empowered not in fear, and developing an understanding of the life cycles we all experience regardless of religious biases.

For non-pagans - this would be a good book for you to review so that you have an understanding of another path of beliefs of which it is highly probable your own traditions are deeply rooted in past history. You may even find what your heart has been looking for all your life without detracting from what you already have experienced. This is a beautiful work of love, light, traditions, history and open possibilities without limitations. For me, it is a book for anyone and everyone.

I think many people get confused about Goddess traditions because they bring a linear thought process of judgement and fundementalism "right vs wrong", and they do not understand the freedom of exploring an active relationship with deity. This isn't a "bible" type of thing. It is a book and reference for families.

For those searching for a family resource - filled with stories, songs, a flavor of histories and traditions from around the world - this is a unique one of kind treasure. It is a book that "opens" possibilities it doesn't dictate doctrines.

There is a section of the book dealing with honoring "rites of passage" with ideas and inspiration for creating rituals for your children in season with their life changes and development. In my opinion this is an especially important part of this writing.

Kudos to the author. You can help your family live in the seasons of life with this fun, enjoyable and easy to read book.

- David, Male, age 40, brought up in all paths non-goddess based, thank God(dess) for those who have kept alive the traditions and old ways for those of us who have been searching for love, peace and joy...and the inner truth that is found when we start living and enjoying life...today.

- P.S. There is a music CD also available - a great companion that brings the spirit of the book to life.

As a Pagan aunt I frequently wonder how I can make my seasonal celebrations more kid friendly. This book answers those questions. As a participant in a UU congregation, I frequently get asked how to incorporate earthbased spirituality into seasonal and world religion kids Religious Ed. This book answers those questions. Finally, as a pagan who enjoys my theology in the form of story and activity, as much as in the form of discourse and scholarly writing, this book feeds me.
My only complaint is that they don't have volume two out yet. We need more of this well researched, practical, hands-on resource on moon and life cycle celebrations/rites, and more on celebrating as Pagans in a culture where the secular celebrations seem to all be Christian.

A great guide to including children in the Wiccan religion and our rituals. Includes stories, songs and crafts to accompany the rituals. This book was very valuable in getting my toddler involved and teaching her about Wicca in a fun and interesting way. Book seems to include alot of information from the Faiery Wicca perspective.

I was very impressed with the collection of stories, songs, chants, activites, crafts, and recipies that the authors compiled here in this book. If you are Pagan and have children, this is a must. It is also useful for coven activities as well. I plan on adapting some of the stories for skits in my coven's rituals. Thanks and hats off to the authors!

Rev. Eric Roberts

High Priest, Temple of the Sacred Craft

Starhawk, et al., have assembled a wonderful source book for pagan parents of all traditions. As a priestess who was having some trouble finding a starting point to begin educating my two young children in our faith, I found the book jam-packed with ideas: fun craft projects, kitchen magic, stories to read to younger kids.... I can't say enough about this book & have recommended it to several friends. Blessed Be!

If you're womyn-only Wiccan, this book may work just fine for you. For families with broader views, it's extremely insulting. There are some ideas, crafts, and projects worth mining as long as you can trim off the knee-jerk sexism and fundamentalist philosophy. Before purchasing this book, PLEASE review it...

A must have if your interested in sharing Pagan beliefs with children. Loaded with stories, crafts and fun. teaching children how to respect the earth and life around them. My daughters are teenagers now and have the knowledge to defend the rumors of Paganism and witchcraft. They also have the strength to look at religion as a whole in a healthy light. It is fun to share something special with your children and with this book you can truly give to them many hours of fun and learning. This book has it all....