Customer Reviews

Classical Living: A Month to Month Guide to Ancient Rituals for Heart and Home

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What a wonderful book to discover! I read it in one sitting and longed for a "Classical Living 2000 Calendar" to go with it, not to mention a cookbook, tour of Italy, likeminded group to share it with. Bernstein generously shares her knowledge in a sumptuous read that has inspired me on a fresh spiritual quest.

It takes you on a journey back in time thousand of years ago to a place hauntingly strange yet familiar and you may find that you want to stay there or at least bring a little of it back with you. This is a beautifully written book encompassing the very essense of pagan Roman Religion and the Via Romana (Roman way). It depicts the ancient Roman culture as inclusive, diverse and deeply rooted in religion, tradition and duty. The thorough and reader friendly format revolves around the calendar, the foundation of Roman Religion, and offers up a guide to monthly observances that honor the ancient rituals and beliefs in a modern context. Highly recommended and used by the Temple as a great introduction to the Religio Romana.

I absolutely love this book. I often buy Wiccan books that reveal details about the months of the year, solar and lunar celebrations, traditions, rites and rituals, prayers, etc. This lovely book takes us to Classical times and reveals myths, celebrations, and related events of each month. It's wonderful. You can really see how so many of later Wiccan beliefs and even Christian beliefs came out of Classical Rome. If you are a Wiccan, a lover of Classical times, or even a Medieval lover, you will really enjoy Dr. Bernstein's hard work. A great edition to any collection of myths, gods, goddesses, celebrations, and rituals. Lots of nice details.

Classical Living has opened a part of Roman life that is not portrayed in history books. The calendar, festival and life cycle events make ancient Rome real and connected to living today. After reading the book, I now see how many of our contemporary holidays and celebrations have their roots in Rome. While the recipes did not always sound exactly like what Roman's prepared, I certainly can see that the were appropriate and representative of the spirit of Rome.

I found this book by accident and after reading it I am very glad I found it.This book is a great way for anyone wanting to start a spiritual path but are not sure how to go about it. You don't have to be Wiccan to use this book as not all Pagans are Wiccan. It gives you a brief history of the God/dess of the month,practices and prayers to do etc.A different approach to a Pagan way of life.

I've bought a lot of ecclectic, pagan type books in the past few years and I have to say this one is my all time favorite, and I bought it used (cheap). I plan on buying more copies in the future to give as gifts.