Mysteries of Demeter: Rebirth of the Pagan Way [Hardcover]

Jennifer Reif (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1999

First paper edition

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Weiser Books; 1st Hardcover Ed edition (October 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578631335
• ISBN-13: 978-1578631339
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,069,093 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An ancient myth for our modern times, October 18, 2001

By 

Kelly (Fantasy Literature) (Columbia, MO United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Mysteries of Demeter : Rebirth of the Pagan Way (Paperback)

I've been wanting to get my hands on this for a long time, and I was afraid I'd be disappointed when I finally read it. I couldn't have been further from the truth. Jennifer Reif has created a true gem among neo-pagan books. From the fragmentary information we have about the Demeter and Persephone holidays of ancient Greece, Reif constructs a coherent Wheel of the Year mythos that follows the agricultural year, and follows Demeter through the loss of her daughter, her mourning, and her reconciliation with Persephone and Plouton (who isn't the scary guy we expect). She also explains how to adjust the festival calendar if , like me, you don't live in a Mediterranean climate. Reif is full of practical instructions; she devoted chapters to growing grain and making various altar objects that you might desire. I only wish the rituals were more oriented toward the solitary, but with a little imagination, most of them are probably do-able. Bravo to Jennifer Reif, for writing a book both practical and scholarly. This book is for real.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book on Demeter and Persephone, October 5, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Mysteries of Demeter : Rebirth of the Pagan Way (Paperback)

A fantastic reconstruction of the rituals of Demeter and Persephone of Eleusis, Greece. Wheel of the Year rituals are quite different from Wicca, but still grain cycle based, and still with many universal themes. Reif has done a lot of research and offers in-depth information on Demeter and Persephone, the clerics of the temple, the liturgy for the rites, planting grain, sacred foods, etc. A lovely book (some great color plates), beautifully made and a great read. I recommend this one highly!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Eleusinian Mysteries, October 16, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Mysteries of Demeter : Rebirth of the Pagan Way (Paperback)

Anyone who has an interest in the Mysteries of Eleusis needs to read this book. Jennifer solves the puzzle with both scholarly work and great writing. Her reconstructions of the Lesser and Greater Mysteries of Demeter of Eleusis are complete, and inclusive of the myth of Demeter and Persephone, while integrating the agricultural and mystical aspects of this ancient religion. Details about the Holy Objects used in the rites, as well as background on the functioning of the clerics, and the sanctuary site make this book unique. The recreations of the mystery rites top it off. Gather your friends together, set your altar, and investigate the mysteries for yourself!