Pagan Rites of Passage [Paperback]

Pauline Campanelli (Author), Dan Campanelli (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 8, 1998

Here is a complete and cohesive system of rites that draw upon ancient Pagan traditions of many cultures to celebrate the inevitable life transitions of those on the Pagan path. Hundreds of traditions and rites are provided, including birth and Paganing; coming of age and initiation; handfasting and parting; mid-life and priest or priestesshood; cronehood/elderhood; death and many more.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Being brought up in a time when old ways are often forgotten, 20th-century pagans can find themselves at a loss for traditional ceremonies to celebrate the times in life that should be marked with great care. Pagan Rites of Passage fills this void with a collection of celebratory rites from varying cultures as far apart in time and space as the ancient Egyptians are from the Bulgarians. The breadth of coverage makes this a suitable book for most any tradition, group, or solitary practitioner. The rites discussed commemorate important moments on the wheel of life from birth through death and include ceremonies for important events such as initiation into a coven or the handfasting of two people embarking on a life together. Pagans who want to proudly mark their lives in accordance with their ancient heritages will find that Pagan Rites of Passage furnishes the vital traditional framework on which to construct the perfect celebration. --Brian Patterson

About the Author

The Campanellis have been practicing Wiccans since 1968. Because of their deep religious beliefs they have evolved a lifestyle based on natural magick. In their 18th century home in western New Jersey, magick is a part of their everyday life.

Pauline and Dan have written and illustrated several books and many articles on Witchcraft. They have also recounted their personal experiences with the Spirit World for Circle Network News and Fate magazine. Other paranormal experiences shared by Pauline and Dan have been included in Haunted Houses: U.S.A., and More Haunted Houses, and in Alan Vaughn's Incredible Coincidence.

Both Dan and Pauline are professional artists. Dan works in watercolor, Pauline in oils. They are each listed in thirteen reference books, including Who's Who in American Art and The International Dictionary of Biographies. Their home and artwork were featured in Colonial Homes, March/April 1981 and Country Living Magazine, April 1985 and October 1992. New Jersey Network produced a program on their artwork and lifestyle for PBS in 1985. Their paintings have been published as fine art prints and are available throughout the United States and Europe.

The Campanellis have been practicing Wiccans since 1968. Because of their deep religious beliefs they have evolved a lifestyle based on natural magick. In their 18th century home in western New Jersey, magick is a part of their everyday life.

Pauline and Dan have written and illustrated several books and many articles on Witchcraft. They have also recounted their personal experiences with the Spirit World for Circle Network News and Fate magazine. Other paranormal experiences shared by Pauline and Dan have been included in Haunted Houses: U.S.A., and More Haunted Houses, and in Alan Vaughn's Incredible Coincidence.

Both Dan and Pauline are professional artists. Dan works in watercolor, Pauline in oils. They are each listed in thirteen reference books, including Who's Who in American Art and The International Dictionary of Biographies. Their home and artwork were featured in Colonial Homes, March/April 1981 and Country Living Magazine, April 1985 and October 1992. New Jersey Network produced a program on their artwork and lifestyle for PBS in 1985. Their paintings have been published as fine art prints and are available throughout the United States and Europe.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications; 2 edition (March 8, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1567181112
• ISBN-13: 978-1567181111
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,775,772 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, informative - and beautiful., November 21, 2001

By 

Grail (Wellington, New Zealand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pagan Rites of Passage (Paperback)

5 years ago, I picked up this book in a bookstore, and was entranced by a way of life that celebrates the seasons of life just as it does the seasons of the year.

This book relates the simple folk customs that have been performed all over the world for different turning points of life, as well as more contemporary Pagan practices, and suggestions from the authors. Eight turning points have been chosen, which have been subtly associated with the 8 seasonal festivals (although they may not occur in this order in your life :) ).

- Birth (Yule)

- Coming of Age (Imbolg)

- Initiation (Ostara)

- Handfasting (Beltane)

- Midlife (Litha)

- Priesthood (Lughnasa)

- Elderhood (Mabon)

- Death (Samhain)

For a single book, it has an amazing range of content, with various tidbits from and about the practices of ancient cultures, and the whys of many customs.

Some examples of variety of content:

From the birth chapter - Egyptian charms for both before and during the birth, an Italian charm for protection of the baby, excellent suggestions for magickal gift-giving (useful for us non-parents out there!), and baby naming.

An aside -

I was drawn to this book 5 years ago - it was the first* book I read on Paganism - and in retrospect it is still one of a very few books that could have opened me up to the Pagan path.

Although the 'How to' books are very useful, this provided me the initial 'Why to'. A way of life which celebrates, and is never very far from, the sacred.

And, as far as the 'How to' goes, the single chapter on Initiation was more useful than many Pagan/Wicca 101 books I've read (although that also says a lot about some of those 101 books...)

It was an overview to be sure, but like the rest of the chapters, it has some really good useful information and it was a good base to start from, with things such as:

A "year and a day" of study Dedication, suggestions as to skills to learn, the whys of keeping a Book of Shadows and Magickal Journal as well as a suggested layout & a consecration ritual, explanations and mythology behind the different tools, magickal names, etc.

If you are looking for a book about any of the Rites of Passage covered in this book - this really is an excellent resource.

A possible improvement to the book for future editions would be an index, as if you are like me, you will probably be referencing it often.

-- Additional Info --

This IS the same book as "Rites of Passage : The Pagan Wheel of Life" - with a new cover.

Pauline and Dan Campanelli are both artists, you may have seen some of their prints around!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Ideas for Pagan Rituals, May 21, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Pagan Rites of Passage (Paperback)

The Campanellis books are always a treat. Not only is this book cocked full of ideas for Pagan rites of passages; it is full of lore and history as well. Far from the "fluff" bunny books on Pagan topics, this book is useful and down to earth. I adore the Campanellies poetic gentle style of writing, and the pencil drawings are lovely. There are ritual ideas for the coven or for a solitary witch. All useful Pagan libraries should have a copy of this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, August 29, 2005

By 

Jen "Jen" (Cape Cod) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pagan Rites of Passage (Paperback)

I'm a huge fan of the Campanelli's books. I really enjoy the imagery Pauline's writing evokes. Its like being transported to the season or place being described. Another bonus is that while its certainly applicable to followers of the Wiccan Path, it is also very useful for solitary generalized Pagans like myself. My only wish is that Pauline was still with us writing such wonderful Pagan books. I would recommend getting your hands on a copy of this out of print book. It is full of ritual outlines for many changes and phases of life, and they are presented in conjunction with time of life being celebrated to each Sabbat.