Customer Reviews

Pagan Rites of Passage

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4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

well it was certainly an accurate and decent read, but i can't say that as an advanced practitioner that i gleaned anything new from the pages. it gave me a few ideas for upcoming rituals and the history behind some of the symbolism that could be used for them, but besides that, the book had the same beginner tone that most books on wicca these days have. not a waste of money, but not a stellar find either.

Overall a great book, some areas are alittle wordy or need clarification. It's written by a covener...so if you're a solitare like me you have to modify, which is somewhat frustrating. Otherwise it is recommended

... like many good books they go in and out of print but this book is must have!!! ...good imfomation and outlines on rites.

Blessed Be

this is a wonderful bookare you getting ready for your intitation, maybe a handfast this book shows you rituals to celebrate all kinds of events in life