Customer Reviews

Rites of Worship: A Neopagan Approach

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Until this book was published the only previously published guide to designing neopagan rituals that I've been aware of was Blacksun's pamphlet, "The Elements of Beginning Ritual Construction." [Published by Circle Network News, 1988] Until now, Blacksun was "required" reading in several neopagan priesthoods. Bonewits greatly expands the material in print on this subject. He brings together his knowledge from many years of hands on ritual work and makes it accessible to neopagan clergy in a clear and understandable manner. Bonewits begins with a whole chapter of definitions of words used in neopagan religion but poorly understood by many. Even someone who's been teaching pagan rituals for decades can take time to ponder the definition of "worship," "rite," of "liturgy." Chapter 2 discusses the commonalties that neopagan rites have with those of other large and small religions. The elements that are needed to be effective in a religious ceremony in one religion are also needed to be effective in the next. And what is a religious ceremony anyway? For that matter what is a religion? There is a chapter on people factors, how do you prepare for and deal with a wide variety of different people who may show up at your rituals. You may get people who are loud or quiet, have physical or mental disabilities, etc. Other thins deal with preparations, briefings, rehearsals, manna, magic, and what to do when things go wrong. There are too many topics to list in a review.

Rites of Worship is not a cookbook for neopagan rituals, it is rather instructions on designing your own rituals, and essential knowledge that can be gained either from making all the mistakes yourself or learning from someone with decades of actual experience. I would recommend this book to everyone studying to be neopagan clergy.

Some people seem to know how to create and lead effective group rituals, but ask them how they do it and chances are they can't put it into words the way this book does. I've read many books about ritual, and some of them are very good, but this book gets to the real heart of the matter - how to get to that indescribable place the a good ritual takes you to. Every ritualist needs this book. Your rituals need never fall flat again! :)

One of the Pagan groups I belong to, Agave Spirit Grove, is having a monthly discussion group regarding this book. I think this is a great way to help increase the effectiveness of a group that works together in a ritual setting.

One thing I like about Isaac Bonewits is that he doesn't expect anyone to agree 100% with his opinions and observatons. Even if you have many different points of view, you will find something useful in Rites of Worship.

At last, a book on the subject that covers every aspect of ritual: concept, construction, composition, performance and review. For many years I have read tomes on Ritual only to find that it had omitted key aspects and considerations, let alone the absence of proper structure.

Rites of Worship starts with a clear definition of terms and concepts and then proceeds with a challenge to the task, then breaks down every step with a review of even more detail. At times Isaac prints the obvious (make sure you have wheel chair access, make sure that you have an alternative to alcohol for those that have issues with it and so on) however other insights such as understanding mana and its flow are breath taking.

The book is clearly targeted toward Neopagans in that there are several comparisons between mainstream religion and the New Movement. If you come from a monotheistic background, you might find some of the subject matter uncomfortable, perhaps even insulting. However for those that are true scholars (and used to reading opinions that differ from their own), they will find gems embedded within these pages.

The final section: 12 Afterwards holds a true gem: a challenge to do better and to take criticism as a blessing for improvement. In fact, one of the main emphases of the test is the importance of making ritual better, there by improving one's relationship with the Gods.

For those that are working a path towards Pagan Clergy, have been a function Priest(ess) and need a refresher or perhaps interested in strengthening their understanding of Ritual in general and religion (and it's purpose) as a whole, I strongly recommend this read. No third degree anything should pass this one over.

-Kirk McLaren

Amulets by Merlin

This book is fantastic! Bonewits tells the reader everything he (or she) needs to know about doing public rituals. This is a topic not covered in any other Pagan book that I know of. Also, a lot of this book is applicable to private and family rituals as well. The theology gets a little deep, but the practical advice on what to do or not do is priceless. He tells you how to plan a ritual, how to perform one, and what to do when things go wrong--all with a dry sense of humor and a voice of experience. Give this one to every HPS on your Yule shopping list!

A wonderful resource for anyone who wishes to expand their rituals to more than just preaching to the choir. Bonewits gives lots of tips on how to incorporate the "audience" into the ritual in order to make it a meaningful experience for all present.

The information given on raising energy & why it is done sparked a nice discussion / debate within our coven on why we have ritual and what we give back to our deities & community.

The chapters on props & costumes is wonderful and something that I had overlooked prior to reading this book.

Since our coven has a disabled member the information on making the rituals more accesible was wonderful.

Rites of Worship has been one of the best rescoures I have read in many years. I got the book just before I went on vacation, so I spent my downtime during my vacation reading the book. I could not put it down. Isaac goes into great detail on how a ritual is put together and how its desgined. The book is in great detail and covers every element that is used during a public ritual. He goes as far as how to approach different situations during a ritual and how to handel situations. His many years of experience appears in every page of the book.

After I read the book, I went back and looked at all my rituals. I noticed that the five phases he speaks of is true. Most of my rituals are desgined in that manner. I have now sat down and woked out a general outline of my rituals. This outline was shaped using Isaac's book. Now not only is it going to be easy for me to put together my monthly full moon rituals, but other rituals too, especially Sabbats. My new formate that evolved is also a great way to teach my craft students and coven how rituals are designed. It will help the beginner to create their own rituals as well as help create both private and public rituals in the future. Bascially I have now cut down my time in writing my rituals. This is such a great help, as time is so important for me.

I recommend this book to all pagan ministers and clergy. It should be a standard in the library of all pagan clergy as well as a text book for those learning to become Pagan Clergy.

Alfred Surenyan, High Priest of the Temple of Aradia

Isaac Bonewits broad understanding of all the Pagan paths combined with his scholarship in the dynamics of worship makes this a unique treasure. It is a must-have for anyone leading,, planning or organizing ritual for groups. I have even recommended it to my friends who plan ceremonies i main-line religious traditions.

Before I started doing public rituals anyway. This is the first book to tell a priest or priestess of any Neopagan path what they need to know to make any public ceremony powerful and effective. The discussion of "what to do when things go wrong" alone is worth the price of the book. Anyone interested in the "polytheology" of worship or the dozens of factors that have to be considered when planning or performing a ritual will find this book full of useful information. If you're ready to go beyond "livingroom religion" you'll find this book a Goddess-send!

This book is exactly what any group needs to make rituals more interesting. I know from personal experience how dissappointing a bad group ritual can be, particularly when coming from a solitary practice. Isaac gives concise answers to common problems, and brings up the reasons why certain aspects of ritual are needed, and why some things should always be left out. He is a brilliant writer... go buy all his books if you can!

This is a smart book with a smart approach. I should know, I'm Deborah Lipp, ex-wife of the author and an author myself. I was there when Isaac was writing the book, and participated in proofreading it.

Everything in RITES OF WORSHIP is based on years (and years and years...) of experience, of knowing how people worship, what happens, what doesn't happen, and why. It's an eminently practical book designed to help walk you through the many decisions involved in creating ritual -- decisions you maybe didn't even know you had to make.

When you've done hundreds of public rituals, you learn a lot -- and Isaac is very good at writing, in a personal and friendly way, about what he's learned.