Circle Round: Raising Children in Goddess Traditions (Paperback)

~ (Author), Diane Baker (Author), Anne Hill (Author), Sara Ceres Boore (Illustrator) "NOT LONG AGO I (Starhawk) was part of a circle of women celebrating the First Blood ritual of my Goddess-daughter Shannon..." (more)
Key Phrases: magic gongs, twelve wild swans, cle round, Baba Yaga, Mother Winter, Summer Solstice (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The 20th-century reclamation of Goddess traditions has evolved from a small counterculture revolution of the mid-1900s to the birthright of an entire generation of children and young teenagers. However, the parents--who were adults when they first turned to paganism--are discovering that raising children in a pagan tradition can prove difficult amidst the near void of resources to assist them in teaching this way of life. Relying on age-old learning methods, such as songs and storytelling, Circle Round fills this void with techniques that are truly rooted in traditions. This priceless resource offers guidelines for helping children discover the different facets of the Goddess tradition--from altars to sabbats--and suggests recipes, creative projects, and other activities resuscitating the values of family in our latchkey society. --Brian Patterson --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Circle Round" is a wonderful resource for parents of any religion who want to teach their children a reverence for nature. The authors show that the practice of Earth-centered spirituality is not a once-a-week break from the rest of our lives, it is embodied--woven into our eating, sleeping, working, playing, and even breathing. The book's three main sections cover the eight seasonal holidays of the Pagan calendar, the human life-cycle, and the elements. Each section contains activities and rituals, includingstories and recipes, and covers the basics while weaving in many unexpected gems. Suggestions range from the widely-practiced (carving pumpkins on Samhain- - the Pagan New Year, a.k.a. Halloween) to ones that would seem 'out there' to all but the most open-minded of families (a community-wide 'first blood' ritual celebrating a girl's first period). contemporary fable for Brigit (the holiday marking the beginning of Spring), and many beautiful ideas for celebrating pregnancy and birth. -- From Beliefnet

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Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Bantam (February 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553378058
• ISBN-13: 978-0553378054
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (64 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #42,688 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #4 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Authors, A-Z > ( S ) > Starhawk
  #13 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > New Age > Goddesses
  #39 in	Books > Parenting & Families > Family Activities

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

70 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Really taken aback, October 9, 2005

By	E. Arnold (CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I expected this book to have ideas, rituals, projects, etc. to share with your child/children on the traditions of the god and goddess, which it did. What I didn't expect was the small section on Youth and Maiden Lovemaking, and the irresponsible advice it touted. Written by a 14-year old (which is surprising enough) who obviously has no idea what he's talking about, it opens with "A lot to being a Pagan is being a good lover. My attitude is, why not start sooner than later?" This child is 14! Our kids are already out there experimenting at early ages, and now we have this boy promoting that?! Next he talks about STDs - "You may hear about STDs, and the fact is, the *only* way to prevent STDs are condoms and outercourse." Uh, no...the *only* way to fully prevent an STD is abstinence, but since that is not a realistic way to think, why not say that condoms will *protect* you from STDs, but not always *prevent*, so make sure you use them correctly and responsibly. And you can't get an STD from "outercourse"? Really? I think this kid needs to go back and do his homework on this one.

It's a shame, because up until this point, this chapter was really beautiful and informative, but by throwing in this drivel it managed to take away from the previous good advice and end this chapter on a negligent and dangerous note.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Good Start, but Seriously Lacking: I wanted advice, not a history lesson, May 21, 2006

By	Ravenclaw's Wit (Yakima, WA) - See all my reviews

I would recommend this book for the stories and the recipes. It gives a wide variety of stories for the Goddess has many faces in many cultures. There are some neat recipes (one of which I am in the process of making at this moment). It gives descriptions of each Sabbat that are kid-friendly. There is also a portion dedicated to involving your children in your rites, but never forcing it upon them.

However, there are some areas in this book that leave you confused, unanswered, and even concerned. The glaring example of this is when they bring up the issue of children being teased or even harrassed for their faith. I expected some tips on helping your children through this time of crisis, but I did not expect a long diatribe on Pagan oppression. Yes, instead of answers you get a history lesson on the Burning Times. I'm sorry, but I don't feel that will help a child deal with being ridiculed.
Another section that seriously concerned me was when they discussed sexual activity. Another reviewer has expressed her concern over this area of the book and so I will not speak long on it. When it discussed love-making, it gives the impression of "the sooner the better." One can see the problems with this so I won't beat a dead horse.

All in all, it was a great beginning, but seriously needs re-vamped. Perhaps one day we can be graced with a seriously revised Second Edition.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Circle Round Raising Children in the Goddess Traditions, May 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Circle Round: Raising Children In Goddess Traditions (Hardcover)

A great guide to including children in the Wiccan religion and our rituals. Includes stories, songs and crafts to accompany the rituals. This book was very valuable in getting my toddler involved and teaching her about Wicca in a fun and interesting way. Book seems to include alot of information from the Faiery Wicca perspective.