Publishers Weekly
Review of Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Health and Well-being
"Pagan priestess Moon (Reclaiming Witchcraft) presents a thoughtful assortment of concepts and activities meant to increase mindfulness and overall health. Organized into chapters that cover the body, mind, and spirit, Moon’s work brings together meditations, journaling exercises, and contemplative activities that provide outlets for readers to reconsider ingrained responses and beliefs in order to “create a foundation that weathers all that comes before you.” Prompts include the tracking of eating habits and energy levels, developing a sleeping ritual, setting up an altar, and creating a plan for support during times of crisis. Pagan practices, such as contacting deities and using energy pentacles, are covered, but the spiritual conversations are open to customization and accessible to those not necessarily interested in paganism. Moon also tackles social media and advises “only connecting with people and groups that feel nourishing to you.” Paganists and general spiritualists looking for simple approaches to reinvigorating their daily routine will find much to appreciate. (Jan.)
Pagan Pages -- Polly MacDavid
Review of Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Health and Well-being
"I have always been a practical person, possessing a sense of self-preservation that has allowed me to live for over sixty years in relatively good health. When I saw this book, I was quite naturally intrigued. I expected to read about holistic ways of keeping oneself hale and hearty in body and mind and spirit, and I wasn’t disappointed in that at all. Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Health & Wellbeing certainly delivers. The thing is – there isn’t very much about it that’s pagan. No mention of gods or goddesses or pagan ritual or any of that. There’s mention of spirituality but it could be any kind of spiritual practice. I’m not bringing this up as a criticism – I think it’s an asset. I just want to point out that there’s a bunch of people who might walk by this book because of the “Pagan” in the title – because of silly prejudices against Pagans – and they would sadly miss out on a wonderful self-help book." Read the rest here
Review of Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Health and Well-being
"Pagan priestess Moon (Reclaiming Witchcraft) presents a thoughtful assortment of concepts and activities meant to increase mindfulness and overall health. Organized into chapters that cover the body, mind, and spirit, Moon’s work brings together meditations, journaling exercises, and contemplative activities that provide outlets for readers to reconsider ingrained responses and beliefs in order to “create a foundation that weathers all that comes before you.” Prompts include the tracking of eating habits and energy levels, developing a sleeping ritual, setting up an altar, and creating a plan for support during times of crisis. Pagan practices, such as contacting deities and using energy pentacles, are covered, but the spiritual conversations are open to customization and accessible to those not necessarily interested in paganism. Moon also tackles social media and advises “only connecting with people and groups that feel nourishing to you.” Paganists and general spiritualists looking for simple approaches to reinvigorating their daily routine will find much to appreciate. (Jan.)
Pagan Pages -- Polly MacDavid
Review of Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Health and Well-being
"I have always been a practical person, possessing a sense of self-preservation that has allowed me to live for over sixty years in relatively good health. When I saw this book, I was quite naturally intrigued. I expected to read about holistic ways of keeping oneself hale and hearty in body and mind and spirit, and I wasn’t disappointed in that at all. Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Health & Wellbeing certainly delivers. The thing is – there isn’t very much about it that’s pagan. No mention of gods or goddesses or pagan ritual or any of that. There’s mention of spirituality but it could be any kind of spiritual practice. I’m not bringing this up as a criticism – I think it’s an asset. I just want to point out that there’s a bunch of people who might walk by this book because of the “Pagan” in the title – because of silly prejudices against Pagans – and they would sadly miss out on a wonderful self-help book." Read the rest here
Book Review -- Anastasia Prentiss
Reclaiming Witchcraft
Ms. Moon, does the Reclaiming witchcraft tradition a great service in less than a hundred pages. While the text is written as an invitation to someone unfamiliar with the Reclaiming tradition I came away from the lovely little primer Reclaiming Witchcraft published by Pagan Portals, appreciating my own tradition and how it has grown and is continually adapting and
changing to become a more inclusive and expansive community. The author explains the pertinent history of Reclaiming by moving between historical discussion and her personal relationships and experiences, as she is weaving the two threads together readers gain an understanding of some of the patterns of ritual, spiritual practices, magickal activism and a taste of the infinite possibilities they might anticipate experiencing when participating in Reclaiming communities. She pulls back the veil on public gatherings, small communities and solitary practices that enrich and strengthen the community and draws the reader closer with her descriptions of the wheel of the year rituals, classes, camps and community. The concept of personal spiritual authority while in community is a key foundation of Reclaiming and the author succinctly makes this clear. She introduces and gives excellent context for the Principles of Unity (POU) a key document of Reclaiming and discusses how it came to be and functions as a living document within the community that is still young in the spiritual world. A community that grapples with many of societies challenges all while leaning into connection and community. Finally, the primer provides resources for connecting to the Reclaiming Tradition and beginning or deepening one’s own spiritual journey. A wonderful read for the curious and an excellent reference for those already connected to Reclaiming.
Reclaiming Witchcraft
Ms. Moon, does the Reclaiming witchcraft tradition a great service in less than a hundred pages. While the text is written as an invitation to someone unfamiliar with the Reclaiming tradition I came away from the lovely little primer Reclaiming Witchcraft published by Pagan Portals, appreciating my own tradition and how it has grown and is continually adapting and
changing to become a more inclusive and expansive community. The author explains the pertinent history of Reclaiming by moving between historical discussion and her personal relationships and experiences, as she is weaving the two threads together readers gain an understanding of some of the patterns of ritual, spiritual practices, magickal activism and a taste of the infinite possibilities they might anticipate experiencing when participating in Reclaiming communities. She pulls back the veil on public gatherings, small communities and solitary practices that enrich and strengthen the community and draws the reader closer with her descriptions of the wheel of the year rituals, classes, camps and community. The concept of personal spiritual authority while in community is a key foundation of Reclaiming and the author succinctly makes this clear. She introduces and gives excellent context for the Principles of Unity (POU) a key document of Reclaiming and discusses how it came to be and functions as a living document within the community that is still young in the spiritual world. A community that grapples with many of societies challenges all while leaning into connection and community. Finally, the primer provides resources for connecting to the Reclaiming Tradition and beginning or deepening one’s own spiritual journey. A wonderful read for the curious and an excellent reference for those already connected to Reclaiming.
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