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Fairy Tale Rituals: Engage the Dark, Eerie & Erotic Power of Familiar Stories
<!--StartFragment--> Magical and mysterious, Faeries are also subtle, sexual, sublime, stubborn, erotic, enticing, dark, and deadly… So you think you know Snow White? You’re acquainted with Sleeping Beauty? You’re quite familiar with Beauty and the Beast? Fairy Tale Rituals explores the eerie, seductive Faerie lore lying just beneath the surface of eleven favorite fairy tales. Feel the fear and passion these stories once inspired in ancient listeners. Learn how to create modern rituals that will bring the archetypal magical characteristics of these fairy tale icons -- the sexual attractiveness of Snow White, the totem animal journey of Rose-Red, the manifestation prowess of Cinderella -- into your own life. Each tale here is explored in two first by looking at the story itself, with an eye toward its mythic roots and magical elements. Next, a powerful ritual or spell is presented based on the characters or events of the tale, which you can use to find a true friend or lover, glimpse the future using divination, celebrate a coming-of-age ceremony, honor the spirit of death, and much more.
“Empowering rituals, often-forgotten histories, magickal lore, and insights into stories we only thought we knew— Fairy Tale Rituals is that rare book that goes beyond its title and offers a bit of myth, enchantment, and scholarly insight to all who walk a magickal path.” — Jason Mankey, Pagan scholar, historian, and lecturer <!--EndFragment-->
“Empowering rituals, often-forgotten histories, magickal lore, and insights into stories we only thought we knew— Fairy Tale Rituals is that rare book that goes beyond its title and offers a bit of myth, enchantment, and scholarly insight to all who walk a magickal path.” — Jason Mankey, Pagan scholar, historian, and lecturer <!--EndFragment-->
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
6 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Kenny Klein
16 books15 followersKenny Klein is an author and musician currently living in New Orleans.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 4, 2012
I'll preface this by saying I was reading this more for my interests in fairytales and mythology than performing rituals and such, so I can't really comment on that aspect of the book. I also can't comment on the fairytale accuracy yet, because I haven't had time to follow the bibliography and the internet tends to turn up the most commonly cited version of things.
Fairy Tale Rituals is one of those books that caught me with its incredible cover and I don't regret picking it up at all. Each chapter focuses on a fairytale from common version, to older versions the author found, and then into the author's reading of the fairytale. This is followed by a suggested ritual.
If you're interested in fairytales and folklore, this is definitely a fascinating book. Klein's readings are well-supported and definitely not what you find every day. I almost gave it five stars, but by the end it was trailing off a bit. The chapter on Snow White, however, is absolutely perfect and a brilliant lead-in.
Fairy Tale Rituals is one of those books that caught me with its incredible cover and I don't regret picking it up at all. Each chapter focuses on a fairytale from common version, to older versions the author found, and then into the author's reading of the fairytale. This is followed by a suggested ritual.
If you're interested in fairytales and folklore, this is definitely a fascinating book. Klein's readings are well-supported and definitely not what you find every day. I almost gave it five stars, but by the end it was trailing off a bit. The chapter on Snow White, however, is absolutely perfect and a brilliant lead-in.
March 25, 2016
The good aspects of this book would be the comparative discussion of different versions of the fairy tales, and the information that the Grimm brothers would sometimes edit the fairy tales for their own reasons. Beyond that, the rituals are uninspired and the author is anything but scholarly. He draws his own conclusions about the symbolism of the tales without much basis. At best, some of these are a stretch. At worst, they are downright wrong. (Example: A pear tree must symbolize a woman's sensuality because the fruit are shaped like women, and then the tangent on that gets even worse... Or how about telling the reader that Dionysus and Saturn are gods of grain. What?) On top of this, the author is frequently sarcastic in a manner I'd equate with a high school student making their own commentary on a reading assignment. I can't believe Llewellyn published this. It reads like a self-published book in sore need of an editor.
June 10, 2011
Ehh, it was okay. I think the novelty wore off after the first few analyses, mostly because by the time I got near the end, the explanations got slightly repetitive. Something in one fairy tale can certainly be applied to another. Also, most--if not all--of the stories discussed were familiar because they were mostly discussions of a Grimms' version. Sure, mentions of older tales were given, but for the majority of the analyses, Klein remained solely on a Grimms-tale frenzy.
I did like that he pulled from other sources (I know he used Basile at some point, which was much appreciated), but to me, it was too much going back on Greek mythology which, honestly, was certainly not the all-encompassing myth of Europe (even though the Greeks were quite prolific).
I did like that he pulled from other sources (I know he used Basile at some point, which was much appreciated), but to me, it was too much going back on Greek mythology which, honestly, was certainly not the all-encompassing myth of Europe (even though the Greeks were quite prolific).
November 13, 2017
A number of fairy tales. First the author compares different versions, second he analyzes them fin ally he writes a ritual.
The first part was interesting. The second ranged from some strange ideas of the author to creepy pedophile ideas of the author. The author has some strange ideas of symbolism. Finally the ritual, I read the first and skipped the others, they were just too strange. they make work for the author but I can't see them happening for anyone else.
Slow and tedious, recommendation - if you are interested in ritual magick pick up some of the works of Aleister Crowley.
The first part was interesting. The second ranged from some strange ideas of the author to creepy pedophile ideas of the author. The author has some strange ideas of symbolism. Finally the ritual, I read the first and skipped the others, they were just too strange. they make work for the author but I can't see them happening for anyone else.
Slow and tedious, recommendation - if you are interested in ritual magick pick up some of the works of Aleister Crowley.
September 4, 2020
What a strange book. Full of random conclusions drawn from apparently no where, such as Snow White being a changeling - while also misunderstanding what faerie changelings are. Most of the interpretations seemed to focus on how everything is a sex symbol. Not worth it for anyone into ritual magic, and definitely not for anyone who wants to learn more about faerie tales.
Read
September 21, 2024DNFd at 40 pages. Some of the info was interesting but I couldn’t get past the ritual stuff
November 22, 2012
When it comes to Grimm's Faery Tale's you are seriously going to have to forget what you know and try to learn about them with an open mind. What you may have read in the Grimm's faery tale or seen on the big screen is nothing but a sanitized and watered down version of what the real faery tale was. The Grimm brothers had started out with a privileged life , it was while studying in the University that they became enamored in folk tales. So they began to collect them. To make them palatable to everyone else they sort of cleaned them up and made them all light and fluffy.
The first tale is about Snow White and the most famous right now. In the original tale though it was not the stepmother who wanted Snow White killed it was rather the real mother. Why would a real mother want to kill her own child. Well in the original the father is the one who wishes for the daughter and while riding through the snow on their carriage they find a young forest nympth. The father is taken by her and the mother grows jealous. The huntsman is supposed to kill her. He doesn't and Snow White literally becomes wife to seven dwarves with the older one having special privilege over her.The queen tries to kill her several times but fails the ends up eating some apple that gets lodged in her throat. A bumbling prince find her and wakes by accidentally knocking the coffin over and dislodging the apple.
Hansel and Gretel are children to a starving couple at the forests edge. Hans the smart is the guy who leaves bread crumbs which are disposed of by the evil ,mother. Later he uses silver pieces . Through there story they are helped by birds. In the faery like forest where thy are lured into a witches trap . Actually there are several faeiries that eat people also. Wiches were perfect bad people. In faeland things reverse and Gretel is the smart one who tricks the witch. When they come back mother is dead. (She was the witch).
Briar Rose is the real Sleeping beauty. She placed in a country estate and then found by a king who is married. He has his way with her while she sleeps and then goes away. In his absence she gives birth to twins.The king picks her up later on but his wife is rather jealous. No matter she gets tortured to death in the end anyways.
Little broomstick is the original version of "beauty and the beast". In here the father picks a rose for his daughter. He is then captured by the beast and has to spend his time there in the castle or have a family member stay in his place.First he tries to get broomstick to take his place but the beast see through it so pious little beauty does it. She ends up sleeping with the bear and falling in love. She leaves for a bit then comes back and absence which almost kills the beast.He is revived with cabbage. The family ends up living living there.
Of course those are just a few of the stories with a different retelling. If you want to find out more then get the book I recommend it. After each story there is a ritual that goes along with it. Some rituals are coming of age, love, friendship and or keeping away unwanted attention. Kenny Klein is well read man and offers many comparison both to Paganism, religion and other nationality folktales. The thing of it is that he should tell the who tale first and then make his comparisons.
The first tale is about Snow White and the most famous right now. In the original tale though it was not the stepmother who wanted Snow White killed it was rather the real mother. Why would a real mother want to kill her own child. Well in the original the father is the one who wishes for the daughter and while riding through the snow on their carriage they find a young forest nympth. The father is taken by her and the mother grows jealous. The huntsman is supposed to kill her. He doesn't and Snow White literally becomes wife to seven dwarves with the older one having special privilege over her.The queen tries to kill her several times but fails the ends up eating some apple that gets lodged in her throat. A bumbling prince find her and wakes by accidentally knocking the coffin over and dislodging the apple.
Hansel and Gretel are children to a starving couple at the forests edge. Hans the smart is the guy who leaves bread crumbs which are disposed of by the evil ,mother. Later he uses silver pieces . Through there story they are helped by birds. In the faery like forest where thy are lured into a witches trap . Actually there are several faeiries that eat people also. Wiches were perfect bad people. In faeland things reverse and Gretel is the smart one who tricks the witch. When they come back mother is dead. (She was the witch).
Briar Rose is the real Sleeping beauty. She placed in a country estate and then found by a king who is married. He has his way with her while she sleeps and then goes away. In his absence she gives birth to twins.The king picks her up later on but his wife is rather jealous. No matter she gets tortured to death in the end anyways.
Little broomstick is the original version of "beauty and the beast". In here the father picks a rose for his daughter. He is then captured by the beast and has to spend his time there in the castle or have a family member stay in his place.First he tries to get broomstick to take his place but the beast see through it so pious little beauty does it. She ends up sleeping with the bear and falling in love. She leaves for a bit then comes back and absence which almost kills the beast.He is revived with cabbage. The family ends up living living there.
Of course those are just a few of the stories with a different retelling. If you want to find out more then get the book I recommend it. After each story there is a ritual that goes along with it. Some rituals are coming of age, love, friendship and or keeping away unwanted attention. Kenny Klein is well read man and offers many comparison both to Paganism, religion and other nationality folktales. The thing of it is that he should tell the who tale first and then make his comparisons.
February 27, 2017
I believe that fairy tales are the inspiration for the majority of the fiction that we see today. I love to explore the darker sides of the tales that we grew up with. While I am pretty well versed in these classics, Klein pointed out relationships between these stories and some older mythology that I had failed to notice. The links between fairy tales and religion are pointed out in great detail in this book. Then Klein suggests a Wiccan ritual relating to each story. While I didn't perform any of the rituals myself, I did enjoy reading about them and may remember them for my practice in the future.
February 3, 2014
Casi todo mundo sabe lo que es el ”abra-cadabra”, el “hocus-pocus”, el “sim, sim, salabim” y demás frases por el estilo. También sabe de príncipes, madrastras, princesas, hadas, duendes, bosques encantados, etc.
Efectivamente, se trata de cuentos de hadas. Crecimos con ellos, le brindaron color a nuestra niñez, nos inspiraban a ser fuertes, valientes, a no rendirnos nunca, a encontrar tesoros grandiosos. Pero es innegable que, lo más atrayente de ellos, era la magia que les daba ese aroma de fantasía; sus encantamientos también nos hechizaban a nosotros cuando leíamos esas historias.
De hecho, este libro trata de eso, de los rituales de magia. Su autor, Kenny Klein, intenta hacernos creer que es posible, que es real, y que nosotros podemos usarla y dominarla. Ya sea para encontrarla amistad, o el amor verdaderos, transformarnos, conocer el futuro o cualquier otra cosa, podemos ser capaces de entrar a ese mundo alterno.
Klein, quien también es músico y conferencista, nos frece una narrativa ágil, práctica y moderna, mediante la cual analiza el cuento en sí mismo, descarapelando las raíces míticas que envuelven cada relato, para después ofrecernos un ritual basado en cada ocasión de ellos.
Podemos apreciar su profundo conocimiento de las culturas celta, griega, romana y germana que las dieron a luz, aunque no deja de estar actualizado en los aconteceres de estos días, lo cual hace que su trabajo tenga cierto peso, y a la vez sea fácil de entender.
Ahora que.….. hay algo que tiene un valor agregado en esta obra; y ese es la posibilidad de conocer una parte más profunda, un aspecto ignorado u oculto de ellos, que seguramente se perdió en el tiempo, o que tal vez nos fue negado para conseguir que estas historias no resultaran tan inapropiadas para la mente de un niño.
Su autor, afirma, por ejemplo, que las hadas no son precisamente seres muy bondadosos que digamos, sino más bien sutiles, sexuales, eróticos, tentadores y mortíferos, lo cual puede despedazar la imagen de ternura y bondad que teníamos de ellos. Esto, junto con algunos finales desconocidos, le otorga una visión obviamente única e intrigante.
Quizá lo único malo de este título es que en ocasiones, los rituales terminan siendo un tanto forzados, por lo cual, la aguda mente de algún escéptico podría etiquetarlo de ser poco merecedores de crédito. Pero eso ya descansa en la disposición y la fé que tenga cada lector de aceptarlo o rechazarlo.
“Rituales de los cuentos clásicos”, un libro que te permite viajar de nuevo al pasado, y conocer más de cerca la magia que envolvió la mente de tu niñez.
Efectivamente, se trata de cuentos de hadas. Crecimos con ellos, le brindaron color a nuestra niñez, nos inspiraban a ser fuertes, valientes, a no rendirnos nunca, a encontrar tesoros grandiosos. Pero es innegable que, lo más atrayente de ellos, era la magia que les daba ese aroma de fantasía; sus encantamientos también nos hechizaban a nosotros cuando leíamos esas historias.
De hecho, este libro trata de eso, de los rituales de magia. Su autor, Kenny Klein, intenta hacernos creer que es posible, que es real, y que nosotros podemos usarla y dominarla. Ya sea para encontrarla amistad, o el amor verdaderos, transformarnos, conocer el futuro o cualquier otra cosa, podemos ser capaces de entrar a ese mundo alterno.
Klein, quien también es músico y conferencista, nos frece una narrativa ágil, práctica y moderna, mediante la cual analiza el cuento en sí mismo, descarapelando las raíces míticas que envuelven cada relato, para después ofrecernos un ritual basado en cada ocasión de ellos.
Podemos apreciar su profundo conocimiento de las culturas celta, griega, romana y germana que las dieron a luz, aunque no deja de estar actualizado en los aconteceres de estos días, lo cual hace que su trabajo tenga cierto peso, y a la vez sea fácil de entender.
Ahora que.….. hay algo que tiene un valor agregado en esta obra; y ese es la posibilidad de conocer una parte más profunda, un aspecto ignorado u oculto de ellos, que seguramente se perdió en el tiempo, o que tal vez nos fue negado para conseguir que estas historias no resultaran tan inapropiadas para la mente de un niño.
Su autor, afirma, por ejemplo, que las hadas no son precisamente seres muy bondadosos que digamos, sino más bien sutiles, sexuales, eróticos, tentadores y mortíferos, lo cual puede despedazar la imagen de ternura y bondad que teníamos de ellos. Esto, junto con algunos finales desconocidos, le otorga una visión obviamente única e intrigante.
Quizá lo único malo de este título es que en ocasiones, los rituales terminan siendo un tanto forzados, por lo cual, la aguda mente de algún escéptico podría etiquetarlo de ser poco merecedores de crédito. Pero eso ya descansa en la disposición y la fé que tenga cada lector de aceptarlo o rechazarlo.
“Rituales de los cuentos clásicos”, un libro que te permite viajar de nuevo al pasado, y conocer más de cerca la magia que envolvió la mente de tu niñez.
June 28, 2012
I'm not always particularly fond of books from Llewellyn Worldwide. If you've read previous reviews, you know why.
That said, this book surprised me.
As a person interested in Comparative Religions and especially in "Other" spirituality, I found this to be an interesting look at "fairy" tales - not the white-washed Disney cartoon pap, but the actual tales as recorded not only by the Lutheran influenced Brothers Grimm, but even before then (before Christianity came in and put their heavy-handed stamp all over the storytelling).
Kenny Klein makes some very astute observations about these tales and he's done his research (except for the mistake I found on page 37 where someone obviously played a little practical joke by telling him that "Pwyll" from "The Mabinogion" is pronounced "push". (It's not. It is pronounced POOH-well, hence the joke.) Mr. Klein obviously doesn't know his Celtic languages and didn't research that little tidbit. It was almost almost enough to cause me to put the book down. But his thesis, up to that point, had been very compelling, so I plowed on.
And I found myself taking notes.
And highlighting passages.
And writing in the margins.
And indexing/bookmarking with sticky notes.
And reading the book 3 times to make sure I didn't miss anything.
As I said, his thesis is compelling. His reasoning is sound, even if slightly repetitious. His rituals are filled with affirmations as well as good advice and I can very much see myself incorporating them into my own practices.
I would most definitely recommend this book as a part of a reference library and a good book for initiates that are interested in the Celtic Faerie Faith or those that are looking for some alternative insights into European storytelling mythology.
That said, this book surprised me.
As a person interested in Comparative Religions and especially in "Other" spirituality, I found this to be an interesting look at "fairy" tales - not the white-washed Disney cartoon pap, but the actual tales as recorded not only by the Lutheran influenced Brothers Grimm, but even before then (before Christianity came in and put their heavy-handed stamp all over the storytelling).
Kenny Klein makes some very astute observations about these tales and he's done his research (except for the mistake I found on page 37 where someone obviously played a little practical joke by telling him that "Pwyll" from "The Mabinogion" is pronounced "push". (It's not. It is pronounced POOH-well, hence the joke.) Mr. Klein obviously doesn't know his Celtic languages and didn't research that little tidbit. It was almost almost enough to cause me to put the book down. But his thesis, up to that point, had been very compelling, so I plowed on.
And I found myself taking notes.
And highlighting passages.
And writing in the margins.
And indexing/bookmarking with sticky notes.
And reading the book 3 times to make sure I didn't miss anything.
As I said, his thesis is compelling. His reasoning is sound, even if slightly repetitious. His rituals are filled with affirmations as well as good advice and I can very much see myself incorporating them into my own practices.
I would most definitely recommend this book as a part of a reference library and a good book for initiates that are interested in the Celtic Faerie Faith or those that are looking for some alternative insights into European storytelling mythology.
January 3, 2012
a good read delving into a number of jungian archetypes from more traditional versions - generally, grimms - of fairy tales (not the irritatingly sanitized disney versions) and looking at how those archetypes can play roles in modern rituals. these rituals / archetypes can be seen in a variety of spiritual settings, be they theistic (christianity, judiasm, hindu, islamic), other naturalistic belief settings, pagan or wiccan traditions.
the symbolism of many of these tales dates from time immemorial and a number of said symbols can even be found in modern initiative fraternities, common themes in stories, across cultures in anthropological studies or deeply imbedded in the psyche of individuals (as jung often thought they were held deep within our collective unconsciousness).
decent read and full of useful little tidbits to continue my lifelong pursuit to understand jungian archetypes and see patterns of them in all manners of cultural outlets.
the symbolism of many of these tales dates from time immemorial and a number of said symbols can even be found in modern initiative fraternities, common themes in stories, across cultures in anthropological studies or deeply imbedded in the psyche of individuals (as jung often thought they were held deep within our collective unconsciousness).
decent read and full of useful little tidbits to continue my lifelong pursuit to understand jungian archetypes and see patterns of them in all manners of cultural outlets.
June 5, 2016
Picked this up for the fairy tale content, didn't notice the ritual bit until it was too late. This book added almost nothing to my knowledge of fairy tales, though it did confirm much of what I've stumbled on through other, more reputable sources.
As to the rituals- they reminded me a bit of Jungian psychology. Wrap your mind around the archetype, use some form of mental exercise to fix it in the new place, repeat until your life shifts to match your mindset. There's nothing magical about it.
My impatience with superstition aside, the atmosphere is all right, I guess, if you like that sort of thing.
As to the rituals- they reminded me a bit of Jungian psychology. Wrap your mind around the archetype, use some form of mental exercise to fix it in the new place, repeat until your life shifts to match your mindset. There's nothing magical about it.
My impatience with superstition aside, the atmosphere is all right, I guess, if you like that sort of thing.
June 4, 2016
While I didn't bother reading the rituals parts I did find the history and interpretation of the various tales fascinating at least thru the first few chapters. Later chapters began to feel a little repetitious with similar interpretations. Especially liked the way the author included variations on the tales from different countries and cultures. Not being a real student of folklore I felt I learned a lot about the development of many of the now familiar stories and I was introduced to a few that were new to me.
May 27, 2012
I truly enjoyed this book, and learned a lot from it. The author takes the time to tell Grimm version of each tale, as well as earlier versions. Then, after sharing these tales, compares the various versions. Once shared there is a discussion of the underlying meanings. It is done in very comprehensive fashion.
The actual rituals are well thought out and well written. Not all of them are personally useful, but I can definitely take elements from each one.
The actual rituals are well thought out and well written. Not all of them are personally useful, but I can definitely take elements from each one.
May 22, 2012
My husband gave me this book for Mother's day. He definitely has a funny sense of humor with the wicked step mother handing the poison apple over:) on Mother's Day:) I love fairy tales and have many different copies of Grimm's. I've just started reading this and have to give it 5 stars. Love it because it's magical:)
May 6, 2013
Very interesting background on many of the fairy tales! Definitely gave me a deeper appreciation for the meeting behind some, like Red Riding Hood, that I had never liked before. Rituals are well thought out as well!
October 21, 2014
I didn't read the spells and rituals in this book because I don't do those things. However it gave awesome alternative stories for all the fairy tales we know and love. Plus it gives some background to them as well.
October 1, 2013
I adored this book, mainly for its wonderfully readable comparisons of differing fairy tales in conjunction with Pagan lore and current praxis. Even if Wiccan ritual structure is not your cuppa tea, it's fascinating stuff.
January 13, 2016
Really interesting read. I enjoyed looking at my favorite stories in a very different light. It's fascinating just how old these archetypes really are and how they've manifested through the centuries.
September 9, 2011
really shows the darker meaning of the characters in popular fairy tales
February 26, 2014
This is one that I have on my kindle and refer to for ideas and inspiration
February 21, 2012
I thought this book was very interesting. :)
June 14, 2012
Very rich with information about the fairy tale myths and we can relate to them. The rituals are wonderful and rich as well and I can't wait to try one!
June 17, 2012
review soon @ thefaeryromanticlibrarian.blogspot.com
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews