Arietta Bryant's Blog, page 5
October 26, 2013
Book Review: A Deed Without A Name: Unearthing the Legacy of
Traditional Witchcraft
A Deed Without A Name: Unearthing the Legacy of Traditional WitchcraftBy Lee Morgan
Reviewed by Arietta( www.facebook.com/Arietta.smallsongs )
I was unsure what to expect of this book.... As a Wiccan, I was worried that this book might just be a dig at those of us whose traditions do not have an unbroken lineage to trace back though. However, thankfully and surprise, my fears were unfounded, and this book turned out to be a real find!
"A Deed Without A Name" is in fact a delightful mix of historical and anecdotal tales, sharing information on the origins of the Witch in every form, including a look at the misuse of the word and what the word can mean to different people.
The bestiary section was an especially interesting read giving an insight into the many and varied "creatures of the night" which have been recorded and connected with tales of witches.
The author has drawn on the writings of Eva Pocs, Emma Wilby & Carlos Ginzburg, to name a few, and has put their work into her framework and context, building upon it to great effect.
Whilst the £11.99 price tag for a paperback of less than 200 pages might seem a bit much for some, I find that the collected knowledge within those pages is honestly priceless and I would recommend anyone with an interest in the craft of the wise to take a look at this book. Be you a seeker or a sage you will find something new in here. A Deed Without A Name: Unearthing the Legacy of Traditional Witchcraft is available from Amazon worldwide
Reviewed by Arietta( www.facebook.com/Arietta.smallsongs )
I was unsure what to expect of this book.... As a Wiccan, I was worried that this book might just be a dig at those of us whose traditions do not have an unbroken lineage to trace back though. However, thankfully and surprise, my fears were unfounded, and this book turned out to be a real find!
"A Deed Without A Name" is in fact a delightful mix of historical and anecdotal tales, sharing information on the origins of the Witch in every form, including a look at the misuse of the word and what the word can mean to different people.
The bestiary section was an especially interesting read giving an insight into the many and varied "creatures of the night" which have been recorded and connected with tales of witches.
The author has drawn on the writings of Eva Pocs, Emma Wilby & Carlos Ginzburg, to name a few, and has put their work into her framework and context, building upon it to great effect.
Whilst the £11.99 price tag for a paperback of less than 200 pages might seem a bit much for some, I find that the collected knowledge within those pages is honestly priceless and I would recommend anyone with an interest in the craft of the wise to take a look at this book. Be you a seeker or a sage you will find something new in here. A Deed Without A Name: Unearthing the Legacy of Traditional Witchcraft is available from Amazon worldwide
October 17, 2013
Book Review: Journey to the Dark Goddess - How to Return to Your Soul
As promised and in a refreshing change from blathering on about the books and projects I am working on, I have recently been given the opportunity to read some other people work and I would like to take the time to share this experience with you...
First up was "Journey to the Dark Goddess" by Jane Meredith.
This is a book which is long overdue, being one which takes the sometimes scary concepts of looking within oneself, of the long dark night of the soul and of the Dark Goddess herself and puts them in an accessible but beautifully written book.
I could not put it down and devoured it in a couple of days. I then went back and read it again in a more piecemeal fashion, dipping in and out of gloriously enveloping and descriptive stories of ancient Goddesses and Jane Meredith's easy to follow rituals. Rituals which I felt had a strong grounding in reality whilst still being wonderfully mysterious and magical.
I enjoyed the layout of the book too, it being split into four sections each dealing with a different stage of the journey
I really don't want to say too much more as the authors words speak to the reader of a deeply personal amd individual level... but I highly recommend you grab a copy for yourself...The author bares all and dares the reader to do the same!
"Journey to the Dark Goddess" is published by Moon Books and is available in paperback and ebook.
First up was "Journey to the Dark Goddess" by Jane Meredith.
This is a book which is long overdue, being one which takes the sometimes scary concepts of looking within oneself, of the long dark night of the soul and of the Dark Goddess herself and puts them in an accessible but beautifully written book.
I could not put it down and devoured it in a couple of days. I then went back and read it again in a more piecemeal fashion, dipping in and out of gloriously enveloping and descriptive stories of ancient Goddesses and Jane Meredith's easy to follow rituals. Rituals which I felt had a strong grounding in reality whilst still being wonderfully mysterious and magical.
I enjoyed the layout of the book too, it being split into four sections each dealing with a different stage of the journey
I really don't want to say too much more as the authors words speak to the reader of a deeply personal amd individual level... but I highly recommend you grab a copy for yourself...The author bares all and dares the reader to do the same!
"Journey to the Dark Goddess" is published by Moon Books and is available in paperback and ebook.
Journey to the Dark Goddess - How to Return to Your Soul
As promised and in a refreshing change from blathering on about the books and projects I am working on, I have recently been given the opportunity to read some other people work and I would like to take the time to share this experience with you...
First up was "Journey to the Dark Goddess" by Jane Meredith.
This is a book which is long overdue, being one which takes the sometimes scary concepts of looking within oneself, of the long dark night of the soul and of the Dark Goddess herself and puts them in an accessible but beautifully written book.
I could not put it down and devoured it in a couple of days. I then went back and read it again in a more piecemeal fashion, dipping in and out of gloriously enveloping and descriptive stories of ancient Goddesses and Jane Meredith's easy to follow rituals. Rituals which I felt had a strong grounding in reality whilst still being wonderfully mysterious and magical.
I enjoyed the layout of the book too, it being split into four sections each dealing with a different stage of the journey
I really don't want to say too much more as the authors words speak to the reader of a deeply personal amd individual level... but I highly recommend you grab a copy for yourself...The author bares all and dares the reader to do the same!
"Journey to the Dark Goddess" is published by Moon Books and is available in paperback and ebook.
First up was "Journey to the Dark Goddess" by Jane Meredith.
This is a book which is long overdue, being one which takes the sometimes scary concepts of looking within oneself, of the long dark night of the soul and of the Dark Goddess herself and puts them in an accessible but beautifully written book.
I could not put it down and devoured it in a couple of days. I then went back and read it again in a more piecemeal fashion, dipping in and out of gloriously enveloping and descriptive stories of ancient Goddesses and Jane Meredith's easy to follow rituals. Rituals which I felt had a strong grounding in reality whilst still being wonderfully mysterious and magical.
I enjoyed the layout of the book too, it being split into four sections each dealing with a different stage of the journey
I really don't want to say too much more as the authors words speak to the reader of a deeply personal amd individual level... but I highly recommend you grab a copy for yourself...The author bares all and dares the reader to do the same!
"Journey to the Dark Goddess" is published by Moon Books and is available in paperback and ebook.
September 29, 2013
Woo hooo! Another successful book give away!
To celebrate getting over 100 "Likes" on my facebook page ( www.facebook.com/Arietta.smallsongs ) I ran a prize draw give away,to win a signed copy of my latest book "Circles of Sacred Laughter"
Everyone who entered had their name written on a piece of paper and then all the names were folded up...
The names were put into my baby cauldron
And I got to pick out a winner...
And the winner was..............
So a signed copy of my book will be winging it's way to Cindy ASAP.
I am grateful to everyone who took the time to enter the giveaway and for those who didn't win you can still pick up a copy from Amazon :)
So, that's my Sunday... Now off to snuggle on the sofa for a bit with my family, a cup of tea and a movie before hitting the books again this evening :)
Everyone who entered had their name written on a piece of paper and then all the names were folded up...
The names were put into my baby cauldron
And I got to pick out a winner...
And the winner was..............
So a signed copy of my book will be winging it's way to Cindy ASAP.
I am grateful to everyone who took the time to enter the giveaway and for those who didn't win you can still pick up a copy from Amazon :)
So, that's my Sunday... Now off to snuggle on the sofa for a bit with my family, a cup of tea and a movie before hitting the books again this evening :)
September 26, 2013
Stop Press!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/3...
Please show your support to my fellow writer and artist friend Romany Rivers
She is using Kick Starter to help get her book published...
This book chronicles a very personal journey through the years overcoming severe bouts of depression and consequently creating a more holistic and spiritual lifestyle. The chapters Red Letters, Return to Sender and Addressee Unknown reveal periods of depression and anxiety; anger and healing; and acceptance and spiritual growth. The words in these pages were not written for mass consumption. They were not artfully crafted for reading aloud in dim rooms to a soundtrack of clicking fingers and Parisian style applause. They were not intended as political statements or a way of reaching other wayward wandering souls. Over the last two decades they were poured, purged, scribbled and spat onto scraps of paper, napkins, backs of hands, into empty pages and blank spaces of other books. At times of sorrow, frustration, confusion, acceptance and joy these words made sense of the minds muddled meanderings. Within these pages you will find heart breaking, heart healing honesty that crosses the divide and touches the souls of others. Now is the time to share this honesty. Now is the time to open pages and breathe new life into whispered words. I gave this project my heart, but it is you, dear reader, you are the one who can give this project life.
Please show your support to my fellow writer and artist friend Romany Rivers
She is using Kick Starter to help get her book published...
This book chronicles a very personal journey through the years overcoming severe bouts of depression and consequently creating a more holistic and spiritual lifestyle. The chapters Red Letters, Return to Sender and Addressee Unknown reveal periods of depression and anxiety; anger and healing; and acceptance and spiritual growth. The words in these pages were not written for mass consumption. They were not artfully crafted for reading aloud in dim rooms to a soundtrack of clicking fingers and Parisian style applause. They were not intended as political statements or a way of reaching other wayward wandering souls. Over the last two decades they were poured, purged, scribbled and spat onto scraps of paper, napkins, backs of hands, into empty pages and blank spaces of other books. At times of sorrow, frustration, confusion, acceptance and joy these words made sense of the minds muddled meanderings. Within these pages you will find heart breaking, heart healing honesty that crosses the divide and touches the souls of others. Now is the time to share this honesty. Now is the time to open pages and breathe new life into whispered words. I gave this project my heart, but it is you, dear reader, you are the one who can give this project life.
Current Development:
Poison Pen Letters to Myself is a completed manuscript, undergoing final proof reading, editing and design. There has already been a contract offered on the book, and the manuscript is already close to publication. This Kickstarter campaign will raise the required author subsidy to finalise the cost and production of design and editing.
Some of the things said in reviews:
"This is a guide of immense power and love.."
"...a worthy book of poetry..."
"... there is honesty, catharsis and ultimately beauty on almost every page."
"I love poetry, and the poetry here is beautiful."
"It has good form, imagery and subject matter."
"... a consuming and compelling collection of raw expression."
"I'm not the greatest fan of poetry so it has to be really good to appeal, and this is really good."
"... it reads like a novelised, journalised roadmap of the human experience."
Your part of the project:
On the right you will find a list of pledges and incentives, which is how Kickstarter allows you and I to work together and publish my dream. Think of it as a way to pre-order a signed copy of the book, or receive a funky handmade gift of gratitude. If I reach the goal, the full 100%, before the deadline, I can provide the author subsidy for design and I can publish the book. If I fail to meet the financial goal then I get nothing at all, the publishing contract will be withdrawn and the book will not make it to print. Your pledge will be refunded, your card will not be charged. So your part in this project is integral, not only by pledging to be a part of the publishing dream but also by sharing this campaign through social networking and raising awareness all over the world.
Hello World ... Exciting updates coming soon!
So much has been going on here at Small Songs HQ... Following the successful launch of "Circles of Sacred Laughter" I have been hard at work to get "Little Lizzy Witch" published but we have had some trouble finding a compatible illustrator and so it looks like "Lizzy" won't be out I time for Yule but I am confident that you will be able to read the first of her adventures before next summer.
Whilst I continue my search for a talented illustrator I have also been keeping myself busy by reading, reading, reading! The reason for all this reading is that I am now reviewing books for other people and you will soon see the first of those book reviews very soon.
Those of you who want more regular updates from me might also like to "like" my Facebook page ( http://www.facebook.com/Arietta.small... ) where I have been posting snippets of my poetry and art work and running regular giveaways!
Until next time...
Bright Blessings
Arietta x
Whilst I continue my search for a talented illustrator I have also been keeping myself busy by reading, reading, reading! The reason for all this reading is that I am now reviewing books for other people and you will soon see the first of those book reviews very soon.
Those of you who want more regular updates from me might also like to "like" my Facebook page ( http://www.facebook.com/Arietta.small... ) where I have been posting snippets of my poetry and art work and running regular giveaways!
Until next time...
Bright Blessings
Arietta x
April 11, 2013
Circles of Sacred Laughter - Goodreads Give-Away
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Circles of Sacred Laughter by Arietta Bryant
Circles of Sacred Laughter by Arietta Bryant Giveaway ends May 01, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Enter to winNew book of rituals now available!
Circles of Sacred Laughter...
Based upon open rituals originally performed by The Children of the Sacred Laughter between 2002 and 2012; this book serves to both commemorate the dedication, friendship and knowledge shared by the members; and also to aid and inspire anyone else who has a desire to mark the turning of the Wheel of the Year by gathering together with friends in celebration of the Sabbats.
Containing full open circle scripts for 8 seasonal festivals, Plus additional information about open circles and group rituals
The rituals contained within this book can be easily adapted for greater or fewer participants but the aim for us was always to give every person something to do during each rite so that they become more than mere spectators. Whether you are a novice or experienced Pagan you will hopefully find something for you within these pages.
Get it now! - Buy from Lulu.com
Amazon will be stocking copies within the next 2 months ( I will let you know the exact date as soon as I have it)
Based upon open rituals originally performed by The Children of the Sacred Laughter between 2002 and 2012; this book serves to both commemorate the dedication, friendship and knowledge shared by the members; and also to aid and inspire anyone else who has a desire to mark the turning of the Wheel of the Year by gathering together with friends in celebration of the Sabbats.
Containing full open circle scripts for 8 seasonal festivals, Plus additional information about open circles and group rituals
The rituals contained within this book can be easily adapted for greater or fewer participants but the aim for us was always to give every person something to do during each rite so that they become more than mere spectators. Whether you are a novice or experienced Pagan you will hopefully find something for you within these pages.
Get it now! - Buy from Lulu.com
Amazon will be stocking copies within the next 2 months ( I will let you know the exact date as soon as I have it)
March 22, 2012
And the winner is...
Congratulations go to...
Paul & Rachel
They are the 2 winners of my Ostara book giveaway
Your signed copies of Ramblings & Rhymes will be winging their way to you shortly.
If you didn't win you can still get a paperback or digital copy from Amazon
Paul & Rachel
They are the 2 winners of my Ostara book giveaway
Your signed copies of Ramblings & Rhymes will be winging their way to you shortly.
If you didn't win you can still get a paperback or digital copy from Amazon
February 24, 2012
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Ramblings & Rhymes by Arietta Bryant 
Ramblings & Rhymes by Arietta Bryant Giveaway ends March 22, 2012.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Enter to win
