Laura Perry's Blog, page 11

Book Review: Lost Goddesses of Early Greece

People often ask me what books they should read if they're interested in Modern Minoan Paganism. Of course, I blushingly suggestmy own titles, but there are a few standards that I also recommend on a regular basis. This is probably number one. Originally published in the 1970s, it's still in print, and with good reason. Have a look at my review here:Book Review: Lost Goddesses of Early GreeceTo join the discussion about Modern Minoan Paganism, hop on over to our welcoming community atAriadne's Tribeon Facebook.In the name of the bee,And of the butterfly,And of the breeze, amen.

Book Review: Goddess 2.0

Goddess spirituality icon Karen Tate has once again turned out a work that's sure to become a standard reference on the bookshelves of a wide variety of Pagan, feminist, and alternative spirituality folks.Goddess 2.0is an anthology that offers more than the usual goodness-and-light views of the Goddess and her place in the modern world. In these pages I found the passion and fire of women and men who have found, in the Goddess, a way to actively transform the world for the better. I'm not talking about sitting in your cozy room reciting affirmations, but getting out there, getting your hands dirty, and making the world a better place.The book is divided into two sections. The first part is titled "Sacred Wisdom: Knowing the Path Toward a New Normal." In this section we hear from Barbara Walker, Starhawk, Anne Baring, and nine others about centering ourselves in the Goddess and viewing the world through her lens. But these aren't nebulous feel-good essays; they deal with such meaty subjects as women's healthcare, interfaith work to strengthen women's place in the world, and the politics of power as reflected in the religion of the masses.The second section, "Sacred Action: Taking the Steps Toward a New Normal," is a blatant call to action, a demand that we step out into the world and make changes based on our understanding of the world as viewed through the lens of goddess spirituality. I'm a longtime fan of Riane Eisler and her essay, "What’s Good for Women is Good for the World: Foundations for a Caring Economy," really gets to the root of what this book is all about: This is a revolution bent not on destruction but on the betterment of everyone everywhere. Ten other essays, including a second entry from Starhawk as well as perceptive pieces by Carol P. Christ and Harita Meenee, light the way toward forming these ideas into something solid out in the world.I've certainly enjoyed Karen Tate's other books, but I think this one has hit me where it counts. We can't just sit around in our cozy armchairs talking about how great goddess spirituality is. We have to walk our talk. We have to get out there and make these ideas real. We have to change the world.

Modern Minoan Paganism: Gathering together

I'm glad we have the Internet as a tool to connect with others of like mind these days. Still, there's a certain inner need that only a group of actual, local people can fulfill. I'm putting that out into the universe today on theMinoan Path Blog:Modern Minoan Paganism: Gathering togetherIf there's something you want to help fulfill you spiritually, whether it's tangible or intangible, I encourage you to put it out there. You have to ask before you receive an answer.In the name of the bee,And of the butterfly,And of the breeze, amen.

All the book reviews

I'm an avid reader; I guess that comes with the territory, since I'm also a writer. Over the years I've reviewed a lot of books, both fiction and non-fiction, Pagan and otherwise. Those reviews are scattered over several different blog sites so they're not always easy to find. I thought I'd make it easy for you and collect them all up in one place.In addition to the reviews I've posted on my blog (and that I've listed below), I also write forFacing North, an enormous website full of perceptive reviews of spiritual books, Tarot decks, CDs, and more. You can find my reviews on Facing North atthis link.Disclaimer: Many of the books I've reviewed on my blog were published by Moon Books, the lovely folks who also published my bookAriadne's Thread. I really have actually read all the books I've reviewed, and I only review books I would honestly recommend other people to read, no matter who published them. For an explanation of my ethos regarding writing book reviews, have a look atthis blog post.Non-FictionA Modern Celt: Seeking the Ancestorsby Mabh Savage (Moon Books, 2013)Book of Keltria: Druidism for the 21st Centuryedited by Tony Taylor (The Henge of Keltria, 2015)Dancing with Nemetona: A Druid's Exploration of Sanctuary and Sacred Spaceby Joanna van der Hoeven (Pagan Portals series, Moon Books, 2014)Divorcing a Real Witch: For Pagans and the People that Used to Love Themby Diana Rajchel (Moon Books, 2014)Ecstatic Body Postures: An Alternate Reality Workbookby Belinda Gore (Bear & Company, 1995)Elen of the Waysby Elen Sentier (Shaman Pathways series, Moon Books, 2013)Fairy Witchcraft: A Neopagan's Guide to the Celtic Fairy Faithby Morgan Daimler (Pagan Portals series, Moon Books, 2014)Following the Deer Trods: A practical guide to working with Elen of the Waysby Elen Sentier (Shaman Pathways series, Moon Books, 2015)Starcat's Corner: Essays on Pagan Livingby N. Starcat Shields (Moon Books, 2013)The Awen Alone: Walking the Path of the Solitary Druidby Joanna van der Hoeven (Pagan Portals series, Moon Books, 2014)The Druid Shaman: Exploring the Celtic Otherworldby Danu Forest (Shaman Pathways series, Moon Books, 2014)The Handbook of Urban Druidry: Modern Druidry for Allby Brendan Howlin (Moon Books, 2014)The Heart of Life: Shamanic Initiation and Healing in the Modern Worldby Jez Hughes (Moon Books, 2015)The Morrigan: Meeting the Great Queensby Morgan Daimler (Pagan Portals series, Moon Books, 2014)The Old Ones in the Old Book: Pagan Roots of the Hebrew Old Testamentby Philip West (Moon Books, 2012)Voices of the Sacred Feminine: Conversations to Re-Shape Our Worldby Karen Tate (Changemakers Books, reprint edition 2014)Where the Hawthorn Grows: An American Druid's Reflectionsby Morgan Daimler (Moon Books, 2013)FictionChamber of Music: PSG International Anthology of Short Storiesedited by Charlotte Ashley (PSG Publishing, 2014)Eaters of the Deadby Michael Crichton (Harper, reprint edition 2009)End of Days: A Night Runner Novelby Max Turner (St. Martin's Griffin, 2010)Library of Dreams: PSG International Anthology of Short Storiesedited by Charlotte Ashley (PSG Publishing, 2013)New Order: A Night Runner Novelby Max Turner (St. Martin's Griffin, 2015)Night Runnerby Max Turner (St. Martin's Griffin, 2009)The Casquette Girlsby Alys Arden (Alys Arden, LLC, 2013)The Madness and the Magicby Sheena Cundy (Moon Books, 2015)Throwing Stonesby Robin Reardon (Createspace, 2015)

What do you call a Minoan midwinter god?

In Minoan mythology, the infantDionysusisborn at the Winter Solsticeto the great mother goddessRhea. We find his name, plus the other name the Greeks gave him, in the Linear B tablets from Knossos and mainland Greece. Find out more in today's Minoan Path blog post:What do you call a Minoan midwinter god?To join the conversation about Modern Minoan Paganism, head on over to our welcoming community atAriadne's Tribeon Facebook.In the name of the bee,And of the butterfly,And of the breeze, amen.

Tune up for the new year

This time of year, we often turn our thoughts toward what changes we can make after the holidays, whether it's formal resolutions or just the intention to take better care of ourselves in whatever ways we can. My sweet writer-friendStarcatis offering afree virtual workshopthat can help you find (or remember) the good things about yourself for a better 2017. Here's the information in her own words:We all have that one really tricky area in life where things feel stuck. What’s yours? Health? Prosperity? Relationships? Career? Creativity? What’s often behind those stuck energies is an outdated core belief. Join my friends Feline Dreamers for A Self-Worth Tune-Up: Gear Up for an Epic 2017!, a free virtual workshop that will tap into your inherent self-worth and help you rewrite those old beliefs. When you see yourself in the new light of your upgraded beliefs, you'll feel more empowered to live your dreams, maintain your focus on your life's purpose, and believe in yourself like never before. Join Feline Dreamers by phone in your own cozy home for this free 90-minute workshop, on Wednesday, January 4th at 7pm EST. Sign up today at:http://www.felinedreamers.com/selfworthtuneupIt sounds like a great opportunity and a great way to start off the new year!In the name of the bee,And of the butterfly,And of the breeze, amen.

A Winter Solstice Healing Ritual

Several years ago I posted aWinter Solstice healing ritualI wrote to help deal with some of the difficult emotions many of us experience during the holidays - depression, grief, dissatisfaction, that kind of thing. I felt it was time to share it again, especially since many of us are having a hard time this year. It's a simple little ceremony but it gets right to the heart of the matter and lets you use the energy of the season to help mend your heart.Just like with cooking, you'll want to read the "recipe" all the way through before beginning, to make sure you understand all the steps and have all the "ingredients."What you'll need:- Small pieces of paper or card you can write on. Old holiday cards, cut into pieces the size of the palm of your hand, are a good choice. I recommend collecting up about a dozen of these.- A pen, pencil, or other writing instrument in a color and style that remind you of the holidays. I like red and metallic gold ink myself (so festive!) but really, whatever makes you think of signing holiday cards or writing names on the gifts you just wrapped.- Earth. If you have access to an outdoor area where you can dig in the ground (and the ground isn’t frozen solid or inaccessible because it’s covered with several feet of snow) that’s your best choice. But the dirt in a potted plant will work just fine, as will a container of purchased potting soil. The important thing is that, once you've completed the ritual, the soil needs to remain undisturbed until the holidays are over, preferably until Spring Equinox (watering the potted plant is fine but digging in the soil around it isn't). You'll also need a tool you can use to dig a small hole in the dirt/soil/etc. – a trowel will do but you can probably get away with using a large spoon if the Earth you're using is a potted plant or a container of loose potting soil.- A time and place where you'll be undisturbed and where/when you feel safe and private. Turn off your phone, shut the door, ask family or roommates to go out for a while, whatever it takes so you can feel comfortable that no one is looking over your shoulder or listening in. If you like, light candles and incense, turn on soft music, or whatever else will help you relax and focus on the task at hand.The ritual:Set the pieces of card and the pen/pencil/etc. out in front of you. If you feel a connection with deity, you can call on that Power now, either aloud or silently. Earth goddesses in particular can be very helpful for this ritual. You can also ask your higher self, guides, guardians, and the universe itself to aid you. Take a few deep breaths, relax, and allow your mind to roam over the subject of the winter holidays. Let the feelings, thoughts, and memories come up as they may. Don't judge them; just observe them.After a few minutes of this, begin to focus on the aspects of the holidays that bring up feelings of sadness, discomfort, anxiety, anger - all the negatives we try to sweep under the rug but that still vibrate as undertones this time of year. As each aspect defines itself in your mind, write it down on a piece of card. Be very specific here. Name names, include dates and locations, and specify the emotion that accompanies each one. Teasing out exactly which sentiments each aspect triggers can be difficult but it's also a healing act just to define and acknowledge how you really feel.This process can be uncomfortable; after all, we go to a lot of trouble to repress these feelings in order to conform to the seasonal "good time" that's required of us. But I promise, letting these emotions surface won't destroy you. As each one bubbles up, let it flow out through your hands and onto that piece of card. Release it into your writing.It may take a while for you to define the aspects of the holidays that make you feel bad or they may come tumbling out faster than you can write them down. There's no wrong way to do this. Allow yourself as much time as it takes and also give yourself the freedom to feel whatever you feel. So often, we make ourselves even more miserable by trying to live up to other people’s expectations about our emotions (You shouldn’t feel that way!orAren’t you over that yet?). While actions can certainly be right or wrong under various circumstances, emotions just ARE. However you feel is however you feel. Give your emotions some room, then legitimate them by writing them down.Once you've written down your uncomfortable and distressing feelings, look back over the cards. Read each one. Acknowledge that's how you honestly feel. When thoughts pop up telling you to judge your emotions or to blame them on yourself or others, allow these notions to pass on through your mind and dissolve away. This ritual isn't about judgment or blame. It's simply about your feelings and giving yourself the opportunity to heal.This time of year in the northern hemisphere the Earth is dormant: quiet and peaceful. This is the most grounding season of all, the time when the Earth swallows up discordant energy and dissipates it, gifting us the serenity and calmness to move through our lives from day to day in peace. Let's use that seasonal peacefulness to our advantage.Now take the cards you've written on and carry them to the Earth you've chosen to use. Place your hand on the soil and feel its steadiness. We are of the Earth. It provides our firm foundation, our grounding. Offer thoughts and words of gratitude to the Earth as you dig a hole just big enough to hold your stack of cards. Put the cards in the hole and cover them up, giving those emotions to the Earth, grounding them. The Earth is powerful enough to take all those feelings and hold them in safe space for you. You're not hiding them, but simply allowing yourself to rest for a bit, allowing the Earth to help you. Now let the feeling of peace settle over you. Thank any deities or Powers you've asked for help and put away your tools.This ritual won't magically erase all those uncomfortable emotions but it will give you some space, some peaceful room in which you can just be. That, all by itself, is healing. Strong emotions are like live electrical wires, sparking on everything they touch. Electrical circuits have ground wires for a reason. The Earth is our ground wire. Allow it to drain off the excess so you don’t ‘fry’ this holiday season.If you like, when Spring Equinox comes around, you can dig up those cards and look at them, examine those emotions and responses (without judging them). Or you can just leave them where they are, safe in the Earth's embrace.I bid you peace.

Call their names: the Minoan gods and goddesses

What did the Minoans call their gods and goddesses? Who were the ones they devoted themselves to, made offerings to, gave sacrifices to? We still can't readLinear A, the script the Minoans used to write their native language, but we can readLinear B, the Greek adaptation of Minoan writing that recorded the early Greek language. Yes, the Mycenaean Greeks borrowed Minoan writing, but they also borrowed bunches of Minoan gods, which is handy for us because they wrote their names down when people made offerings to them at the temples. Today I've got a couple of those names for you, a goddess and a god, over on the Minoan Path Blog:If you'd like to join the conversation about Modern Minoan Paganism, head on over to our welcoming community atAriadne's Tribeon Facebook.In the name of the bee,And of the butterfly,And of the breeze, amen.

Dragons! A book cover reveal, that is

Are you tired of the dragon always being the bad guy? My lovely writer friendMaya Starlinghas written a different kind of dragon story, and has graciously allowed me to share her cover reveal with you. The wording from the book's back cover pretty much says it all:She was the girl who longed for the freedom of the dragon, and he was the dragon who longed to be a man.A heroine reclaiming her fate. A dragon with a secret. A prince on a quest.Olivia flees to the forest seeking freedom from her family's demands. She finds refuge in a cave, only to discover it is a dragon’s lair. The dragon, Kaden, is not the monster she first thinks him to be. After overcoming her initial fright – of not being eaten – Olivia discovers that the dragon has a gentle heart.Kaden is resigned to loneliness after centuries of wandering the lands. Meeting Olivia brings joy to his solitary life, and never has he dreamed that a young woman would be the one to start the change in him.A storm brews on the horizon.A prince with a handsome face and a cruel heart is on a quest to slay the dragon and take the throne. He will do whatever it takes to have what he believes is his to own. And now, he has his eyes set on the pretty little maiden from the forest. He will make her his Queen, whether she wants it or not.Maya will be having some great giveaways along with the book release coming up on December 15, so follow herFacebook pageto get all the latest. I can hardly wait!

Seeing the Ancestors in the mirror

I'm like most people: There are things I'm not too keen about when I look in the mirror, things I'd like to change about my body. So I was a bit shocked when I was looking through old family photos and started seeing those things I don't like, but on other people.Those bags under my eyes that never go away? There they are on my great-grandfather. The double chin I've had all my life, even when I was fashionably thin? Right there on his wife. The corners of my mouth that turn down in a scowl unless I'm actively smiling, well, I see them on one of my other great-grandmothers. My "duck feet" that make it so hard to find shoes that fit well come direct from my maternal grandfather. The "family hips" that have always made me self-conscious appear on quite a few women down one particular family line.The list goes on and on. And for every little thing I can find that's less than "perfect" about my body, I can find an old family photo showing someone else with the same trait.These are my people, these ancestors who lived in the generations before me. On their shoulders I stand.They survived awful, hard times. They passed ontraditions of food and hospitalitythat I strive to follow. They're in my blood and in my bones. I can imagine that, if I were adopted and didn't know my birth family, or if I lived in a time before photographs, looking in the mirror might be the only way I could see their faces: in my own face.So now, when I look in the mirror, I don't see all the things that are "wrong" about me. I see all the people who came before me, the generations of human beings whose paths led forward through trial and tribulation, through adventure and challenge, through all the myriad little moments that make up our lives. And I realize that what the amazing writerLinda Hogansaid is really true: I am the result of the love of thousands.Blessings upon the Ancestors. May they walk in beauty always.In the name of the bee,And of the butterfly,And of the breeze, amen.