Cakes and Ale for the Pagan Soul: Spells, Recipes, and Reflections from Neopagan Elders and Teachers

by Patricia J. Telesco (Editor)

Call them elders, teachers, priests, or they are the forefront of a growing movement known as neo-paganism. This renaissance in pre-Christian religions represents a wide range of belief systems, such as Wicca, neo-Druidism, and other earth-based faiths. Compiled by pagan author Patricia Telesco, CAKES AND ALE FOR THE PAGAN SOUL offers 50 hearty doses of magic, wisdom, history, and humor for modern witches and druids. Notable contributors include Margot Adler (Drawing Down the Moon), Starhawk (The Spiral Dance), Raymond Buckland (Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft), and many more. This A-to-Z compendium covers diverse topics such as community, mindfulness, children, and ritual, weaving a colorful tapestry of modern pagan views and values. You’ll be regaled with insightful stories and read tips about integrating pagan practices into the modern world through ritual and activism. Contributors also share recipes for their favorite incense blends, purposeful potions, and magical menus. So, take a seat on the communal hearth, and let CAKES AND ALE fill you with the warmth, sustenance, and inspiration every neo-pagan needs.

Genres: Paganism, Religion, Witchcraft, Crafts, Cookbooks, Cooking, Nonfiction

234 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2005

About the author

Patricia "Trish" Telesco is a professional author with more than 50 metaphysical titles on the market.

Trish considers herself a kitchen witch whose love of folkore (and a bit of Strega) flavor every spell and ritual. Her strongest beliefs lie in following personal vision, being tolerant of other traditions, making life an act of worship, and being the magic!

Trish travels minimally twice per month to give lectures and workshops around the country. She has appeared on several television segments and maintains a strong, visible presence in the public through journals like Circle Network News, and on the internet.

Her current pet projects include supporting pagan land funds and coordinating spiritually oriented tours to Europe.

Telesco began her Wiccan education and initiation on her own, but later received initiation into the Strega tradition of Italy. She is a trustee for the Universal Federation of Pagans, a member of the Authors Guild, a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism and a professional member of the Wiccan-Pagan Press Alliance.

In March 2012 her husband, Paul Telesco, was diagnosed with a tumor on his brain stem. Since that time, Telesco has been focused on raising awareness and fund-raising

Reviews

[Lory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is set up much like the "Chicken Soup" books, but all of the authors are pagan, and the stories celebrate the values of earth-based religions.

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick impression: a nice collection of stories, spells, recipes from pagans for pagans. In a way, think of this like one of those Chicken Soup books only less sappy and probably more practical (especially if you are a pagan). A nice read but some parts are getting a bit dated.

(Full review on my blog later)

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't thank the library enough for having this book. I often find that the lack of religious community hurts more than I realize, but this book felt like a balm.

[Tempus Loghyr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Wonderfully written. I absolutely love the stories in here and it was a well worn companion. A while ago I gave it to a book store so that it could be passed on to someone who hasn't read it and I miss it still.