Goddess Alive!: Inviting Celtic & Norse Goddesses Into Your Life

by Michelle Skye

The changing of the seasons, phases of the moon, even our personal experiences-all are reflections of the Divine Feminine. Create a stronger connection to the sacred world and your own divinity by welcoming these thirteen powerful Celtic and Nordic goddesses into your life. As you make your way through a transformative year, know that each goddess has a different energy and a unique lesson to teach you. Starting with the Winter Solstice, the eight seasonal Sabbats and five faces of the moon provide the guideposts along your path. Through ritual, invocation, guided meditations, and magical activities, you'll explore each goddess's unique mythology and discover her message for your life.

Genres: Paganism, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Mythology, Goddess, Magick, Wicca

288 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2007

Reviews

[Alison Lilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was surprised by how greatly the book seemed to vary from chapter to chapter -- some sections seemed much better than others, more grounded in research and with a deeper sense of the presence of the goddess being discussed. Other sections struck me as off in some way, focusing on aspects of the respective goddess that did not resonate. (Although, as far as I could tell, the research still tended to be fairly accurate.) It leaves me wondering if the author's relationship with and understanding of the goddesses she writes about is not exactly consistent; or, on the other hand, if my own lack of familiarity with some of them caused problems. The chapters that seemed to resonate with me most were goddesses that I'd already met or worked with in one away or another. (I picked up this book because her chapter on Blodeuwedd in this book's sequel, Goddess Afoot, seemed spot on and really well done. It might be that the sequel is a better book, or that the author's work is somewhat hit or miss.) Almost all of the rituals offered in this book are modeled on Wiccan ritual, but so long as that approach isn't a big problem for you, they seem to be mostly appropriate to the seasons and easily adaptable. That said, don't expect the rituals and practices to have much of anything to do with the goddess of each chapter -- for most chapters, only the pathworking relates to the goddess being discussed. The rituals and additional practices are focused more on the seasons of the year and the cycle of the moon.

[Kathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried to like this book, but by the end I was just skimming just to finish it. Goddess Alive lacked information and lore about each Goddess. While I really enjoyed reading the invocations and poetry I felt that the rituals and activities were not necessary and were used as filler. The guided meditations were over the top and did not symbolise the Goddess archetype. On the other hand, this book is great for beginners and Pagans with children. But, for those readers that are childless or more advanced in our paths this is a terrible book to read.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall it was a pertty good book. I enjoyed it, and sometimes thays what is most important! It had ups and downs for sure; I noticed some historical errors in Freyja's chapter, and a couple of the others seemed a bit lacking in focus. Still I can forgice that considering the variety and scope of the book. I enjoyed the meditations, I found recordings of then on YouTube so I could listen to that part

Note: does cover Wiccan ideas such as tripple goddesses and maiden mother crone. I don't agree with these, but its easy to just pick out those bits. Also puts a lot of emphasis on faerie magick, not really my thing

[Mara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciated the retellings of the myths/legends/stories that the goddesses featured in. I found the guided meditations to be lacking, however. Everything was glittery, the Morrigan alternatively trying to kill you and seduce you, Rhiannon keeping you buried in the earth and crying, etc. They seemed off at best.

[Kat Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I think Michelle Skye did a great job of representing each goddess in a way that helps the reader connect to a tangible presence during meditation. It gets easier each time you go through them, to focus and make that connection stronger and deeper. I definitely recommend it for anyone who is looking for a more meaningful, personal relationship with any of the Celtic/Norse goddesses presented here.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to several goddesses (there's much more to each of these goddesses than is here). Great meditations to connect with the goddesses personally. Great notes about the wheel of the year. I loved it!

[Sally Rhett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was very well written.
I usually don't have a lot of faith in Llwellyn books lately,but this book was a pleasant surprise.
The author seems to have done her homework in the field of Celtic and Norse Goddesses,and the information is presented in a clear easy to understand way.
The rituals in are simple and nicely written.
I reccomend it.
There are also some nice illustrations by Chris Waldherrer

[Debbie Mcnulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of the best books I have ever read about Goddess spirituality. Many of the stories told in this book I have read in other places. Michelle tells them in a way that is engaging and makes them seem fresh and new. The meditations and rituals are unique and I have enjoyed them over and over. I used this book for a book club and all of the ladies enjoyed it.

[Nicole Perkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I'll invite my daughter to read this one with me. I flew through it, and as an established Pagan and Witch (20 years of practice) it's not very informative to me. The meditations are insightful, though, and the grounding exercise is excellent. Definitely a good book for a fledgling Witch or Pagan.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent Book. I enjoyed the information and exercises to get in touch with the goddess'. I would really like to see something like this for other pantheons :)

I would also REALLY like a Meditation companion CD. It would be easier for me if the pathworkings were on a CD.

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not too bad of a book. Discussed a few Celtic and Norse Goddesses, gave some background info on the individual goddess and then a song or poem and a ritual to use to invoke the goddess.

[Bridgett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to learn more about various goddesses. I didn't do any of the rituals, but I enjoyed the material presented. My favorites were Brigid (my namesake) and Branwen.