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Dana D. Eilers, Pagans and the Law: Understand Your Rights (New Page, 2003), paper, 247 pp., $15.99, ISBN 1-56414-671-5
This book is a resource all Pagans who are "out of the broom closet" should have on their shelves, especially in the current social climate. The author makes it absolutely clear that no one must take discriminatory treatment "lying down", and there are legal ways to protect one's rights in the areas of employment, matters such as divorce or other court cases, and housing. The research for this book is extensive, as the bibliography shows. The author speaks from her own experience, and that of others she contacted in the course of writing the text. This book gives all Pagans the opportunity to stand up for themselves.
This book is not what most people would expect - it is more. In recent years, it seems Buckland has delved deeper into the vast resources available, to produce books containing new and useful information, instead of simply rehashing what has gone before. He does not rest on his laurels, as do some other "renowned" Pagan authors. On these pages are not only the symbols of Pagan traditions, but Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, Shinto, Aztec and Mayan, Chinese and more. There are a number of errors, however, especially in the sections on Ceremonial Magic and the planets, so readers would be advised to double check their sources before making use of the symbols in a ritual setting.
Billed as "Wicca 202", a book for more advanced practitioners, this book falls far short of the marketing claims. Though the author has over 20 years' experience, her very subjective approach to the subject matter seems to indicate a reluctance to do research for the project. As part of a Gardnerian tradition, she should know that the directions attributed to the elements depend upon where the ritual is being performed, and not automatically "air in the east" and so forth. Admittedly, brief passages from the pages provide useful information - such as her comments about the concept of time - only to be followed by such misinformation as requiring fresh, cut flowers as a "sacrifice" in the circle. Any Wiccan with even basic knowledge of ritual understands the best sacrifice comes from within, and the flowers should be left to grow as nature intended. Such an text needs to be read with a large grain of salt.
Carr-Gomm is head of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, and knows much of the history of not only Druidry (he was taught by Ross Nichols) but of Wicca (Gerald Gardner was Nichols' friend). In this book can be found an interesting blend of ancient stories and modern practices which show how complementary Wicca and Druidry can be. There seem to be many in the current age who seem torn between the two traditions, but Carr-Gomm makes it clear there is no reason to feel divided. The two systems can blend well, and enable practitioners to continue their spiritual journey in a way that is personally fulfilling with a broader consciousness.
While the cover price is a bit high, this book is, nonetheless, a good resource for symbols of various ancient religions. There is a decent amount of explanation for each symbol, with plenty of illustrations to make the ideas tangible. A considerable amount of research went into this volume.
From a very personal perspective on the part of this reviewer, there are a number of problems with this book. First, the author admits in his Introduction that the project was contracted before the book was written. The difficult here is, once the dotted line is signed, the content which results may be substandard. Another point of contention is the method for finding a familiar or totem animal. More often than not, a person will chance upon the animal in day to day life, without having to venture into a surreal visualization. Lastly, the idea of "controlling" the familiar could well be asking for trouble. Acting in harmony with one's familiar is a more viable option, instead of trying to force the partnership. What Grimassi refers to is more an egregore than a familiar, which may be confusing to some readers. He should be more precise with his information.
This book is by no means worth the price, especially for its length. The author claims to have studied symbols and such for nine years, but the results are scant, disorganized and, in some places, inaccurate. The symbols which are listed are in no particular order, making it difficult for readers to find what they might specifically be seeking. There could have been a host of additional categories, had the author really wanted to create a comprehensive work. As it is, this book is basically a waste of trees.
There are not enough books like this one on the market today, and more's the pity. This is an absolutely excellent look at the importance of the masculine and feminine in magickal and spiritual endeavors, working in harmony together. The authors have done extensive research and impart their years of experience in the mix. They pull no punches in dispelling inaccuracies in histories - conveniently altered over time to suit the needs of a given religious tradition - to prove their theory correct. This is a volume for those who wish to delve deeply into the truth of their magick, and to open the doors to its more extensive use.
There is a distinct difference in the "tone" of this book, when compared to those written by British Druids such as Philip Carr-Gomm, but that isn't a bad thing in this instance. The intense look at bardry provided on these pages is thorough and welcome, and readily digestible for readers who may be unfamiliar with the tenets or history of Druidry. The psychological aspects of the bardic lifestyle are also touched upon, which gives the book a balanced approach. As the author admits, the path of the Bard is not for everyone, but those who have the call and the artistry to follow this path will find much good information inside these covers.
McFarland follows up her first volume on magical names with this large resource, looking into names with associations to the deities, nature, space and space travel, history, classic fiction and even Hollywood. While most of the names themselves are not defined as to meaning, the reasons for choosing them, and a number of rituals to go along with such namings, are included. While this might not fit in everyone's personal collection, coven elders and libraries would be ideal places for this book to get the most use.
I was sorely disappointed to say the least, not only about the dualism that is in the book, but that the book is rife with contradictions and information no rational person should espouse or put into print. For being "evised", it seems Ms. Weinstein failed to read any of the more recent research and discoveries in the field. I had hoped for better and more involved work from such an Elder in the community, in correcting past errors, not merely adding more drivel to the work.
- WolfsDaughter
