Wiccan Wisdom Keepers Study Guide

Wiccan Wisdom Keepers Study Guide:

1. Doreen Valiente- Why is she considered the “Mother of Witchcraft”?
   
   
2. StarHawk: “ A rite of passage is a ritual that marks an important transition.” Pg. 45 Discuss rites of passage from a female and a male perspective.
   
   
3. Janet Farrar: “If you really need to label us call us 'Progressive Wiccan' but remember that the first rule of this tradition is that there is no such thing as tradition as we follow our own path.” What does she mean by this statement.
   
   
4. Gavin Bone: Define the following “Self dedication to the craft” and how it applies to Wicca?
   
   
5. Edmund:”You could have no literal person belief in your deities but still work with them as symbolic forces.” Explain this statement.

6. Dawn Hardy & Tony Meadows: “Working in a group setting the practice of magic is done sparingly. We do look into it deeply and consider the ethics and worthiness of the magic before we agree to it.” pg 90 , Do you or do you not consider this important? Why?
   
   
7. Judy Harrow: How does her counseling degree affect her craft?
   
   
8. Patricia Kennealy Morrison: How does her writing in boks such as 'Keltiad', described by her as 'Kelts in Space, King Author meets Star Wars” pg. 113 help people understand Paganism.
   
   
9. Phyllis Curott: “You can be an Urban Witch- we are an urban culture- but you have to go back to the land.” Define Urban Witch.
   
   
10. Francesca Howell: “Different power animals are drawn to your circle,” pg. 128 Depending on the location you cast how does this apply? Give examples.
    
    
11. Sirona Knight: “ Shapeshifting, another method of personal transformation is a powerful tool that ultimately gives you insights into who you are,” pg. 136 Explain how this is possible.

Wiccan WisdomKeepers by Sally Griffyn

Wiccan Wisdom Keepers
Sally Griffyn
ISBN 1-57863-257-9
2002
WeiserBooks
$24.95 US

Sally Griffyn is a high priestess, photographer and runs Wiccan workshops.  Currently I have not found much additional information but am working on contacting the author.

"This book constitutes a global Coven of people who sit like elders in council." Sally Griffyn pg. 29

The book was written as an introduction to the twelve Wiccan leaders who come from all walks of life, from science fiction writers to NY Attorneys, psychologists and priests.  Sally Griffyn interviews them on their lives, influences, paths, personal stories and feeling on their Wiccan Experiences.

She begins her book discussing the very basics of Wicca as well as a brief history of the "Burning Times".  with the use of photography she illustrates the places, people, rituals, tools and methods of worship.

Anyone new to the Wiccan Path or simply curious about Wicca would find this book helpful.  It gives a clear understanding of the perspectives of Wicca.  I'd highly recommend this to any initiate.

This is a "Wiccan" Book, and therefore the theme is that of Wicca, many of the people discussed share similar interest and beliefs but have their own version of it.

I was very surprised to find this book as I had no idea it existed.  I've visited many metaphysical shops, bookstores and used book stores.  I have never seen this on a shelf.  It is an easy read and very well illustrated.  This is a definite beginner book for anyone, even if they are only looking the understand the influence Wiccan's have on society.

The only thing missing was contact information on the author.  This is useful if a reader has further questions about the material or direction.  Even a website address was unavailable.  Google search only brought up information on where to buy these books.

I can see this piece being a foundation that my Grandchildren will one day look at as their history.


Please refer to the below site for a complete list of Sally Griffyn's other books.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgQmsoL9_ZR3dExpbVYzeDdnM3hxRXMwaVZmcUVlR2c#gid=0

Attention Authors: Tell us a little about yourself...

Attention Authors,

Feel free to share a little about yourself.  What are your interests?  Where are you from?  What or who inspired you to follow your path? What inspired you to write?  Who was the biggest influence on you?  What is the one book you hold as the most influential book that helped give you direction?  Are you working on any new books currently?

Message me and I can ad your post as an interview in my blog. Include any official website, Facebook page or other contact information you may want to share with the Readers.

Also you may supply me a complete list of your books to be included in our growing reference Bibliography.
Be sure to include the Title, publisher and date published.

Happy Writing

Attention Readers: Is there a particular book you've found inspiring?

I am starting a list of metaphysical, paranormal or spiritual Pagan themed books that Readers themselves have found inspiring.  Please include the complete title and author.  I will choose at least one book a month from this list to Review.

Also, if you've read a book I've reviewed, feel free to share your comments and thoughts on it.

Happy Reading

Updates: 'Contest' and 'How I choose my books'

I am very excited to have posted my first review and study group page.  I hope all my readers will find it useful and informative.  My ultimate goal is through each book, to not only review the contents, but to expose Authors and Books we might never see on the book store shelf.

I invite authors and readers alike to send me a list of books they would be interested in seeing reviewed here.  I will be purchasing three to six books a month to review.  I do accept donations if a reader or author would like to have a book reviewed that is not currently in my library.  These books I will try to give priority too.  On average I will be reviewing at least a book a week.

So here's my Challenge to my new Facebook Friends!  Once this profile reaches 100 Friends we will have our first contest.  The prize, a Book.  More details about this contest will be announced later on, in the meantime please share Pagan Book Shelf with your friends and have them join us here.

Study Guide: The Temple of shamanic Witchraft

Study Group Questions:

1. What traditions does the author use to build this book? Discuss how the different Traditions influence the practices and lessons in this book.
   
   
2. Define the Role of a Modern Shamanic Witch in society.
   
   
3. Describe different methods a shaman might use to enter an alter state.
   
   
4. Ritually, why is working in a sacred space beneficial? Discuss techniques used to establish this space.
   
   
5. What are some of the guiding principles of a Modern Shamanic Witch?
   
   
6. Describe the Shadow self.
   
   
7. What are the Three Worlds of the Shaman? Describe what they encompass.
   
   
8. Discuss different trance postures and demonstrate them.
   
   
9. List the tools a shaman might use. Describe how and why they are used.

"The Temple of Shamanic Witchcraft- by Christopher Penczak

The Temple of Shamanic Witchcraft

Christopher Penczak

ISBN 0-7387-0767-8

2005 Llewellyn Worldwide

$17.95 US

Christopher Penczak is a ordained minister with The Temple of Witchcraft and author of several books on the topic. He is also a certified Reiki teacher, herbalist and flower essence consultant. In the past I have personally contacted Christopher through his facebook page and found him very approachable and friendly.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/christopher.penczak

or

http://www.christopherpenczak.com/

or to write to the author:

Christopher Penczak

c/o Llewellyn Worldwide

P.O. Box 64383, Dept. 0-7387-0767-8

St. Paul, MN 55164-0383, USA

“Shamans make friends with the dark. Witches make friends with the dark as well....As healers, we go into the dark shadows of others, so we must first make friends with our own shadow.” (page 66)

This book was written as Christopher Penczak evolved during his own spiritual journey. The focus is the next step after he had mastered traditional magic. While this book is not based on deep tradition the practices are fit for the modern practitioner.

It is written as the third in a five book series. It provides exercises to be completed in a year and a a day format. The instructions for these exercises are clear and easy to follow including the meditations and rituals. Provided are many simple but helpful illustrations and charts included alongside the material.

The audience for this book is definitely skilled in the basics of meditation and protections. While the material is advanced, it is well written, easy to understand and even makes reference to the necessary prerequisite practices pointing the reader as where to find this information.

The author includes some historical content and gives recognition to the influence of other spiritual leaders and authors.

The book deals with Shamanic practices and techniques including getting in touch with shadow self. The reader can see the native American influences as well as other traditions including Celtic and tribal.

Meditation and the use of exhibitory music is necessary throughout these lessons in order to reach non ordinary reality. Saying that, I'd highly recommend the companion CD.

Dealing with the shadow self does manifest a highly emotional experience and the exercise, if started, should be followed through as the author advises.

The author guides you through The Three Worlds of the Shamans as well as the general themes or entities the reader may encounter there. You will learn how to develop relationships with spiritual allies such as power animals.

I found this book an absolute treasure, touching on things that were new, interesting and outside the basic teachings of Witchcraft. I'd recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Shaminism based heavily on New Age Witchcraft . However, this is not a path for everyone and If you suffer from depression or any similar disorders I'd recommend seeking spiritual counseling before starting the lessons. The first chapters lay the groundwork for the experience you need and additional information to help the reader decide if the path is the right path for them. The wealth of the information even if not following the specified year and a day, makes a great reference for information and materials. This book takes a top shelf in my case.

Please refer to the below site for a complete list of Christopher Penczak's other books.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgQmsoL9_ZR3dExpbVYzeDdnM3hxRXMwaVZmcUVlR2c#gid=0

Pagan Book Shelf- An Idea

A few moths ago I picked up a book I had purchased several years back. It was one of the many Pagan/Wiccan/Spiritual books I'd purchased at full price from Barnes and Nobles. At the time I scrimped the money it cost to purchase this book on the basis of a nice cover, a quick browse of the contents and a good feeling.

I was searching for a profound spiritual experience. The book however had since sat collecting dust on my shelf.

Life intervened and I did not have as much time to actively pursue my own quest to find enlightenment. Finally one day as I was cleaning up my library I was drawn back to the neglected book. I read the entire contents in a week, although it was a year and a day curriculum.

I began with the acknowledgments and devoured everything including the bibliography. I knew immediately this would be a cherished book and the beginning of something bigger for me.

An idea began clicking away in my head. The authors experience was not taken from one source but from many varied sources.

I wanted very much to know what inspired him, so I began purchasing these books in order of their reference. Many of these one would never find just sitting on a store shelf waiting to be purchased. These weren't cutesy spell books or books written just to entertain. These were volumes of written words laced with gems of enlightenment. Amazon or Ebay was a great source for many gently used older copies.

When you are a practicing solitary or new to the path, you rely on these books as GuidePosts. I collect these books so that one day my son and daughter might reference the material. Everything on my shelf I have read, some books I've purchased over the years have been real stinkers teaching irresponsible magick morals. Some have taken special precedence on my shelves.

People that choose the path I'm on, often do so with the greater good in mind. They are looking to help or heal. For years I wondered how I may best serve my path. Suddenly it is blindingly obvious.

I will read through these books listed in the bibliographies one by one and catalog and review them so that others may easier find what they are looking for. I can only hope that this information will be a GuidePost no matter what path one follows.

Provided will be a list of questions meant for study group or for the individual. A growing Data base will catalog the contents of each bibliography.

I hope along this journey to make many new friends among the readers, authors and the seekers of these innate spiritual wisdoms.