Pagan Rites of Passage

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 288 pages
• Published by: Llewellyn Publications
• Edition: 2nd Edition March 1, 1998
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1567181112
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1567181111
• Book Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 0.8 inches
• Weighs: 15.4 ounces

Product Review
Being brought up in a time when old ways are often forgotten, 20th-century pagans can find themselves at a loss for traditional ceremonies to celebrate the times in life that should be marked with great care. Pagan Rites of Passage fills this void with a collection of celebratory rites from varying cultures as far apart in time and space as the ancient Egyptians are from the Bulgarians. The breadth of coverage makes this a suitable book for most any tradition, group, or solitary practitioner. The rites discussed commemorate important moments on the wheel of life from birth through death and include ceremonies for important events such as initiation into a coven or the handfasting of two people embarking on a life together. Pagans who want to proudly mark their lives in accordance with their ancient heritages will find that Pagan Rites of Passage furnishes the vital traditional framework on which to construct the perfect celebration. --Brian Patterson

Reader Reviews
5 years ago, I picked up this book in a bookstore, and was entranced by a way of life that celebrates the seasons of life just as it does the seasons of the year. This book relates the simple folk customs that have been performed all over the world for different turning points of life, as well as more contemporary Pagan practices, and suggestions from the authors. Eight turning points have been chosen, which have been subtly associated with the 8 seasonal festivals (although they may not occur in this order in your life :) ). - Birth (Yule) - Coming of Age (Imbolg) - Initiation (Ostara) - Handfasting (Beltane) - Midlife (Litha) - Priesthood (Lughnasa) - Elderhood (Mabon) - Death (Samhain) For a single book, it has an amazing range of content, with various tidbits from and about the practices of ancient cultures, and the whys of many customs. Some examples of variety of content: From the birth chapter - Egyptian charms for both before and during the birth, an Italian charm for protection of the baby, excellent suggestions for magickal gift-giving (useful for us non-parents out there!), and baby naming. An aside - I was drawn to this book 5 years ago - it was the first* book I read on Paganism - and in retrospect it is still one of a very few books that could have opened me up to the Pagan path. Although the 'How to' books are very useful, this provided me the initial 'Why to'. A way of life which celebrates, and is never very far from, the sacred. And, as far as the 'How to' goes, the single chapter on Initiation was more useful than many Pagan/Wicca 101 books I've read (although that also says a lot about some of those 101 books...) It was an overview to be sure, but like the rest of the chapters, it has some really good useful information and it was a good base to start from, with things such as: A "year and a day" of study Dedication, suggestions as to skills to learn, the whys of keeping a Book of Shadows and Magickal Journal as well as a suggested layout & a consecration ritual, explanations and mythology behind the different tools, magickal names, etc. If you are looking for a book about any of the Rites of Passage covered in this book - this really is an excellent resource. A possible improvement to the book for future editions would be an index, as if you are like me, you will probably be referencing it often. -- Additional Info -- This IS the same book as "Rites of Passage : The Pagan Wheel of Life" - with a new cover. Pauline and Dan Campanelli are both artists, you may have seen some of their prints around!