Wicca and Satanism are two distinct religious practices that are often misunderstood and confused due to their association with witchcraft and alternative belief systems. Although they both involve rituals and the worship of deities, Wicca and Satanism have different ideologies, beliefs, and moral codes. Wicca is a neo-pagan religion that originated in the early 20th century and is based on pre-Christian traditions and beliefs. Wiccans worship a goddess and a god, often represented by the moon and the sun, and believe in the balance of nature and the interconnectedness of all living things. They engage in rituals and spellcasting to harness natural energies and work with the elements, often with the aim of promoting healing, love, and personal growth. Wicca places a strong emphasis on harmony, balance, and respect for nature.
Wicca places a strong emphasis on harmony, balance, and respect for nature. On the other hand, Satanism is an atheistic or theistic religion that emerged in the 20th century, most notably with the establishment of the Church of Satan by Anton LaVey. Atheistic Satanism rejects the belief in a higher power and focuses on the empowerment and indulgence of the self.
Magical story council
A NATIONAL BOOK AWARD NOMINEE
The long-awaited, profoundly moving, and unforgettable new novel from PEN Award–winning Native American author Mona Susan Power, spanning three generations of Yanktonai Dakota women from the 19th century to the present day.
From the mid-century metropolis of Chicago to the windswept ancestral lands of the Dakota people, to the bleak and brutal Indian boarding schools, A Council of Dolls is the story of three women, told in part through the stories of the dolls they carried….
Sissy, born 1961: Sissy’s relationship with her beautiful and volatile mother is difficult, even dangerous, but her life is also filled with beautiful things, including a new Christmas present, a doll called Ethel. Ethel whispers advice and kindness in Sissy’s ear, and in one especially terrifying moment, maybe even saves Sissy’s life.
Lillian, born 1925: Born in her ancestral lands in a time of terrible change, Lillian clings to her sister, Blanche, and her doll, Mae. When the sisters are forced to attend an “Indian school” far from their home, Blanche refuses to be cowed by the school’s abusive nuns. But when tragedy strikes the sisters, the doll Mae finds her way to defend the girls.
Cora, born 1888: Though she was born into the brutal legacy of the “Indian Wars,” Cora isn’t afraid of the white men who remove her to a school across the country to be “civilized.” When teachers burn her beloved buckskin and beaded doll Winona, Cora discovers that the spirit of Winona may not be entirely lost…
A modern masterpiece, A Council of Dolls is gorgeous, quietly devastating, and ultimately hopeful, shining a light on the echoing damage wrought by Indian boarding schools, and the historical massacres of Indigenous people. With stunning prose, Mona Susan Power weaves a spell of love and healing that comes alive on the page.
About the Author
Mona Susan Power is an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. She is the author of three previously published works of fiction, The Grass Dancer, Sacred Wilderness, and Roofwalker. Her short stories have been published by The Atlantic Monthly, The Paris Review, The Best American Short Stories, and more. Mona is a graduate of Harvard and the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop. She lives and teaches in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Praise For…
"This story of survival shines brightly." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A Council of Dolls reached out, grabbed me and did not let go. Power’s ability to make language sing, cry, scream, and laugh illuminates this heartstopper of a book that shines a light into the dark corners of America’s history. I wanted the generational journey I was taking with these unforgettable characters—and their dolls—to never end. Read it--and be healed." — Marie Myung-Ok Lee, author of The Evening Hero
“A Council of Dolls absorbs through the skin, enters the bone, and disperses through the psyche—it perfectly captures the internal roots of the Native experience. Through the lives of three Dakota women, we grapple with the emotional, psychological, and spiritual toll on Indigenous peoples enduring an often brutal system and, moreover, how strength, healing, and love reverberate down each passing generation to dispense hope and resiliency. I cannot more highly recommend Power’s newest masterpiece.” — Oscar Hokeah, PEN/Hemingway award-winning author of Calling for a Blanket Dance
"Mona Susan Power’s new novel is an honor song to the love and strength of Native families and our stories, to our brilliant selves. I couldn’t have known how much I needed the wisdom and offerings of these pages." — Kelli Jo Ford, author of Crooked Hallelujah
“This tender and magical novel will stay with me for a long time. Mona Susan Power writes with dazzling empathy. The result is a heart-rending and many-layered narrative, a captivating story which is also a thrilling testimonial to the power of stories.” — Margot Livesey, author of The Boy in the Field
A resplendent novel about the spirited lives of three inspiring women who endure significant change and hardship. Each story so deeply compelling I wanted to read quickly but was magnetized by the transformative power of each voice. A mighty, dazzling whirlwind of storytelling. These stories lift from the page. Prepare to stay up all night. A Council of Dolls is mesmerizing. Take a deep breath! Mona Susan Power can peer into darkness and transform it." — Debra Magpie Earling — Debra Magpie Earling
“A work of exquisite beauty and courageous truth-telling, and an unforgettable homage to ancestral suffering and strength.”
— Sheila O’Connor, author of Evidence of V
“A talent like Susan Power comes along once in a lifetime, and lucky for us she's arrived. Here is a debut so stunning, so extraordinary in its depth and passion, you will swear there's a miracle on every page.” — Alice Hoffman, on The Grass Dancer
“The Grass Dancer is astonishing, and not simply because it's Susan Power's first book. It is pure and potent magic, with storytelling that encircles you like wisps of tribal ghosts." — Amy Tan
“This is a wild river of a book. Susan Power writes with a headlong energy and a force that are nothing less than thrilling. The Grass Dancer is painfully authentic, and Anna Thunder one of the most compelling female characters in contemporary fiction.” — Louise Erdrich
“Captivating…a healing vision that goes to the core of our humanity.” — New York Times Book Review on The Grass Dancer
“Stunning…Power steeps us in the traditions and culture of contemporary Indian life.” — San Francisco Chronicle on The Grass Dancer
“Every new book by Susan Power is cause for celebration. This vibrant work is no exception. Her vision is intact: vivid, telling, honest, and transcendent. Power is a treasure and a true artist.” — Luis Alberto Urrea, on Sacred Wilderness
- Fiction / Indigenous
- Fiction / Literary
- Fiction / Cultural Heritage
- Fiction / Magical Realism
- Fiction / Multiple Timelines
- FIC014080
- Fiction / Coming of Age
- Fiction / Own Voices
- Fiction / Sagas
Lillian, born 1925: Born in her ancestral lands in a time of terrible change, Lillian clings to her sister, Blanche, and her doll, Mae. When the sisters are forced to attend an “Indian school” far from their home, Blanche refuses to be cowed by the school’s abusive nuns. But when tragedy strikes the sisters, the doll Mae finds her way to defend the girls.
It promotes individualism, critical thinking, and the pursuit of personal desires and pleasures. Theistic Satanism, in contrast, acknowledges and reveres Satan as a symbol of rebellion, enlightenment, and freedom. It may involve the worship of other deities as well. While both Wicca and Satanism have faced misconceptions and stigma due to their association with witchcraft and occult practices, they have different ethical codes and moral outlooks. Wicca follows the Wiccan Rede, which states "An it harm none, do what ye will" and promotes the belief in karma or the three-fold law, where one's actions return to them threefold. Wicca encourages love, kindness, and respect for others. Satanism, particularly atheistic Satanism, places a strong emphasis on individual morality and personal responsibility, often guided by principles of compassion, empathy, and rationality. In summary, Wicca and Satanism are distinct religious practices with different ideologies, beliefs, and moral codes. While both involve rituals and the worship of deities, Wicca focuses on the balance of nature, harmony, and respect for others, while Satanism prioritizes individualism, indulgence, and personal empowerment. It is important to recognize and understand these differences in order to dispel misconceptions and misinformation surrounding these belief systems..
Reviews for "Wicca vs Satanism: The Role of Nature and the Supernatural"
1. Jane - 1 star - I was really disappointed by "Wicca vs Satanism". The plot was predictable and the characters felt one-dimensional. It lacked depth and failed to explore the fascinating aspects of both religions. The dialogue was weak, and I found it hard to connect with any of the characters. Overall, it fell short of my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and thought-provoking read.
2. Mark - 2 stars - "Wicca vs Satanism" had a promising premise, but it failed to deliver. The writing style felt amateurish and lacked polish. The story progressed slowly, and I found myself losing interest. The characters were underdeveloped, and their actions and motivations were often unrealistic. The book seemed to rely heavily on clichés and stereotypes, which made it hard to take seriously. Overall, it was a disappointing read, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone seeking a well-executed exploration of these two religions.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I was excited to read "Wicca vs Satanism" as I was interested in learning more about these two religions and their contrasting ideologies. However, the book failed to provide substantial insight into either belief system. The narrative was disjointed and lacked a clear direction. The characters were uninteresting and lacked depth. The pacing was slow, and I found myself losing interest in the story. Overall, it fell short of my expectations and left me unsatisfied with the exploration of Wicca and Satanism.
4. David - 1 star - "Wicca vs Satanism" was a complete disappointment for me. The writing style was convoluted and hard to follow. The characters were poorly developed, and their actions often felt out of place. The plot lacked direction and failed to engage me. I found myself struggling to finish the book as it failed to captivate my interest. Overall, I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a well-crafted and insightful exploration of Wicca and Satanism.