Paganism is a broad term used to refer to various pre-Christian religious beliefs and practices. It encompasses a wide range of cultures and traditions, including those of ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Norse. While there is no one definitive definition or set of beliefs for all pagans, there are certain common elements and themes that can be found across many pagan traditions. One of the key aspects of paganism is a belief in multiple deities or gods and goddesses. These deities are often associated with different aspects of life, nature, and the natural world. They are seen as having their own personalities, characteristics, and powers.
Celeste Larsen is a Pagan witch, writer, and ritualist. She authors the blog Mage by Moonlight, where she writes about a range of esoteric topics including folk magic, paganism, polytheism, animism, ancestor veneration, ritual practice, magical self-healing, and more. Originally from Texas, she currently resides in beautiful County Cork, Ireland. Visit her at www.magebymoonlight.com or @magebymoonlight.
By deepening our connection to the natural world and reconnecting with the self, readers can gain a deeper understanding of their own personal power and discover a nourishing spiritual path. And she provides rituals, exercises, journal prompts, and meditations to uncover and work through feelings of reticence, uncertainty, fear to help you affirm your own authenticity and expression as a witch.
They are seen as having their own personalities, characteristics, and powers. Pagan rituals often involve the worship and honoring of these deities, with offerings and prayers being made to them. Nature is also a significant focus in paganism.
Heal the Witch Wound
Celeste Larsen’s book encourages witches to embrace their magic and reject the stigmas associated with practicing their craft.
The book begins with an exploration of the Burning Times, a period spanning more than three centuries that resulted in the deaths of an estimated fifty thousand people. It looks at who the victims and the persecutors were, examining the environmental, economic, and religious conditions that lead to witch trials. It then draws a compelling parallel to modern conditions and the continued persecution of witches in parts of the world, including in Africa, where executions still happen, and in Western society, where role-playing games and books are banned and burned for fear that they are linked to satanism and witchcraft.
Larsen follows this history with a discussion of the ways in which it continues to affect people. This can be seen when practitioners hide their magic or limit themselves and their ambitions in order to appear ordinary. It may manifest through feelings of shame or distrust in regards to women’s energy. It may even show up as past-life memories. The book makes it clear that anyone might feel this pain and benefit from working to heal it. Replete with activities to help witches begin their healing process, the book’s later portions include journal prompts for self-reflection, advice for setting up magical and mundane boundaries, and simple, evocative rituals to connect with the wounded self, the divine feminine, and the natural world to reclaim one’s personal power.
Larsen is careful to state that the book’s recommended activities are not intended to replace professional therapy; she does not claim any easy fixes. Still, her book is full of opportunities for profound healing and growth—an illuminating, gentle, and thought-provoking self-help text for those experiencing many levels of hurt.
Reviewed by Catherine Thureson
May / June 2023
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Control is the very core of the complexity of the Scorpio full moon, and this control keeps us from living the more fulfilled, sensual, pleasure-filled lives we can. We long so deeply to control the outcome of all situations and even the phases of the moon herself, but the Witch works in mysterious ways and asks that you release the need for control and instead allow the sacred magic to move through and heal your blood, bone, and soul.
Many pagans view the natural world as sacred and see divinity in various elements of nature, such as the sun, moon, rivers, trees, and animals. They believe in living in harmony with nature and respect its cycles and seasons. Paganism is also often characterized by its emphasis on personal spiritual experiences and connections. Many pagans believe in individual spiritual journeys and personal relationships with the divine. They may engage in practices such as meditation, divination, and spellwork to connect with and commune with the spiritual realm. In modern times, paganism has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with many individuals identifying as pagans or practicing pagan traditions. This has led to the development and growth of various pagan communities and organizations around the world. These communities may come together for rituals, celebrations, and gatherings to honor their beliefs and connect with like-minded individuals. It is important to note that not all pagans practice the same beliefs or engage in the same rituals. Paganism is a diverse and eclectic spiritual path, and individuals may choose to follow their own unique interpretations and practices. Additionally, there is often a strong emphasis on individual autonomy and freedom of belief within pagan communities. Overall, paganism is a diverse and ancient spiritual path that encompasses various beliefs, traditions, and practices. It is characterized by its connection to nature, belief in multiple deities, and focus on personal spiritual experiences. Whether practiced individually or within community settings, paganism offers a unique and personal approach to spirituality and understanding the mysteries of the universe..
Reviews for "The Hero's Journey: Near Death Experiences and Pagan Mythology"
1. Emily - 1 star
I was very disappointed with "Pagan near mr." The storyline was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters felt underdeveloped. It was also extremely slow-paced, and I found myself losing interest multiple times throughout the book. Overall, I couldn't connect with the story or the characters, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging read.
2. Mark - 2 stars
"Pagan near mr" was not what I expected at all. The writing style was choppy and disjointed, making it difficult to immerse myself in the story. The plot was also quite predictable, and there were no surprising twists or turns to keep me interested. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, further detracting from the overall reading experience. I was left feeling unsatisfied and wouldn't recommend this book to others.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I found "Pagan near mr" to be quite underwhelming. The characters lacked depth and personality, making it hard to care about their journey. The pacing was also off, with moments of intense action followed by long periods of monotony. I was constantly waiting for something exciting to happen, but it never delivered. The concept had potential, but the execution fell short, leaving me feeling disappointed and unfulfilled.
4. John - 1 star
I couldn't get through "Pagan near mr" no matter how hard I tried. The writing was incredibly dull and uninspiring, and the plot lacked originality. The characters felt flat and one-dimensional, and I couldn't find a reason to invest my time in their story. I expected more from this book, but it failed to captivate me in any way. Overall, it was a forgettable read that I wouldn't recommend to anyone.