{"id":22915,"date":"2020-09-01T01:10:45","date_gmt":"2020-09-01T05:10:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/?p=22915"},"modified":"2020-08-24T19:25:09","modified_gmt":"2020-08-24T23:25:09","slug":"book-review-elemental-magic-nigel-pennick","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2020\/09\/01\/book-review-elemental-magic-nigel-pennick\/","title":{"rendered":"Book Review &#8211; Elemental Magic: Traditional Practices for Working With The Energies Of The Natural World, 3rd Edition by Nigel Pennick"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Book Review<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Elemental Magic<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Traditional Practices for Working<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>With The Energies Of The Natural World<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>3<sup>rd<\/sup> Edition<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>by Nigel Pennick<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>144 Pages<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-22916\" src=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/elemental-magic-review.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/elemental-magic-review.png 350w, https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/elemental-magic-review-200x300.png 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Elemental Magic: Traditional Practices for Working With The Energies Of The Natural World <\/b>by Nigel Pennick is a classic text of introduction to and practical application of nature in magical practice. Mr. Pennick\u2019s books can be found in the libraries of both the scholars and those who follow the ways of the pagan path and he is an expert in the details of European folk magic. This is the 3<sup>rd<\/sup> Edition of a timeless book that provides a comprehensive and thorough teaching of the expression of the natural world is all facets of the mundane and the magical. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As the title suggests, <i><b>\u201cTraditional Practices for Working with the Energies of the Natural World\u201d<\/b><\/i>, the contents of this book are rooted in ancient beliefs and ways of interactions and carries these into the modern world as those systems that are inherent in all of nature regardless of the timeline. Each chapter focuses on those things that are in support of deepening the reader\u2019s connection to the natural world and informing that connection with practical and useable ways of developing a working rapport with nature. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The contents are divided into an Introduction, ten (10) chapters and Conclusion. The <b>Introduction: The Natural Power in All Things <\/b>provides the reader with an approach to traditional spirituality that is both empowering and supportive of nature in all of her forms, physical and subtle.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><b>&#8230;The down-to-earth practical spiritual techniques of natural magic straddles the boundaries between the subtle, inner world of the mind and spirit, the material outer world, and the otherworldly. Magic comes about through interaction between the inner experiences of the human spirit and the outer experiences of the physical world, both natural and human-made..<\/b><\/i><sup><i><b>1<\/b><\/i><\/sup><i><b>.<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Elemental Magic: Traditional Practices for Working With The Energies Of The Natural World <\/b>begins its studies in<b> Chapter 1: Mother Earth, <\/b>and opens with a quote from the medieval European alchemist Basilius Valentinus&#8230;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><b>&#8230; \u201cThe Earth is not an inanimate body, but is inhabited by the spirit which is its life and its soul. All created things draw their strength from the Earth Spirit. This spirit is life; it is nourished by the stars and gives nourishment to all living things that its shelters in her womb.\u201d&#8230;<\/b><\/i><sup><i><b>2.<\/b><\/i><\/sup><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The reader will find everything needed to understand and fully begin a spiritual practice based in natural magic. Discussion of the Wheel of the Year, the days of the week, cycles of time and the alchemical elements provide the basis of traditional practice. Subsequent chapters dive into the magic of minerals, plants, animals and the land. None of the chapters go into great detail about each component, but do provide enough information to stimulate an inquisitive nature. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><a name=\"_GoBack\"><\/a> <span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">An excerpt from<b> Chapter 5. The Power Within <\/b>provides a glimpse of exercises and philosophies provided&#8230;.<b>&#8230;<\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Elemental-Magic-Traditional-Practices-Energies\/dp\/1620557584\/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&amp;keywords=elemental+magic+by+nigel&amp;qid=1598201394&amp;s=books&amp;sr=1-2\"><i>Excerpt. Amazon.com\u00a9<\/i><\/a><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i> All rights reserved.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\n<i><b>Elemental Alignment<\/b><\/i><i>: A good way of gaining bodily and mental familiarity with the four material elements, and the fifth non-material one, is to use them in meditation. Like other magical activities, you should perform these meditations inside a protective boundary. Each time you work with an element, use the same technique. Begin with the densest element, Earth, then proceed to the lightest, Fire, in the sequence Earth, Water, Air, Fire.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><b>Earth Meditation.<\/b><\/i><i>\u00a0Put some earth in a ceramic or glass bowl, and place it in a convenient location. Sit in a meditational posture, and focus your attention on the earth in the bowl. Explore in your mind the many possibilities of earth symbolized by this small sample. When you have done this, allow your consciousness to enter the earth. Become at one with it. Experience its heaviness, its many variant forms and possibilities, and the feelings that they bring.<\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><b>Water Meditation.<\/b><\/i><i>\u00a0Pour some natural spring or well water into a bowl, and place the bowl in a convenient location, as before. Focus your meditation upon the water. Explore the many forms of water: wetness, rain, streams, puddles, lakes, and the sea. When you have done this, allow your consciousness to enter the water. Become at one with it. Experience its fluidity, its many variant flowing possibilities, and the feelings that they bring you.<\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><b>Air Meditation.<\/b><\/i><i>\u00a0Light some incense. It is best to use one that you have collected yourself, such as resin from a tall conifer. Burn it on charcoal in a fireproof dish. Place the dish in a convenient place, as before. Then focus your meditation upon the smoke that indicates the invisible air. Explore the many forms of air: the atmosphere of places, breezes, winds, storms, hurricanes, and whirlwinds. When you have done this, allow your consciousness to enter the air. Become at one with it. Experience its freedom and motion, and the feelings that they bring.<\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><b>Fire Meditation.<\/b><\/i><i>\u00a0For this, light a candle, using struck fire. It is best to use a fire-colored one, deep orange or red. Watch the brilliant flame, and focus your awareness upon the qualities and forms of fire and flame: heat, flickering light, red-hot metal, volcanic eruptions, and the power of the sun. Then imagine yourself as part of the fire, experiencing the feelings that this generates.<\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><b>The Subtle Power Meditation.<\/b><\/i><i>\u00a0Sit as before, visualizing the natural empowerment of all existence, the flowing energy matrix upon which all things are patterned. Envisage it as ever-changing, flowing geometrical colors and forms, like the rainbow patterns on the surface of a bubble.<\/i><\/p>\n<p>When you have finished each meditation, direct your consciousness away from the object. Return to a full awareness of the things around you. When you begin, it is best to work several times with each element, until you feel ready to move on to the next one. Once you have worked through all five, you will find that your understanding of the subtle realms has been greatly empowered.<\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Chapters 7: Magic in Action<\/b>, <b>8: Making Magical <\/b>Tools and Ceremonies, and <b>9: Magical Food and Drink<\/b> are complete with instructions for crafting tools and ritual, recipes and more. All are steeped in folk tradition and offer the reader a first hand look at how our ancestors celebrated and enacted natural magic as a means of living in harmony and balance with their surroundings. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Chapter 10: Precautions and Remedies<\/b> speaks to the need for discernment in acknowledging that there is great power in nature, those things of nature that are in support of humans and those that can be harmful. Herbs as remedies and protective ceremonies are topics covered. Use of crystals and gems concludes this chapter. This chapter is a natural Segway into the final chapter of <b>Conclusion: A Valid and Appropriate Spiritual Path.<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><b>&#8230; We live in a time of perpetual and accelerating change. Traditional ways of doing things are rapidly breaking down in the face of globalization. The destruction of nature by the products o industry is happening all around us. It is self-evident that unless we develop a better attitude toward nature, we will bring about our own ruin. Recognizing this, many people are seeking a better way of living. This has brought about a rediscovery and popularization of techniques that were once known by a very few people&#8230;<\/b><\/i><sup><i><b>3.<\/b><\/i><\/sup><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><u><b>Would I <\/b><\/u><u><b>R<\/b><\/u><u><b>ecommend:<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">This opening statement of the final chapter sums up the intention of this book and the value in its reading. I believe that we need to routinely bring forward those texts that remind us that we are part of a greater whole and that every aspect of how we live and the energetic and physical imprint we offer needs to hold intention and higher purpose. <b>Elemental Magic: Traditional Practices for Working With The Energies Of The Natural World <\/b>by Nigel Pennick fulfills this purpose nicely. In comparison to many similar books on natural magic, this read is pared down and succinct in the important points of what truly matters. Writing in this way, leaves the space of opening for personal integration, understanding and a practical application of the techniques and principles that have survived the rapidly evolving changes of the natural world. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><u><b>About Author <\/b><\/u><u><b>Nigel Pennick<\/b><\/u><u><b>:<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><i><b>Nigel Pennick<\/b><\/i><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"> is an authority on ancient belief systems, traditions, runes, and geomancy and has traveled and lectured extensively in Europe and the United States. He is the author and illustrator of more than 50 books, including\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\">The Pagan Book of Days<\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\">. The founder of the Institute of Geomantic Research and the Library of the European Tradition, he lives near Cambridge, England.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><u><b>Footnotes:<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">p. 1<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Chapter 1: Mother Earth<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Conclusion: A Valid and Appropriate Spiritual Path<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-22916\" src=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/elemental-magic-review.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"125\" height=\"188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/elemental-magic-review.png 350w, https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/elemental-magic-review-200x300.png 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 125px) 100vw, 125px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1620557584\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1620557584&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=paganpages-20&amp;linkId=8dbb55205d7e5031f92940e678bd883e\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Elemental Magic: Traditional Practices for Working with the Energies of the Natural World on Amazon<\/a><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;\" src=\"\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=paganpages-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1620557584\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>***<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>About the Author:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-20762\" src=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Robin-Fenelly.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"173\" height=\"162\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Robin Fennelly\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">is a Third Degree Initiate within\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.sacredwheel.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">\u00a0and serves as High Priestess of\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><u><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><a href=\"http:\/\/www.oakandwillow.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">C<\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.covenofthemysticpath.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">oven of the Mystic Path<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/u><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">, the 12th Coven\u00a0within the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition. She teaches\u00a0and facilitates\u00a0classes for the Pagan Experience Study Group that\u00a0serves as foundation for membership within\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.covenofthemysticpath.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Coven of the Mystic Path<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Her spiritual journey is strongly rooted in both Eastern philosophy and the Western Magickal systems from which she has formed a core foundation that is diverse in knowledge and rich in spiritual practice.\u00a0 A life-long learner, her practice has evolved from the classical and philosophical teachings of books, practical experience and enrichment of this knowledge\u00a0base by attending workshops of various spiritual traditions presented by master teachers.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Robin formally came to the Wiccan path in 1994. Following practice as a solitary for 2 years, she dedicated to\u00a0Oak and Willow Coven of The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition in November of 1996. She received her\u00a01st, 2nd and finally 3rd degrees within the Assembly Tradition and has served as High Priestess of Oak and Willow since Samhain of 2001.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As a teacher of esoteric and magickal studies\u00a0she has used Energetic Anatomy, Tarot, Astrology, Hermetic Qabala, Eastern Philosophy, and Numerology as the foundations of her diverse selection of workshops and writings for more than 25\u00a0years. Exploration of varied energetic protocol has been the focus of her work for some time now and the information gained through direct experience informs all of her magickal and spiritual work.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Robin\u2019s writings have been featured online, and in print Internationally.\u00a0 She has authored several books incorporating her unique style of writing making use of poetry, prose and pathworking to enhance the concepts presented.\u00a0 She has taught extensively throughout the Pagan community, including Sacred Space Conference, Spring Magick, Between the Worlds Interfaith Conference and Free Spirit Gathering Festival this Summer. Her most recent project is hosting an online blogging community entitled The Pagan Experience.<\/p>\n<p>Robin is the owner of\u00a0<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><i>Holistic Embrace<\/i><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><i>\u00a0<\/i><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">providing services for mind, body and spirit such as Tarot readings, Astrology reports, Spiritual Guidance\u00a0and other related offerings.\u00a0 She lives in Eastern Pennsylvania and her life is blessed by a 40+- year marriage, five children and the opportunity to work in the field of public education. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Robin\u2019s Books<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Inner Chamber, Vol. 1 It\u2019s Written in the Stars-Astrology<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Inner Chamber, Vol. 2 Poetry of the Spheres-Qabalah<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Inner Chamber, Vol. 3 Awakening the Paths-Qabalah<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Light of SELF: Consciousness, Spiritual Practice and Learning to Breathe<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Magickal Verse: A Collection of Poetry and Prose<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A Year of Gaia: The Eternal Cord<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Elemental Year: Aligning the Elements of SELF<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Temple of the Sun and Moon: Luminous Devotions<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Sleeping with the Goddess: Nights of Devotion<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A Weekly Reflection: Musings for the Year<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Magickal Pen: A Collection of Esoteric Writings<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Enchanted Gate: Musings on the Magick of the Natural World<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">For more info: <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/books.html\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/books.html<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Robin\u2019s Website:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span> <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">www.robinfennelly.com<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span> <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.covenofthemysticpath.org\/\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Cambria, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">www.covenofthemysticpath.org<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Book Review Elemental Magic Traditional Practices for Working With The Energies Of The Natural World 3rd Edition by Nigel Pennick 144 Pages &nbsp; &nbsp; Elemental Magic: Traditional Practices for Working With The Energies Of The Natural World by Nigel Pennick is a classic text of introduction to and practical application of nature in magical practice. Mr. Pennick\u2019s books can be found in the libraries of both the scholars and those who follow the ways of the pagan path and he is an expert in the details of European folk magic. This is the 3rd Edition of a timeless book that provides a comprehensive and thorough teaching of the expression of the natural world is all facets of the mundane and the magical. As the title suggests, \u201cTraditional Practices for Working with the Energies of the Natural World\u201d, the contents of this book are rooted in ancient beliefs and ways of interactions and carries these into the modern world as those systems that are inherent in all of nature regardless of the timeline. Each chapter focuses on those things that are in support of deepening the reader\u2019s connection to the natural world and informing that connection with practical and useable ways of developing a working rapport with nature. The contents are divided into an Introduction, ten (10) chapters and Conclusion. The Introduction: The Natural Power in All Things provides the reader with an approach to traditional spirituality that is both empowering and supportive of nature in all of her forms, physical and subtle. &#8230;The down-to-earth practical spiritual techniques of natural magic straddles the boundaries between the subtle, inner world of the mind and spirit, the material outer world, and the otherworldly. Magic comes about through interaction between the inner experiences of the human spirit and the outer experiences of the physical world, both natural and human-made..1. Elemental Magic: Traditional Practices for Working With The Energies Of The Natural World begins its studies in Chapter 1: Mother Earth, and opens with a quote from the medieval European alchemist Basilius Valentinus&#8230; &#8230; \u201cThe Earth is not an inanimate body, but is inhabited by the spirit which is its life and its soul. All created things draw their strength from the Earth Spirit. This spirit is life; it is nourished by the stars and gives nourishment to all living things that its shelters in her womb.\u201d&#8230;2. The reader will find everything needed to understand and fully begin a spiritual practice based in natural magic. Discussion of the Wheel of the Year, the days of the week, cycles of time and the alchemical elements provide the basis of traditional practice. Subsequent chapters dive into the magic of minerals, plants, animals and the land. None of the chapters go into great detail about each component, but do provide enough information to stimulate an inquisitive nature. An excerpt from Chapter 5. The Power Within provides a glimpse of exercises and philosophies provided&#8230;.&#8230;Excerpt. Amazon.com\u00a9 All rights reserved. Elemental Alignment: A good way of gaining bodily and mental familiarity with the four material elements, and the fifth non-material one, is to use them in meditation. Like other magical activities, you should perform these meditations inside a protective boundary. Each time you work with an element, use the same technique. Begin with the densest element, Earth, then proceed to the lightest, Fire, in the sequence Earth, Water, Air, Fire. Earth Meditation.\u00a0Put some earth in a ceramic or glass bowl, and place it in a convenient location. Sit in a meditational posture, and focus your attention on the earth in the bowl. Explore in your mind the many possibilities of earth symbolized by this small sample. When you have done this, allow your consciousness to enter the earth. Become at one with it. Experience its heaviness, its many variant forms and possibilities, and the feelings that they bring. Water Meditation.\u00a0Pour some natural spring or well water into a bowl, and place the bowl in a convenient location, as before. Focus your meditation upon the water. Explore the many forms of water: wetness, rain, streams, puddles, lakes, and the sea. When you have done this, allow your consciousness to enter the water. Become at one with it. Experience its fluidity, its many variant flowing possibilities, and the feelings that they bring you. Air Meditation.\u00a0Light some incense. It is best to use one that you have collected yourself, such as resin from a tall conifer. Burn it on charcoal in a fireproof dish. Place the dish in a convenient place, as before. Then focus your meditation upon the smoke that indicates the invisible air. Explore the many forms of air: the atmosphere of places, breezes, winds, storms, hurricanes, and whirlwinds. When you have done this, allow your consciousness to enter the air. Become at one with it. Experience its freedom and motion, and the feelings that they bring. Fire Meditation.\u00a0For this, light a candle, using struck fire. It is best to use a fire-colored one, deep orange or red. Watch the brilliant flame, and focus your awareness upon the qualities and forms of fire and flame: heat, flickering light, red-hot metal, volcanic eruptions, and the power of the sun. Then imagine yourself as part of the fire, experiencing the feelings that this generates. The Subtle Power Meditation.\u00a0Sit as before, visualizing the natural empowerment of all existence, the flowing energy matrix upon which all things are patterned. Envisage it as ever-changing, flowing geometrical colors and forms, like the rainbow patterns on the surface of a bubble. When you have finished each meditation, direct your consciousness away from the object. Return to a full awareness of the things around you. When you begin, it is best to work several times with each element, until you feel ready to move on to the next one. Once you have worked through all five, you will find that your understanding of the subtle realms has been greatly empowered. Chapters 7: Magic in Action, 8: Making Magical Tools and Ceremonies, and 9: Magical Food and Drink are complete with instructions for crafting tools and ritual, recipes and more. All are steeped in folk tradition and offer the reader a first hand look at how our ancestors celebrated and enacted natural magic as a means of living in harmony and balance with their surroundings. Chapter 10: Precautions and Remedies speaks to the need for discernment in acknowledging that there is great power in nature, those things of nature that are in support of humans and those that can be harmful. Herbs as remedies and protective ceremonies are topics covered. Use of crystals and gems concludes this chapter. This chapter is a natural Segway into the final chapter of Conclusion: A Valid and Appropriate Spiritual Path. &#8230; We live in a time of perpetual and accelerating change. Traditional ways of doing things are rapidly breaking down in the face of globalization. The destruction of nature by the products o industry is happening all around us. It is self-evident that unless we develop a better attitude toward nature, we will bring about our own ruin. Recognizing this, many people are seeking a better way of living. This has brought about a rediscovery and popularization of techniques that were once known by a very few people&#8230;3. Would I Recommend: This opening statement of the final chapter sums up the intention of this book and the value in its reading. I believe that we need to routinely bring forward those texts that remind us that we are part of a greater whole and that every aspect of how we live and the energetic and physical imprint we offer needs to hold intention and higher purpose. Elemental Magic: Traditional Practices for Working With The Energies Of The Natural World by Nigel Pennick fulfills this purpose nicely. In comparison to many similar books on natural magic, this read is pared down and succinct in the important points of what truly matters. Writing in this way, leaves the space of opening for personal integration, understanding and a practical application of the techniques and principles that have survived the rapidly evolving changes of the natural world. About Author Nigel Pennick: Nigel Pennick is an authority on ancient belief systems, traditions, runes, and geomancy and has traveled and lectured extensively in Europe and the United States. He is the author and illustrator of more than 50 books, including\u00a0The Pagan Book of Days. The founder of the Institute of Geomantic Research and the Library of the European Tradition, he lives near Cambridge, England. Footnotes: p. 1 Chapter 1: Mother Earth Conclusion: A Valid and Appropriate Spiritual Path Elemental Magic: Traditional Practices for Working with the Energies of the Natural World on Amazon *** About the Author: Robin Fennelly\u00a0is a Third Degree Initiate within\u00a0The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition\u00a0and serves as High Priestess of\u00a0Coven of the Mystic Path, the 12th Coven\u00a0within the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition. She teaches\u00a0and facilitates\u00a0classes for the Pagan Experience Study Group that\u00a0serves as foundation for membership within\u00a0Coven of the Mystic Path.\u00a0\u00a0 Her spiritual journey is strongly rooted in both Eastern philosophy and the Western Magickal systems from which she has formed a core foundation that is diverse in knowledge and rich in spiritual practice.\u00a0 A life-long learner, her practice has evolved from the classical and philosophical teachings of books, practical experience and enrichment of this knowledge\u00a0base by attending workshops of various spiritual traditions presented by master teachers. Robin formally came to the Wiccan path in 1994. Following practice as a solitary for 2 years, she dedicated to\u00a0Oak and Willow Coven of The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition in November of 1996. She received her\u00a01st, 2nd and finally 3rd degrees within the Assembly Tradition and has served as High Priestess of Oak and Willow since Samhain of 2001. As a teacher of esoteric and magickal studies\u00a0she has used Energetic Anatomy, Tarot, Astrology, Hermetic Qabala, Eastern Philosophy, and Numerology as the foundations of her diverse selection of workshops and writings for more than 25\u00a0years. Exploration of varied energetic protocol has been the focus of her work for some time now and the information gained through direct experience informs all of her magickal and spiritual work. Robin\u2019s writings have been featured online, and in print Internationally.\u00a0 She has authored several books incorporating her unique style of writing making use of poetry, prose and pathworking to enhance the concepts presented.\u00a0 She has taught extensively throughout the Pagan community, including Sacred Space Conference, Spring Magick, Between the Worlds Interfaith Conference and Free Spirit Gathering Festival this Summer. Her most recent project is hosting an online blogging community entitled The Pagan Experience. Robin is the owner of\u00a0Holistic Embrace\u00a0providing services for mind, body and spirit such as Tarot readings, Astrology reports, Spiritual Guidance\u00a0and other related offerings.\u00a0 She lives in Eastern Pennsylvania and her life is blessed by a 40+- year marriage, five children and the opportunity to work in the field of public education. Robin\u2019s Books The Inner Chamber, Vol. 1 It\u2019s Written in the Stars-Astrology The Inner Chamber, Vol. 2 Poetry of the Spheres-Qabalah The Inner Chamber, Vol. 3 Awakening the Paths-Qabalah The Light of SELF: Consciousness, Spiritual Practice and Learning to Breathe Magickal Verse: A Collection of Poetry and Prose A Year of Gaia: The Eternal Cord The Elemental Year: Aligning the Elements of SELF Temple of the Sun and Moon: Luminous Devotions Sleeping with the Goddess: Nights of Devotion A Weekly Reflection: Musings for the Year The Magickal Pen: A Collection of Esoteric Writings The Enchanted Gate: Musings on the Magick of the Natural World For more info: http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/books.html Robin\u2019s Website: www.robinfennelly.com Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW: www.covenofthemysticpath.org<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":208,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10005],"tags":[12310,10346,10095,10778,10065,11739,12128,10476,10075,10987,12309,12176,10688],"class_list":["post-22915","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-reviews","tag-3rd-edition","tag-author","tag-book","tag-elemental","tag-magic","tag-natural","tag-nigel-pennick","tag-practices","tag-review","tag-traditional","tag-with-the-energies","tag-working","tag-world"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22915","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/208"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22915"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22915\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22949,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22915\/revisions\/22949"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22915"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22915"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22915"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}