{"id":23613,"date":"2021-02-01T01:10:11","date_gmt":"2021-02-01T05:10:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/?p=23613"},"modified":"2021-01-25T16:17:04","modified_gmt":"2021-01-25T20:17:04","slug":"book-review-life-ritualized-by-phoenix-lefae-and-gwion-raven","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2021\/02\/01\/book-review-life-ritualized-by-phoenix-lefae-and-gwion-raven\/","title":{"rendered":"Book Review – Life Ritualized: A Witch\u2019s Guide to Honoring Life\u2019s Important Moments by Phoenix LeFae and Gwion Raven"},"content":{"rendered":"

Book Review<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

Life Ritualized<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

A Witch\u2019s Guide to Honoring<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

Life\u2019s Important Moments<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

by Phoenix LeFae and Gwion Raven<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

Llewellyn Worldwide<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

224 Pages<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Life Ritualized: A Witch\u2019s Guide to Honoring Life\u2019s Important Moments<\/b><\/i><\/span> by Phoenix LeFae and Gwion Raven i<\/span>s <\/span>a wonderful read for expanding your perspective on what a ritual is and how it can serve purposes beyond the traditional associations. The book is separated into nine (9) chapters and flows from the more common ritual uses to those that clearly exemplify the concept that all acts are sacred and all markers of those actions can be celebrated and honored in a way befitting living a magickal life 24\/7-365days a year.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>Introduction <\/b><\/span>gives the reader a reminder of how the illusion of connectivity in our modern world serves to disconnect us from the ceremony and sacredness of our existence and, in particular, those rites of passage as markers of our growth are a calling to reclaim the mystery inherent in ritual\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2026The liturgy of rituals, the practices of rites of passage and the actions of ceremony have a level of mystery built into them in plain sight, but most folks don\u2019t notice. It is those gaps between what is written and known, unwritten and unknown, where mystery lives and where rites of passage get their power\u2026<\/b><\/i><\/span>Introduction<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Chapters One and Two provide the basics of ritual, its use and tools and techniques that flow through ritualized action. There are several protocol included in <\/span>Chapter One: How to Use This Book <\/b><\/span>that cover a variety of traditions\u2019 workings and some specific to certain types of Witchcraft. Grounding and centering, casting a circle and other components of ritual are included, as well as post-ritual activities and correspondences that can be employed in finessing and fine-tuning for the intention of any ritual. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Two: Defining Rites of Passage <\/b><\/span>gives a broad overview of how ritual has been used to honor specific biological stages, such as birth and death. The discussion of liminal space-the overlapping of two distinct periods of change- and the innate knowledge that accompanies that these are times of crossing thresholds is used as a catalyst for training oneself to become aware of these moments and the potential they hold for formally honoring them in ritual. The chapter concludes with several rituals that can be used by the reader as they embark on the journey of exploring moments and catalysts for ritual in all aspects of their life. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The subsequent chapters bring into focus those lesser imagined times that lend themselves to ritual. These include Rites of birth, personal identity, loss, graduations and spirituality. Each chapter begins with a section entitled <\/span>\u201cWhat These Rites Have in Common\u201d, <\/i><\/span>which further creates the dynamics of threads of commonality and connection inherent in all rituals<\/span>. <\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Four: Rites for Leveling Up<\/b><\/span> includes a ritual for <\/span>Obtaining a Driver\u2019s License<\/i><\/span> as well as <\/span>Vehicle Protection<\/i><\/span> and a <\/span>New Car Blessing<\/i><\/span>. I particularly enjoyed the ritual for <\/span>Empty Nesting<\/i><\/span> in <\/span>Chapter Six: Rites of Loss<\/b><\/span>. This was bittersweet having had 5-children a year apart, which meant empty nest maximizing for my husband and I as they all left in a short period of time. And, although we felt the loss at the time, I would never had thought to ritualize it!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Eight: DIY Rituals<\/b><\/span> encourages the reader to explore their own ways of crafting ritual and finding meaning in what would often be overlooked. The final <\/span>Chapter Nine: Final Thoughts about Rites of Passage-What Does It All Mean?<\/b><\/span> is a fitting conclusion to the overall intention of the book. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Would I Recommend:<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Life Ritualized: A Witch\u2019s Guide to Honoring Life\u2019s Important Moments<\/b><\/i><\/span> by Phoenix LeFae and Gwion Raven<\/span> is one of those books that reminds us all to celebrate more and to see the sacred in all. This is a book that that you will return to frequently. There are more than thirty (30) rituals contained; each unique and simple in its outline that can be used ready-made. But more importantly, there is enough substance in the book that just in the reading, ideas and inspiration begins to flow and you find yourself looking for opportunities to make application, share the joy and sorrow and begin to imagine a new way of honoring all that your life is comprised of. Thumbs up and gratitude for this title!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I would conclude on this note\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2026 By creating rituals, honoring your life changes, and celebrating those you love and in community with, you also add to raising the vibrational levels of all of humanity. Truly there is no greater work that you can do as an individual than to serve the world around you. By celebrating yourself, you do that very thing\u2026<\/b><\/i><\/span>Chapter Nine<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

About Author<\/b><\/u>s<\/b><\/u> <\/b><\/u>Pheoni Lefae & Gwion Raven<\/b><\/u>:<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Phoenix LeFae\u00a0<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span>(Sebastopol, CA) is a professional reader, rootworker, teacher, and ritualist. She has been practicing witchcraft for almost thirty years, and her teachings are connected to the Reclaiming Tradition, Druidry, and Gardnerian Wicca. She is also the owner of an esoteric Goddess shop called Milk & Honey.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Gwion Raven<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span>\u00a0is a tattooed Pagan, writer, traveler, musician, cook, kitchen witch, occult shop owner, and teacher. Although initiated in three magickal traditions, Gwion describes his practice as virtually anything that celebrates the wild, sensuous, living, breathing, dancing, ecstatic, divine experiences of this lifetime. Born and raised in London, England, he now resides in Northern California and shares space with redwood trees, the Pacific Ocean, and his beloved partner.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Do I Have to Wear Black?: Rituals, Customs & Funerary Etiquette for Modern Pagans on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

***<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

About the author:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Robin Fennelly\u00a0<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span>is an Elder within\u00a0<\/span><\/span>The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span>\u00a0and serves as High Priestess of\u00a0<\/span><\/span>C<\/a>oven of the Mystic Path<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/u><\/span>, 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>Coven of the Mystic Path<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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

Robin formally came to the Wiccan path in 1994. Following a 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, 3rd and 4th (Elder) degrees within the Assembly Tradition and has served as High Priestess of two ASW covens since Samhain of 2001 and the Winter Solstice of 2015.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\nAs a teacher of esoteric and magickal studies\u00a0she uses 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

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. Her most recent projects include a channel on youtube: <\/span><\/span>A Journey to the Inner Chamber<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span>. <\/b><\/span><\/span>She also shares audio pathworkings and ritual on her bandcamp site: <\/span><\/span>Teachings on the Path with Robin.<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/u><\/span> <\/u><\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n

Robin is the owner of\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Holistic Embrace\u00a0<\/i><\/span><\/span>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><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Robin\u2019s Website<\/b><\/span><\/span>:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>www.robinfennelly.com<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW<\/b><\/span><\/span>:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>www.covenofthemysticpath.org<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Her books can be found on Amazon or purchased directly through her website:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

For more info<\/b><\/span><\/span>:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/books.html<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 1 It\u2019s Written in the Stars-Astrology<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 2 Poetry of the Spheres-Qabalah<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 3 Awakening the Paths-Qabalah<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Light of SELF: Consciousness, Spiritual Practice and Learning to Breathe<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Magickal Verse: A Collection of Poetry and Prose<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A Year of Gaia: The Eternal Cord<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Elemental Year: Aligning the Elements of SELF<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Temple of the Sun and Moon: Luminous Devotions<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Sleeping with the Goddess: Nights of Devotion<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A Weekly Reflection: Musings for the Year<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Magickal Pen: A Collection of Esoteric Writings<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Enchanted Gate: Musings on the Magick of the Natural World<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Temple of the Sun: An Astrological Solar Year<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Writings in the Shadow: An Exploration of the Shadow Nature<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Book Review Life Ritualized A Witch\u2019s Guide to Honoring Life\u2019s Important Moments by Phoenix LeFae and Gwion Raven Llewellyn Worldwide 224 Pages   \u00a0 Life Ritualized: A Witch\u2019s Guide to Honoring Life\u2019s Important Moments by Phoenix LeFae and Gwion Raven is a wonderful read for expanding your perspective on what a ritual is and how it can serve purposes beyond the traditional associations. The book is separated into nine (9) chapters and flows from the more common ritual uses to those that clearly exemplify the concept that all acts are sacred and all markers of those actions can be celebrated and honored in a way befitting living a magickal life 24\/7-365days a year. The Introduction gives the reader a reminder of how the illusion of connectivity in our modern world serves to disconnect us from the ceremony and sacredness of our existence and, in particular, those rites of passage as markers of our growth are a calling to reclaim the mystery inherent in ritual\u2026 \u2026The liturgy of rituals, the practices of rites of passage and the actions of ceremony have a level of mystery built into them in plain sight, but most folks don\u2019t notice. It is those gaps between what is written and known, unwritten and unknown, where mystery lives and where rites of passage get their power\u2026Introduction Chapters One and Two provide the basics of ritual, its use and tools and techniques that flow through ritualized action. There are several protocol included in Chapter One: How to Use This Book that cover a variety of traditions\u2019 workings and some specific to certain types of Witchcraft. Grounding and centering, casting a circle and other components of ritual are included, as well as post-ritual activities and correspondences that can be employed in finessing and fine-tuning for the intention of any ritual. Chapter Two: Defining Rites of Passage gives a broad overview of how ritual has been used to honor specific biological stages, such as birth and death. The discussion of liminal space-the overlapping of two distinct periods of change- and the innate knowledge that accompanies that these are times of crossing thresholds is used as a catalyst for training oneself to become aware of these moments and the potential they hold for formally honoring them in ritual. The chapter concludes with several rituals that can be used by the reader as they embark on the journey of exploring moments and catalysts for ritual in all aspects of their life. The subsequent chapters bring into focus those lesser imagined times that lend themselves to ritual. These include Rites of birth, personal identity, loss, graduations and spirituality. Each chapter begins with a section entitled \u201cWhat These Rites Have in Common\u201d, which further creates the dynamics of threads of commonality and connection inherent in all rituals. Chapter Four: Rites for Leveling Up includes a ritual for Obtaining a Driver\u2019s License as well as Vehicle Protection and a New Car Blessing. I particularly enjoyed the ritual for Empty Nesting in Chapter Six: Rites of Loss. This was bittersweet having had 5-children a year apart, which meant empty nest maximizing for my husband and I as they all left in a short period of time. And, although we felt the loss at the time, I would never had thought to ritualize it! Chapter Eight: DIY Rituals encourages the reader to explore their own ways of crafting ritual and finding meaning in what would often be overlooked. The final Chapter Nine: Final Thoughts about Rites of Passage-What Does It All Mean? is a fitting conclusion to the overall intention of the book. Would I Recommend: Life Ritualized: A Witch\u2019s Guide to Honoring Life\u2019s Important Moments by Phoenix LeFae and Gwion Raven is one of those books that reminds us all to celebrate more and to see the sacred in all. This is a book that that you will return to frequently. There are more than thirty (30) rituals contained; each unique and simple in its outline that can be used ready-made. But more importantly, there is enough substance in the book that just in the reading, ideas and inspiration begins to flow and you find yourself looking for opportunities to make application, share the joy and sorrow and begin to imagine a new way of honoring all that your life is comprised of. Thumbs up and gratitude for this title! I would conclude on this note\u2026 \u2026 By creating rituals, honoring your life changes, and celebrating those you love and in community with, you also add to raising the vibrational levels of all of humanity. Truly there is no greater work that you can do as an individual than to serve the world around you. By celebrating yourself, you do that very thing\u2026Chapter Nine About Authors Pheoni Lefae & Gwion Raven: Phoenix LeFae\u00a0(Sebastopol, CA) is a professional reader, rootworker, teacher, and ritualist. She has been practicing witchcraft for almost thirty years, and her teachings are connected to the Reclaiming Tradition, Druidry, and Gardnerian Wicca. She is also the owner of an esoteric Goddess shop called Milk & Honey. Gwion Raven\u00a0is a tattooed Pagan, writer, traveler, musician, cook, kitchen witch, occult shop owner, and teacher. Although initiated in three magickal traditions, Gwion describes his practice as virtually anything that celebrates the wild, sensuous, living, breathing, dancing, ecstatic, divine experiences of this lifetime. Born and raised in London, England, he now resides in Northern California and shares space with redwood trees, the Pacific Ocean, and his beloved partner. Do I Have to Wear Black?: Rituals, Customs & Funerary Etiquette for Modern Pagans on Amazon   *** About the author: Robin Fennelly\u00a0is an Elder 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 a 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, 3rd and 4th (Elder) degrees within the Assembly Tradition and has served as High Priestess of two ASW covens since Samhain of 2001 and the Winter Solstice of 2015. As a teacher of esoteric and magickal studies\u00a0she uses 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. Her most recent projects include a channel on youtube: A Journey to the Inner Chamber. She also shares audio pathworkings and ritual on her bandcamp site: Teachings on the Path with Robin. 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 Website:\u00a0www.robinfennelly.com Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW:\u00a0www.covenofthemysticpath.org Her books can be found on Amazon or purchased directly through her website: For more info:\u00a0http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/books.html 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 The Temple of the Sun: An Astrological Solar Year Writings in the Shadow: An Exploration of the Shadow Nature<\/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":[10346,10095,12742,12740,12741,10075],"class_list":["post-23613","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-reviews","tag-author","tag-book","tag-gwion-raven","tag-life-ritualized-a-witchs-guide-to-honoring-lifes-important-moments","tag-phoenix-lefae","tag-review"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23613","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=23613"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23613\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23615,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23613\/revisions\/23615"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23613"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23613"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23613"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}