{"id":24840,"date":"2021-10-01T01:10:13","date_gmt":"2021-10-01T05:10:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/?p=24840"},"modified":"2021-10-01T10:51:29","modified_gmt":"2021-10-01T14:51:29","slug":"book-review-llewellyns-little-book-of-the-day-of-the-dead-by-jaime-girones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2021\/10\/01\/book-review-llewellyns-little-book-of-the-day-of-the-dead-by-jaime-girones\/","title":{"rendered":"Book Review &#8211; Llewellyn\u2019s Little Book of the Day of the Dead by Jaime Giron\u00e9s"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Book Review<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1 class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Llewellyn\u2019s Little Book of the Day of the Dead<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1 class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>by Jaime Giron\u00e9s<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1 class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Publisher: <\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Llewellyn Publications<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1 class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>196 Pages<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1 class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Publication<\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b> Date: September 8, 2021<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"color: #464646;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #464646;\"><span style=\"font-family: Open Sans, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-24841\" src=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/day-of-the-dead.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"294\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/day-of-the-dead.png 300w, https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/day-of-the-dead-225x300.png 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 294px) 100vw, 294px\" \/><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><i><b>&#8230;.If the Day of the Dead inspires you to celebrate your loved ones who have passed away, the most important thing is to do so from your heart. When working with the spirit world, it is crucial that what you are doing has meaning to you. If you are motivated to practice some of the activities mentioned in this book, by all means, do so. If some symbols or aspects do not resonate with you, it is more important to find a way to engage with them that does resonate with you&#8230;.<\/b><\/i><\/span><sup><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><b>1.<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Llewellyn\u2019s Little Book of the Day of the Dead <\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">by Jaime Giron\u00e9s, though small in page count and size is a giant in its wisdom. The book begins with several pages of content entitled <\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Author\u2019s Note<\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> and Mr. Giron\u00e9s dives right into the subject of cultural appropriation vs. cultural appreciation. As he notes, this is an especially relevant consideration for \u201c<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><i>El<\/i><\/span><\/span> <span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><i>Dia de los Muertos\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">&#8211; <\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Day of the Dead, <\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">and the meaning and sacredness of the day for those to whom this is culturally part of their history, origins and honorings. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Mr. Giron\u00e9s recommends to his readers that as they read through the book and practice the activities provided that three (3) questions be the basis in choosing how you will honor and respect its celebrations. These are:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">(knowing) <\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Your Intentions<\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">: He uses the example of setting up a Day of the Dead altar, and asking yourself if this is for a social media photo opportunity or because there is true meaning and purpose behind it.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Acknowledging Context and History<\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">: This questions relates to the use of symbols and methods of celebration. Is the painting of your child\u2019s (your face) as La Catrina* simply part of a Halloween costume? or do you truly understand the meaning and origins of its use.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">and <\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Congruence<\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">: This is highlighted by holding consistency in the daily manner in which you view and treat those of the culture whose celebrations, beliefs, symbols, etc&#8230; you are using as one of a positive and respectful interaction. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">If there had been nothing more of this book than this thought-filled precursor to making decision about how the reader would make use of the subsequent material, it would have still been a \u201cgiant\u201d take-away. <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><i><b>&#8230;. It is crucial that what you are doing has meaning to you&#8230;<\/b><\/i><\/span><sup><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><b>2.<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/sup><i><b> <\/b><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">\n<p align=\"justify\">\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Llewellyn\u2019s Little Book of the Day of the Dead <\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">is separated into six (6) chapters and does due diligence in making the book as rich and user-friendly as possible. In keeping with this intention the title prefaces the chapters of content with a table of twenty-three (23) <\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Activities and Exercises<\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">, an <\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Introduction<\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> and ending with a <\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Conclusion, Glossary<\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> and informative <\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Bibliography<\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">I especially enjoyed the <\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Introduction<\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">, which provides the reader with a close up and personal account of the author\u2019s celebration of the Day of the Dead. He goes on to give an outline of <\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>How to Use This Book<\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> and how to make this celebration, or something similar your own personal and meaningful experience. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><i><b>&#8230; I was born in Mexico City, and it has always been my hometown. The Day of the Dead has been part of my life since I was a child. My family gets together every year to set up the Day of the Dead altar, just as we do to set up the Christmas tree. We sit at the table and look at the family albums to select the pictures of our beloved ones while telling stories of our relatives and the history of our family, and then we decorate the Day of the Dead altar together&#8230; <\/b><\/i><\/span><sup><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><b>3.<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/sup><i><b> <\/b><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Chapter 1: The History of the Day of the Dead <\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">gives the reader the background and origins of the Day of the Dead and directly supports the words of the author given in the<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b> Author\u2019s Note <\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">about choosing to celebrate in your own fashion and being mindful and respectful of the intentions of any symbology or ritual experience you use. This chapter is very thorough and it would be difficult for the reader to come away from its information not palpably feeling the significance of the Day of the Dead as the roots and foundation of a culture reaching back to Mesoamerica (c.1800 BCE-1521 CE). <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Organically flowing, the subsequent chapters educate the reader in the ways of Death (Ch. 2), Altars (Ch. 3), Celebrations and Rituals (Chapters 4-5) and the finality of how to Say(ing) Goodbye to Visiting Spirits (Ch. 6). The <\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Activities and Exercises<\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> listed in the beginning of the book are interspersed at appropriate sections throughout and provide the reader with a way to connect in a more personal and individual way. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Arriving at the <\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">, the reader now is equipped with a thorough and deep understanding of <\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><i>El Dia De Los Muertes<\/i><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #030303;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><i><b>&#8230; The time to celebrate the dead has passed. We have remembered our loved ones. We have spoken with our relatives and friends about those who have left before us. We prepared our home for the special guests, we welcomed our loved ones, we set an altar for them, we dreamed with them, and we spoke with them. We offered them food and drinks. We recalled a lot of sweet stories&#8230;<\/b><\/i><\/span><i><b> <\/b><\/i><sup><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><b>4.<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><u><b>Would I Recommend:<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><b>Llewellyn\u2019s Little Book of the Day of the Dead <\/b><\/i>by Jaime Giron\u00e9s calls out to the reader in a very profound way. One that is drawn from the personal experience of the author and one that helps to create a personal experience for the reader simply by the reading of it. As is said. \u201cgood things come in small packages\u201d. In this instance <i><b>Llewellyn\u2019s Little Book of the Day of the Dead <\/b><\/i>by Jaime Giron\u00e9s contains a wealth of information and possibilities that is priceless. I\u2019ve pre-ordered my copy and can\u2019t wait to learn more!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><a name=\"_GoBack\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u><b>Notes: <\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>* <\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-size: large;\">satirical representation of death created by the late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century artist Jos\u00e9 Guadalupe Posada and later renamed and<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">painted by Diego Rivera. Originally called la Calavera Garbancera (satirical for \u201celegant skull\u201d). <\/span><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i>(excerpted from the Glossary)<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Author\u2019s Note<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Author\u2019s Note<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Introduction<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Conclusion<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><u><b>About Author Jaime Giron\u00e9s<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><b>Jaime Giron\u00e9s\u00a0<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">(Mexico City) was born in 1989 and has followed the Wiccan path since he was 13 years old. He writes about spirituality, magic, minority religions, myths, and Witchcraft, focusing in Mexico and Latin America. He&#8217;s also an international columnist of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/wildhunt.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Wild Hunt<\/a>, a daily news site for Pagans, Heathens, Wiccans, Witches, and Polytheists.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">\n<p align=\"justify\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-24841\" src=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/day-of-the-dead.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"125\" height=\"167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/day-of-the-dead.png 300w, https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/day-of-the-dead-225x300.png 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 125px) 100vw, 125px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0738762482\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0738762482&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=paganpages-20&amp;linkId=caa57cde7b723fb55ab71ca0255c6ada\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Llewellyn&#8217;s Little Book of the Day of the Dead (Llewellyn&#8217;s Little Books) on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>***<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>About the Author:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><img 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 align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><b>Robin Fennelly\u00a0<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">is an Elder within\u00a0<\/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-size: large;\">The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">\u00a0and serves as High Priestess of\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><u><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><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><\/span><\/span><\/u><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><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 style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.covenofthemysticpath.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Coven of the Mystic Path<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">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 align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">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<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\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<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">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><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCI08DQcpZUH4d26Ht4Afzog\/\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>A Journey to the Inner Chamber<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>. <\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">She also shares audio pathworkings and ritual on her bandcamp site: <\/span><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/teachingsonthepathwithrobin.bandcamp.com\/\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><u><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Teachings on the Path with Robin.<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/u><\/span><u> <\/u><\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Robin is the owner of\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i>Holistic Embrace\u00a0<\/i><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">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<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Robin\u2019s Website<\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">www.robinfennelly.com<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW<\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.covenofthemysticpath.org\/\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">www.covenofthemysticpath.org<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Her books can be found on Amazon or purchased directly through her website:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>For more info<\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/books.html\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/books.html<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The Inner Chamber, Vol. 1 It\u2019s Written in the Stars-Astrology<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The Inner Chamber, Vol. 2 Poetry of the Spheres-Qabalah<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The Inner Chamber, Vol. 3 Awakening the Paths-Qabalah<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The Light of SELF: Consciousness, Spiritual Practice and Learning to Breathe<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Magickal Verse: A Collection of Poetry and Prose<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">A Year of Gaia: The Eternal Cord<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The Elemental Year: Aligning the Elements of SELF<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Temple of the Sun and Moon: Luminous Devotions<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Sleeping with the Goddess: Nights of Devotion<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">A Weekly Reflection: Musings for the Year<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The Magickal Pen: A Collection of Esoteric Writings<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The Enchanted Gate: Musings on the Magick of the Natural World<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The Temple of the Sun: An Astrological Solar Year<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Writings in the Shadow: An Exploration of the Shadow Nature<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Book Review Llewellyn\u2019s Little Book of the Day of the Dead by Jaime Giron\u00e9s Publisher: Llewellyn Publications 196 Pages Publication Date: September 8, 2021 \u00a0 &#8230;.If the Day of the Dead inspires you to celebrate your loved ones who have passed away, the most important thing is to do so from your heart. When working with the spirit world, it is crucial that what you are doing has meaning to you. If you are motivated to practice some of the activities mentioned in this book, by all means, do so. If some symbols or aspects do not resonate with you, it is more important to find a way to engage with them that does resonate with you&#8230;.1. Llewellyn\u2019s Little Book of the Day of the Dead by Jaime Giron\u00e9s, though small in page count and size is a giant in its wisdom. The book begins with several pages of content entitled Author\u2019s Note and Mr. Giron\u00e9s dives right into the subject of cultural appropriation vs. cultural appreciation. As he notes, this is an especially relevant consideration for \u201cEl Dia de los Muertos\u201d&#8211; Day of the Dead, and the meaning and sacredness of the day for those to whom this is culturally part of their history, origins and honorings. Mr. Giron\u00e9s recommends to his readers that as they read through the book and practice the activities provided that three (3) questions be the basis in choosing how you will honor and respect its celebrations. These are: (knowing) Your Intentions: He uses the example of setting up a Day of the Dead altar, and asking yourself if this is for a social media photo opportunity or because there is true meaning and purpose behind it. Acknowledging Context and History: This questions relates to the use of symbols and methods of celebration. Is the painting of your child\u2019s (your face) as La Catrina* simply part of a Halloween costume? or do you truly understand the meaning and origins of its use. and Congruence: This is highlighted by holding consistency in the daily manner in which you view and treat those of the culture whose celebrations, beliefs, symbols, etc&#8230; you are using as one of a positive and respectful interaction. If there had been nothing more of this book than this thought-filled precursor to making decision about how the reader would make use of the subsequent material, it would have still been a \u201cgiant\u201d take-away. &#8230;. It is crucial that what you are doing has meaning to you&#8230;2. Llewellyn\u2019s Little Book of the Day of the Dead is separated into six (6) chapters and does due diligence in making the book as rich and user-friendly as possible. In keeping with this intention the title prefaces the chapters of content with a table of twenty-three (23) Activities and Exercises, an Introduction and ending with a Conclusion, Glossary and informative Bibliography. I especially enjoyed the Introduction, which provides the reader with a close up and personal account of the author\u2019s celebration of the Day of the Dead. He goes on to give an outline of How to Use This Book and how to make this celebration, or something similar your own personal and meaningful experience. &#8230; I was born in Mexico City, and it has always been my hometown. The Day of the Dead has been part of my life since I was a child. My family gets together every year to set up the Day of the Dead altar, just as we do to set up the Christmas tree. We sit at the table and look at the family albums to select the pictures of our beloved ones while telling stories of our relatives and the history of our family, and then we decorate the Day of the Dead altar together&#8230; 3. Chapter 1: The History of the Day of the Dead gives the reader the background and origins of the Day of the Dead and directly supports the words of the author given in the Author\u2019s Note about choosing to celebrate in your own fashion and being mindful and respectful of the intentions of any symbology or ritual experience you use. This chapter is very thorough and it would be difficult for the reader to come away from its information not palpably feeling the significance of the Day of the Dead as the roots and foundation of a culture reaching back to Mesoamerica (c.1800 BCE-1521 CE). Organically flowing, the subsequent chapters educate the reader in the ways of Death (Ch. 2), Altars (Ch. 3), Celebrations and Rituals (Chapters 4-5) and the finality of how to Say(ing) Goodbye to Visiting Spirits (Ch. 6). The Activities and Exercises listed in the beginning of the book are interspersed at appropriate sections throughout and provide the reader with a way to connect in a more personal and individual way. Arriving at the Conclusion, the reader now is equipped with a thorough and deep understanding of El Dia De Los Muertes. &#8230; The time to celebrate the dead has passed. We have remembered our loved ones. We have spoken with our relatives and friends about those who have left before us. We prepared our home for the special guests, we welcomed our loved ones, we set an altar for them, we dreamed with them, and we spoke with them. We offered them food and drinks. We recalled a lot of sweet stories&#8230; 4. Would I Recommend: Llewellyn\u2019s Little Book of the Day of the Dead by Jaime Giron\u00e9s calls out to the reader in a very profound way. One that is drawn from the personal experience of the author and one that helps to create a personal experience for the reader simply by the reading of it. As is said. \u201cgood things come in small packages\u201d. In this instance Llewellyn\u2019s Little Book of the Day of the Dead by Jaime Giron\u00e9s contains a wealth of information and possibilities that is priceless. I\u2019ve pre-ordered my copy and can\u2019t wait to learn more! &nbsp; Notes: * satirical representation of death created by the late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century artist Jos\u00e9 Guadalupe Posada and later renamed and painted by Diego Rivera. Originally called la Calavera Garbancera (satirical for \u201celegant skull\u201d). (excerpted from the Glossary) Author\u2019s Note Author\u2019s Note Introduction Conclusion About Author Jaime Giron\u00e9s Jaime Giron\u00e9s\u00a0(Mexico City) was born in 1989 and has followed the Wiccan path since he was 13 years old. He writes about spirituality, magic, minority religions, myths, and Witchcraft, focusing in Mexico and Latin America. He&#8217;s also an international columnist of\u00a0The Wild Hunt, a daily news site for Pagans, Heathens, Wiccans, Witches, and Polytheists. Llewellyn&#8217;s Little Book of the Day of the Dead (Llewellyn&#8217;s Little Books) 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":[10346,10095,13369,13368,10075],"class_list":["post-24840","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-reviews","tag-author","tag-book","tag-jaime-girones","tag-llewellyns-little-book-of-the-day-of-the-dead","tag-review"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24840","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=24840"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24840\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24843,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24840\/revisions\/24843"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24840"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24840"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24840"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}