Spiral Dance, The - 20th
Anniversary : A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Goddess: 20th Anniversary
Edition by Starhawk
Reviewer: Sarah
Gremillion from Austin, TX
First, this book comes from a tradition of feminist witchcraft heavily focused
on creating positive change not only in the individual, but in the greater
society as well. If that offends you, go read some white-light Wicca 101 fluff.
This book is beautifully written and is a very useful resource for both the
beginning and experienced Wiccan. It definitely makes you think, and inspires
you. My only complaint is that it leans too heavily towards group, or coven,
work and not enough to individual, solitary work. I consider this a Craft
must-read for its focus on creative, rather than static, ritual, magic, and
exercises and its focus on a personal relationship with the Goddess and God. Too
few beginners' books do that. Even if you are not a feminist pagan (and this
book is *not* overly feminist, no matter what the other reviewers may say) or do
not share her political views, you can get a great deal out of this book anyway,
because those aspects of her practice are not the main influences on the book.
She shouldn't be ostracized for having opinions, especially since she does not
try to present her opinions as the one-and-only truth. Her personal beliefs
instead add a very human touch to the book.
