Celebrating the Great Mother: A Handbook of Earth-Honoring Activities for Parents and Children

Description

Adults have a wide array of books to help explore earth-based spirituality. But what if they want to include their children? Here is a handbook to help parents, carers, teachers and counsellors create meaningful spiritual experiences that will inspire children of all ages. The ideas, suggestions and activities collected here show how to bring children into rituals that celebrate seasonal cycles and help reclaim the spiritual roots of today's modern holidays. With surprisingly little effort, earth-centred activities and rituals can be incorporated into simple daily routines. Part 1, "Handbook for Earth-Connected Parenting," gives techniques for developing a child's inner wisdom and sense of the sacred: dream journals, visualisation, Tarot play, talismans and interactions with the natural world. Part 2 is a guide to the specific seasonal festivals and offers a comprehensive collection of practical and enjoyable ways to celebrate the sacred days of our ancestors. Make a bean rune divination system, gather smudge sticks, grow grass pots, assemble a "dream pillow," create altars - the authors offer easy-to-follow suggestions. The book, also, includes suggested reading and resource sections for locating additional information and materials for creative projects.

Cait Johnson is an artist and writer who teaches workshops on the Tarot, dream work and ritual-making. Maura D. Shaw, a writer and editor, teaches workshops on creative writing and the Tarot.

"Deeply satisfying to read--the real joy is making the celebration/renewal of life real in our own lives and with the children who will bring us a new world." * Brooke Medicine Eagle * "The ideas, suggestions, and activities collected here bring children into rituals that celebrate seasonal cycles and help reclaim the spiritual roots of today's modern holidays." * Feminist Bookstore News * "For those who have devoted themselves to reawakening Earth Goddess worship, this book will be like coming home, bringing together a multitude of ideas on living with honor, insight and great love. For those who've shied away from earth centered ritual and worship, this book is a map which provides a route of safety through unknown territory.Celebrating the Great Mother is a well-written book with hauntingly beautiful artwork and lovely illustrations throughout, which takes one on a journey of honoring the earth, our families, and our relations with all beings. A journey well worth taking." * Karin Kaplowitz, Talking Leaves * "This is a handbook for those of us--regardless of religious or spiritual beliefs--who want to share our love of the earth with our children, who know how important this is for the future of our planet, and who use some ideas on how to do it." * The Wellspring Guide *