The Pagan Book of Living and Dying: T/K

I cannot say enough good things about this book!!! The layout of the book is very approachable. The personal stories, rituals, prayers, songs, chants, poems, and meditations are invaluable! I especially enjoyed the story "Bo's Cremation" by Patricia Michael. The details given of his life and death are so personal and helpful. The instructions (and examples of trial/error) in obtaining a loved one's body, keeping it on dry ice, and setting up your own viewing and cremation ceremony was amazing. I was also thoroughly drawn to the story "Aric Arthur Graf Dies (or Rickie Goes to Become an Ancestor)" by Donald L. Engstrom. This story was very intimate and striking. The idea of the author going into trance and being able to astrally project himself with his loved one on another plane about to cross over was mesmerizing. The items about using the Tarot with death related activities was helpful. The last section of the book gives fabulous concrete things you can do do make sure all your "things" are in order for your own death. This should be read and acted upon by all, because you just never know when you may have to go (like one section of the book says--always keep your bags packed). Being fairly new to the Wiccan religion still, I feel like I have a more concrete understanding in the Pagan beliefs of death and dying. I feel more enlightened about the subject in general as well. I found the section on suicide to help answer a lot of questions I had about that. The book doesn't just make it a cut-and-dried topic either, it talks about the intricies of suicide based on depression, long term health illness, and other topics. It's been said in other reviews, but I must reiterate--This book belongs in EVERY Pagan home. The sooner the better.

Sadly, I bought this book upon receiving the news that a friend's teenage daughter had been diagnosed with an incurable fatal illness. As one who came to Paganism by my own choice, I had no reference yet for how Pagans dealt with end of life passage. It turns out it was that very reason that Starhawk and other members of Reclaiming wrote this book. Very few modern Pagans are raised in their chosen spirituality and often find they have no traditions or practices to guide them when dealing with the loss of a loved one. This book is not a strict step-by-step ritual guide, but a sharing of experience that includes blessings, prayers and ritual details. The collected writings share how various people have dealt with the situations around long illness as well as sudden losses. There are accounts and suggestions for rituals not only to say farewell or bury the dead, but for how those still alive can honor those who have died and address their own grieving and healing. I found the stories shared in this book to be incredibly personal and yet at the same time practical. I feel I will have a foundation of knowledge from which to draw when I have to deal with this issues and changes in my own family and circle of friends.

Using essays, poetry, songs and rituals, Starhawk shares with us this wonderful collection that deals sensitively with the issues surrounding death.Touching on issues ranging from SIDS to AIDS, this book contains beautiful and comforting words for both Pagans and non-Pagans. The use of prayer and meditation is strongly recommended in the book, which may put off the non-religious person. However, being as the book is aimed largely at the Pagan population, it may be a moot point. I found the commentary compassionate without being patronizing, a task that is difficult within itself. "Living and Dying" is certainly a book we've needed for a long time. So rarely is death treated with such respect and objectivity. Death is a reality, a part of life that we need to embrace, and not fear. And while I'm nowhere near the state of embracement, I can, with the help of this book, at least reconcile the fact that "inevetable" should not mean "hopeless".I recommend this book, for many reasons - the dialogue, the topic coverage, the compassion - and I'd include it as "essential reading" for any Pagan.

I can't say enough good about this book. Thank the goddess there is a book from a Pagan perspective. That celebrates the diversity of pagan belief and addresses loss and death. From how to help children deal with the loss of a loved one (bird or teacher or...) to how to conduct a home-made cremation to mourning rituals and healing songs to advice for being with a loved one who is dying. My only complaint is that it isn't long enough. Deep enough. Hopefully it is only the first volume of future books...

This book was released at an important time for our family; just before the death of a close friend. Some of the rituals are absolutely stunning, and make the sharing of someone's death out to be the privelege that it truly is, but is not recognized as in US culture. If you are about to lose someone special to you...do yourself a favor and read this book. Don't be afraid to use what you find there. It helps in letting go!SKH