Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1140251 in Books
• Published on: 2003-07-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 210 pages

Synopsis
The only book available that addresses exclusively Wiccan approaches to death, this is a gentle and straightforward meditation on mortality, death and the afterlife. The attitudes reflected honour the Pagan respect for the whole of life, of which death is a single integral part. Blending common sense, Wiccan theology, experience and compassion O'Gaea provides a unique exploration of one of society's last taboo subjects with thoughtful and thorough advice on a variety of topics from spells and rituals to the issues surrounding reincarnation, while also offering practical advice on the hospital ritual, handling funeral arrangements and even what to do in the event of a suicide. This seminal work will teach readers how to cope with losses both old and new, and how to find hope for the future.

Customer Reviews

Does what it says... but...
First of all, this book DOES do exactly what it says on the cover. It's a Wiccan Perspective. This is fine, if that's what you're looking for.

Basically, the author covers a variety of reactions to death, and how a Wiccan should approach these from the point of view of their faith. There's some introductory pages about what this means as well, rather oddly assuming the reader to be unfamiliar with Wiccan basics, but that's fine - as an overview.

The problem for me is that the book is extremely shallow. It comes across as very 'American-New-Agey', dealing with death as an entirely positive transfer of energy, and how those remaining should be acting during times of bereavement. Unfortunately, this comes across as mostly touchy-feely - there is no actual hard or practice advice about dealing with what would be a traumatic period, for those dying and those left behind. Even the 'logistical' overview is basic - and inappropriate to any non-American audience. The author is highly subjective, seeming more concerned to show their knowledge of famous Wiccan authors.

As a pagan priest who administers to those at times of loss, I would not recommend this book at all. Starhawk's 'Pagan Book of Living & Dying' seems to be the only title on this at the moment, taking an adult look at the unpleasant, difficult realities - and dealing with them in a truly deep, respectful and honourable manner within the pagan faith as a whole.