A review by kellylynnthomas
Spiral Dance, the - 20th Anniversary: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Goddess: 20th Anniversary Edition by Starhawk
4.0
The first time I read this books, as a 20-year-old running away from Christianity, I wasn't ready. I hadn't reckoned with all my internalized issues around sin, the body, etc. I didn't like how "political" Starhawk was; I thought religion should be separate.
Now, as a 30-something, it strikes me how tame Starhawk's politics actually are in this volume (which is perhaps an effect of changing times as well)--she is mostly concerned with preserving the environment and women's liberation.
Even though this is a Wicca 101 book, it goes deeper into the philosophy of magic and Goddess religion than a lot of other how-to books. For someone like 20-year-old me, that could be a turn off. For something with more of a liberal background or interest in philosophy, that's probably a pro. I personally don't enjoy the little vignettes that start off each chapter, but I understand their purpose. The most valuable things about this book, though, are the exercises and commentary (specifically the 20th anniversary edition). Starhawk points out that Wicca isn't set in stone, it changes and evolves with the times. (For example, she questions the gender binary inherent in much of Wicca as being exclusionary, a point with which I agree.)
I can't overstate the importance of this volume, and every witch should read Starhawk at some point in their journey.
Now, as a 30-something, it strikes me how tame Starhawk's politics actually are in this volume (which is perhaps an effect of changing times as well)--she is mostly concerned with preserving the environment and women's liberation.
Even though this is a Wicca 101 book, it goes deeper into the philosophy of magic and Goddess religion than a lot of other how-to books. For someone like 20-year-old me, that could be a turn off. For something with more of a liberal background or interest in philosophy, that's probably a pro. I personally don't enjoy the little vignettes that start off each chapter, but I understand their purpose. The most valuable things about this book, though, are the exercises and commentary (specifically the 20th anniversary edition). Starhawk points out that Wicca isn't set in stone, it changes and evolves with the times. (For example, she questions the gender binary inherent in much of Wicca as being exclusionary, a point with which I agree.)
I can't overstate the importance of this volume, and every witch should read Starhawk at some point in their journey.