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From: ceci@lysator.liu.se (Cecilia Henningsson)
Subject: Book review: M. Green's Elements of Natural Magic
Date: Sat, 31 Jul 1993 03:45:56 GMT

Data:
=====
Author: Marian Green
Title:  The Elements of Natural Magic
Series: The Elements of...
Copyright: Marian Green, 1989
GB Publisher: Element Books Limited, Londmead, Shaftesbury, Dorset
US Publisher: Element Inc, 42 Broadway, Rockport, MA 01966
ISBN:   1-85230-067-1
GB Price: 4.99
US Price: 8.95
Summary: Good, but not perfect.

This is a book for inspiration with many hints on practice. There are
no detailed instructions, but rather general suggestions. The chapters
are named: Working with Nature, 
           Herb, Plant and Tree Lore
           The Sacred Waters
           The Flame and the Form
           Scents and Sensitivity
           Immanent Deities
           Seasons, Cycles and Feasts

Chapter 2-5 basically cover the four elements and ways to work with
them. There are some black-and-white illustrations of plants, mainly
to decorate, not to inform. Also some tables over correspondences with
blanks to be filled in by the reader.

So what do I think about it? I'm not sure. There are some things that
disturb me, Green's, in my view, Lutheran work-ethic for instance. One
thing that didn't disturb me, but that might make the book less useful
for many people, is its very Britishness. She talks about Ordnance
Survey Maps, sacred springs and of course there isn't a single
American native plant to be found. But basically I find the book
inspiring, especially it's suggestions for practical nature
worship. Some examples: How to bless water, a pathworking with
Jack-in-the-Green and candle magic.

Oh yes, she takes herself too seriously. Not very surprisingly.
Godetia blessings,
--Ceci
===

From: anon0d4e@nyx.cs.du.edu (nameless)
Date: Mon, 2 Aug 93 20:20:20 GMT

I picked up this book when i found it about a year after hearing a
review on the radio. at the time i was just getting interested in the
nature side of goddess worship and this sounded like a good book for
ideas. as i read the first chapter i found myself thinking: "Yes!
that's exaclty what i figured!" it seemed Marian Green had put down on
paper the ideas that where slowly forming in my mind, but hadn't
solidified yet. it really was strange as i turned each page, half
knowing what would come next. i still use the book as a reference
every now and then. also, the exercises in this book (and the other
i've read by her) are extremely useful and flexible enough to base
your own on them.  Oh, well, just my opinion, for what it's worth.
Later, -C.
===

From: bschoen@well.sf.ca.us (Brook Schoenfield)
Date: Tue, 3 Aug 1993 05:48:25 GMT

[quoting the above article]

Absolutely, but I have a complaint: She's very directive and magick to
me is something where experiential learning's the key.

Otherwise, a very useful book and great ecological (if not so great
personal) politics, too.

Brook Schoenfield: bschoen@well.sf.ca.us

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