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Dwelling on the Threshold: Reflections of a Spirit-Worker and Devotional Polytheist
Within the myriad traditions of modern polytheism, some are called to a deeper and more consuming level of engagement with the gods, spirits, and otherworlds. These mystics, devotees, shamans, god-spouses, seers, spirit-workers and others often must craft a unique path for themselves based on scraps of historical evidence, inspiration from colleagues and mentors, and guidance from the holy powers. In a series of short essays and poems, the author explores this sacred terrain of spirit-work and devotional polytheism, drawing on her own personal experience, as well as placing these practices in the context of ancient traditions and overall modern paganism. Specific rites and relationships may vary widely between practitioners, but many of the struggles and epiphanies shared within these pages are universal. With a passionate, knowledgeable, and compelling voice, the author describes a spiritual vocation that can be harrowing and lonely at times, but also breathtakingly magical and profoundly fulfilling.
198 pages, Paperback
First published May 4, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 19, 2016
While I'm sure this book is full of a lot of information far more useful to spirit workers and devotional polytheists, what this book really hammered home for me (thus making it useful in another regard) was that being a spirit-worker or devotional polytheist are not for me. These are paths that people are generally called to undertake and like any religious tradition, they are not to be taken lightly, a point Kate Istra Winter makes repeatedly throughout the book.
At the same time, this book does help a reader put their own worldview into context. The paths of devotion and spirit-worker are not the only ones out there and perhaps one can go deeply into relation with one's gods on these other paths. Ultimately, though, those other paths are not the domain of this book. A spirit-worker-to-be or devotional polytheist will certainly find much utility in this book; people meant for other paths will hopefully see that is the case as well.
At the same time, this book does help a reader put their own worldview into context. The paths of devotion and spirit-worker are not the only ones out there and perhaps one can go deeply into relation with one's gods on these other paths. Ultimately, though, those other paths are not the domain of this book. A spirit-worker-to-be or devotional polytheist will certainly find much utility in this book; people meant for other paths will hopefully see that is the case as well.
July 13, 2016
The best book I have ever encountered on spiritwork. Truly singular.
July 17, 2023
I have no idea what to say after finishing this book. It was simply so incredible- deep, stirring, filled with insight. “Dwelling on the Threshold” was EXACTLY what I needed to read at this point on my path.
I almost need to go back and take notes in my devotional journal. There’s so much to unpack.
That being said, I did have my problems with this book. I agree with almost all of the author’s points, but I felt that the delivery was ungracious at times- off-putting and judgmental, even. If I had read this when I was a few years younger and less self-assured, I may have been scared off from polytheism altogether. Again, I have no problem with the message, but there are parts where the tone feels incredibly… well… It just turned me off.
I was also deeply disturbed by the author’s description of the life of a solitary spirit-worker, which is probably a good thing. I’ve dreamed of that life in the past, but it would be absolutely terrible for me- I’m an ambivert and I start to go a little batty when I practice my Paganism without other people. In that regard, this book was helpful for discernment about what I am and what I’m not.
I want to be a public priestess through and through.
I almost need to go back and take notes in my devotional journal. There’s so much to unpack.
That being said, I did have my problems with this book. I agree with almost all of the author’s points, but I felt that the delivery was ungracious at times- off-putting and judgmental, even. If I had read this when I was a few years younger and less self-assured, I may have been scared off from polytheism altogether. Again, I have no problem with the message, but there are parts where the tone feels incredibly… well… It just turned me off.
I was also deeply disturbed by the author’s description of the life of a solitary spirit-worker, which is probably a good thing. I’ve dreamed of that life in the past, but it would be absolutely terrible for me- I’m an ambivert and I start to go a little batty when I practice my Paganism without other people. In that regard, this book was helpful for discernment about what I am and what I’m not.
I want to be a public priestess through and through.
June 22, 2023
So interesting to read this book right after it was taken out of print. I've been a fan of this author for a long time but somehow this densely packed little volume got by me! But I'm so glad I snagged a copy.
At first I thought it was a little dated, as many of the issues I see being discussed were ones I haven't seen circulating the internet for a long time. But my young priestess friend assures me they're still out there, just in venues I'm too old to know about or frequent. And it's packed full of useful hints and the author's personal experiences that are so very validating to those of us quietly doing our own thing, on the verges of society and almost entirely alone.
Only we're never really alone, are we?
Another treasure.
At first I thought it was a little dated, as many of the issues I see being discussed were ones I haven't seen circulating the internet for a long time. But my young priestess friend assures me they're still out there, just in venues I'm too old to know about or frequent. And it's packed full of useful hints and the author's personal experiences that are so very validating to those of us quietly doing our own thing, on the verges of society and almost entirely alone.
Only we're never really alone, are we?
Another treasure.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews