In Nature's Honor: Myths And Rituals Celebrating The Earth

by Patricia Montley

In Nature's Honor explores the eight solar holidays that mark the turning of the Wheel of the the solstices, equinoxes and quarter days. Filled with fascinating stories from a variety of cultures and faith traditions, this comprehensive volume also provides a wealth of celebration ideas, from simple seasonal rituals to more formal practices. Each chapter begins with a history of the holiday-how it has been celebrated from ancient to modern times. This history is followed by suggested activities suited for individuals, families and small groups. Chapters conclude with formal rituals complete with scripted texts, songs, dramatic reenactments, litanies of seasonal blessings, and readings from poetry and mythology. Montley also includes examples of structural calendars used by different cultures to mark these days, various secular and religious feasts and celebrations, and related myths and little-known facts. For In Nature's Honor reconnects the modern spiritual seeker with the earth-centered practices of our ancestors.

Genres: History, Paganism

379 pages, Paperback

First published August 20, 2005

Reviews

[Betsy D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read a chapter of this book as each of the solar holidays approached, and used it for ideas for celebrating in my own way. I didn't find it as inspiring as one or two others of the genre. And containing way to much description of the history and practice of such celebrations around the world. At least I found them boring. But I enjoyed her Beltane/May Day section (just read) the best, and enjoyed marking it with her suggestions. She provides a script for a group celebration of each that is not specifically Wiccan, or any other tradition--no mention of God/Goddess. Those may be useful to some--maybe even to me sometime.

[Karen Harper Ren Ruggiero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though the history presented on each holy day is somewhat dry, I find the ritual suggestions invaluable for our Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans group. The material is accessible to anyone whether or not they have a background in Paganism.

[Robin Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

back onto the reference shelf...