Broth from the Cauldron: A Wisdom Journey through Everyday Magic

by Cerridwen Fallingstar

Broth from the Cauldron is a collection of “teaching stories,” a literary Wiccan soup for the soul. It is a distillation of the wisdom Cerridwen Fallingstar has gathered from her journey through life, and from her forty years as a Shamanic teacher and Wiccan Priestess. At turns poignant and humorous, it chronicles her trajectory from a Republican cold war upbringing to Pagan Priestess, offering a portrait of a culture growing from denial to awareness. Accessible to any audience interested in personal growth, Broth from the Cauldron is for anyone who’s ever stood at the crossroads wishing a faery godmother would come along and show them the path.

Genres: Wicca, Spirituality

280 pages, Paperback

Published May 12, 2020

Reviews

[The Nerd Daily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Seven Jane

Broth from the Cauldron [She Writes Press, May 12th 2020] offers a collection of good-for-the-soul stories told from one of today’s most inspirational spiritual leaders.

As deeply personal as it is powerful, Broth from the Cauldron is a memoir assembled of memories and moments shared by Shamanic teacher and Wiccan Priestess Cerridwen Fallingstar. Intended as a “journey through mystery and magic”, Fallingstar guides her reader through carefully curated moments of her own life as she uses her own trajectory through teachable moments of compassion and wisdom to inspire the same in others—and it works.

Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book at a slower pace than I usually read books but I wanted to give it the time it deserved. I find myself still thinking about certain stories. Cerridwen has lived quite a life! There is humor and heartbreak, wisdom, and slices of everyday life in these pages. I was mostly captivated by most of the stories, and with such a variety of stories, there will be something for everyone in this book. It is very well written and definitely worth a read.

[Lindy Ryan]

Broth from the Cauldron [She Writes Press, May 12, 2020] offers a collection of good-for-the-soul stories told from one of today’s most inspirational spiritual leaders.

As deeply personal as it is powerful, Broth from the Cauldron is a memoir assembled of memories and moments shared by Shamanic teacher and Wiccan Priestess Cerridwen Fallingstar. Intended as a “journey through mystery and magic”, Fallingstar guides her reader through carefully curated moments of her own life as she uses her own trajectory through teachable moments of compassion and wisdom to inspire the same in others—and it works.

While Fallingstar grounds each story within her unique brand of spiritualism, her own journey is as unique as it is relatable, which is something magical in itself: it elevates the book from a collection of essays into something that feels so genuinely heartfelt and inviting that the experience of reading feels like having a warm conversation with a close friend. She writes of growing up in a less-than entirely pleasant childhood, to moments of personal enlightenment and empowerment, to experiences joy, sorrow, and everything in between. In all of these Fallingstar’s indelible spirit persists as she explores life’s ups and downs with an open mind, an open heart, and a rather enviable amount of optimism.

Though some readers might take issue with some of Fallingstar’s stances, what is indisputable is the wisdom and compassion embedded within the stories she shares and the lessons they are meant to offer. Broth from the Cauldron, like Fallingstar herself, is not only accessible but—regardless of a reader’s faith, aptitudes, or personal moralities—is something very special, making it a book that will beg to be returned to whenever one needs a spiritual boost, a compassionate shoulder, or even a simply a lighthearted moment with a friend. Blessed be.

[Ithinkican2 Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the reviewers of this book, C.E. Tobisman, characterized it “like a Wiccan Soup for the Soul”.
After sitting here, stunned, having just finished the last page, I’d say this was a fair, if rather tame, description.
First of all, let’s be frank, for those of us who are on a different spiritual path, it is difficult to find books which speak to the soul about how to approach life and it’s inevitable challenges without resorting to dogmatic hyperbole or promoting “spells” to fix things that go wrong.
This book does neither, thankfully.

Cerridwen Fallingstar uses stories taken from her own life to weave a fascinating tapestry of life’s naturally occurring magic. One thing that kept occurring to me as I read was that we as humans having a spiritual experience in physical bodies, so often miss the little things. We don’t observe life and therefore we miss so much. We are too busy ‘doing’ and don’t do enough ‘being’, if you follow my drift. The chapters in this book are blessedly short, but each one is packed with wisdom, vulnerability and often humor. Fallingstar gives her readers the chance to slow down for a bit and see everyday occurrences in a new light. For instance she writes of her encounter with a tarantula as a very small child. The fact that she had an open heart and was not subject to fear, but rather respectful curiosity, she developed a “friendship” with the spider. It is an amusing and touching story that I felt was profound.

Rather than being preachy, the author’s approach is that of a friend who takes you into her confidence, hoping that her life experiences could act as an example to others who may be experiencing loss or facing questions that life presents. Having lived beyond middle age, I truly recognize the need to find answers. I’d be honored to have a friend like Cerridwen. She isn’t afraid to bring up topics both great, like the death of a spouse, and small, like dealing with petty people who make life a pain. She discusses the strains and joy of childhood as well as discovery in the natural world of the unexplainable. Life is all about magic, if we can just take the time to appreciate and acknowledge it. Personally, this book is a great gift and one I’ll probably revisit again as life rolls on. It was a joy to read, but it also made me cry. More importantly, it gave good advice and rare insight.

[morallyblackchaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW!!

Broth from the Cauldron
by Cerridwen Fallingstar
🌙🌙🌙🌙.5/5

I was lucky enough to partake in this book tour through @booksparks! What an amazing, amazing little collection of stories. It’s described as a Wiccan “Soup for the Soul” type of book, and I think that’s spot on! This was perfect to keep my my side to either read one quick story, or many, many stories. Every single one had an “ah-ha” type of moment for me, and I was so sad to see the end. The Goddess speaks through this author, and I feel so lucky to have read this. If you want just the smallest insight to being a Witch, this would be the perfect starter to pick up. Full of wisdom & beauty, Broth from the Cauldron is sure to fill your heart with love and light.

[The Shakti Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cerridwen Fallingstar provides us insight to a life lived in its all magickal glory. Thankfully not Wiccan preachy, this memoir is familiar and yet offers astute teachings in life around us. Falling stars recount of 1950's Californian suburban life is both dangerously accurate and hilarious. Yes I too hate those bloody monkeys. A real joy is reading her account of Z Budapest's trial which she covered as a teen age reporter for her high school newspaper, and her encounter with wild dolphins. 'Broth from the Cauldron' makes for a cosy weekend read.

*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the RC

[Elizabeth Covert · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Broth from the Cauldron" is the book I've been waiting for my entire life. I have constantly sought wisdom and healing from other authors' "personal growth" books, but something was always missing. As a polytheist, it's hard to find a book that is for me, instead of for a traditional "Christian" audience. That being said, I think open-minded people of all faiths will find this book enlightening, uplifting and, at times, just plain hilarious. The author's writing is beautiful, yet relaxed and accessible. It really is like chatting with a friend over a hot bowl of stew on a rainy afternoon. I hope there is a volume 2 soon!!!

[Heather Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cerridwen Fallingstar draws back the curtain to reveal the heartbeat of a life that, while uniquely personal, is entirely relatable. As a woman, mother and former child - this will make sense when you read the book - I felt my heart spoken to with complete recognition.

Equally wonderful is the glimpse of magic and worlds most of us are not aware of, that are accessible through an open heart and a skilled teacher (both, a must).

Broth From the Cauldron is a collection of vignettes from the authors life, sprinkled like stars, for all to enjoy. 

And... her sense of humor rocks!

Don’t miss it!

[Kelly Miess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the book uneven. Some chapters were fascinating and engrossing and others were repetitive and bordering on preachy. I think the book suffered from the formatting as short versions of Aesop's Fables, with the moral-of-the-story endings and disjointed timeframes. I would have enjoyed the book more as a straight autobiography. The stories of fire walking and swimming with dolphins were the book's highlights for me.

I have read the author's previous historical fiction novels and loved them dearly. It hurts to only give this book a three-star rating. The Heart of the Fire, written in 1990, is one of my favorite books of all time.

[Alan D.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro fácil de disfrutar, con anécdotas de todo tipo llenas de magia y enseñanzas. Cerridwen tiene un estilo precioso, es una narradora nata con una pluma directa y evocadora. Algunas de las historias me parecieron un poco fantasiosas, pero el libro en general me encantó.

A book easy to like, with anecdotes of all kinds filled with magic and theachings. Cerridwen has a beautiful style, she's a natural storyteller with a direct and evocative hand. Some of the stories seemd a bit fantastical to me, but I loved the book in general.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wiccan Soup for the Soul is a very apt description of Broth from the Cauldron. You do not need to be Wiccan or have a deep understanding of it to enjoy this book. The stories are relatable and very human. Anyone can appreciate the life lessons and struggles that the author describes in the book. I enjoyed the deep connection of nature and appreciation of the smaller signs.

Thanks to Booksparks for sending an advanced copy.

[Jeannie Rao · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put the book down! Each chapter fascinates, teaches and uplifts the truth about living a real meaningful life! Thank you dearest Cerridwen, A most brilliant writer!Broth from the Cauldron: A Wisdom Journey through Everyday Magic

[robin clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d been sitting on this book til the moment came, til it let me know that now was the time. Finished the book and immediately started it over. So many things resonated deeply with where I’m at right now but I’d get so caught in the next line that it didn’t quite sink in. I feel so lucky to exist at this same moment in time with Cerridwen Fallingstar and that we both landed in Marin. How lucky we are! Thanks for being you and sharing your gifts.

[Anodea Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

magical and delightful

This book is full of tasty tidbits from an amazing life, written with a rare talent for,writing as an art. If you didn’t believe that everything was connected and magic is real before you read this you certainly will after spending time with this book. I was sorry when it ended and want to read many of the stories again..

[Alexandrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broth from the Cauldron is like if Chicken Soup for the Soul was Wicca influenced rather than Christian. Filled with tales of the authors life, or her friends, it is both inspiring and heart-wrenching.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting, enlightening book. It gave me a better perspective on the Wiccan culture, without being too much to handle. The one thing I didn't like was the shifting time sequence. I appreciated this book for the different perspective it gave me on a different religion, though.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book that resonated with me and made me reflect.
It's well written and engrossing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is unlike any book I’ve read in a long while. Intriguing, captivating stories with a hint of magic. I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

[Raven Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great memoir! Loved reading the story of her life ❤️

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read Ms. Fallingstar's previous three books, all past-life memoirs. This collection of 75 autobiographical stories from her current existence is as lively and intense as you'd expect from someone who can remember her lives in 16th-century Scotland and 12th-century Japan.

Her first book, The Heart of the Fire, has been a staple of Wicca and Pagan reading lists since the 90s. I don't think you have to identify that way to enjoy this book. It doesn't get into specific magic rituals or training but does illustrate how the universe is interacting with us all the time via nature, dreams, children, daily life, animals, etc.  (I especially enjoyed her accounts of encounters with dolphins, raccoons, a tarantula, and an octopus.) She shows how to put your mind in the correct gear for magic to happen, the ways magic introduces itself in a person's life, and what it can and cannot do.

Many will relate to her experiences trying to keep going in extreme grief; survive the contempt of peers and adults; heal one's body; navigate our culture as an empath; and survive infuriating injustice.  A couple of the accounts of her fellow humans' behavior in the face of extreme danger were of the "Holy crap, good to know" variety. Some of her observations I've already learned the hard way -- phrase very carefully any requests you make of the universe, and you gotta learn to laugh at yourself. Whoever Is Out There does not guide by punishing, but is also not above having a pigeon poop on your head to get your attention.

Ms. Fallingstar is a lovely writer with a great sense of humor and turn of phrase. I'd recommend this book for anyone on the how-do-I-get-the-universe-to-dance-with-me path.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really tough book for me to read because the content touched so much upon abuse and childhood abuse that it was triggering. I do give Cerridwen credit for sharing such a tough life story with the reader. But if you have PTSD or are triggered from abuse or descriptions of abuse, this might not be the book for you.

Thanks to Netgalley, publisher and author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.