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Life Ritualized: A Witch's Guide to Honoring Life's Important Moments
Make Every Rite of Passage Sacred and Meaningful
Dozens of group and solitary activities for ritualizing life's changes
Commemorate the moments that shape who you are with this book of rituals designed for rites of passage, no matter how big or small. Drawing on almost thirty years of experience in Witchcraft and Paganism, Phoenix LeFae and Gwion Raven offer powerful activities to honor everything from getting a driver's license to starting a coven to retiring.
Life Ritualized offers clear instructions and inspiring stories to deepen your spirituality. Whether it's a weighty occasion like birth, marriage, or death, or a more private one like blessing a new house or changing jobs, this book provides everything you need to make it a moment of reflection and reverence. These rituals create stronger connections between you and your loved ones, and they also strengthen your relationship with yourself. Featuring guidance on using correspondences and creating unique rites, Life Ritualized helps you celebrate the adventure of life.
Dozens of group and solitary activities for ritualizing life's changes
Commemorate the moments that shape who you are with this book of rituals designed for rites of passage, no matter how big or small. Drawing on almost thirty years of experience in Witchcraft and Paganism, Phoenix LeFae and Gwion Raven offer powerful activities to honor everything from getting a driver's license to starting a coven to retiring.
Life Ritualized offers clear instructions and inspiring stories to deepen your spirituality. Whether it's a weighty occasion like birth, marriage, or death, or a more private one like blessing a new house or changing jobs, this book provides everything you need to make it a moment of reflection and reverence. These rituals create stronger connections between you and your loved ones, and they also strengthen your relationship with yourself. Featuring guidance on using correspondences and creating unique rites, Life Ritualized helps you celebrate the adventure of life.
224 pages, Paperback
Published February 8, 2021
19 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 13, 2021
This book is all about how to commemorate rites of passage in your daily life. It gives instructions on specific rituals but also why rituals are done and the basics of setting them up. One really nice thing is that there are so many and a lot of correspondences are included so even if for some reason your specific right of passage isn't here, you can easily modify one of the other rituals. The rituals are simple and I absolutely love that! I have looked at ritual books before and everything was so complicated I knew I would never actually complete any of them. These are all simple enough to be practical. An excellent reference book to have, you may not need all of the rituals in the book, but you will loving having this on hand in case you need ideas.
July 4, 2022
This is more of a reference book than something to read cover to cover, but it’s definitely a good addition to a pagan or witchy shelf. Marking important transitions is important, and I wish I had done more of that. Maybe then my life would have felt like less of a shambles? Who knows? I definitely see myself digging out this book for ideas and inspiration in the future.
December 29, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. I have read my fair share of witchcraft related books but this definitely stood out. This is a short little book that can probably be read in one sitting for most people and it is all about rituals and rites of passage. The beauty of the book is that is really a celebration of all things in life. It shows you how to put meaning behind the things many rites of passage people go through, such as the obvious ones like marriage and birth but also the less obvious ones like getting a drivers license or moving into a new home.
Although I find witchcraft as a whole to be a very inclusive community, I really appreciate that both Lefae and Raven made sure to be inclusive when it came to all people that may be reading this book. They include all genders, and sexual orientations, and I think many authors forget about that.
I think any Witch should have this as part of their collection.
Thank you to Llewellyn Publications and Netgalley for an advanced reader copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
Although I find witchcraft as a whole to be a very inclusive community, I really appreciate that both Lefae and Raven made sure to be inclusive when it came to all people that may be reading this book. They include all genders, and sexual orientations, and I think many authors forget about that.
I think any Witch should have this as part of their collection.
Thank you to Llewellyn Publications and Netgalley for an advanced reader copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2020
This book is very complete. It has clear and concise instructions for following lifes events and how to ritualize them. It is perfect for the new witch as well as established witches. I found this book to be extremely helpful.
July 14, 2021
Life Ritualized: A Witch’s Guide to Honoring Life’s Important Moments by Phoenix LeFae and Gwion Raven is a wonderful read for expanding your perspective on what a ritual is and how it can serve purposes beyond the traditional associations. The book is separated into nine (9) chapters and flows from the more common ritual uses to those that clearly exemplify the concept that all acts are sacred and all markers of those actions can be celebrated and honored in a way befitting living a magickal life 24/7-365days a year.
The Introduction gives the reader a reminder of how the illusion of connectivity in our modern world serves to disconnect us from the ceremony and sacredness of our existence and, in particular, those rites of passage as markers of our growth are a calling to reclaim the mystery inherent in ritual…
…The liturgy of rituals, the practices of rites of passage and the actions of ceremony have a level of mystery built into them in plain sight, but most folks don’t notice. It is those gaps between what is written and known, unwritten and unknown, where mystery lives and where rites of passage get their power…Introduction
Chapters One and Two provide the basics of ritual, its use and tools and techniques that flow through ritualized action. There are several protocol included in Chapter One: How to Use This Book that cover a variety of traditions’ workings and some specific to certain types of Witchcraft. Grounding and centering, casting a circle and other components of ritual are included, as well as post-ritual activities and correspondences that can be employed in finessing and fine-tuning for the intention of any ritual.
Chapter Two: Defining Rites of Passage gives a broad overview of how ritual has been used to honor specific biological stages, such as birth and death. The discussion of liminal space-the overlapping of two distinct periods of change- and the innate knowledge that accompanies that these are times of crossing thresholds is used as a catalyst for training oneself to become aware of these moments and the potential they hold for formally honoring them in ritual. The chapter concludes with several rituals that can be used by the reader as they embark on the journey of exploring moments and catalysts for ritual in all aspects of their life.
The subsequent chapters bring into focus those lesser imagined times that lend themselves to ritual. These include Rites of birth, personal identity, loss, graduations and spirituality. Each chapter begins with a section entitled “What These Rites Have in Common”, which further creates the dynamics of threads of commonality and connection inherent in all rituals.
Chapter Four: Rites for Leveling Up includes a ritual for Obtaining a Driver’s License as well as Vehicle Protection and a New Car Blessing. I particularly enjoyed the ritual for Empty Nesting in Chapter Six: Rites of Loss. This was bittersweet having had 5-children a year apart, which meant empty nest maximizing for my husband and I as they all left in a short period of time. And, although we felt the loss at the time, I would never had thought to ritualize it!
Chapter Eight: DIY Rituals encourages the reader to explore their own ways of crafting ritual and finding meaning in what would often be overlooked. The final Chapter Nine: Final Thoughts about Rites of Passage-What Does It All Mean? is a fitting conclusion to the overall intention of the book.
Would I Recommend:
Life Ritualized: A Witch’s Guide to Honoring Life’s Important Moments by Phoenix LeFae and Gwion Raven is one of those books that reminds us all to celebrate more and to see the sacred in all. This is a book that that you will return to frequently. There are more than thirty (30) rituals contained; each unique and simple in its outline that can be used ready-made. But more importantly, there is enough substance in the book that just in the reading, ideas and inspiration begins to flow and you find yourself looking for opportunities to make application, share the joy and sorrow and begin to imagine a new way of honoring all that your life is comprised of. Thumbs up and gratitude for this title!
I would conclude on this note…
… By creating rituals, honoring your life changes, and celebrating those you love and in community with, you also add to raising the vibrational levels of all of humanity. Truly there is no greater work that you can do as an individual than to serve the world around you. By celebrating yourself, you do that very thing…Chapter Nine
Reviewed by Robin Fennelly of PaganPages.org
https://paganpages.org/emagazine/2021...
The Introduction gives the reader a reminder of how the illusion of connectivity in our modern world serves to disconnect us from the ceremony and sacredness of our existence and, in particular, those rites of passage as markers of our growth are a calling to reclaim the mystery inherent in ritual…
…The liturgy of rituals, the practices of rites of passage and the actions of ceremony have a level of mystery built into them in plain sight, but most folks don’t notice. It is those gaps between what is written and known, unwritten and unknown, where mystery lives and where rites of passage get their power…Introduction
Chapters One and Two provide the basics of ritual, its use and tools and techniques that flow through ritualized action. There are several protocol included in Chapter One: How to Use This Book that cover a variety of traditions’ workings and some specific to certain types of Witchcraft. Grounding and centering, casting a circle and other components of ritual are included, as well as post-ritual activities and correspondences that can be employed in finessing and fine-tuning for the intention of any ritual.
Chapter Two: Defining Rites of Passage gives a broad overview of how ritual has been used to honor specific biological stages, such as birth and death. The discussion of liminal space-the overlapping of two distinct periods of change- and the innate knowledge that accompanies that these are times of crossing thresholds is used as a catalyst for training oneself to become aware of these moments and the potential they hold for formally honoring them in ritual. The chapter concludes with several rituals that can be used by the reader as they embark on the journey of exploring moments and catalysts for ritual in all aspects of their life.
The subsequent chapters bring into focus those lesser imagined times that lend themselves to ritual. These include Rites of birth, personal identity, loss, graduations and spirituality. Each chapter begins with a section entitled “What These Rites Have in Common”, which further creates the dynamics of threads of commonality and connection inherent in all rituals.
Chapter Four: Rites for Leveling Up includes a ritual for Obtaining a Driver’s License as well as Vehicle Protection and a New Car Blessing. I particularly enjoyed the ritual for Empty Nesting in Chapter Six: Rites of Loss. This was bittersweet having had 5-children a year apart, which meant empty nest maximizing for my husband and I as they all left in a short period of time. And, although we felt the loss at the time, I would never had thought to ritualize it!
Chapter Eight: DIY Rituals encourages the reader to explore their own ways of crafting ritual and finding meaning in what would often be overlooked. The final Chapter Nine: Final Thoughts about Rites of Passage-What Does It All Mean? is a fitting conclusion to the overall intention of the book.
Would I Recommend:
Life Ritualized: A Witch’s Guide to Honoring Life’s Important Moments by Phoenix LeFae and Gwion Raven is one of those books that reminds us all to celebrate more and to see the sacred in all. This is a book that that you will return to frequently. There are more than thirty (30) rituals contained; each unique and simple in its outline that can be used ready-made. But more importantly, there is enough substance in the book that just in the reading, ideas and inspiration begins to flow and you find yourself looking for opportunities to make application, share the joy and sorrow and begin to imagine a new way of honoring all that your life is comprised of. Thumbs up and gratitude for this title!
I would conclude on this note…
… By creating rituals, honoring your life changes, and celebrating those you love and in community with, you also add to raising the vibrational levels of all of humanity. Truly there is no greater work that you can do as an individual than to serve the world around you. By celebrating yourself, you do that very thing…Chapter Nine
Reviewed by Robin Fennelly of PaganPages.org
https://paganpages.org/emagazine/2021...
March 16, 2021
This review originally appeared on The Magical Buffet website on 03/16/2021.
The book we’re discussing today is “Life Ritualized: A Witch’s Guide to Honoring Life’s Important Moments” by Phoenix LeFae and Gwion Raven. If the name Gwion Raven sounds familiar, you might remember me reviewing his excellent book “The Magick of Food”. With “Life Ritualized” he and his spouse, accomplished author Phoenix LeFae, tackle many of life’s most complex experiences.
What is a milestone? There are obvious ones in American society, like birthdays, being legally allowed to drink, getting your drivers license, etc. However, LaFae and Raven explore the true complex nature of our lives and acknowledge that many things happen, big and small, and happy or sad, that mark our passage through life. It is simple to find books featuring rituals for marriage and birth. “Life Ritualized” posits that rituals can not only make the good times better and more meaningful but can also provide solace and comfort in bad times. They cover about any life event you can think of, such as: fertility, adoption, birth blessings, miscarriage, abortion, graduation, new driver, new car, new job, new home, handfasting, retirement, grief, loss of job, menopause, pet burial, self-initiation, and more.
I’m obviously impressed by how thorough this book is in examining the human experience. Raven and LeFae share intimate moments from their own lives to illustrate times when you may want to use these rituals. What I appreciated the most is that although “Life Ritualized” is a “Witch’s Guide”, most of the rituals are appropriate for any open-minded, nondenominational group or individual.
If you’re interested in adding ritual, or more ritual, to your life, I highly recommend “Life Ritualized” by Phoenix LeFae and Gwion Raven’
The book we’re discussing today is “Life Ritualized: A Witch’s Guide to Honoring Life’s Important Moments” by Phoenix LeFae and Gwion Raven. If the name Gwion Raven sounds familiar, you might remember me reviewing his excellent book “The Magick of Food”. With “Life Ritualized” he and his spouse, accomplished author Phoenix LeFae, tackle many of life’s most complex experiences.
What is a milestone? There are obvious ones in American society, like birthdays, being legally allowed to drink, getting your drivers license, etc. However, LaFae and Raven explore the true complex nature of our lives and acknowledge that many things happen, big and small, and happy or sad, that mark our passage through life. It is simple to find books featuring rituals for marriage and birth. “Life Ritualized” posits that rituals can not only make the good times better and more meaningful but can also provide solace and comfort in bad times. They cover about any life event you can think of, such as: fertility, adoption, birth blessings, miscarriage, abortion, graduation, new driver, new car, new job, new home, handfasting, retirement, grief, loss of job, menopause, pet burial, self-initiation, and more.
I’m obviously impressed by how thorough this book is in examining the human experience. Raven and LeFae share intimate moments from their own lives to illustrate times when you may want to use these rituals. What I appreciated the most is that although “Life Ritualized” is a “Witch’s Guide”, most of the rituals are appropriate for any open-minded, nondenominational group or individual.
If you’re interested in adding ritual, or more ritual, to your life, I highly recommend “Life Ritualized” by Phoenix LeFae and Gwion Raven’
April 6, 2022
I don't think this style of witchcraft is for me.
This is the first book of it's kind that I've picked up, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I was hoping the 'rituals' would be more heart based, but unfortunately I found them to come more from a place of ego.
Driving test chant. Getting a Job Ritual. This book wasn't for me. I'm not a fan of the inability to relinquish control. However I do have some general constructive criticism.
I understand this is an unedited arc but I do hope the formatting and overall aesthetic gets a good revamp. The walls and walls of never ending text make this book feel stagnant and tiresome to read. Even if I was interested in learning and practising these rituals, I probably still wouldn't, as I would struggle to focus with all the blocks of text.
*Free e-arc received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book of it's kind that I've picked up, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I was hoping the 'rituals' would be more heart based, but unfortunately I found them to come more from a place of ego.
Driving test chant. Getting a Job Ritual. This book wasn't for me. I'm not a fan of the inability to relinquish control. However I do have some general constructive criticism.
I understand this is an unedited arc but I do hope the formatting and overall aesthetic gets a good revamp. The walls and walls of never ending text make this book feel stagnant and tiresome to read. Even if I was interested in learning and practising these rituals, I probably still wouldn't, as I would struggle to focus with all the blocks of text.
*Free e-arc received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2021
This is such an invaluable book to own as a practitioner of any tradition. I loved how the book was organised and how the authors gave their own experience of rituals they had gone through themselves; it gave the book more depth than your average recipe type ritual book. I specifically loved the instructions to make your own ritual for events that weren’t included! I got through this book in less than a week but I know I will come back to it countless times to integrate some of the rituals into my own practice. Really recommend!
February 19, 2021
I love the beauty and simplicity of many of the rituals in this book. I love the rituals for rites of passage for trans and non-binary folks. I love the taking on a name rituals. This book is small but might as it packs so much into a small package. The personal stories and anecdotes by the authors make it even better.
May 14, 2021
A good book, very useful as a reference guide or if you are new to the Path.
I liked the style of writing and the author does a good job in explaining the rituals
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I liked the style of writing and the author does a good job in explaining the rituals
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
November 10, 2021
The book gives a lot of suggestions for all major and minor events in your life. Besides that it also explains about rites, how to deal with life changing events and how to create your own rituals. It contains all the basics you need so that no further guide is needed.
June 11, 2021
I enjoyed the rituals written in this book & I’m looking forward to implementing some of the rituals to my own practice.
April 8, 2022
Eye opening to how everyday life can and should be cherished. Had several rituals that could be used or modified. Loved the personal stories added for clarity and a feeling of community.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews