Paganism for Prisoners: Connecting to the Magic Within

by Awyn Dawn, Christopher Penczak (Foreword)

Find Peace, Clarity, and the Divine on the Inside While being incarcerated for her struggles with drug addiction, Awyn Dawn began to actively look for her spiritual side―and she found it in Paganism. By developing a profound relationship with the gods, Awyn gained greater clarity and a deep sense of peace. You can too with help from this empowering guide to starting and strengthening your spiritual practice. Providing dozens of easy-to-use exercises, Paganism for Prisoners shows you how to embrace Pagan teachings and learn from deities, ancestors, and spirits. Explore the power of meditation, self-reflection, rituals, and devotions. Meet the gods and goddesses of Celtic, Norse, Greek, Roman, and other pantheons. You'll also discover the power of the elements, the moon, the Wheel of the Year, and your own intuition. With this book, you'll manifest extraordinary change within yourself. Includes a foreword by Christopher Penczak, author of the bestselling Temple of Witchcraft series

304 pages, Paperback

Published January 8, 2022

Reviews

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ordered this book from the library and didn’t realize it was for legitimate prisoners. I thought the title was more metaphorical—alluding to how we are “prisoners” to a dysfunctional society, or something like that.

Can you tell I almost never read a book's synopsis? ;)

Actually, I just read the back of the book and it doesn’t mention anything about it being geared towards the incarcerated, so I’d still have had the same thoughts as mentioned in my opening sentences. Haha

Although this isn’t a five star book for me personally (as I am well aware of everything it discussed), it is a perfect Paganism "starter book” and not limited to those serving time in jail. I would recommend this to any of my clients who are beginning to explore paganism.

Awyn Dawn’s energy is felt in every words. She radiates beauty, strength, and grace.


* * * *


There is one brief paragraph that I don’t align with whatsoever:

Page 47

“You must be successful on the path of life (material, physical, etc.) to be successful on the path of spirit and vice versa. This means that if your NEEDS (not wants) are not met, you cannot sustain yourself, and thus, cannot hope to advance spiritually because you will be in survival mode. For example, if you don't have clothes, food, water, and shelter, then holding ritual may not be your top priority. If you have your needs met but are not grateful, then you can also suffer spiritually.”

I am well aware of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and I reject the notion that spirituality is somehow an add-on or something that is saved for the privileged (emotionally or financially). I have endured a great amount of trauma in this lifetime (and likely in many previous lifetimes), and I understand how difficult it is to have a bonkers nervous system that is living in survival mode; yet, I believe this needn’t deter or elude a person from spirituality. Spirituality is the basis and foundation for our lives (or at least my life). It’s not an added bonus or something to strive to reach.

There are many well known examples of people who have overcome great odds while maintaining their spiritual faith. I should probably list them here to back it up my words, but I’ll let you ponder instead.

[Dodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know if I would get anything of of this book but I did. What this book shows is how you can be a pagan with limitation. It covers everything pagan from A to Z with multiple alternatives. Some I all ready knew but there where some good suggestions that I never thought of. I like the balance between information and exercises. Very easily you could break down the book to read a chapter a month and do it over the time you were incarcerated or if you wanted just to take more time with the book. It would also work well as an audio book. All of the exercises are at the end of each chapter and there not many instructions. There were two things for myself I disagreed with. One that you always use a snuffer. The author does give an explanation why. For myself I do tend to use a snuffer but really only for safety reasons. The second one is all of your journaling/book of shadows need to be in physical book. I use both. I know what the author is saying but I think there are pros and cons that come to both mediums.

[Kai Falcone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not nor have I been incarcerated, but I found this book absolutely incredible just as a basis for finding a Pagan practice. Awyn does an amazing job of explaining common practices and beliefs while encouraging you to not just accept her word but to do your own research and figure out what works for you. The "replacement" tools that Awyn suggests for prisoners is also applicable to people who have seen all the fluff that is often associated with witchcraft but cannot or don't want to purchase so many items. It's a great lesson that your power comes from you, not from the frivolous extras.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for beginners or those who do Pagan ministry in prisons. It addresses issues of incarnation when practicing in clear terms that don't talk down to the experienced person or over the heads of the newer. Im honestly looking forward her next book on reentry.