NMR ISSUE 54
Aspect in
Astrology
Bardic Source Book
Because I am a
Witch My Love
Blessing for a
Child
Complete Book of
Spells, Curses
Earth Magic
Fetish Stones
Finding Your
Totem, Discovering Your Guardian
Gleanings 54
How to Use Magick
with a Straight Face
Kingdoms of the
Faerje Realm
Language and the
Doctrine of Signatures
Mountains, Meadows
and Moonbeams
New Twist on
Tinctures
On the Invocation
of Eris:
Pagan Nudity
People of the
Earth:
Shapeshifter Tarot
Teen Witch:
The Great Spirit
Goddess
The Lore of the
Oak
The Samhain Host:
Remembering the Dead
The Sun Goddess:
The Well of
Remembrance:
To Light a Sacred
Flame:
Worship of the
Goddess: The Lost Art
Articles
Authors
Rituals
Book
Reviews
NMR Issues
NMR
Covers
|
The Sun Goddess
Myth, Legend And History
By Sheena McGrath
ISBN 0713726628 Hardback, illustrated. Cassell £16.99.
This book has a novel beginning as the author tells off the reader for being so naive as to believe in the Victorian myth of the Sun god and moon goddess. She then sets about putting the record straight, quoting from a great array of sources. The book centres on the Indo European peoples, explaining their origins, common linguistic and religious heritage and moves through the mythology of one nation to the comparable beliefs of another with breathtaking speed, touching even on Australian Aboriginal philosophy. Her arguments are thoughtful and carefully researched and references to other writers abound. All of these references are indexed at the back of the book, so if one wished, it would be a simple matter to look up any one of them. Inextricably linked to the fiery, active Sun Goddess is the passive, watery Moon God and the author does not attempt to separate them, giving as much attention to both, in fact, this book might just as well have been called Sun Goddess, Moon God. As someone who was taught as a child to look for `The Man in The Moon', I found her arguments not only convincing, but also rather comforting. After supplying enough evidence to make even the most hardened sceptic think twice, the author has included a section on meditation, with creative visualizations well worth trying. There is also a chapter on sun worship rituals, setting out clearly and simply all that this involves. Anna will approve of the appendices, they are well-designed and easy to use. I enjoyed reading this volume, it set my mind racing and for every bit of evidence produced, I thought; oh, yes. It deserves to be read, and reread by anyone and everyone who has ever enjoyed the blessings of the sun. Absolutely brilliant, like its subject. Reviewed by Sue Phillips |
