Magick & Rituals of the Moon

Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful book of the moon
Review: I learned so much about the esbats that I am surprised I got along at all with out reading this book sooner. I learned about the feast of cake and ale, which is left out of most of the pagan books I have read. And not only is this given for one person to do it also gives an example of when two or more people ar participating. I love the light hearted style and the true student feeling I get from her writting. Another taisty tidbit found in this book is her examples of rituals for every moon phase. And last but not least is the glossery of moon dieties from around the world, and not just goddesses either.

Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful book of the moon
Review: I learned so much about the esbats that I am surprised I got along at all with out reading this book sooner. I learned about the feast of cake and ale, which is left out of most of the pagan books I have read. And not only is this given for one person to do it also gives an example of when two or more people ar participating. I love the light hearted style and the true student feeling I get from her writting. Another taisty tidbit found in this book is her examples of rituals for every moon phase. And last but not least is the glossery of moon dieties from around the world, and not just goddesses either.

Rating:
Summary: Value for Study Groups
Review: The real strength of this book is in planning to start a Pagan study group. This book has basic resources for a novice group leader. Rituals, food, advertising, and activities are well outlined and planned.

The problem I have with the book is that it is not very deep. In places, the book is downright fluffy. There is no real meat in this meal.

"To banish, do a spell during the waning moon; to attract do a spell during the waxing moon; and draw down the moon for extra power." Great, how do I do that??? We all know this stuff from many other sources. To me, this is NOT advanced spell work. Advanced magic happens at anytime in the lunar cycle. But, a witch working alone knows this already.

The information on Gods and Goddess is VERY basic as well. There is not enough in the book to meet and know any deity.
The explanations of the phases of the moon, and how those phases related to Gods and Goddesses, are pretty good. Again, the witch working alone may want more, but the information is well suited to a group with different levels of experience with deity.

The real value of this book is for groups. The recipes are great for a homemade touch to the simple feast (better than Kool-aid and Chips Ahoy!). There is some good information on starting and advertising a new group. Most of the exercises are well suited for working in groups. So, for the group leader who needs something to do with her group fast, you will find something in this book to suit your needs.

Rating:
Summary: One of McCoy's Best!
Review: This is the same book as "Lady of the Night" it was renamed when it was rereleased. The renaming is appropriate because it fits more precisly with one of the major strenghts of the book--inclusion of the Moon God!The author not only includes the names and descriptions of Moon Gods along with the Moon Goddesses in her apendix on moon deities, She also discusses gender issues involved with moon rituals.She encourages men to draw down the moon god during their esbats. but she goes further to say that women should draw down the moon god and men should draw down the moon goddess. This is a totally revolutionary concept for Wicca and one i whole heartedly support.McCoy is a feminist, and a female (as am i) and feminist equality goes both ways!If you have always seen the moon as feminine and the sun as masculine--get ready to break some beliefs wide open. McCoy describes the Moon God and shows how the moon as masculine is as just a valid spiritual concept as the moon as feminine.Now don't get the impression that this is all the book is about. This book is very wide in scope. It is full of moon rituals--two for the full moon esbat--one solitary and one group. plus solitary rituals for the waxing moon, waning moon, moon rise, and moon set.The aspects of all these phases are described in full. There is also a dicussion on moon calendars and hints for creating your own. Part 5 of the book is full or spells and magical associations for all the phases of the moon. The author shows ways we can adapt any spell to any phase. There is also a very good chapter on advanced natural magic.As McCoy is always a supporter of creating your own rituals and traditions--she includes a chapter on constructing your own rituals. And even more helpful are the hints through out the book on activities for moon phases, and ways to celebrate the moon with others--outside a ritual settings. It has exerises on understanding the maiden mother and crone, which are really excellent.Another great resource this book provides is the apendix on moon holidays-which is from a multi cultural perspective. This is a wonderful book and i highly reccomend it.