The Pagan's Muse: Words of Ritual, Invocation, and Inspiration: Words of Ritual, Invocation, and Inspiration

Naturally, I'm bound to love it. There really are poems there that make the hair on the back of my neck stand up as well. Back when I was writing rituals for a working coven every month, this book would have been invaluable to me for inspiration.

I was very intrigued when I heard that Jane Raeburn was editing an anthology of pagan poetry because I am a literature professor as well as a practicing Wiccan. I am not published in this anthology, but if I had heard about it before the deadline for submissions I would have summit my own work. This allows me to approach the book objectively, unlike some who are shamefully plugging their own work. Before I read the anthology I was worried that it would be filled with the usual trite and didactic verse one would in find half rate newsletters, as well as Ravenwolf books, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a large variety of talent. I was also excited to see reprints of Yeats and Wordsworth published in the book; however, I was a little surprised to see them over William Blake, who often used paganism in his writing. Though many poems in this anthology are quite good, there were still the inevitable cliché poems in which every line began with "goddess of." Despite the triteness of a large number of the poems, some poets were remarkable. A few that remain in my mind after finishing are Dennis Saleh, Sarah Brown Weitzman, Charlotte Hussey, Art Schwartz, Danny DiCrispino, and Nattalie J. Case. These six poets are among my favorites and have a great future in poetry. There are a number of other great poets to read as well.It is worth the buy

I've been enjoying dipping into this anthology, always finding something to make me think (or, sometimes, laugh). There's a wide range of talent represented here, and it's fascinating to see Pagan paths through the eyes of different poets. Many of the poems seem to cry out to be read aloud, and I definitely plan on including some in my rituals.

This is an anthology of poems which fall under the ethos of earth-based spirituality. It contains a huge variety of writing which those of the green persuasion will find fits in with their way of thinking.Poetry is a wonderful way to deepen our spiritual life and explore its winding path. It also seems to be a method that many different pagans use for this purpose. We are a very creative lot and the variety of writing included is large.I am proud to say that one of my own poems is in this book. It is called Air and can be found on page 26.

I am so excited about this book. I have read it cover to cover. Not only am I a reader, but I do have poems published in this anthology. I sank deeply into my arm chair and snuggled up with my cup of tea and my lap cat. I was taken on a journey that I dearly loved. What a beautiful way to spend a relaxing evening - nothing is better than poetry.