Book-It 'o9! Book #33
More of the Fifty Books Challenge! This was a library request.
Title: Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
Details: Copyright 2009, HarperOne
Synopsis (By Way of Back Cover): Enter the World of Spirits!
The Encyclopedia of Spirits is a comprehensive and entertaining A to Z of spirits from around this world and the next. Within these pages meet love goddesses and disease demons, guardians of children and guardians of cadavers. Discover Celtic goddesses and goddesses of the Kabbalah, female Buddhas, African Powers, Dragon Ladies, White Ladies, Black Madonnas, the Green Man, the Green Fairy, lots and lots of ghosts, djinn, mermaids, fairies, and more. From the beneficent to the mischievous, working with these spirits can bring good fortune, lasting love, health, fertility, revenge, and relief. Discover:
• The true identities of over one thousand spirits (as well as their likes and dislikes)
• How to communicate with specific spirits for your own benefit
• How to recognize these spirits when they manifest themselves
• The mythological and historical events associated with specific spirits
• The colors, days, numbers, and astrological signs associated with specific spirits
The Encyclopedia of Spirits also provides an overview of the role of spirit communication throughout history and a general guide to working with spirits. No matter what your life's problems or desires, this book can guide you to the right spirits who can help fulfill your dreams. For the spiritual adept, the amateur, or the simply curious, the Encyclopedia of Spirits will inform, inspire, and delight."
Why I Wanted to Read It: Whilst flipping through new Pagan offerings suggested to me on Amazon Dot Com, I spotted this and had mildly enjoyed Illes's previous two encyclopedias so I thought I'd give this a try.
How I Liked It: I'll be honest, I was ready to despise this book. I hated the idea of Gods and Goddesses being trivialized with ghosts and fairies (meaning there was really no aspect of the Divine, they were something "supernatural" to be controlled on whim).
But it's actually an excellent book for reconsideration of polytheism and questioning the duality of Gods worshiped by most Pagans (Wiccans in general), a catchall Goddess and catchall God. Of course, there is a respectful way to worship "all aspects of the Goddess" and "all aspects of the God" but too often, generally out of laziness, the names never come around to the God and the Goddess; Their only separation is Their (perceived) gender (note: When I say "the Gods", I'm making reference to both all Gods and all Goddesses, I say "Gods" for brevity's sake).
But this book separates the Gods and does not merely focus on the "what can you do for me?" aspect; offering, temples, and altars are encouraged for the love of and especial respect for a certain deity.
But it's not a fluffy book, it does offer practical advice about Workings (various deities to keep separate, the mindset to discourage malignant spirits) as well as practical advice in general. It's all well and good to give instructions for an elaborate offering to a deity, but what about the practical matter of how and where you're going to leave the Strega liquore, handmade honey cakes, peacock feathers, and/or lamb dinner (to name a few)? She tackles these by offering several suggestions and solutions as well as manner of ritual.
The nine hundred page listing of spirits is useful but not without its flaws. She does not offer a standard entry to each spirit (be it God, Goddess, fae, et cetera). Not all entries bear as much information; for example you won't find a section for suggested offerings, origins, manifestations, alternate names, et cetera for each spirit. This is possibly due to space concerns: if a spirit has no history of offerings, putting "(none known)" is going to be handy to the practitioner but wasted space for the publisher.
All in all, an intriguing, if minutely flawed, consideration of worship and service.
Notable: In the spirit listing, a curious entry lies. "Elvis (The King)" is listed as an
"[u]nofficial saint (some sincerely consider him an angel-- no joke)" (pg 384)
I bristled on this at first reading, insulted that a celebrity, pop culture icon or no, would be listed along with my Goddesses and Gods. However, Illes puts it in a sort of perspective.
"In the years since his death, some fans have evolved into devotees. Home shrines, some small, some massive, are dedicated to the man known as the King. Visits to his grave have taken on the aura of pilgrimage. Offerings are left for him. Elvis himself was a man with deep spiritual interests. (The book he was reading when he died, A Scientific Search for the Face of Jesus, is about the Shroud of Turin.)
The concept of a beloved, deceased entertainer evolving into a folk saint may be unusual in the United States but not elsewhere: for example, in Argentina, singers Carlos Gardel and Gilda are potent and popular unofficial saints. Elvis seems well on his way:
• In her essay, "Saint Elvis," contained in the 1999 book Elvis Culture, author Erika Doss quotes an Elvis devotee who calls Elvis a mediator or intercessor between her and God.
• Frequent post-death sightings imply that he has somehow cheated, escaped, defeated, or transcended death.
• In life, Elvis was perceived as caring about people, including strangers. Stories circulated about extravagant gifts (Cadillacs, charitable donations). A generous, caring, empathic nature is often considered a prerequisite of sainthood.
• In the truest sign of a saint, Elvis has begun to be credited as a healer. Healing has occurred in response to his image (icon) as well as his voice." (pg 384)
It can be argued that ancestor worship is essentially akin to this worship of Elvis: your ancestors were human beings at one point, too, were they not? And it's accepted that ancestor worship is not limited to your biological ancestors: it can be those who you revere as your spiritual ancestors as well. Certainly millions of men (and women) feel a twinge of recognition at pictures of Elvis's early days, slouched à la James Dean, his curling lip and swinging hips the impetus of many protests of middle America in the nineteen fifties.
Elvis's entry is complete with sacred dates, sacred sites, and offerings:
"Dates: Elvis is feted at his birthday and memorialized on his death day. There is an annual Elvis Week every August in Memphis.
Sacred Sites: Pilgrimage sites include:
• Graceland in general, but especially the Meditation Gardens, where Elvis, his parents, and paternal grandmother are buried
• Sun Studios in Memphis
• Sites associated with his childhood in Tupelo, Mississippi
Offerings: Flowers and teddy bears are particularly popular; if you'd like to cook for him, several cookbooks feature Elvis' favorite recipes." (pg 385)
One only wonders how long it will be before Michael Jackson reaches this level of worship-- before you refute me, keep in mind at the time of this writing, he hasn't even been dead six months.
Title: Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes
Details: Copyright 2009, HarperOne
Synopsis (By Way of Back Cover): Enter the World of Spirits!
The Encyclopedia of Spirits is a comprehensive and entertaining A to Z of spirits from around this world and the next. Within these pages meet love goddesses and disease demons, guardians of children and guardians of cadavers. Discover Celtic goddesses and goddesses of the Kabbalah, female Buddhas, African Powers, Dragon Ladies, White Ladies, Black Madonnas, the Green Man, the Green Fairy, lots and lots of ghosts, djinn, mermaids, fairies, and more. From the beneficent to the mischievous, working with these spirits can bring good fortune, lasting love, health, fertility, revenge, and relief. Discover:
• The true identities of over one thousand spirits (as well as their likes and dislikes)
• How to communicate with specific spirits for your own benefit
• How to recognize these spirits when they manifest themselves
• The mythological and historical events associated with specific spirits
• The colors, days, numbers, and astrological signs associated with specific spirits
The Encyclopedia of Spirits also provides an overview of the role of spirit communication throughout history and a general guide to working with spirits. No matter what your life's problems or desires, this book can guide you to the right spirits who can help fulfill your dreams. For the spiritual adept, the amateur, or the simply curious, the Encyclopedia of Spirits will inform, inspire, and delight."
Why I Wanted to Read It: Whilst flipping through new Pagan offerings suggested to me on Amazon Dot Com, I spotted this and had mildly enjoyed Illes's previous two encyclopedias so I thought I'd give this a try.
How I Liked It: I'll be honest, I was ready to despise this book. I hated the idea of Gods and Goddesses being trivialized with ghosts and fairies (meaning there was really no aspect of the Divine, they were something "supernatural" to be controlled on whim).
But it's actually an excellent book for reconsideration of polytheism and questioning the duality of Gods worshiped by most Pagans (Wiccans in general), a catchall Goddess and catchall God. Of course, there is a respectful way to worship "all aspects of the Goddess" and "all aspects of the God" but too often, generally out of laziness, the names never come around to the God and the Goddess; Their only separation is Their (perceived) gender (note: When I say "the Gods", I'm making reference to both all Gods and all Goddesses, I say "Gods" for brevity's sake).
But this book separates the Gods and does not merely focus on the "what can you do for me?" aspect; offering, temples, and altars are encouraged for the love of and especial respect for a certain deity.
But it's not a fluffy book, it does offer practical advice about Workings (various deities to keep separate, the mindset to discourage malignant spirits) as well as practical advice in general. It's all well and good to give instructions for an elaborate offering to a deity, but what about the practical matter of how and where you're going to leave the Strega liquore, handmade honey cakes, peacock feathers, and/or lamb dinner (to name a few)? She tackles these by offering several suggestions and solutions as well as manner of ritual.
The nine hundred page listing of spirits is useful but not without its flaws. She does not offer a standard entry to each spirit (be it God, Goddess, fae, et cetera). Not all entries bear as much information; for example you won't find a section for suggested offerings, origins, manifestations, alternate names, et cetera for each spirit. This is possibly due to space concerns: if a spirit has no history of offerings, putting "(none known)" is going to be handy to the practitioner but wasted space for the publisher.
All in all, an intriguing, if minutely flawed, consideration of worship and service.
Notable: In the spirit listing, a curious entry lies. "Elvis (The King)" is listed as an
"[u]nofficial saint (some sincerely consider him an angel-- no joke)" (pg 384)
I bristled on this at first reading, insulted that a celebrity, pop culture icon or no, would be listed along with my Goddesses and Gods. However, Illes puts it in a sort of perspective.
"In the years since his death, some fans have evolved into devotees. Home shrines, some small, some massive, are dedicated to the man known as the King. Visits to his grave have taken on the aura of pilgrimage. Offerings are left for him. Elvis himself was a man with deep spiritual interests. (The book he was reading when he died, A Scientific Search for the Face of Jesus, is about the Shroud of Turin.)
The concept of a beloved, deceased entertainer evolving into a folk saint may be unusual in the United States but not elsewhere: for example, in Argentina, singers Carlos Gardel and Gilda are potent and popular unofficial saints. Elvis seems well on his way:
• In her essay, "Saint Elvis," contained in the 1999 book Elvis Culture, author Erika Doss quotes an Elvis devotee who calls Elvis a mediator or intercessor between her and God.
• Frequent post-death sightings imply that he has somehow cheated, escaped, defeated, or transcended death.
• In life, Elvis was perceived as caring about people, including strangers. Stories circulated about extravagant gifts (Cadillacs, charitable donations). A generous, caring, empathic nature is often considered a prerequisite of sainthood.
• In the truest sign of a saint, Elvis has begun to be credited as a healer. Healing has occurred in response to his image (icon) as well as his voice." (pg 384)
It can be argued that ancestor worship is essentially akin to this worship of Elvis: your ancestors were human beings at one point, too, were they not? And it's accepted that ancestor worship is not limited to your biological ancestors: it can be those who you revere as your spiritual ancestors as well. Certainly millions of men (and women) feel a twinge of recognition at pictures of Elvis's early days, slouched à la James Dean, his curling lip and swinging hips the impetus of many protests of middle America in the nineteen fifties.
Elvis's entry is complete with sacred dates, sacred sites, and offerings:
"Dates: Elvis is feted at his birthday and memorialized on his death day. There is an annual Elvis Week every August in Memphis.
Sacred Sites: Pilgrimage sites include:
• Graceland in general, but especially the Meditation Gardens, where Elvis, his parents, and paternal grandmother are buried
• Sun Studios in Memphis
• Sites associated with his childhood in Tupelo, Mississippi
Offerings: Flowers and teddy bears are particularly popular; if you'd like to cook for him, several cookbooks feature Elvis' favorite recipes." (pg 385)
One only wonders how long it will be before Michael Jackson reaches this level of worship-- before you refute me, keep in mind at the time of this writing, he hasn't even been dead six months.