cover image Wild Girls: The Path of the Young Goddess

Wild Girls: The Path of the Young Goddess

Patricia Monaghan. Llewellyn Publications, $14.95 (218pp) ISBN 978-1-56718-442-6

Monaghan, popular author of The Goddess Companion and The Goddess Path, turns her attention to goddesses-in-waiting in this Wiccan manual designed especially for young women. She draws upon 12 myths and legends of young goddesses who can provide life examples for young women today. Thus the story of a Finnish creator goddess becomes an object lesson in unleashing creativity, and the Arctic goddess Sedna, who refused to marry, offers the chance to examine rites of passage into womanhood. The best part of Monaghan's manual is her storytelling; she has effectively reshaped the stories of goddesses such as Austrina, Artemis, Sabulana and Kuan-Yin (who, as she points out, is not technically a goddess but a bodhisattva) into relevant messages for young women. Monaghan clearly desires to speak directly and informally with that audience, resulting in some fine moments but also a few examples of trying too hard (""It may seem hard to believe, in today's society, that there was a time when a girl's first blood was celebrated with parades and parties. Wouldn't that be embarrassing, having everyone know?""). Young women and girls will probably enjoy the book's practical focus, however; the 12 chapters are arranged so that small groups can learn about one goddess a month and try the hands-on learning techniques suggested here, such as forming healing circles, constructing a personal altar or making special teas. Monaghan also offers interesting tips on multicultural awareness, highlighting goddess traditions from around the world. (Apr.) Forecast: Llewellyn found itself with a surprising hit in 2000 with its Witches' Chillers fiction series, which has been snapped up by a growing audience of teenage girls who are interested in witchcraft. This title, which blends storytelling with practical magic, will appeal to the same demographic.