Three Reviews Coming in Publishers Weekly on June 26

-- Publishers Weekly, 6/14/2006

The Deep River Within: A Woman’s Guide to Recovering Balance and Meaning in Everyday Life
Abby Seixas. Jossey-Bass, $22.95 (256p) ISBN 0-7879-8097-8

Between family, professional work, housework, working out, e-mails, and the simple essentials like bathing, eating, and even sleeping, there is always too much to do. Readers who identify with the above and lament their lack of time will find themselves engrossed within the first few pages of this spiritual self-help title, as Seixas describes with candor and personal experience the unhappy life situation so many women face today. A psychotherapist by profession and founder of Deep River seminars, Seixas outlines the steps for slowing down in today’s world by drawing from case studies in her work, outlining the basic spiritual principles of her seminars, and providing a range of helpful, easy exercises for readers to practice. Getting to the spiritual within is not easy in a culture that favors multi-tasking, endless activity and striving for perfection, but Seixas advocates what she calls “dropping down” as key to this process, which involves “moving from a more outward focus at the surface of our lives, to a more inward focus deep within ourselves.” Seixas’s accessible prose and the slow, lasting journey she advocates are welcome in light of the many self-help books that teach us to snatch moments of rest while still keeping on the go, go, go. (Sept.)

All God’s Creatures: The Blessing of Animal Companions
Debra Farrington. Paraclete, $16.95 paper (160p) ISBN 1-55725-472-9

Pet ownership is filled with spiritual lessons, according to spirituality writer and retreat leader Farrington, who has owned her share of dogs, cats, gerbils, guinea pigs and parakeets over the years. She turns a heavenly eye to our furred and feathered friends, offering readers a new perspective on the domestic animals we love so much. “The animals are creatures of God, just as we are, ones who deserve to be treated with God-like respect, compassion, and love,” she says. Saints of old, ancient prayers and modern poetry find a place in Farrington’s work, which covers all aspects of pet ownership: committing to care for a pet, naming and training it, pet pregnancy, etc. She talks movingly of caring for sick animals and offers an interesting discussion of a hospice approach to helping end a pet’s life. Scattered throughout are blessings, prayers and services appropriate for animals. Farrington deepens our understanding and appreciation of animals as spiritual beings, as well as our practices involving them. She encourages us to rethink our attitudes toward pets as “disposable” and merely for our pleasure, and instead helps us see caring for domestic animals as one way we can mirror God’s love. (Sept.)

Elemental Witch: Discover Your Natural Affinity
Tammy Sullivan. Llewellyn, $14.95 paper (240 p) ISBN 0-7387-0891-7

Our age of specialization extends to the spiritual paths of Witches. With this new work of Sullivan’s (after Pagan Anger Magic), those who align themselves with the divine powers of nature can discern whether earth, water, air or fire best suits their sacred expressions. Sullivan says that elemental specialties are increasingly common in contemporary Witchcraft, and that seekers can use them to personalize their spiritual paths. She compiles a list of 44 thorough and probing questions to help determine affinities, and offers rituals to meet the corresponding guides. Devoting roughly a quarter of the book to each element, Sullivan delves into the personality path, (cautionary) dark side, lore, mythology, rituals, recipes, stones and herbs connected with each element. Some information seems arbitrary, e.g., “Her [Water Witch] home décor is usually unthemed with whimsy being the main rule,” but generally Sullivan has pulled together a solid and fresh volume. It seems especially useful to have the mythology from far-flung traditions (Hindu, Yoruba, Native American, Hawaiian, etc.) pulled together under their elemental affiliations, thus creating something of a general interest read. However, this is not for rank beginners, for to fully realize the book, practitioners should already know such Witchcraft basics as how to cast circles and empower ingredients. (Aug.)