Paganism for Prisoners: Connecting to the Magic Within
After being incarcerated for her struggles with drug addiction, author Awyn Dawn began to actively look for her spiritual side--and she found it in Paganism. By developing a profound relationship with the gods, Awyn gained greater clarity and a deep sense of peace. You can, too, with help from this empowering guide to starting and strengthening your spiritual practice. Providing dozens of easy-to-use exercises, Paganism for Prisoners shows you how to embrace Pagan teachings and learn from deities, ancestors, and spirits. Explore the power of meditation, self-reflection, rituals, and devotions. Meet the gods and goddesses of Celtic, Norse, Greek, Roman, and other mythologies. You'll also discover the power of the elements, the moon, the Wheel of the Year, and your own intuition. Through this book, you'll manifest amazing change within yourself.
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I ordered this book from the library and didn't realize it was for legitimate prisoners. I thought the title was more metaphorical—alluding to how we are “prisoners” to a dysfunctional society, or something like that.
Can you tell I almost never read a book's synopsis? ;)
Actually, I just read the back of the book and it doesn't mention anything about it being geared towards the incarcerated, so I'd still have had the same thoughts as mentioned in my opening sentences. Haha
Although this isn't a five star book for me personally (as I am well aware of everything it discussed), it is a perfect Paganism “starter book” and not limited to those serving time in jail. I would recommend this to any of my clients who are beginning to explore paganism.
Awyn Dawn's energy is felt in every words. She radiates beauty, strength, and grace.
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There is one brief paragraph that I don't align with whatsoever:
Page 47
“You must be successful on the path of life (material, physical, etc.) to be successful on the path of spirit and vice versa. This means that if your NEEDS (not wants) are not met, you cannot sustain yourself, and thus, cannot hope to advance spiritually because you will be in survival mode. For example, if you don't have clothes, food, water, and shelter, then holding ritual may not be your top priority. If you have your needs met but are not grateful, then you can also suffer spiritually.”
I am well aware of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and I reject the notion that spirituality is somehow an add-on or something that is saved for the privileged (emotionally or financially). I have endured a great amount of trauma in this lifetime (and likely in many previous lifetimes), and I understand how difficult it is to have a bonkers nervous system that is living in survival mode; yet, I believe this needn't deter or elude a person from spirituality. Spirituality is the basis and foundation for our lives (or at least my life). It's not an added bonus or something to strive to reach.
There are many well known examples of people who have overcome great odds while maintaining their spiritual faith. I should probably list them here to back it up my words, but I'll let you ponder instead.