Its always good to see that books we have produced are being well received, and especially so with the anthology Priestesses Pythonesses and Sibyls, as we know how unique it is and how much the material in this book has already helped men and women who follow a path of Priesthood, and who through their roles as Priestesses (or Priests) also engage in trance work with the Gods and Goddesses.
The magazine WICCAN REDE (English / Nederlands quarterly, bi lingual and published in the Netherlands) includes the following review of Priestesses Pythonesses and Sibyls in their latest magazine (Samhain 2009):
“this is not the first book Sorita has edited, and she describes this book as follows:
‘Priestesses Pythonesses Sibyls lifts a veils to reveal the mystery of trance as exerpienced by female magickal practitioners today. Through happiness and sorrow, myth and legend, art and poetry, through ritual and dance each woman expresses her own unique and personal transformative experiences of trance. Whether through trance possession, mediumship, Drawing Down the Moon, oracular or mantic states, dance, dreams or formal ceremony the experiences and knowledge gained during trance states can bring dramatic changes to one’s life. The practices represented in this volume are drawn from the experiences and research of more than twenty women from around the world, each providing a unique vision of their own experiences of the Divine.’
In a time when many of us are looking at ways in which we can experience the mysteries first hand this is an invaluable anthology. Beginning with three essays describing historical figures such as the ‘The Pythia of Apollo in Delphi’ (Caroline Tully) the second part is devoted to recollections of personal experience.
From different traditions the essayists let us peek into their ‘kitchens’. From Katie Gerrard writing from the Seidh tradition, to Marielle Holman writing as a dancer, to Naomi Ozaniec as a Priestess of Isis.
Each has describe their own highlights and sometimes lowlights.
Naomi in fact raises the question of the reason for sharing experiences.
“I now find myself wondering which personal stories to share and what purpose might be gained in their telling. The magical injunction: “to be silent” holds much wisdom since intense personal experience is often too intimate to carry a general significance”
Yes it is a dilemma of our times. When to keep silent? I think that the art is to describe something of an experience, which can serve to inspire others. I certainly found this book inspiring and encouraging at the same time.
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For more information on this anthology see Priestesses Pythonesses and Sibyls or visit our website http://www.avaloniabooks.co.uk/catalogue/titles/priestesses.htm We always recommend this book to those interested in trance and related practices, as well as (in particular women, but men would also benefit) those who are training for modern priesthood, whichever tradition – the experiences shared by the women in this volume crosses the boundaries.
