NetGalley ARC review

DNF not my style, seems authentic since she sites sources etc. I didn’t like her theories or how she addresses them. But someone else might

An interesting read and thought provoking book.
Nature is definitely a much important side of witchcraft and one that sometimes people seem to forget. I do think it’s quite an intense book and maybe not so much suitable for beginners.
Thanks NetGalley for this read.

A thought provoking and intriguing book that made me think and reflect. It's not an easy read but there's a lot of food for thought.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

First of all, I want to sync NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. This book started off really strong. The introductory history of indigenous cultures, and how they have been affected by colonialism was well cited and jampacked with information. The author is anti-racist, and anti-patriarchal. They are very aware of cultural appropriation. The introduction set the bar really high. The rest of the book, unfortunately did not maintain the strength of it beginning. Large sections of this book are direct quotes from present-day practitioners of these different groups. It’s wonderful to give them a voice, but it’s not backed up with enough explanation from the author, in regard to some of the traditions or some of the groups themselves. I felt like I was reading a lot of really specific information related to how these groups functions without understanding enough about the proper roles of the individuals within the groups. Some of the traditions themselves weren’t explained very well either towards the end of the book there are sections on Carl Jung that seem misplaced. The information relates to the overall subject matter, but instead of placing it in relation to the specific things that are being talked about it’s all them together and it seems like it was just thrown in there, because the author didn’t know where to put it , the explanation of why the cauldron was a metaphor that was used came at the very end which I found problematic. It also seems like it was thrown in as an afterthought.

This is a well researched and well written book. It is very intellectual and read like a scholarly text for the most part. It will be great for those who want a deep dive into the history of oppression of native people, women, earth spirituality and so forth. Well recommended, just not the right fit for me or my readers.

Nature, it’s something that touches each and every one of our lives. It’s also something we need to work to protect and respect. If like me, Nature is a large part of your spiritual practice, this is a good book for you to read. If you’re interested, but not fully vested yet, read my note below. End of the day, there is a lot of good content in this book and a vision of bringing us all together around this topic is lofty, but important. A good read for anyone who got this far into reading the reviews!

Not that I disagree with the author all that much, I do find her opinion to be a little overly opinionated of the goal is to try and win others over to her side. However I am not sure how many people would read the book that aren’t already at least slightly invested in the topic. That said, keep this in mind as you read, so you aren’t surprised by it.

The effects of the climate crisis and our continued unsustainable practices culminating into what Allen calls “the darkened cauldron.” While there are many fair and valid points made about the our treatment of the earth, the burning times, feminism, racism and religion, this book is intense. Not a bad thing at all, just something to be prepared for — she has strong opinions and the tone took me by surprise.

About 15% in, Allen explains the purpose of her book and her hopes for collective society moving forward, including adopting a nature-based spirituality and world view on a mass scale and looking towards what unites us.

Moving on, the practices and ceremonies are well prepared and laid out, plus to easily follow. The culturally rich writing seems to have shifted here, and this “Tending the Flame” section encompasses most of the book.

This book is a doable series of rituals that align one with the ancestors and the Divine. I love reading Indigenous religious information and found this a respectful , healthy, way of bringing what many peoples have forgotten back to light. From setting up an ancestral altar to making the space sacred. To the Gods of Ms Van Allens focus and learning divination. This book really is excellent and a breath of fresh air. It is obvious from reading this that the author is experienced in her teachings and knows what is real and what is made up. I loved this book and anyone interested in being a child of earth and sky will too .

At a time when catastrophic climate change threatens human life, more people are exploring nature-based spiritual practices and beliefs. Dr. Wendy Van Allen reveals how many of the same values and similar beliefs weave together traditions from Indigenous, African, and Pagan origins -- such as finding Spirit in all living things, mutual respect, generosity, and hospitality -- and she outlines how various spiritual practices such as ancestor worship, shamanism, energy healing, and natural medicine play a role in those different traditions.

While the book does include a meditation or exercise for each of the practices outlined in the chapters, the book's value comes from demonstrating how our common values and similar practices promote hope, healing, and community throughout the world's nature-based traditions. Van Allen is clear in making the distinction between honoring practices not our own and cultural appropriation, and she makes it clear that we can learn from the religious practices of other cultures without claiming them for our own or profiting from them.

A worthwhile read for those who practice nature-based spirituality in any of its forms -- or for those who are looking for a more hopeful approach to finding meaning in our time.

Thank you, Llewellyn Publications and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.