An Ordinary Girl - A Magical Child
If you're looking for some type of small gift for a certain little Pagan boy or girl, this book will do nicely. It presents a story of an ordinary little seven-year-old daughter, Rabbit, whose parents (a mom and a dad) are Pagan. Thus various Pagan concepts and experiences are seen and observed through Rabbit s eyes. The author, Ms. W. Lyon Martin, also made the illustrations for her book. My nine-year-old daughter loved these drawings.Ms. Martin writes The purpose of this book is to remove some of the mystery surrounding an often misunderstood minority religious choice ... It is meant as a basic text, to explain to the elementary-age child who Pagans are, what they do, and how and why they do it.In fact, this is a great read a Pagan parent can share with his/her child; whereas children a bit older can read it themselves. Right from the start, page two, the Pagan religion is presented as a group of people who honor nature and celebrate the four seasons. No Hollywood version of Pagan or witchcraft weirdness is found in this book.Each of the topics in Rabbit s story covers another page. Again, the information is short and to the point to hold a child's attention span. It begins with a child version of a Paganing Ceremony, although I've heard this also called a Wiccaning. The idea of a God and Goddess is also established. As in the thought, each of us may give ours a different name, depending upon one s particular pantheon or which season Rabbit is in at the moment.What is Magic? Special prayers that use thoughts and their energy. Energy changes when Pagans make magic. Then new things happen.What are Circles? How to prepare, participate in and close a circle are easily explained.The Wheel of the Year. Lots of fun for our little Rabbit here as each Sabbat is introduced and explained in a few paragraphs. As the seasons seamlessly flow into each other, so do the Sabbats come and go, too, beginning with winter s Imbolc to continue with spring equinox's Ostara. Beltaine s next with its maypole. Then summer solstice or Litha, Lughnasadh, then a fall equinox or Mabon. A fun Samhain continues the wheel, ending with a winter solstice or Yule.Even the four moon phases are touched on. Sprinkled in this section is also Rabbit s encounter with fellow students taunting and how to handle such in a positive manner.A few basic rituals are talked about, such as a home blessing, a Full Moon, and banishing bad dreams. As with many children's books I have read with my two daughters, where the story ends with the character going to bed to have peaceful dreams, this book ends on the same happy note. In conclusion, this is a great book to read at a child's bedtime. --If JournalThis is the book Pagan parents have been waiting for!An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Childoffers a comprehensive, easy-to-understand glimpse into Pagan family life. The book explains the meaning of Paganism, Gods/Goddesses, the Wheel of the Year, the full moon and simple banishing. The story is written in children's language, but with a grace not typically found in a children's book.The story of Rabbit is one that Pagan families will delight in and one that may be used to introduce non-Pagans to our way of life. Non-denominational, this book will fit any Pagan belief system since the core beliefs are essential --Blessed Be; Issue No.29This book is ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL for children!! The artwork alone is incredible. W. Lyon Martin has covered everything possible in teaching children about being magical. I can't imagine any Pagan family that will not want a copy of this book. This is a beautifully illustrated book with a simplified explanation of paganism. We need more books like this one! --Pamela Yarborough ----Acorns Journal of Pagan Home Schooling