Goddess Centered Practice

In the woods behind my house rest a collection of nine large flat rocks. Daily, I walk down to these “priestess rocks” for some sacred time alone to pray, meditate, consider, and be. Often, while in this space, I open my mouth and poetry comes out. I’ve come to see this experience as "theapoetics"—experiencing the Goddess through direct “revelation,” framed in language. As Stanley Hopper originally described in the 1970’s, it is possible to “…replace theology, the rationalistic interpretation of belief, with theopoetics, finding God[dess] through poetry and fiction, which neither wither before modern science nor conflict with the complexity of what we know now to be the self.” Theapoetics might also be described, “as a means of engaging language and perception in such a way that one enters into a radical relation with the divine, the other, and the creation in which all occurs.”

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Book Review: The World is Your Oracle

Posted by on in SageWoman Blogs

The World is Your Oracle b2ap3_thumbnail_April-2017-003.JPG

by Nancy Vedder-Shults
Fair Winds Press
First edition, 2017

Review by Molly Remer

The World is Your Oracle begins by looking at three types of diviners and divinatory experiences and also the science of divination. The remainder of the book is then organized into three sections, one for each broad category of divination: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. This form of organization makes the book read like a delightful "buffet" of possibilities, offering a snapshot overview of each method of divination, steps to take to experience it, and suggestions for further study. The World is Your Oracle is not a specifically pagan book, but instead is markedly (and enjoyably!) interfaith in approach, while also being culturally respectful.

The World is Your Oracle is impeccably organized and very clear. It is also very easy to simply flip through the book and arrive spontaneously on a technique to try. Thanks to the clear organizational style, consistent format, and extensive cross-referencing with companion page numbers, you will have no problem jumping into an experience wherever the pages happen to open! Due to the broad topic and many subjects covered, the sections are brief, meaning that someone desiring to study a particular method in depth will need to seek out additional resources in order to do so. I did wish there had been a bit more time spent on the how's, whys, and purposes of divination in general as well as possibly information about cultivating, developing, and enriching one's oracular skill, but as the whole, this book is a beautiful, enriching, and comprehensive manual of divination modalities and options.

The illustrations by Linnea Vedder in The World is Your Oracle are absolutely gorgeous. They are full color throughout the book which is an unusual and special treat and each oracular method described has a companion illustration, rich in symbolism and opportunity for contemplation in and of itself. I found myself wishing they would publish a companion oracle deck of all the beautiful images from this book!

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Molly Remer, MSW, D.Min, is a priestess, teacher, mystic, and poet facilitating sacred circles, seasonal rituals, and family ceremonies in central Missouri. Molly and her husband Mark co-create Story Goddesses at Brigid’s Grove (brigidsgrove.etsy.com). Molly is the author of ten books, including Walking with Persephone, Whole and Holy, Womanrunes, the Goddess Devotional, and 365 Days of Goddess. She is the creator of the devotional experience #30DaysofGoddess and she loves savoring small magic and everyday enchantment.

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