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Walking The Well Worn Path
From Llewellyn
Publications - New Worlds Issue: NW055

By: Raven
Grimassi & Stephanie Taylor
In ancient times our ancestors
lived in harmony with the ways of Nature. As hunters and farmers they enjoyed an
intimate relationship with the cycles of the seasons. It was a time when
humankind lived in common cause with Nature. When we examine the ancient
writings left to us, we discover a wealth of wisdom and philosophy that is
rooted in the insights of those who embraced a natural life.
A spiritual
or religious path arises from a connection to the source of the divine. It is
dependent upon the relationship that sustains this connection, as well as upon
that which establishes the connection itself. At the core of this we find the
importance of interfacing. Just as a keyboard and mouse allow us to interface
with a computer, we also have spiritual tools that serve to connect us to the
divine source that gave birth to humankind.
Many modern Earth-based
religious systems use ritual tools as a means of interfacing and communicating
with divinity. The most common are the pentacle, wand, athame and chalice. These
tools help create sacred space, invoke deity and serve as channels of magical
energy. They have been used for centuries by those who came before us, and are
an important and vital legacy.
In the busy days of modern life it can be
very challenging to find time to devote to spiritual and religious practices.
Sometimes various events and situations can make us feel that little is within
our control. It is at such times that we can turn to the wisdom of ancestors.
Picture a well-trod path winding its way through a field of golden
grain. This is the path that our ancestors walked, and it leads from their
vision into the future. In modern Paganism, Wicca and Witchcraft there are many
images and concepts that preserve the ancient wisdom. To aid you in using these
in your practices, a unique deck of cards is now available.
Unlike the
traditional Tarot, this deck is not rooted in Hebrew mysticism or ceremonial
magic. Instead the images and concepts are derived from pre-Christian European
religious and magical concepts. One of the unique features of this deck is its
triple usage. The Well Worn Path deck is a divination deck, teaching aid and
ritual kit.
For divination, the deck presents the forty foundational
concepts of Paganism, Wicca and Witchcraft. Each card conveys a divinatory
meaning. The deck is not divided into suits, but instead the cards are a series
of connected concepts that vitalize each image. Another unique aspect of The
Well Worn Path is the inclusion of card spreads, including the pentagram layout,
the crossroads design and the cauldron spread.
The Well Worn Path is
ideal for teachers, as the deck provides a separate image for each concept found
in Paganism, Wicca and Witchcraft. A teaching curriculum can be designed around
each card in order to instruct new students. At the completion of training, the
cards can be used in a “flash card” fashion in order to evaluate the student’s
retention and understanding.
As a ritual kit, the deck can be used to
perform Full Moon and Sabbat rites, and aids in the casting of spells. Included
in the kit is an instructional book that serves as a guide to creating rituals.
The book includes a Full Moon ritual using the cards, and a guided meditation
using the cards for prosperity and other personal desires. Using the sample
rituals, you can easily create your own.
The Well Worn Path deck is
ideal for solitary practice and is easily transportable. The cards can be used
in a bedroom, hotel or in other private settings. They can also be used in
public areas, such as on a picnic table in a park, without drawing any unwanted
attention.
Because the deck includes an altar card, Goddess and God
images, the four elemental cards and the four ritual tool images, it can be used
for private rituals and magical workings. This makes the deck ideal for
everyone, including those with special circumstances such as military personnel
on base or at sea, individuals who are incarcerated in prison and people living
with others in a conservative household.
An important feature of The
Well Worn Path is its simplicity. The images in the deck are those already known
to Pagans, Wiccans and Witches. This reduces, and in many cases eliminates, the
need to memorize the card meanings. The companion book also features a fictional
story that leads the reader through the imagery of each card. By simply reading
the story, the essence of the card meanings is imprinted upon the memory.
Just as our ancestors used myth and legend to preserve the ancient
teachings, The Well Worn Path continues this mystical tradition. Now you can
walk the ancient path in the present day. In time you will extend the well worn
path for those who follow behind you, blazing your own trail as you continue on
your personal journey. With this kit, the door is open and the tools are in
hand.

Order
your copy today!
The Well-Worn Path by Stephanie Taylor & Raven
Grimassi,
illus. by Mickie Mueller, Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd.
Sept.
2005, ISBN: 0-7387-0671-X US $19.95