The Art of Ritual: Creating and Performing Ceremonies for Growth and Change
By: Renee Beck & Sydney Barbara Metrick

Paperback: 144 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.62 x 8.00 x 8.00
Publisher: Celestial Arts; Revised edition (October 2003)
ISBN: 1587611902
$16.95

This book is absolutely the most precious and sacred piece of literature that has ever fallen into my hands.  The authors display an understanding of the necessity and feel of ritual that is unlike any I've ever experienced.  Reading the book is as though someone got into my head, heart and spirit, found the feeling I was experiencing around my Craft and found the words to express it where I have not. 

Chapter four, "The Process of Ritual," is a particularly poignant section, providing excellent clarification and exploration of the many aspects of ritual, including both the emotional aspects and the practical "doing" of ritual itself.

Also included is a wonderful elemental affiliation section, tips on altars and instructions in several different types of crafts, including but not limited to masks, candles and mirrors.  A detailed ritual outline and checklist is provided that serves not only as a planning sheet, but as a Book of Shadows in that it provides an effective recap of the ritual including what did and didn't work and what one learned about oneself as a result of the process.

Sample rituals are given in the form of case studies, showing the rituals done in particular circumstances of the authors.  This "real life" application of the information given is a very lovely and worthy addition to an already delicious text.

 Five pentacles out of five

Review by Katrina Rasbold