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The Old Girls' Book
of Dreams: How to Make Your Wishes Come True Day by Day and Night
by Night
As the sequel to The Old Girls' Book of Spells (which I am still eager to read and review), Book of Dreams does a fine job of holding its own in a typically stale subject matter. Although the concept of dream analysis and study is fascinating, it has been my experience the charm seldom if ever transfers well into print. Not so in the hands of Garrison, who full leaves the interpretation side to the reader with the bulk of the book set up as a dream journal. Each page has a wonderful quote at the time for an "old girl" and they alone are a worthy read and provide wonderful meditation points. Two particular points distinguish the book from its compatriots. The introduction, "Dreaming Up," is a wonderfully concise and insightful (think "condensed milk" - rich and thick and deliciously sweet) exploration of dreams and acquainting oneself with the "shadow aspect." Garrison takes us into a beautiful meditative exercise that teaches the reader how to "get into your heart space" that is both effective and poignant. The second most fabulous particular about this book is that Garrison thumbs her nose at the Gregorian calendar as a "patriarchal invention" and divides the book into twelve sections over the year, one for each astrological sign. The reader/writer is then encouraged to start her journal in the current sun sign time and write away! At the beginning of each of the twelve sections is a lively introduction, giving Garrison's impressions and thoughts about that particular sign. Being a tactile person, one of the things I enjoy about this book is the pulpy softness of the pages. This texture absolutely adores ink and practically makes love to any pen that touches it. Set up to appeal to a general audience (although Garrison makes no bones about her Witchiness), Book of Dreams would make a wonderful gift for friends, Pagan or NonPagan alike. Overall, although the book was perfect in meeting its purpose, it left me wanting to real more work by the delightful Garrison. This is an old gal with whom I could definitely share a belly laugh and a few drinks. Five pentacles
out of five Review by Katrina Rasbold |
