Acknowledgements. Foreword by Isabel Russo. Association. Preface. Part I - Our Ritual Heritage. 1. From Rock Art to Ritual Art. 2. The Sense of Ritual. Part II - Ritual Through Craft. 3. Basic Guidelines for Ritualizing. 4. Ritual Design and Materials. 5. A Ritual Toolbox. Part III - Crafting Meaningful Ritual. 6. Birth and Beginnings. 7. Coming of Age. 8. Marriage. 9. Growing Up, Growing Old. 10. Death and Endings. 11. Ritualizing in Public Spaces. Conclusion. References. Index.
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Description
Human beings show an enduring need for ritual. We need ritual, Jeltje Gordon-Lennox suggests, to pause in the frantic whirl of modern life, reflect on our past and approach our future with creativity. In this itself beautifully crafted book, the author lays the theoretical building blocks for understanding what ritual is and why and when we need it, before offering a practical guide to creating and 'crafting' rituals which are deeply personalised but connected to the universal rhythms of life. Taking God out of the equation, may, she acknowledges, leave some people feeling lost, until they discover within themselves the capacity through ritual to connect with their deepest needs and wishes. Built on a lifetime of exploring and creating ritual, Jeltje Gordon-Lennox shares her wisdom and experience in a book which is both deeply reflective and intensely practical. It has something to say for everyone.