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The Five Rings:
A Guide to Pagan Ministry

by Shanddaramon

Modern Paganism is a rapidly growing religion in the Western world and as more and more people become practicing Pagans, so more and more people are needed to care for their needs. It is said that all those who practice modern Paganism are already Priests and Priestesses with the ability to lead themselves and others through a meaningful ritual but not all are Ministers. A Pagan Minister is a Priest or Priestess who answers to a special calling to help others by offering a spiritual outlook on the questions and challenges of life.

This book is meant for those special few who want to come to the aid of others through the positive and life enriching ideals of Paganism. It is divided into five large sections called The Rings because each section deals with one important aspect of Pagan Ministry. The five rings are: Caring (offering Spiritual Advising or non-professional counseling), Sharing (giving Spiritual Direction), Declaring (leading special rituals), Preparing (teaching), and Repairing (learning to take and lead retreats).

With clear explanations, numerous exercises, personal insight, and a wealth of related material and resources, The Five Rings will help non-professional Pagan Ministers aid others in their quest for spiritual growth and development.

ISBN: 978-0-578-02667-1
Publication Date: August 2009
Retail Price: $24.95
Wholesale Price: $14.06
Edition: First
Pages: 352
Illustrations: none
Binding: Perfect

Features:

  • A collection of five different texts that cover the subjects of:
    • Pagan Spiritual Advising
    • Pagan Spiritual Direction
    • Leading Special Rituals
    • Pagan Teaching
    • Leading Individual and Group Pagan Spiritual Retreats
  • A large number of exercises for both singular and group work and practice.
  • A large number of charts and tables to explain concepts.
  • Samples of documents
  • Samples of Rituals

Contents:

  • Preface
    • Introduction
  • Section One: Caring
    • Chapter One: Introduction
      • Some Notes
      • The Relationship of Advisor and Seeker
    • Chapter Two: Sacred Listening
      • Introduction
      • The Process
      • Listening to Yourself
      • Exercises
    • Chapter Three: Spiritual Advising
      • Introduction
      • Techniques
      • Resistance or Failure
      • Finding Solutions Through Pagan Values
      • Partner Exercises
    • Chapter Four: Special Advising Situations
      • Introduction
      • The Dying
      • Crisis
      • Coming Out of the Broom Closet
    • Chapter Five: Divinatory Advising
      • Introduction
      • Learning
      • The Process
      • Card Spreads
      • Assessment
      • Exercises
  • Section Two: Sharing
    • Chapter One: Introduction
      • What Is Spiritual Direction?
      • Reasons for Seeking Spiritual Direction
      • Difference Between Spiritual Direction and Counseling
    • Chapter Two: The Relationship
      • The Pagan Spiritual Director
      • The Seeker
      • The Interaction
    • Chapter Three: Spiritual Growth
      • Introduction
      • The Three Drives
      • The Three Levels
      • The Four Parts of the Self
      • Transformation
    • Chapter Four: The Procesds of Pagan Spiritual Direction
      • Introduction
      • The Process
      • Spiritual Direction Chart
      • The Spiritual Practices
  • Section Three: Declaring
    • Chapter One: Introduction
    • Chapter Two: Cyclic Rituals
      • Biannual Rituals
      • Quarterly Rituals
      • The Eight Ritual Cycle
      • Monthly Rituals
      • Rituals of Passage
      • Weekly Rituals
    • Chapter Three: Special Rituals
      • Rituals of Union
      • Rituals of Separation
      • Blessings
  • Section Four: Preparing
    • Chapter One: Introduction
    • Chapter Two: Starting a New Class
      • Intent
      • The Planning Meeting
      • Advertising
      • Opening an Account
    • Chapter Three: The Classes
      • The Format
      • The Four Basic Principles of Teaching
      • The Curriculum
    • Chapter Four: Evaluation
      • Attributes of a Good Classroom
      • Attributes of a Good Class
      • Attributes of a Good Teacher
  • Section Five: Repairing
    • Chapter One: Introduction
      • Care for the Caregiver
    • Chapter Two: Common Challenges
      • Losing Hope
      • Helping Too Much
      • Emotional Involvement
      • Isolation
      • Not Defining Boundaries
      • Not Taking Breaks
    • Chapter Three: Retreats
      • The Personal Retreat
      • The Group Retreat
  • Appendices