Teen Goddess: How to Look, Love & Live Like a Goddess

Ever since the publication of Silver Ravenwolf's incredibly popular Teen Witch, it seems that books about pagan religion for teens are popping up everywhere. Author Catherine Wishart takes a slightly different approach in her spiritual how-to book by focusing solely on the worship of the Goddess (which many pagan teen practitioners know is at the heart of most earth-centered religions). Wishart’s Teen Goddess is divided into two sections. The first, entitled "The Basics" provides the reader with some common concepts of pagan practices, including a short history of goddess worship, mediation exercises, and tips for casting spells. Unfortunately, Wishart's basics are a little too "basic," providing only a superficial coverage of pagan religion, and focusing far too much on using goddess worship as a tool to get "kisses from cute boys," or solve serious problems like anorexia, without mentioning that medical help may also be needed. The second section, entitled "The Goddesses" is by far the better half of the book, giving full mythological profiles of several goddesses from different world religions, discussions of their symbols and strengths, meditations and prayers specific to that goddess, and activities playfully called "Goddess Workouts" that encourage positive thinking and journaling. While Wishart's book may be a nice addition to the growing library of a serious teen pagan, novices might be better off taking a look at SpellCraft for Teens by Gwinevere Rain, or Solitary Witch by Silver Ravenwolf. For a deeper treatment of goddess worship, teens could also try The Goddess Path by Patricia Monaghan. (Ages 12 and older) --Jennifer Hubert