THE JOY OF RITUAL: Spiritual Recipes to Celebrate Milestones, Ease Transitions, and Make Every Day Sacred

Rituals are like containers, gently holding those profound moments and passages in life that we hope to honor, savor, or simply let go of. "They mark significant times, ease us through transitions, and--especially in times of rapid change--bring structure and stability to our lives," explains author Barbara Bizlou, who's known by many as the "Ritual Lady." In her elegant and thorough book, Bizlou offers readers specific ritual suggestions and recipes for a variety of situations, including "Moving Through Depression," "Becoming an Elder," and "Celebrating Your Sensuality." While some rituals cover familiar terrain, such as wedding preparations, many cover uncharted territories that are in sore need of rituals. For example, Bizlou notes that the experiences of miscarriage and abortion are common to many people, yet few cultures offer rituals to grieve such losses. Among her ideas for grieving the loss of an unborn child, she suggests that parents create an altar, light a candle, name the child, and write down "all the things you wished to say to the child." Although Bizlou has imaginative and compelling ideas for rituals, she emphasizes the need for people to customize rituals to fit their own lives. Thus, this becomes not only a handy resource, but also a source of inspiration for those who are drawn to the power of rituals. --Gail Hudson