Nellie asked me if I would contribute a post to this fantastic pagan parenting blog. I am a witch and a mother of two children aged 6 and 4.
There are many issues facing us as pagan parents, but I believe I might be able to help with one of them. One issue for me was finding the right books for my children that reflected some of the pagan values we hold dear, and they were hard to find! Childhood, I believe, should be full of stories that fuel a childs imagination. There are so many trappings of modern society for our children these days, but the joy of a story shared is still a simple pleasure, and I feel the passing on of stories and folk tales around a fire is such a pagan tradition. Alot of what we found lacked depth and substance and any real meaning.
A few years ago I bought a book from an independant toy shop and instantly fell in love with not just the book but the whole ethos of the publishing company. This led me eventually to become part of that company, Barefoot Books. To give a brief summary, Barefoot Books are an ethical childrens book publishing company that are committed to developing content which has long term value and is careful to minimise impact on the environment. With over 400 titles for all ages, many of the books promote the pagan themes of nature, environment, vegetarianism, yoga, cultural diversity, global community, the Goddess as well as the God and so much more. We embrace all cultures and faiths, including pagan and again I believe that tolerance is a pagan value too.
I would like to share with you my thoughts on one story from 'The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales' called 'the Grumpy Gecko' from Bali. (This book is a collection of seven traditional tales about how cultures around the world set out to live in harmony with the rythums and patterns of nature, and each story is followed by a hands-on project).
'Tiger woke up with a snort. He opened one round yellow eye. 'Gecko,' he growled. 'What do you want? Its the middle of the night.''Ive come to complain...'
Gecko goes on to very humourously complain about the fireflies that keep flashing and keep him awake. Through this story Tiger discovers that each animals role in nature is crucial, the fireflies flash for a reason and that everything is connected...
I am an independant trader for Barefoot Books. I am especially keen to promote my business to the pagan community because I feel it fills a much needed gap. If you would like to look at my website the link is http://www.barefootbooks.com/marketplace/15953
I hope to contribute further reviews of our books and I do hope you join me in living barefoot....
Festive Blessings
Antares x
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