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Sheena Barnes and Fran Hazelton 2001, Journey Editions, Tuttle Publishing box kit containing: paperback book (128 pages), block of modeling clay, and modelling tool; $24.95US *** *** *** This wonderfully fun kit came to fruition through a bath house conversation between authors Barnes and Hazelton. Both have a deep love for goddess oriented mythology and created this kit for a women's group they participated in. Though this kit creates goddess figurines, it doesn't necessarily aim itself exclusively towards the Pagan population; Barnes is an Anglican minister, and the book discusses the 'sacred feminine' more than Goddess worship. In addition to directions for creating 15 historically accurate goddess figurines, this book includes brief sections on how to meditate, creating a meditation alter, and resources for buying more modelling supplies. The figurines included in the book are familiar to those who've studied anything from early art to Middle Eastern mythology to women's studies: the Venus of Laussel, Seated Isis, Sheila-na-gig, and the Virgin Mary. In addition to step-by-step instructions, each goddess is provided with a meditation key word, approximate date the historical piece was created, and history about the piece. Following the directions is a figurine specific meditation, usually historical, although occassionally written by the authors. The statues are detailed and daunting looking, but *can* be recreated if one is patient and willing to squint their eyes a little. Be willing to devote some time to creating, though: even the simplest design can take a few hours if one is particularly picky. The only disappointing part of this kit is that the clay is modelling clay only; it cannot be fired and the only way to keep a statue is to let it air dry. Also, there is only enough clay to create one statue at a time, so if one is wildly in love with their Moroccan Cloth Carder figurine, more clay will have to be purchased to create any additional figurines. Amount of clay aside, however, the kit is fun and inspiring for women of any spiritual faith. Excerpt from Create Your Own Goddess: "Introduction" (page 8): Around the planet, from prehistoric times to the present day, people have made sacred female figurines. You can now experience the enjoyment and deep satisfaction of this art form. Transcend your own place and time to put yourself in touch with other cultures, ancient and modern. Express artistically the eternal continuities of female spirituality. Find and celebrate the divine in yourself by creating your own goddess. You can make a good goddess-figure even if you are a beginner with clay modelling. Experts can explore and develop the art form. You can create your own goddess alone, with a relative or friend, in a group, or at a workshop. However you do it, you will be participating in an activity as old and as worldwide as humankind." *** *** *** Recomendation: A fun kit with a book that would be worthwhile to purchase on its own. Perfect for the Goddess oriented Pagan, it is also appropriate for anyone who is interested in Goddess art in general. (As always, support your local independent bookstore.) *** *** *** For more information... Tuttle Publishing Review by Elysian New Age Shops
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