Sun, Moon And Stars: Seasonal Celebrations For Children And Families, Tamariki And Whanau

Description

Juliet Batten guided her family and others for over two years, celebrating eight markers in the seasonal cycle. Her account, together with those of her contributors, results in a book that is inspiring and practical. By following the simple steps she outlines, you too can enjoy creating rituals to enhance the lives of your family and the young ones you care for. You may choose the approach that fits your situation from the three possibilities outlined below: 1. Simple activities for beginners, especially families with preschoolers. 2. Deeper-level, earth-based rituals that bring in magic, wonder, and a sense of the sacred - for those who have become more adept at seasonal celebrations, and for school-aged children as well. 3. Community seasonal celebrations, for those who wish to reach out and include others. Sun, Moon, and Stars won second place in the Ashton Wylie awards for an unpublished manuscript, 2020. 'A beautifully written, practical book for children and families, whanau and communities, which will inspire a sense of wonder, joy and sacred connection to nature, to one another, and to our deepest selves.' - Dr Kathryn Rountree, celebrant, Professor Emeritus, Anthropology and Ritual and Belief

Author description

Juliet Batten was born in Taranaki, where she grew up in Inglewood until the age of fourteen, when her family moved to Auckland. There she attended high school and university in Auckland, graduating with a PhD in English. She has taught English, Environmental Studies and Women's Studies at Auckland University, and was a director of the Queen Elizabeth National Trust for ten years. As an artist she has held many solo exhibitions and co-ordinated collaborative art projects. For twenty-eight years she worked as a Psychosynthesis (transpersonal) counsellor and psychotherapist with a strong focus on the spiritual dimensions of healing. She has offered workshops and courses in ritual, creativity and personal growth over many decades. Her work has now shifted to mentoring, creativity coaching and spiritual guidance through life transitions. She also offers online courses in ritual and sacred earth connection. She has followed a meditation path since 1983 and is a trained meditation teacher. Since 1985 she has celebrated the eight seasons of the year with her ritual group. Her published writing reflects her commitment to personal, community and spiritual well being, and her passion for reconnecting people with nature. Her books Celebrating the Southern Seasons and Dancing with the Seasons explore seasonal celebrations from European and Maori spiritual practices. For the last 12 years she has written her Seasons Newsletter to help her readers align their energies with the seasonal flow.