Reviews

Reviews of the book

Review: An Apostate’s Guide to Witchcraft

/ Yvonne Aburrow / Leave a comment

Once upon a time, Christendom labelled the Emperor Julian “the Apostate” because he reverted to Paganism. Nowadays, the title is applied to people who leave the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Moss Matthey left the JWs in order to live his truth as a gay man—as many others have left high control religious groups for the same reason.

Not long after he left, he discovered witchcraft, as well as a loving relationship and a community of Pagans and witches and occultists.

This joyous and life-affirming book is the account of his journey from fear and despair to the joy of living as his authentic self, as a gay man and as a witch.

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Review of Changing Paths

/ Yvonne Aburrow / Leave a comment

A lovely review of Changing Paths by Jarred the Wyrd-Worker:

Yvonne Aburrow has provided a helpful guide for people who are considering leaving their religion and either finding a new spiritual home or abandoning religion altogether. Throughout the book, they offer guidance through the process, encouraging the reader to explore and understand what leaves them dissatisfied with their current religion and how another religious path (or even their current one) might address their needs that are being unmet.

— Jarred Harris, review on Amazon

I particularly liked that Jarred noticed that I did not try to push the reader in any particular direction; some people might find fulfillment in atheism, or a different denomination of their existing religion, or within Paganism—but everyone’s different. I’m also glad he enjoyed the personal stories, especially the one about leaving Paganism.

Do check out the rest of the review on Amazon.

Review: The Book of Mormon

/ Yvonne Aburrow / 1 Comment

We went to see the stage show of The Book of Mormon at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto. I haven’t laughed so much for ages. It was hilarious. It’s also making some serious points about religion.

In the interval, I was amused to overhear someone saying “There’s a lot of swearing in it.” Well duh, it was written by the creators of South Park. Of course there’s swearing in it.

The set design, choreography, lighting, acting, and music were all outstanding. I especially loved the sparkly lighting when Elder Price was on the stage.

The libretto also explains how Mormonism developed and what their founding myth is. It’s even freakier and less plausible than you thought.

I will try not to reveal too much of the plot — but from here on out there will be spoilers.

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Review from Suburban Witchery

/ Yvonne Aburrow / Leave a comment

I had a wonderful chat with Hana the Suburban Witch yesterday for her podcast, and today she has posted a wonderful review of Changing Paths (she was one of the advance readers and is quoted on the cover).

“Changing Paths by Yvonne Aburrow is a down to earth and extremely practical book on the complexities and intricacies of switching belief systems. Yvonne’s words will leave you feeling deeply seen, especially if changing religions is something you have already encountered in your life. If you have not yet made the switch, it will provide you with the framework and steps necessary to make those changes for your future if need be.

Yvonne’s tone is gentle, understanding and to the point which makes this book a refreshing change to others that try to tackle the dense topic of personal religion. Yvonne’s words are kind and accepting of all beliefs making this a book that is truly for everyone. I especially love how they sum up the best way to know if your chosen religion is beneficial to you or not: “If religion or spirituality makes us more disconnected from other people, less compassionate, less rational, then it is harmful. If on the other hand, it enables us to feel more love and compassion for others, and be better able to cope with the sorrowful aspects of life, then it is helpful.”

Covering topics such as religious trauma, gender and sexuality acceptance within various religions, the religious issues with patriarchy and opposite issues associated with a matriarchy and following it all up with a rich guide on joining or converting to paganism in any of its many forms. Changing Paths is a well-researched and easy to absorb book filled with wisdom and practical advice on what can often be a difficult and confusing topic for many people.

I truly wish I had a copy of this book during my own transition from evangelical Christianity to Witchcraft. It would have saved me a lot of frustration, confusion and ill-informed anger by providing the guidance and prompts required of a shift that big.”

— Hana the Suburban Witch

Do check out the rest of the review on her blog. I feel deeply seen and appreciated after reading it.