5 stars
This book is absolutely gorgeous. To be honest, I picked this up from the new books section at the library without knowing anything about it. I was just so instantly drawn to its colors and artwork. I love animals and nature so I was interested to see what it was. Then I started reading it and I was blown away.
The book goes through 36 different animals, each with a lesson to teach us. There is an introduction to what can be learned, an accompanying ritual, and a reflection exercise. And of course, each animal has its own absolutely gorgeous piece of artwork.
While I am not really one to carry out rituals, each lesson in the book gave me a lot to reflect on and learn from. I think you can go into this book from any level, those looking for a new perspective to those ready to start new practices in order to lead a more full and healthy life. Even just looking at the pictures is inspiring and an amazing experience.
The thing I enjoyed most about this book was how Toll tied together various animal facts with folklore and mythology in demonstrating what each animal has to teach. It was very interesting to see all of the different beliefs and experience some of the true wonder of the animal kingdom.
The book also includes 36 oracle cards that feature each of the animals with their lovely artwork. I was lucky enough to be one of the first people who checked out this book from the library so all of the cards are still with it. They are beautiful and I can see how they would be beneficial to doing some of the practices in the book. Great addition to make the lessons more accessible.
Gorgeous book with much to teach. I am already looking forward to reading The Illustrated Herbiary: Guidance and Rituals from 36 Bewitching Botanicals.