TITLE: The Way of Four
AUTHOR: Deborah Lipp
PUBLISHER: Crossed Crow
ISBN: 978-0738705415
PODCAST EPISODE: None
REVIEWER: Hilary Wilson
Deborah Lipp, working along with Crossed Crow Books, has updated her classic 2004 book The Way of Four: Create Elemental Balance in Your Life. A signed and numbered limited edition is being released in late March 2023, with an unlimited paperback edition to follow. A practicing Wiccan of the Gardenerian tradition for over 30 years, Deborah Lipp is a prolific author on various pagan traditions and has been featured on Coast to Coast AM, A&E, and the New York Times. She has also offered lectures on these topics on three continents.
The Way of Four introduces readers to a fundamental concept occurring in almost all human societies. These societies believed that all matter in existence is comprised of four fundamental elements: Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. Some societies have later added Spirit to the mix, but a fair number of Pagan believers (as well as the author of this book) view Spirit as the combination of the first four components and thus the ideal human state. Elements, like the humors, must be balanced. This book shows you how.
This new edition has changed the gendered language that characterized the first edition, allowing it to address a far wider audience. Likewise, the magical practices that it includes have been updated to apply to more than just those who follow the Wiccan path. While Lipp herself is Wiccan, she has taken care to show that these practices and beliefs can apply to followers of any path, even solitary practitioners.
The heart of the book remains unchanged. Lipp takes care to define the nature of the four elements and how they relate to people. Through understanding of a base elemental makeup, one can find the aspects of the other elements that are lacking and seek to better incorporate them into one's own life to achieve a more balanced existence. Her theories are based in Jungian and ancient philosophical thought, adding an air of legitimacy to them that is not in the least hindered by her accessible writing style and practical tips. Perhaps, like me, your primary element is Earth and you could use a bit more Fire in your life to heighten your energy and inspiration? Lipp has not only magical practices you could use to work towards that, but also foods you could eat, music you could listen to, or perfumes you could wear to evoke that element.
This book is a good read from cover to cover, but it could easily serve as a reference for anyone interested in pagan traditions. If you are in need of a quick meditation to get more in touch with your Fiery side, or advice as to what perfume might best induce creativity, the book is full of helpful passages and easily referenced charts that offer up a quick solution.
The Way of Four is a delightful resource, appropriate for both those interested in a scholarly treatment of the school of magic as well as those involved with the magical world. The personality tests throughout the book aid and encompass a person’s journey throughout life to find a mastery of self, and offer solutions for finding such mastery and balance in any life situation. By writing such an easily referenced and accessible book, she’s sure to continue teaching people how to be more fulfilled for decades to come in this new edition.
AUTHOR: Deborah Lipp
PUBLISHER: Crossed Crow
ISBN: 978-0738705415
PODCAST EPISODE: None
REVIEWER: Hilary Wilson
Deborah Lipp, working along with Crossed Crow Books, has updated her classic 2004 book The Way of Four: Create Elemental Balance in Your Life. A signed and numbered limited edition is being released in late March 2023, with an unlimited paperback edition to follow. A practicing Wiccan of the Gardenerian tradition for over 30 years, Deborah Lipp is a prolific author on various pagan traditions and has been featured on Coast to Coast AM, A&E, and the New York Times. She has also offered lectures on these topics on three continents.
The Way of Four introduces readers to a fundamental concept occurring in almost all human societies. These societies believed that all matter in existence is comprised of four fundamental elements: Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. Some societies have later added Spirit to the mix, but a fair number of Pagan believers (as well as the author of this book) view Spirit as the combination of the first four components and thus the ideal human state. Elements, like the humors, must be balanced. This book shows you how.
This new edition has changed the gendered language that characterized the first edition, allowing it to address a far wider audience. Likewise, the magical practices that it includes have been updated to apply to more than just those who follow the Wiccan path. While Lipp herself is Wiccan, she has taken care to show that these practices and beliefs can apply to followers of any path, even solitary practitioners.
The heart of the book remains unchanged. Lipp takes care to define the nature of the four elements and how they relate to people. Through understanding of a base elemental makeup, one can find the aspects of the other elements that are lacking and seek to better incorporate them into one's own life to achieve a more balanced existence. Her theories are based in Jungian and ancient philosophical thought, adding an air of legitimacy to them that is not in the least hindered by her accessible writing style and practical tips. Perhaps, like me, your primary element is Earth and you could use a bit more Fire in your life to heighten your energy and inspiration? Lipp has not only magical practices you could use to work towards that, but also foods you could eat, music you could listen to, or perfumes you could wear to evoke that element.
This book is a good read from cover to cover, but it could easily serve as a reference for anyone interested in pagan traditions. If you are in need of a quick meditation to get more in touch with your Fiery side, or advice as to what perfume might best induce creativity, the book is full of helpful passages and easily referenced charts that offer up a quick solution.
The Way of Four is a delightful resource, appropriate for both those interested in a scholarly treatment of the school of magic as well as those involved with the magical world. The personality tests throughout the book aid and encompass a person’s journey throughout life to find a mastery of self, and offer solutions for finding such mastery and balance in any life situation. By writing such an easily referenced and accessible book, she’s sure to continue teaching people how to be more fulfilled for decades to come in this new edition.