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For a simple approach to the question of spiritual devotion within a Pagan context, check out Book of Hours: Prayers to the God by Galen Gillotte (Llewellyn Publications, $16.95). This is a companion volume to the similarly titled Book of Hours: Prayers to the Goddess, and indeed the two books belong together. Attractively published in a blue-and-silver elegant hardcover edition, the book looks like a refugee from an Episcopal Church pew – but it is hardly a rehash of Protestant piety. With prayers oriented toward the sun and the moon, and special sections for women and for men, this anthology celebrates a spiritual practice often ignored by Pagans: prayer, the process of consciously communicating with Spirit. An introductory section examines the role of prayer in spirituality and explains how prayer fits within a Pagan's life, while an appendix offers introductory paragraphs on several major world Gods, including Apollo, Osiris, and Cernunnos.

One of the most important schools of western mystical thought is Kabbalah (sometimes spelled Qabalah or Cabala), a system of spiritual insight and inner wisdom that originated within Judaism but has evolved into forms that transcend religious boundaries. Today, Kabbalah remains an important part of Jewish spirituality, but is also a significant tool for understanding the roots of western magic and esoteric philosophy. Kabbalistic thought forms the backbone of the symbolism of the Tarot, and can be correlated to astrology, Pagan ritual, and even the energies of the chakras. Although for many people Kabbalah remains a mysterious and enigmatic dimension of spirituality, several new and recently-released books might help the beginner to grasp the majesty of this wisdom tradition. Written from a more traditional, Jewish perspective (but appropriate for people of all faiths), Michael Berg's The Way: Using the Wisdom of Kabbalah for Spiritual Transformation and Fulfillment (John Wiley, $2.95) explains how Kabbalah benefits individuals and provides a roadmap for finding happiness and understanding in life.

Meanwhile, for an introduction to a more esoteric/magical approach to Kabbalah, look at Philip Cooper's Esoteric Magic and the Cabala: Master the Material World and Discover the Mysteries Beyond (Weiser, $18.95) or R.J. Stewart's The Miracle Tree: Demystifying the Qabalah (New Page Books, $14.99). Stewart and Cooper are both respected authorities in the magical community; their books are not light reading, but provide thoughtful considerations of how Kabbalah bridges the worlds of mysticism and magic.

And finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Lon Milo Duquette's hysterical The Chicken Qabalah of Rabbi Lamed Ben Clifford (Weiser, $16.95). This book is every bit as goofy and silly as its title implies. Perhaps purists who take their spirituality too seriously will be offended, but for the rest of us, this book gives a solid, thoughtful overview of Kabbalistic mysticism, using the greatest of all teaching tools: humor.

Carl McColman is a teacher and reader at the Phoenix and Dragon in Atlanta. His latest book is The Complete Idiot's Guide to Celtic Wisdom.

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