Fairy Tale Rituals

April 11, 2011
This how-to guide explicates well-known fairy tales, with footnoted, sourced analyses of various historical versions of texts, then provides rituals based on Wicca, ceremonial magic, and Kabbalah for the reader to perform. Klein, a Wiccan priest, links each story to a theme, teasing out startling implications of well-known stories. Introductory sections lay out the book's plan and provide guidance to readers interested in performing the rituals; dissection of specific stories follow. Snow White is linked to sexual attraction, Hansel and Gretel to faerie mirror magic, Sleeping Beauty to dreams, and Cinderella to manifestation of wishes. The rituals involve props, like candles, altars, dishes, and wine, as well as gestures and words, with the practitioner's intent to bring about an internal or external change. Casual adult fans of fairy tales will find much to enjoy, from thought-provoking textual analysis to intriguing links between story and paganism. The book serves as a reminder that well-known things around us may have hidden, sometimes erotic, meanings and darker histories than we know.