Ritual as Remedy: Embodied Ritual as Soul Care

Yoga teacher Branscombe invites readers to answer the “call of the inner mystic” in this formulaic debut, a collection of rituals aimed at spiritual fulfillment. Branscombe teaches readers to “generate your own ability to live this precious life with your highest self on board” through rituals designed to prompt reflection, enable “access [to] inner transformation and awaken our intuitive power.” For example, to start the day with gratitude, Branscombe recommends “greeting the rising sun,” noting three things one is grateful for, meditating, and then placing one’s hands over one’s heart while giving thanks for the day. A ritual to let go of one’s hang ups requires shaping found materials into a symbolic representation of one’s fixation, releasing it into a body of water, and then wading into the water. Other activities include breathing exercises to boost creativity and such journal prompts as “What nourishes you on a soul level?” and “What is your relationship to shame?” Oblique references to “ancients” and “mystics” don’t clarify what spiritual traditions underpin these rituals, but Branscombe’s instructions are detailed and easy to follow. New agers will likely find the guidance familiar, but those who can’t get enough of esoteric-flavored self-care will appreciate the bounty of rituals. (May)