Earth Works: Ceremonies in Tower Time

by H Byron Ballard

Overview

"Earthwork" is a word used to describe a constructed bank of dirt, often raised in ancient cultures as a means of defense. Earth Works is a book of essays and rituals for a time of deep cultural change, a shift that author Byron Ballard calls "Tower Time." The first part of the book explores scenarios in these chaotic times and suggests possible reframing to understand the historic underpinnings and the long-term effects on both the planet and its inhabitants. The second part of the book--called Berms--consists of tried-and-true rituals and ceremonies for communities, small groups and individuals to improve resilience and face inevitable change with courage, consideration and humor. Ballard has decades of ritual experience and brings that understanding to the practical and esoteric considerations of making ceremony both personal and powerful. You will find ideas here and inspiration--and something like hope.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780996758376
Publisher:	Smith Bridge Press
Publication date:	05/01/2018
Pages:	268
Sales rank:	1,030,340
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.61(d)

About the Author

Byron Ballard has called western North Carolina home since her birth. Her education includes a BA and MFA in theatre. She studies and practices Appalachian folk magic, a traditional folkway that she's dubbed "hillfolks' hoodoo." Her research in its origins has led her to fieldwork throughout the British Isles. Her books on the subject include "Staubs and Ditchwater: an Introduction to Hillfolks Hoodoo" (Silver Rings Press) and "Asfidity and Mad-Stones" (Smith Bridge Press). "Embracing Willendorf: a Witch's Way of Loving Your Body to Health and Fitness" (Smith Bridge Press) debuted in 2017. She has served as a featured speaker and teacher at festivals and conferences that include Sacred Space Conference, Pagan Spirit Gathering, Southeast Wise Women's Herbal Conference, Glastonbury Goddess Conference, the Scottish Pagan Federation Conference and Mystic South. A member of the Appalachian Studies Association, she recently presented the paper "The Ragged Wound", which has become the core of her current work-in-progress. Byron serves as senior priestess and co-founder of Mother Grove Goddess Temple in Asheville. She is also one of the founders of the Coalition of Earth Religions/CERES, a Pagan nonprofit, and she does interfaith work locally and regionally. She is a folklorist, a playwright, a gardener, and a tai chi student who blogs irregularly and talks about Tower Time far too often. You can find her at her website www.myvillagewitch.com and on Facebook and Twitter.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE: GOING TO GROUND

CHAPTER TWO: IN THE BOUGHS OF TREES

CHAPTER THREE: FILTH AND GRIME AND WOMAN AND EARTH

CHAPTER FOUR: ALTARS OF CLOUD

CHAPTER FIVE: THE BLINDNESS OF WORMS

CHAPTER SIX: FLAMES OF LONGING AND DESPAIR

CHAPTER SEVEN: FIRST LOVE: WATER

CHAPTER EIGHT: WALKING BETWEEN THE WORLDS OF EARTH

CHAPTER NINE: A MAN IN THE MOON: DISTRIBUTION AND USES OF POWER

CHAPTER TEN: THE WEIGHT OF LETTING GO AND LETTING BE: TOO INTIMATE FOR THE AIR

CHAPTER ELEVEN: LIGHTING THE SIGNAL FIRES AND GROWING CIRCLES ON THE GROUND

BERMS: CREATING CEREMONIES FOR AND WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

ADDENDUM

RESOURCES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Editorial Reviews

This work may be her most important yet, as it not only lovingly crafts things one can actually DO but puts into context the act of ritual through the lens of a deeply personal journey into understanding where we go from here. Here's to the coming flames and the bright flowers that will bloom from the ashes of the old paradigm. --Becky Beyer, Blood and Spicebush

All the wisdom, worry, and care woven thoughtfully into a rich tapestry full of guidance that feels like a master work. Quintessential Byron Ballard. --Star Bustamonte

Byron Ballard's perspective is like witch hazel. It is astringent, fresh, cleansing, and healing. --Meg Barnhouse, Senior Minister, First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin

A step-by-step handbook that's not only designed to help us survive the chaos and upheaval in today's world but offers real solutions to restore stability, safety, and security. Putting its solutions into practice will change your life. It will change your community. It even has the power to change the world. And it all begins with reading this book! --Dorothy Morrison, Author of The Craft and Utterly Wicked

From the Publisher