In the realm of Wicca, ceremonies and rituals play a significant role in marking important moments in the cycle of life. Funerals are one such occasion where Wiccans gather to honor and celebrate the life of the departed individual, while also acknowledging the ever-present cycle of life and death. During a Wiccan funeral, poetry often takes center stage as a means of expressing emotions, offering solace, and reflecting on the interconnectedness of all beings. Wiccan funeral poems typically encompass themes such as the beauty of nature, the cycle of life, the strength of the human spirit, and the continuance of the soul beyond physical existence. These poems vary in length and style, ranging from heartfelt and introspective to uplifting and empowering. They evoke a sense of connection to nature, the elements, and the divine, embracing the spiritual beliefs of Wicca.
It’s subtle, but I think the Dekkers are referencing Jesus’s meeting with the Samaritan woman in John 4. In this conversation, Jesus reveals himself as Messiah and tears down the societal and ethnic constructs that separated Jews and Samaritans. The message from Jesus: You can be a Samaritan and follow Jesus too.
The whole plotline of the first four Lost Books is about how at least three original Books of History are needed to physically transport beings from one reality to another. The Dream Traveler s Quest is a four-book series written by Kara and Ted Dekker that pairs with Ted Dekker s Beyond the Circle duology that released around the same time.
They evoke a sense of connection to nature, the elements, and the divine, embracing the spiritual beliefs of Wicca. Often, these poems speak of the transformative power of death, reminding attendees of the eternal essence of the departed soul. A Wiccan funeral poem may draw inspiration from the Wheel of the Year, which represents the perpetual cycle of birth, growth, death, and rebirth.
The Curse of Shadowman (Dream Traveler’s Quest #2) | Kara & Ted Dekker
What if you could find a way to enter another reality full of wild and life changing adventure? And what if every time you fell asleep you woke up in that other reality? Welcome to the world of Theo Dunnery, a twelve year-old boy who feels alone and full of fear when he stumbles on an ancient book that draws him into another world.
In that world, he learns he must complete a quest to find the Five Seals of Truth if he is to conquer his fears. Facing great odds and many enemies, Theo sets off on the adventure of a lifetime to discover who he really is as the son of Elyon, and overcome the darkness that has haunted him for so long.
Join Theo on The Dream Traveler’s Quest, one story told in four chapter books. Read all four and discover the truth for yourself.
(ed. note: These reviews are written from the perspective of an adult comparing this series to the Circle. Someone coming at the story with no previous knowledge may have a different perspective.)
The Dream Traveler’s Quest is a four-book series written by Kara and Ted Dekker that pairs with Ted Dekker’s Beyond the Circle duology that released around the same time. Written for ages 7-12, The Dream Traveler’s Quest follows Theo Dunnery, who stumbles upon an ancient Book of History that sucks him into another world. Here, Theo learns to overcome his loneliness and fear through the Five Seals: five statements of truth that Ted Dekker developed in his non-fiction work, The Way of Love. But the journey won’t be easy, evil bats and school bullies will conspire to stop Theo from discovering his identity as the son of Elyon.
The Curse of Shadowman takes place a couple weeks after book one and we see Theo desperate to go back to Other Earth. We’re also introduced to Annelee, who ends up being the butt of school bully Asher’s jokes this time around. (Easter Egg: Ted’s wife is named LeeAnn. You fill in the blanks from there.) While Theo is still in school, the young Roush named Stokes appears and tells Theo that he needs to come back to Other Earth and bring Annelee with him.
Pause for a moment. The whole plotline of the first four Lost Books is about how at least three original Books of History are needed to physically transport beings from one reality to another. But here, Roush (and later, Shataiki) move between the worlds at will. Stokes says it’s because he ate a certain fruit—playing off the established mechanic that certain fruits in OE have different effects—but this is a subversion of the established canon. It’s a plot hole. A big one. One that would have been fixed with good editing. Anyway, onward…
Theo finds Annelee and convinces her to go with him to the special room in the library. Which, you know, under normal circumstances, several red flags are now waving. Against Annelee’s will, Theo jabs her finger with a thumbtack and makes her bleed on the page.
“I’m sorry. I needed your blood, and I knew you wouldn’t give it if I asked.”
I know this isn’t what Kara or Ted Dekker intended, but the lack of consent really bothers me here. The implicit message becomes that it’s okay to violate someone’s body or harm them if you know/believe that it will result in their (or your) greater good. There needed a better way to write this to avoid them implication. Most kids are going to read right over it or not think critically about it, but still.
Theo and Annelee appear in Other Earth and go with Michal, Gabil, and Stokes to Mount Veritas. In book one, the journey to Veritas goes through a Roush village. In The Curse of Shadowman, they take a different route and end up meeting a Horde girl named Maya who loves Elyon.
It’s subtle, but I think the Dekkers are referencing Jesus’s meeting with the Samaritan woman in John 4. In this conversation, Jesus reveals himself as Messiah and tears down the societal and ethnic constructs that separated Jews and Samaritans. The message from Jesus: You can be a Samaritan and follow Jesus too.
The Dream Traveler’s Quest plays off of this by introducing us to Maya, who is both Horde and a follower of Elyon. The Horde are afflicted with a scabbing disease, one that can be healed by drowning in Elyon’s Red Lakes. In the Circle Trilogy, the disease is symbolic of the effects of sin and drowning is a spiritual symbol of repentance and a physical symbol of baptism. But here, the point is that even though Maya is ugly and smelly on the outside, it is what is inside that matters. A very good point—except that Other Earth is explicitly a place where the inside is made manifest on the outside.
It’s a good theme that is poorly executed given the world’s established mechanics. If you’re reading this with no previous knowledge of the Horde, if you’re reading this as a standalone lesson about inner beauty, then great! But if you’re reading this within the context of the Circle, then it simply doesn’t hold up.
All of this is foreshadowing to Theo and Annelee being captured and turned into Horde themselves. Ba’al, the high priest, has concocted a potion that makes Albinos (those with smooth skin who have drowned into Horde). Normally, I’d say that the idea that evil can undo the work wrought by Elyon is heresy, but in this new context, it appears that the symbolism of the scabbing disease is only skin deep. So, whatever.
The theme—that Elyon looks past our struggles and temptation and sins to really see us as his creation, and that evil often promises us outward beauty through popularity, wealth, success, and so on—that’s a really good theme. I absolutely love it. The trio—Theo, Annelee, and Maya—defeat Shadowman by realizing and proclaiming that they are the light of the world, that Elyon’s power flows through them. It’s a stunning climax only made clunky because the symbolism doesn’t fit Other Earth.
Overall, The Curse of Shadowman suffers from some of the same flaws as The Book of Light and The Dream Traveler’s Quest as a whole. The writing is mediocre, the attention to the established world is minimal, the mechanics seem forced. And yet, the theme is solid—as long as you take it as-is and not as part of the larger Circle mythos. If this story was divorced from the world of the Circle, I’d be able to give it a much higher rating.
About Ted Dekker
Ted Dekker is a New York Times best-selling author of more than forty novels. He is best known for stories which could be broadly described as suspense thrillers with major twists and unforgettable characters, though he has also made a name for himself among fantasy fans. Dekker’s novels have sold over 5 million copies worldwide. Two of his novels, Thr3e and House, have been made into movies with more in production. Dekker resides in Austin, Texas with his wife Lee Ann and two of their daughters.
(ed. note: These reviews are written from the perspective of an adult comparing this series to the Circle. Someone coming at the story with no previous knowledge may have a different perspective.)
It may also incorporate symbolism from Wiccan rituals, such as the four elements (earth, air, fire, and water) or the concept of casting circles. While there are no strict rules or guidelines for composing a Wiccan funeral poem, certain themes and elements are commonly found. These include the celebration of life, the understanding of death as a natural part of existence, gratitude for the departed individual's presence in one's life, and an acknowledgement of the interconnectedness of all living beings. In addition to serving as a means of personal expression, Wiccan funeral poems also provide comfort and support to those grieving the loss of a loved one. By contemplating the beauty and power of nature and the cycles of life, these poems offer solace and remind mourners of the enduring spirit that connects us all. Ultimately, the power of a Wiccan funeral poem lies in its ability to bring together the living and the departed, creating a space for remembrance, healing, and spiritual connection. Through the carefully chosen words and imagery, these poems encapsulate the rich tapestry of Wiccan beliefs, providing a sacred and meaningful tribute to a life well-lived..
Reviews for "Guided by the Moon: Celestial Influences in Wiccan Funeral Poems"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Wiccan Funeral Poem". I found it to be overly dramatic and not very relatable. The language used was flowery and excessive, making it difficult to connect with the sentiments expressed. Overall, I don't think this poem lived up to my expectations and I would not recommend it to others.
2. Alex - 1 star - "Wiccan Funeral Poem" was a complete letdown for me. The religious references and symbolism were confusing and convoluted. I couldn't understand the deeper meaning behind the words, and it left me feeling disconnected. Additionally, the structure and rhythm of the poem were inconsistent, making it difficult to follow. I was sorely disappointed with this piece and wouldn't recommend it to anyone seeking a meaningful funeral poem.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I didn't resonate with "Wiccan Funeral Poem" at all. The language used was overly flowery and abstract, making it hard to connect with the emotions being conveyed. The poem lacked clarity and felt scattered, preventing me from fully understanding its intended message. Overall, I found it to be a confusing and frustrating read, and it did not leave a positive impression on me.
4. Michael - 1 star - I found "Wiccan Funeral Poem" to be pretentious and inaccessible. The author seemed more focused on showcasing their vocabulary and poetic prowess rather than connecting with the reader on an emotional level. The metaphors and symbolism were forced, making it difficult to find any genuine meaning in the poem. Overall, I found this piece to be pretentious and lacking in substance.
5. Jessica - 2 stars - Unfortunately, "Wiccan Funeral Poem" did not resonate with me. The language was overly mystical and cryptic, which made it difficult to understand the intended message. The poem lacked a coherent structure and seemed to jump between different themes without a clear direction. While I appreciate the attempt at a unique and spiritual approach, I felt disconnected throughout the reading experience.