Practical Spirituality
by Steve Hounsome.
Capall Bann.

Reviewed by Carmen Howse (trainee spiritual being).

This is a book that will appeal to Old Souls and New Agers alike.... It aims to introduce and/or develop an inner spirituality which is in harmony with our modern way of life and all the demands it brings...such as money, work, materialism and conflict with Nature.

Steve Hounsome stresses that 'Religion' and 'Spirituality' need not mean the same thing...which, being the cynic that I am, I am immediately warmed to. Here was not some fanatic, enthusing that I join 'his' gang! He uses his knowledge and background in Tarot, Meditation, Druidry, Healing, Psychic studies and world religions to give a global view, and encourages me, the humble reader, to make up my own mind, find my own path, but above all, to make it accessible and PRACTICAL!

Practical Spirituality then goes on to cover a number of chapters dedicated to the Needs of the Body, Heart, Mind, Spirit and Earth. Each chapter gives again a global overview, with paragraphs well spaced to allow room for meditation, and for unfamiliar ideas or concepts to sink in. The chapters end with several exercises, which strengthen those concepts, and helps give a realistic and practical application. I found that by undertaking these exercises, what had read made more sense and became relevant to me.

The second part of the book deals with The Sacred Calendar. Steve Hounsome looks at ways for us, having been made aware of our inner energies, to follow a Sacred Calendar which uses Nature, rather than logic. He does this first by basing the calendar on 'three different, by intersecting movements. The first is the natural flow and working of Nature, following its annual cycle." "....The two other movements we are concerned with in the Sacred Calendar are those of the Sun and Moon as they make their way, or we make ours, through the Heavens." A brief introduction to the eight Celtic festivals, astrological sun signs, and Celtic New Moons, with the trees associated with each Moon, lead us to the final chapter...The Sacred Life.

Steve Hounsome brings us right back to his original objective...making the Path of our own. He gives a brief description of World Religions, covering Yoga, to Zen, Druidry to Muslim, Qabalah to Shamanism, but stresses that without dedication, and a 'real and practical application of...a spiritual way', then 'ultimately you have a void that remains...until you find it within yourself.' He ends with a pertinent and topical thought on spirituality in the Millennium, and a feeling of hope, if we can embrace that spirituality. 'The choice is yours and it must be made at some point. Be blessed on your sacred road.'

This is not a book to be glanced through, then relegated to the bookshelf, with the thought, 'yup, I'm a Spiritual Being now!' It is a book to be worked through, mulled over, even argued with...but can only ever be a tool, a doorway, or a stepping stone. Steve Hounsome has an enthusiasm and belief in his work that comes through to make you feel that living and working in a spiritual way really can make a difference! I would particularly recommend this book for those (of us) still trying to intellectualise and rationalise Spirituality, as it really is a 'practical' guide, without being mystical or condescending to those 'not in the know'.

I must apologise for the length of time it has taken for me to write this review, but I'm still working through the book myself!