Kimberly Sherman-Cook's In The Shadow of 13 Moons is an exploration of the Mystery of lunar darkness with the purpose of positive transformation. In doing so, she has created a vibrant structure for engaging shadow and embracing change.
Witches work with the moon, it's a basic part of who we are and what we do. That said, many witches work only with the moon's bright phases: waxing, full, and waning leaving the richness of the dark moon untouched. I've even heard some say that dark moon work is only for hexing, cursing or other negative workings if done at all.
Balderdash. And Sherman-Cook proves it.
This is not a book for newcomers to witchcraft, no book exploring the shadow is (nor should it be). Done right, shadow work creates change through releasing fear, disillusion, and the ego-masks modern society requires of us to function. When we do, we re-engage our power.
An earlier edition of this book was published in 2010, but Sherman-Cook has extensively updated the language throughout. I especially appreciated her move away from the Old Craft perspective of light/dark positive/negative duality.
Following the lunar cycle of 13 moons, this book would take a full year to work through -- if all goes according to plan. (Which is next to impossible when working with shadow.) Alongside the enormous amount of practical information, are the author's personal experiences and practices, adding depth to the work. The reader is given meditations, correspondences, spell work, craft projects, and other exploratory tools to create introspection and a deeper understanding of the patterns present in their life.
Highly recommended.
~review by Lisa McSherry
Author: Kimberly Sherman-Cook
Crossed Crow Books, 2023
pp. 326, $29.95
