Book Review: "Slow Seasons" by Rosie Steer

Book Review: "Slow Seasons" by Rosie Steer
Pub: Bloomsbury, 2023

This is a very gentle, and also pretty quick, read. I read it all at once as I was reading it to review; but it could easily be read chapter by chapter as each season rolls around for inspiration. There is a short introduction to each Celtic Festival, and season; some easy(ish) activities, and recipes for each season, and nature notes; all interspersed with personal reflections from the author. A generally heartwarming, and encouraging read.

The purpose of this book is to introduce the Celtic Wheel of the Year to a wider audience. Consequently if you are looking for a deep, informative Pagan or Witchy book this is not necessarily for you, although I think the recipes, and activity suggestions are still great, and can contribute to personal practice. There is a very attainable feel to this book, very encouraging for anyone starting a Celtic inspired practice. This book is perfect for anyone wanting to slow down, get more in touch with natural rhythms, and learn more about how mindfulness and seasonal living can contribute to wellbeing.

Something I loved about this book was the brief discussion of how names, customs, and Celtic tradition vary. The author is Southern Scottish and so there is a focus on modern Scottish names, and traditions; a counterbalance to my own Irish/Devon informed upbringing. There is no emphasis on conforming to one way of approaching a season, there are suggestions based on Rosie Steer’s family traditions and activities.

Each of the eight Celtic festivals has its own chapter, starting with Imbolc, and ending with Yule (which is mostly a very Christmas centred chapter.) There is also a very helpful table of activities, and recipes at the back; perfect for referring back to when you are ready to try one. The recipes are very easy to follow, and at home we have now tried making “Shrubs” using the author’s recipe and they have turned out brilliantly! The activities vary in difficulty; none of them are unattainable, but I found some of the sewing based activities slightly harder to follow even though I do sew. There are plenty of activities which require no materials, or things that most people have at home somewhere, such as material scraps. Importantly the overall feel of these recipes and activities was that they are there for you to try only if you want, not that you need to add another thing to to the to do list. The nature notes in each chapter are a good balance to any feeling that you need to do something; there is a general sense that sitting and watching nature for a while, noting the changes, is enough.

Reading this as Beltane was just around the corner was a good time. There is an overall emphasis on mindfulness, and slower living, which as I head into what is personally a very busy time I really needed (I asked my Pendulum for help to select my next witchy read and it picked this one). If you want some activities, recipes, and reflections for the season then pick this book up!

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