Marilyn Taylor's Review
Caitlin: Priestess of the Goddess is a book that will delight its readers both with its story of the spiritual
journey of Caitlin, an Irish maiden who walked the earth many centuries ago, and also with the most
unique reading experience offered by the author, Martha Jane Shideler. While many writers seek to hide
their inspiration for their work or attempt to manipulate their readers with coy references to possible
reasons or clues for the story line, Ms. Shideler has attempted to record with incredible attention to
detail a story she has clearly channeled from some higher source. It is the product of one who is
comfortable with receiving insight and guidance from personal exploration and meditation and is a
talented enough writer to convey this information with creativity.
The book tracks both the adventures and challenges Caitlin encounters in her apprenticeship to the
Goddess. The ultimate message is one of spiritual relationship, and the story is told in Caitlin's voice as
she recounts the unfolding of her life with the physical forms of Allianna, a high priestess; her mother
and father, her heartfriend Serena, as well as the metaphysical relationship Caitlin experiences
with the evolving spirit forms of those close to her and the guides of various realms that emerge to guide
her on her path. As she tackles the life lessons of patience, humility, and passion, she meets beings from
many levels of existence who manifest to reveal their knowledge of the continuity of souls and the circle
of teachings which will protect her throughout her various lifetimes. It is Caitlin's attempt to assimilate
and use the information she gathers as she balances the joy of the lessons she learns in her spirit
journey with the losses and sadness and ultimate terror in the evolution of her life that propels the story
forward. The message of this book is as timely in today's world as it was in its setting of pre-Christian,
pre-Druidic Ireland.
One of the more unique aspects of the writing is that while the text is filled with vivid detail of
ceremony and unknown beings, the author never shares with us a physical description of the main
characters. She writes of one encounter, "The leader moved closer until I could look directly into its
empty eye sockets, smell its fetid breath, almost touch the sharp fangs protruding from its gaping mouth.
'Look at her now! The one who had wished to command us!' Its laugh sounded like something between
a child's scream and a wolf's howl." And yet the only hint we are given of how Caitlin, Allianna, or
Serena appear to their world is a brief mention of Allianna's high cheekbones. In the total context of
the book and its offering of the myriad ways one may achieve spiritual enlightenment or resolution, it
is a rare gift to be able to read a tale that both invites and allows the reader to join the author in
experiencing the characters at whatever level of comfort they perceive.
Caitlin: Priestess of the Goddess is a book to be read by the open-minded. It includes practices of
ancient ritual and an open sexuality that some may find offensive. These references are totally story
appropriate; there is no attempt to manipulate or seduce the reader. Caitlin's journey is one you will
be glad you shared.
--Marilyn Taylor, Author of Award Winning Fiction
Published in December 2007 The Desert Shamrock
journey of Caitlin, an Irish maiden who walked the earth many centuries ago, and also with the most
unique reading experience offered by the author, Martha Jane Shideler. While many writers seek to hide
their inspiration for their work or attempt to manipulate their readers with coy references to possible
reasons or clues for the story line, Ms. Shideler has attempted to record with incredible attention to
detail a story she has clearly channeled from some higher source. It is the product of one who is
comfortable with receiving insight and guidance from personal exploration and meditation and is a
talented enough writer to convey this information with creativity.
The book tracks both the adventures and challenges Caitlin encounters in her apprenticeship to the
Goddess. The ultimate message is one of spiritual relationship, and the story is told in Caitlin's voice as
she recounts the unfolding of her life with the physical forms of Allianna, a high priestess; her mother
and father, her heartfriend Serena, as well as the metaphysical relationship Caitlin experiences
with the evolving spirit forms of those close to her and the guides of various realms that emerge to guide
her on her path. As she tackles the life lessons of patience, humility, and passion, she meets beings from
many levels of existence who manifest to reveal their knowledge of the continuity of souls and the circle
of teachings which will protect her throughout her various lifetimes. It is Caitlin's attempt to assimilate
and use the information she gathers as she balances the joy of the lessons she learns in her spirit
journey with the losses and sadness and ultimate terror in the evolution of her life that propels the story
forward. The message of this book is as timely in today's world as it was in its setting of pre-Christian,
pre-Druidic Ireland.
One of the more unique aspects of the writing is that while the text is filled with vivid detail of
ceremony and unknown beings, the author never shares with us a physical description of the main
characters. She writes of one encounter, "The leader moved closer until I could look directly into its
empty eye sockets, smell its fetid breath, almost touch the sharp fangs protruding from its gaping mouth.
'Look at her now! The one who had wished to command us!' Its laugh sounded like something between
a child's scream and a wolf's howl." And yet the only hint we are given of how Caitlin, Allianna, or
Serena appear to their world is a brief mention of Allianna's high cheekbones. In the total context of
the book and its offering of the myriad ways one may achieve spiritual enlightenment or resolution, it
is a rare gift to be able to read a tale that both invites and allows the reader to join the author in
experiencing the characters at whatever level of comfort they perceive.
Caitlin: Priestess of the Goddess is a book to be read by the open-minded. It includes practices of
ancient ritual and an open sexuality that some may find offensive. These references are totally story
appropriate; there is no attempt to manipulate or seduce the reader. Caitlin's journey is one you will
be glad you shared.
--Marilyn Taylor, Author of Award Winning Fiction
Published in December 2007 The Desert Shamrock
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Serving the Celtic Community
Céad Míle Fáilte
A Thousand Welcomes
The Desert Shamrock
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5025 North Central Avenue #600
Phoenix AZ 85012
602–795–8251