Juliet Batten Creativity * Ritual * Seasons * Spirituality Welcome to the website for Juliet Batten and Ishtar Books, which is currently under construction. This site will post information about our southern hemisphere seasons: what's happening, traditional practices and ceremonies, and how we can celebrate today, whether alone, with the family or in community. Information about how to purchase books is also provided at the bottom of this page. To view my blog, go to  http://www.seasonalinspiration.blogspot.com/ To receive the free Seasons Newsletter, email jbatten  @ pl.net (remove spaces first) Listen to podcast of Plains FM interview at  http://plainsfm.org.nz/media/podcasts/2010/06/03/juliet_batten_29May.mp3 Spring Retreat If you are in Auckland and would like to attend a day of renewal, inspiration and balance, then my one day Spring Retreat on Sunday October 31 could be exactly what you need. This will be held at the St Colomba Centre, 40 Vermont St, Ponsonby. More details will be posted in due course New publication:  Dancing with the Seasons: inspiration and resilience through times of change (Ishtar Books, 2010) This sequel to Celebrating the Southern Seasons delves more deeply into seasonal change. It will help you to make transitions more easily,  from one season or life situation to another. You will learn to use  energy more effectively, by flowing with change rather than fighting it. The book contains insights from traditional wisdom, people interviewed, stories and myths, as well as advice about caring for your well-being through all seasons, on all levels: physical, psychological and spiritual. I loved the seasonal stories from different cultures. * Carol Archie, ONZM, writer and director Beautifully written, absorbing and insightful. * Nicola Campbell, director, Spirited Leadership * I recently bought Dancing with the Seasons. Yesterday I worked with a woman who described herself as being completely blocked and unable to be creative herself - or encourage others to create.  I took her through your "wellspring" ritual for a parched heart.  It was transformational and inspirational! I wish you could have been there, I felt blessed to be the witness. Thank you for your work, it touches many. —Warmest, Josie. * Your words spoke directly to my heart - because I feel precisely at that point now, in my life. It was profoundly appropriate - and I felt moved almost to tears. It was so comforting to be acknowledged and nurtured spiritually even though the subject matter is ostensibly "The Seasons" in tangible nature,  really it's one's experience of life and one's inner life at the spiritual and psychological level which is  the "felt" or comprehended subject matter. —Frances * Your lovely book came winging my way to the south coast of Wellington ... thank you , it is a delight to dip in and read! — Tricia * I am enjoying Dancing with the Seasons ... reading it on a seasonal basis which makes for an unfolding treat. —Jennifer $34.99 plus p&p Payment by cheque, direct credit or paypal.  Email jbatten  @pl.net (remove spaces first) ************************ PAINTING OF THE SEASON: Forest Lights Juliet Batten, 'Forest Lights', 1380 X 860 mm. Canvas, calico, threads, acylic. Exhibited as part of 'Songs of the Green Snake', this canvas wall hanging evokes the mystery of the bush in winter, and the need for candles/lanterns to light the way. $800 Inquiries to email address below Books by Juliet Batten may also be purchased through this website. Enquire about PayPal Power From Within: $23.99 Celebrating the Southern Seasons: $34.99 Releasing the Artist Within: The Visual Diary: $40 Only a few copies left! Growing into Wisdom: Change and Transformation at Midlife: $34.99  Thank you so much for having the courage, as your publishers desired, to step into your own wisdom at that time.  Perhaps it is this that makes the book for me, among other things: the homegrown experiences and understandings you've gained that are especially relevant to those of us from Aotearoa. (Peggy H) Touching Snow: A Taranaki Memoir (Ishtar Books): $34.99 Juliet's memoir has all the sensual and visual immediacy of a movie. We become totally absorbed in her intimate, interweaving "landscapes" of time, place and family life. This is a beautifully written book of genuine tenderness and insight. (Stephanie Dowrick) A poetic story of childhood, uplifting and captivating. (John Kingston) With her beautifully intimate style, Juliet was abale to take me there to the life, the landscape and the every-present mountain. (Bob Ross) I am aged 59, and find that your book speaks deeply and relevantly to me in a way that no amount of overseas writing could.  I loved it at 54, and even more at 59, when I now discover I've lived through some of the stages you describe, with greater grace I like to think because of exposure to your book. A Cup of Sunlight: Discovering the Sacred in Everyday Life: $34.99 I am so enjoying reading your book 'A cup of Sunlight'.  I am finding it to be really 'speaking' to me on many levels.  And I also imagine that it will be a book I always treasure. Your book is reminding me of many daily practices and rituals, as well as self-nurturing ways of being that I need to always keep in my consciousness. (Kathryn) Your writings inspired me to think differently about the events that caused me pain. . . . I felt uplifted as I read.  I connected to a way of thinking about things and events in my life that meant I could feel joy and gratefulness about them, rather than sorrow or anger, and your book showed me a way to do that. (Sue Hadley) A Cup of Sunlight provides guidance and practical help for discovering a sense of the sacred in the midst of our daily lives, opening us up to creative renewal, better relationships, improved health, spiritual growth and a deeper sense of meaning. The author relates her personal quest for the sacred, as well as bringing in examples from other New Zealanders. She covers subjects as diverse as how to create sanctuary, connection with others, and ways to restore hope when catastrophe strikes. Simply told in lucid prose that breathes with light, A Cup of Sunlight may be used as a practical workbook or enjoyed as an inspiring read. It is a must for anyone seeking integration, balance and a deeper sense of purpose in a busy life. The book will especially speak to: •    Those whose lives have become mundane, over-stressed and lacking in meaning or vitality. •    Those who are already on a spiritual path who wish to integrate their practices more fully into their daily lives. •    Those who would like to share the values of connectedness, spirituality, caring, creativity, and full enjoyment of life with children. Touching Snow: A Taranaki Memoir (Ishtar Books): $34.99 Dancing with the Seasons: inspiration and resilience through times of change (Ishtar Books) 34.99 p&p $3 - $5 For orders, contact jbatten @ pl.net (remove spaces first)