Francis WellerThe Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief

I lost my partner over three years ago and began my journey into grief. Little did i know that i would collapse and be “cracked open” time and time again. I became vulnerable in a way i never knew before and full of intense emotions. Having read only the opening chapter of this beautiful , poetically written , soulful book on grief, I recognize and honour my ability to feel loss , life and be a part of the interconnected ness of all life. Francis Weller allows us to begin a meaningful conversation with this part of ourselves, which is often denied or reproached. In bringing loving attention to our grief, he lets us become aware of how we are more fully alive when we embrace what had meaning for us and is now lost. He gives us a modern language, the five gateways and permission to navigate into our souls , passing through loss of everything we love, the places that have not known love, the sorrows of the world, what we expected and did not receive and our ancestral grief. Make a pot of tea, sit and rejoice that someone has spoken out about loss , love and life . I shall make it a part of my daily devotionals.

Pretty comprehensive work from an 'Elder' mainly experienced in grief (as opposed to death).Should be taught in schools to all 'modern' people, but of course society forgets we need to grieve. How many people go to their first funeral and know how to grieve and the importance of grief?

Reading this was a gentle cleansing journey through my psyche & soul. Beautifully written that connects deep AND offers a cognitive appreciation of grief & loss. I've been left with a richer appreciation of my connection to others and the earth, and a deeper understanding of the cost of disconnection.

Regardless of age, I think insights like this in to grief, types of grief,are useful, and that connecting to friends and family and groups to help express grief, for it to be witnessed and assuaged, is healthy. Thoughtful and thought provoking.

I have just sobbed and rocked and prayed my way through the first chapter of this book.If anyone is feeling anxious, or sad, or lost or depressed or uncertain about what to do in the face of what is happening in the world right now, buy this book to wake up and grieve for what is happening, and for all that we have lost over the last 2000 years of patriarchy, the oppression, exploitation, loss of soul, warmongering towards other people, nature and the earth and her resources.We need first to grieve and feel in order to reconnect and heal.Love to all

A brilliant read! So thorough and compassionate. Well worth it.

I found this book incredibly permission-giving and validating of my feelings. Francis opens the door to different kinds of grief, for example grief for the things we never received, grief for the earth and grief for the places within us that were never loved. Insightful, compassionate and beautifully written.

This book moved me very deeply, and left me with a richer perspective on loss and grief. It’s an amazing and beautifully written book. I wept a lot; the kind of tears that clear more space inside your heart. I’ve since recommended it to many others.