Book Review & Interview Practical Magic A Beginner’s Guide to Crystals, Horoscopes, Psychics & Spells I was lucky enough to receive a copy of the beautiful book “Practical Magic”, written by Nikki Van De Car and illustrated by Katie Vernon. This book was published by Running Press Philadelphia, in 2017. It’s a beginner’s guide to all things magical. It’s 152 pages long and is a hard back book. There is an optional kit that accompanies this book, that comes with a mini-book, 2 crystal tumbles, temporary tattoos, and a fold out natal chart. Both the book and kit are available through many retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Nobles. The…

Naked Nutrition More and more folks are embracing a plant-based lifestyle, many of whom are pagans as being plant-based fits in with “do no harm”. Plant based is best for our animal companions and it is best for us. This new occasional column will review offerings within the vegetarian/vegan lifestyle. First up, is “Naked Nutrition“, who recently reached out to PaganPagesOrg. After a few back and forth emails, I was sent a couple of samples. The first, and largest, is NAKED CHOC PB. I received a 5 lb. tub. I’m grateful that I make smoothies so often! This is really tasty vegan protein powder. I tend to buy vanilla protein…

Notes from the Apothecary: Star Anise Star anise is a beautiful, fragrant spice from China and Vietnam often used in cooking and medicine. The Latin name is illicium verum. The fruits are green and resemble star-shaped flowers when first picked. When they are dried, the fruits harden and turn a dark, reddish brown and the star shape becomes more prominent. The ‘arms’ of the star pop open to revel smooth, shiny brown seeds. The whole fruit is used as a seasoning for many different types of cuisine, most notably in the Chinese five spice mix which is widely used in Oriental cooking. The star shape makes this fruit immediately intriguing…

Book Review Chakra Animals Discover Your Connection to Wisdom of the Natural World by Angelica Stuart Chakra Animals by Angelica Stuart provides an opportunity to weave the fundamentals of Chakra work and the wisdom of the animals into a new journey of exploration. Each of these subjects stands on its own with volumes of text and information, so the ability to use as resource an easily readable book that leaves room for an open interpretation based on your prior knowledge is a wonderful addition. The book begins with a brief overview of each of the seven traditional Chakras. The standard associations are given for each including, color-element and sense. The…

The longest day Was wild Was fun With number one My precious son Who charms And smiles And plays And whiles Away the day That stretches Until the very fabric Of dusk is Thin Like ancient parchment On which is scribed The secrets of The universe Then waking post solstice: Rain and gloom and Fog and doom and Mundane madness Mot, plug faulty, Purse empty Child grumpy Bed lumpy; weak cup of tea… A headache grows And blows the beauty Out of mind But stay, and pray; What is that stray Beam of beauty Falling through my curtain? Lugh’s promise: Balor’s gaze. A vow of brighter days. I smile, and…

Tarot Journaling at the New Year Many witches use their journals to aid in the study of divination by tracking readings from sources such as Tarot, bone throwing, scrying, and others. There are many different kinds of divination, and many ways to track these practices, but today I’m going to focus on one of the most popular: Tarot. Tracking Tarot in a bullet journal can be a very rewarding practice, as it reveals patterns which aren’t always obvious, such as “stalker cards” which follow you through several readings over a period of time, or the appearance of a card connected to a season or a timely event. One exciting way…

Book Review Stones of the Goddess Crystals for the Divine Feminine by Nicholas Pearson Author, Nicholas Pearson’s book offers a jam-packed volume of wisdom about crystal lore and usage through the lens of Goddess study and devotion. Looking at the Notes (Bibliography) section at the back of the book confirms the extensive research and credible resources used in compiling this book and providing relevant and cohesive information. Mr. Pearson states in the Introduction… “ The inspiration behind Stones of the Goddess began with my desire to deepen my connection to the tides of life, magick, and mystery that keep the cosmos in order.” I would echo that by saying that…

Guided Video Mindful Meditation *** About the Author: (Amy Dubenetsky & Becky Coates, respectively; Writers of the Mindful Meditations column & Coven Sisters.) This Mindful Meditation is brought to you by Amy Dubenetsky, a Bodyworker/Reiki Practitioner/Witch based out of Manchester, CT whom leads group meditations as well.  Amy is deeply involved with her Coven, Organic Farming, and various Dance Communities across the country. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook @bodyandbeyond444.

January 2019 for Celebrating the Old Ways in New Times Bright Blessings, and Happy 2019! I trust everybody else besides me is regretting the massive amounts of treats had around December Holiday celebrations, and is pledging to eat less, slim down, and really hit the gym. And I am over here letting my newly made pie crust chill so I can bake another pumpkin pie! No regrets at Casa Pashovich for this Witch! It is two days after Solstice, and I am counting down the days until Holiday crowds, traffic and festivities are over, and we all have a quiet January and February. As it’s between Sabbats, I get to…

Aa (Image Credit: freedom for humanity2016.wordpress.com) She to whom January 1st is dedicated and to whom is honored on this day is the Babylonian Goddess, Aa. She is also known as: Great Mother Mother of All Things Goddess of the Dawn Goddess of the Light While She is known as Aa in Babylonia, She is also known as Serida in Sumeria, and in Akkadian as Aya, which means “dawn” in Akkadian. She is “the Beginning” and “The Mother of All Wisdom” and is associated with the eastern mountains which bring the sun into the sky. (Image Credit: earthandstarryheaven.com) Her symbol is an 8-rayed sphere representing the symbol of light. As…