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Book Review The Shaman’s Guide to Power Animals by Lori Morrison Lori Morrison’s The Shaman’s Guide to Power Animals is an encyclopedic guide to the lore and symbolism of nearly 200 animals, birds, reptiles, with a few mythological beings included. It is a visually lovely book – gorgeously illustrated with black and white drawings in an oversized format – a “coffee table” volume that also works quite well as a reference book. I found myself dipping into the book at random to read the well-researched descriptions of animals in their natural environments as well the information and messages channeled by Ms. Morrison in her discussions with these animals. Ms. Morrison’s…

Book Review The Fire Rose The Elemental Masters Series by Mercedes Lackey This is the classic story of a young woman, a man and the trials of living with magic. The concept might be a norm with fantasy fiction, but with this addition from Mercedes Lackey, we find magic in the rawest form. Elemental magic. I have personally read this book over a 100 times, no joke. It is one of my earliest exposures to the actual ‘possibility’ of magic existing in our world. When I stepped into the world of Jason and Rose, two totally different personalities and walks of life, I felt a kinship with Rose. She is…

Lalita, the Red Goddess (Image Credit: The Divine Feminine Oracle Deck by Meggan Watterson) Lalita Tripura Sundari, also known as Lalita, is an Hindu Goddess, connected to playfulness and desire. Lalita is “She Who Plays”. Her name in Sanskrit is comprised of Lila, meaning “divine play”, Tripura, meaning three worlds, and Sundari, meaning beautiful; hence, Tripura Sundari is “She who is beautiful in three worlds”. She is known for Her spontaneity and joy. Lalita is part of a group of ten Goddesses called the Mahavidyas, or Great Wisdom. She is seen to be an aspect of manifestation of Parvati, as well as “Adi Parashakti”, a Goddess considered a Supreme Being…

Book Review Witchcraft and Secret Societies of Rural England The Magic of Toadmen, Plough Witches, Mummers, and Bonesmen by Nigel Pennick Bright Blessings, Readers! If you are like me, you nab every book you can that explores magic on a historic level, as opposed to just flipping through modern spellbooks. Pennick doesn’t disappoint in this 216 page book that was first published in 2011, and was sent to us to review, having been printed again this year. A bit about the author- Pennick has published extensively on topics ranging from history of the occult, folk traditions, biology, and art. A UK native, he has been teaching, writing, and lecturing for…

Book Review The Seasonal Soul A Mystic’s Guide to Inner Transformation Written by Lauren Aletta Illustrated by Teagan Svyny Chronicle Books 303 pp. “The Seasonal Soul: A Mystic’s Guide to Inner Transformation” comes to us from the author and illustrator behind the lovely Lumina Tarot, and it’s just what you’d expect if you’re familiar with that Tarot. It is a lushly illustrated book which explores the themes of winter, spring, summer, and fall through a collage of visualizations, meditations, self-care rituals, and musings. The book’s structure is simple and its goals are clearly laid out: to use awareness and observation of the seasons as a template for personal growth, and…

“Going Shamanic” is hosted by Jennifer Engracio on P.A.G.E. Media Project’s blogtalk radio each month. The show focuses on how to integrate shamanism into every day life. Instead of relegating the spiritual aspect of ourselves to Sundays at church or weekend workshops, this show will support listeners in weaving ritual, prayer, magic, alignment with the Spiritworld and the Earth into their lives to enrich their experience of living. This Month’s Topic: Walking with Grief Join us on “Going Shamanic” as Jennifer Engracio interviews Stephen Jenkinson on the topic of grieving.  We have all had losses in life.  Learn what grieving well has to do with deep living on the show today. Stephen Jenkinson is a teacher, author, storyteller,…

Book Review The Numerology Handbook Uncover your Destiny and Manifest Your Future with the Power of Numbers by Tania Gabrielle I tend to forget about numerology. I’m not sure why – it’s a main component of such divination methods such as the Tarot and certain Oracle card systems and divining by Dominoes and playing cards – but perhaps that’s why I do forget about it. And although I have divination books that have a chapter about numerology in them and I have notes on numerology in my personal Book of Shadows, this little book, titled The Numerology Handbook: Uncover your Destiny and Manifest Your Future with the Power of Numbers,…

(art by Kat Kissick) “Religion is following the messenger, spirituality is following the message.” -Priya Velichala There is no doubt that we are living in extreme times where lack of decorum and openly hateful behaviour are being encouraged by folks in leadership positions. This trend is not exclusive to the United States: It is being experienced in Canada where I live, in the United Kingdom, and around the world. I’ve talked to a lot of people recently who are feeling hopeless, which leads to folks descending into depression, addiction, illness, and disease. We humans seem to be losing our inner equilibrium as wars rage on, injustices go unchecked, white supremacy…

Notes from the Apothecary: Ginger The spice we call ginger is the root of Zingiber officinale. The name derives from the Sanskrit for ‘Horn Body’, referring to the knobbly, ridged shape and texture of the roots. Originating from Asia, ginger is now found all over the world and is used widely in cooking, magic, and medicine. Ginger was brought to America by Francisco de Mendosa, and it grew so prolifically that the Spanish-Americans were able to export it in huge amounts to Europe. The Kitchen Garden Fresh ginger is usually bought as sections of root. It’s a testament to how hardy the plant is that with very little encouragement, it…

Inspiration from the Elf Mounds *An Excerpt from A Modern Celt: Seeking the Ancestors by Mabh Savage So, what winds whisper from the elf mounds; what wind breathes from beneath the hollow hills where fairies dwell and myths were born? In other words, how many of us today still feel inspired by the tales of ancient Celtic warriors and wise folk? Which parts of our lives do these stories creep into the most? What do our ancestors still truly have a hand in? What is the meat of modern Celtic influence? Well a quick “Google” search on the word “Celt” will find you brewing techniques that are based on Celtic…