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Book Review- Shamanic Teachings of the Condor: Encounters with the Mystical Traditions of the Andes by Martha Winona Travers, Ph.D.
Photo Credits: Stock Photo from Publisher, Shamanic Teachings of the Condor Shamanic Teachings of the Condor: Encounters with the Mystical Traditions of the Andes by Martha Winona Travers, Ph.D., is a 170 page book, published by Bear & Co., an imprint of Inner Traditions Publishing. Shamanic Teachings of the Condor is not an outsider attempt at assimilating an indigenous people’s beautiful, and ancient, beliefs, but rather, an open-hearted account of decades’ experiences with what the Andean kichwa people refer to as an iachak, or medicine person/shaman. The wise one who taught, and developed a positive relationship with Travers, was Taita Alberto. Throughout the pages, you can feel, and I will make use of that word a lot in…
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Book Review: “Wiccan Self-care Spells”
Title: “Wiccan Self-care Spells: Restorative rituals to ease stress, heal mind and body, and conjure contentment” Author: Gerridwen Greenleaf Publisher: CICO Books Date: October 8, 2024 Pages: 144 Gerridwen Greenleaf loves that the simple wisdom she brought from her family farm is helping people in high-tech centers create sanctuaries both within themselves and their homes. In “Wiccan Self-care Spells” are chapters addressing such topics as reducing stress, creating a harmonious home, and rituals for relaxing and letting go. Pages are filled with spells, practices, and recipes for healing teas, potions, and cures that have been handed down by foremothers who turned to what was in their kitchen cabinets when times…
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WitchCrafting (Spells for the Craft): Pagan Patches
Merry meet! This month’s WitchCrafting column is about something I have dreamed of doing for twenty years and I am now facing the fact I never will … so I’m passing along the idea in the hopes that someday someone somewhere will run with it – Pagan patches. When I was a newbie witch, I’d get excited when I’d “master” another skill. I found myself thinking a badge like those I earned in Girl Scouts would be so cool. I envisioned them for things like working with crystals, tarot, the elements, candle magic, and making my first spell jar. I thought about ones for each of the sabbats I celebrated…
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Good God!: Sucellus
One of the gods that fits well with Mabon is Sucellus (also known as Sucellos), the god of wine and crops – two main components of many Mabon celebration feasts. Although originally a Celtic god of agriculture, forests, fertility, and of alcoholic drinks of the Gauls, his cult flourished with the Gallo-Romans and in Britain. The Encyclopaedia Britannica refers to him as “a humble but powerful guardian … protecting and blessing marginalized communities” which included the working class. “He was seen as the guardian of crops, ensuring their growth and protection from harm.” Sucellus was depicted as a robust bearded man of middle age, carrying a large mallet and sometimes…
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Book Review- Tarot For The Hard Work: An Archetypal Journey To Confront Racism and Inspire Collective Healing by Maria Minnis
When I was offered a chance to review this book I knew I had to take it. As someone with a serious love of all things tarot and step mother two three beautiful mixed children who have already expressed feeling the weight of the learned societal beliefs that are so prevalent in the world today, I saw this as an opportunity to learn more about both. Having taken over a month to break down this book and all the work I did based on what I learned, I think this is a must read book for all new practitioners with an interest in tarot and shadow work. The activities in…
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Book Review-2025 Lunar & Seasonal Diary: Northern Hemisphere by Stacey DeMarco
Photo Credits: Stock photo, 2025 Lunar & Seasonal Diary: Northern Hemisphere 2025 Lunar & Seasonal Diary: Northern Hemisphere by Stacey DeMarco is a spiral bound, beautifully illustrated and designed yearly planner and diary for beginner and advanced witches alike. The diary begins with the basics of witchcraft, spellcasting, lunar phases, signs, as well as crystals for lunar phases, lunar deities, and even more. After that, DeMarco encourages each owner of the diary to respond to certain prompts given, and at the beginning of each month, there is information regarding the Sabbat of the month, a deity of the month, as well as seasonal themes and magick. The months themselves are broken down…
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Weyland’s Whey, August 30 2024 Column, Tiny Familiars
Weyland’s Whey, August 30th, 2024 Good Morning, Good Morning I like writing my column in bed. It violates just about every feng shui rule I can think of, but this way I can spread out my notes and New York Times and listen to music while I work. My fierce little doxie and familiar Delinquent joins me, pressing her furry little buttski against my hip while she keeps a close eye on the open bedroom door, ready to defend me from any invaders who might try to barge in. On my other side, our rescue Yorkie (and five pound familiar) Morsel slumbers in his own little bed, one ear standing straight up…
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Book Review- Developing Your Supernatural Awareness: Connecting with an Interactive Universe by Fredrick Woodard
Photo Credits: Cover of Developing Your Supernatural Awareness from Publisher Developing Your Supernatural Awareness: Connecting with an Interactive Universe by Fredrick Woodard is a 200 page book, of which I received an E-Book Copy, published by 6th Books, an imprint of John Hunt Publishing. Developing Your Supernatural Awareness is a validating book for those who have had encounters that run contrary to what the science of logic and reason tells us is possible. Written from a Psychological point of view, as Mr. Woodard is a practicing Psychotherapist, Hypnotherapist and also has had his own Supernatural Experiences, he weaves accounts from clients, research, and thoughtful exercises and journal questions at the end of each chapter. The…
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The Modern Merlin’s Corner: The Magick in Music
Photo Credits: Shutterstock photo “Spiritual Music” As I began writing this column entry, I realized that to some, this entry may seem as if I’m bragging, etc., so I wanted to take a moment to explain my reasoning for writing about it at all, which is two-fold: 1. To give thanks, and 2. To Share Wisdom and Magick I’ve learned and gained through these experiences. Before moving any further, I want to thank the Gods and Goddesses, Ancestors, and Spirits for the blessings I’ve received this year. This article is a direct result of those blessings and lots, and lots of hard work on my end to make certain goals…
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Book Review: 2025 Moon Goddess Diary
Title: 2025 Moon Goddess Diary: Northern Hemisphere Author: Nicci Garaicoa Illustrator: Olivia Bürki Publisher: Rockpool Publishing Release Date: June 4, 2024 Pages: 160 This self-care workbook guides readers through 2025 with a paragraph about each new and full moon. Inspirational messages, rituals, songs, and exercises scattered throughout the days assist in aligning with nature, sometimes incorporating crystals, essential oils, and affirmations. A goddess each month offers channeled guidance, love, and power. There are quarterly toolkits with information and five pages of prompts reminding readers to pause before the start of a new cycle, to be extra brave meeting the coming changes, and to choose one of the three goddesses…
