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The Road to Runes: The Blank Rune
Welcome back to The Road to Runes, gentle ramblings about my own bumpy journey toward learning the runes, their meanings, and using them for divination and personal exploration. The Elder Futhark runes are what most people think of when they consider a set of runes. These runes are 24 “letters” that represent sounds and words, are used in poems that carry potentially great meaning, and are strongly linked to Norse mythology. Many rune sets include the 24 runes and also a blank rune stone (or piece of wood, or tablet, or whatever the material the runes are made from). There are a few different thoughts on why the blank rune…
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Learning Lunar: Moon Magic & Mystery – Imbolc
Imbolc, Full Moon into Waning Gibbous Imbolc or Imbolg is a very special time of year for many people on a Pagan or spiritual path. It’s also a continuously celebrated Irish festival, although many people celebrate Saint Brigid’s Day instead, which occurs at around the same time. Because there is no hard and fast date for Imbolc, the moon phase will move from full to waning gibbous during the time that people are celebrating this festival. Let’s take a look at what that might mean, magically, astrologically, and practically. Note: Imbolc is happening in the Northern Hemisphere. If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, you’ll be enjoying your full-to-waning gibbous…
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Notes from the Apothecary: Clematis
Clematis is known as a climbing plant that produces glorious, beautiful blooms in summer. In fact, there are so many types of clematis, many of which bloom in spring and some even in early autumn. Some have petite, pretty flowers, while others produce huge discs of colour. Some grow extremely fast, while others are more ponderous, ideal for small pots in limited space. Like humans, clematis plants embody diversity. Let’s take a closer look. The Kitchen Garden If you’re looking for a tasty addition to a practical kitchen garden, veer away from clematis. Every part of this plant is toxic, and you should encourage children and pets to stay away…
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Deck Review — Mood Crystals by Christel Alberez and Nereus North Goldstar
Deck Review — Mood Crystals by Christel Alberez and Nereus North Goldstar Publisher: David & Charles 50 Cards Release Date: 13th September 2022 Thank you to David & Charles for providing this deck for unbiased review. I really enjoy instructional decks — something beyond the standard oracle or divination deck, where each card carries learning and information beyond connecting with your inner self. This deck certainly ticks that box. From the moment you open the box and pull out the guidebook and cards, you can see that each card is not only beautifully presented but rich in useful detail. Let’s start with the guide booklet. There’s a short introduction that…
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Start the Fire Again- For Tarot with Lady Saoirse
Start The Fire Again By Lady Saoirse Bright Blessings, The Summer Solstice is almost upon us, and the time is celebrated with outdoor gatherings, basking in the glorious rays of the invincible sun! Festivals, Sabbats, Dinners, Barbeques in the park, trips, and things like swimming, are ways we gather with people, enjoying the seemingly new life the hot days bring. With the cold, dark days of winter behind us, we celebrate all things that bring us joy in life and we reach out to share these good times with the people who we love. For some people, it’s not so simple. Illness, crazy work schedules, limited finances, or family responsibilities…
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Notes from the Apothecary: Moss
It’s been a while since I posted in this column, but I’m hoping to get back to it once a month. I wanted to start back with a plant that I’ve been fascinated with since I was a child. Well, it’s not one plant really, but a whole group of plants: Moss. Moss is like a miniature forest; a whole ecosystem on a doll’s house scale (or smaller) that holds so much wonder. From common haircaps emulating pine trees to sphagnum moss that forms unique peatlands, moss is a very special part of our ecosystem and is packed with magical potential. The Kitchen Garden Moss is a collection of non-vascular…
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Book Review-The Languages of Magic: Transform Reality through Words, Magical Symbols & Sigils by Toby Chappell
Book Review The Languages of Magic: Transform Reality through Words, Magical Symbols & Sigils By Toby Chappell Publisher: Inner Traditions 338 page E-Book Release Date: April 8th, 2025 The Languages of Magic was on my “must-read” list and it did not disappoint! Toby Chappell delivers an examination into the magical world of language, semantics, sound, symbol and word. Magic, spells and incantations are have their root in the power of words; words change our perception, impact our reality, and most importantly, for purposes of this book, on our magick, too. Spells of the spoken kind are often incorporated into other ritual actions, which complete an objective. If we take the approach…
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Book Review – The Magic of Seeds by Clare Gogerty, Illustrated by Prudence Rogers
Book Review The Magic of Seeds: The Nature-Lover’s Guide to Growing Garden Flowers and Herbs From Seed by Clare Gogerty, Illustrated by Prudence Rogers Publisher: David & Charles 144 Pages Release Date: March 28, 2023 Regular Pagan Pages visitors will know that my love of plants is no secret. So, getting the chance to review any flora-related book is a win, in my opinion. This volume from Clare Gogerty with superb illustrations by Prudence Rogers is a gem, both a riveting read and a useful reference book. The Magic of Seeds is about growing your own plants for magical and practical purposes — after all, most magic is a pretty…
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Book Review-Night School for Young Mystics: Five Fabulous Field Trips into Moonlight & Magic by Maia Toll, Illustrated by Khoa Le
Book Review Night School for Young Mystics: Five Fabulous Field Trips into Moonlight & Magic By: Maia Toll, Illustrated by Khoa Le Publisher: Running Press Kids 114 Page E-Book Release Date: August 6th, 2024 Night School for Young Mystics: Five Fabulous Field Trips into Moonlight & Magic by Maia Toll is a wonderful, witchy, and safe children’s book, geared towards pre-teens and teens. Night School for Young Mystics takes the younger reader on guided field trips outside, at night to develop their psychic and magical senses. Toll takes on the alter-ego of Night School’s instructor, Ms. Bea Marlowe, who guides the reader on their field trips. Ms. Bea begins with the basics…
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Book Review-An Introduction to Magic: A Guide to Crystals, Fairies, Palmistry, Tarot and the Zodiac by Nikki Van De Car
Photo Credits: Stock Photo of An Introduction to Magic, courtesy of publisher An Introduction to Magic: A Guide to Crystals, Fairies, Palmistry, Tarot and the Zodiac by Nikki Van De Car is a 170 page book published by Running Press Publishing, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, of which I received an e-book copy. Beautifully illustrated, and packed with accurate, useful information for the beginner to magic, witchcraft and the like, this book covers the basics of what most Pagans and similar spiritual paths use and work with. The material is covered with easy to understand terms, and no jargon (especially the Astrological section). The crystal section covers the chakras, colors, etc.,…
